In the world of advertising, creativity knows no bounds. And when it comes to commercials, sometimes the most inventive and captivating ones are the ones that stick with us long after we've seen them. One such commercial that stands out in the memories of many is the "Magic Bird" commercial. The "Magic Bird" commercial was an advertisement for Nike's basketball shoes that aired in 1993. It featured two basketball legends, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird, going head-to-head on the court in a fierce game of one-on-one. This commercial was not just any ordinary sports endorsement; it was a clever and captivating storytelling masterpiece.
This commercial was not just any ordinary sports endorsement; it was a clever and captivating storytelling masterpiece. The commercial begins with Bird and Magic playing basketball in an empty gym, showcasing their incredible skills and chemistry. As they go back and forth, hitting incredible shots and making jaw-dropping passes, the intensity of the game starts to build.
WATCH: The sneaker commercial that made Magic and Bird friends
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Published April 12, 2012, 4:54 a.m. ETBasketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin “Magic” Johnson visited the “Late Show With David Letterman” Wednesday to discuss their friendship – which began in earnest in French Lick, Indiana, on the set of a sneaker commercial.
“I did not want to go to Indiana,” Johnson said of the 1986 encounter. “I was going to his home, too. I protested.”
The duo’s appearance on “Letterman” coincides with the Broadway opening of “Magic/Bird,” the play about their rivalry and off-court connection.
Their rivalry simmered for more than a decade, a battle of one-upmanship between Bird’s Celtics and Johnson’s Lakers. Magic won five NBA championships (along with the 1979 NCAA championship), and Larry three.
Both grew up poor in the Midwest. They were the most exciting basketball players of their generation, in the years before Michael Jordan became a superstar.
Their star power transcended the sport – with that star power making the Converse commercial all the more exciting.
The pair shot the first half of the Converse commercial, then it was time for lunch. Magic figured he would head to his trailer. Instead, Larry invited his rival into the house.
Larry’s mom was waiting with food – and a big hug.
“His mom greeted me on the porch,” Johnson said. “It was a ‘Mom Bird’ hug, like my mom would hug me.
“I got to know Larry the man that day, and he got to know Earvin.”
Beyond the bonding, the pair also made a great commercial that day. The 1986 spot shows Magic roll up in a limo – and Larry waiting in knee-high socks, short shorts and new Converse kicks, ready to ball.
“Hey Magic, show me what you got!” Bird says, and the game begins.
Their respect carried from that day, deepening with Magic’s 1991 HIV announcement, which Bird says “made him not want to play that night,” it shook him so much.
But Johnson’s still around – and so is Bird, two old friends, a testament to competition and respect realized in French Lick and now on Broadway.
Larry’s mom was waiting with food – and a big hug.
The commercial skillfully captures the competitive spirit and rivalry between the two players. As the game progresses, the viewer is transported back in time to witness the origins of this rivalry. We see a young Bird and a young Magic playing against each other in an old-school gymnasium. It is here that the commercial takes a surreal turn. The gym starts to transform, and the surroundings become more magical and fantastical. The walls of the gymnasium morph into a swirling vortex of colors, and the floor becomes a glowing court with animated highlights. The players themselves seem to gain supernatural abilities, flying through the air, and defying gravity as they perform incredible dunks and impossible shots. This surreal and magical element of the commercial serves to convey the idea that the power and awe of these players were so extraordinary that it felt like watching a game of basketball was akin to witnessing something magical. Nike cleverly used this concept to emphasize the impact their basketball shoes could have on players. The "Magic Bird" commercial was a masterclass in storytelling and captivated viewers with its unique blend of fantasy and reality. Nike successfully showcased the awe and wonder of basketball, using two legendary players to make a powerful statement about their product. Even after almost three decades, the "Magic Bird" commercial continues to be remembered as one of the most iconic and compelling sports advertisements ever made. It serves as a testament to the power of creativity and imagination in the world of advertising..
Reviews for "The Allure of Fantasy: Why We're Drawn to Magic Bird Commercials"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I really disliked the Magic Bird commercial. The concept seemed so random and disconnected from the product being advertised. I didn't understand how watching two birds in a magical world was supposed to make me want to buy whatever they were selling. The visuals were also incredibly dull and unappealing. Overall, a commercial that missed the mark for me.
2. John - 2 stars - The Magic Bird commercial was a disappointment. It lacked any coherent message or storyline and left me feeling confused rather than intrigued. The CGI used to create the magical world looked cheap and poorly executed. Additionally, the jingle that played throughout the commercial was annoying and repetitive. Overall, this was a forgettable and ineffective advertisement.
3. Amanda - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Magic Bird commercial. The whole concept just felt juvenile and didn't make any sense. It seemed like a desperate attempt to be quirky and memorable, but it fell flat. The humor was forced and the visuals were unimpressive. I definitely won't be purchasing anything from the brand after seeing this ad.
4. Mark - 2 stars - The Magic Bird commercial was a complete miss for me. It lacked any kind of logical connection to the product being advertised and left me feeling more confused than entertained. The humor was forced and the overall execution felt lazy. I don't think this commercial effectively communicated the benefits or features of the product, and it definitely didn't leave a lasting impression on me.