The Alchemy of Advertising: Turning Products into Pure Magic

Do you believe in magic? That is the question posed by countless commercials that promise to bring a touch of wonder and enchantment into consumers' lives. These advertisements tantalize us with the idea that a simple purchase can unlock extraordinary powers, transform our reality, and make our dreams come true. But do these claims hold any truth, or are they simply clever marketing tactics designed to lure in unsuspecting buyers? One could argue that the idea of magic in commercials is, in fact, far from reality. After all, magic typically refers to supernatural or inexplicable phenomena that defy the laws of nature. It is often associated with fantasy and illusions, not with the realm of tangible consumer products. Therefore, to apply the notion of magic to a commercial seems inherently misleading and deceptive.

Have you ever had moments where you really wondered if it was all going to work out for you (I had this feeling after every bad date I ever went on), but then, it somehow turned out better than you planned? (Now that I’m happily married…I can officially say, yes.)

Since then, I have helped plan membership events, volunteered with the Red Shoe Society to make breakfast for families at the Ronald McDonald House, as well as other fundraising events for the House. And just as my three years with Mervyn s was coming to a close I was moving on to more theatrical work in television and film, we shot one last commercial for the holidays, where I got to dance.

Therefore, to apply the notion of magic to a commercial seems inherently misleading and deceptive. On the other hand, one could interpret the concept of magic in commercials as metaphorical rather than literal. In this sense, the idea of magic becomes a symbol for the transformative power of a product.

Kohl's "Do You Believe in Magic"

Who sings "Do You Believe in Magic" on the new Kohl's ads? It sounds like Sheryl Crow.

Tamsin

All-Star Member

I thought it sounded like the original version by the Lovin'' Spoonful,but my memory could be playing tricks.

MayarO

Member

The song was ORIGINALLY by The Lovin Spoonful, tho this is a female artist singing it, might also be Jewel?

If you find out, I would love to know, they have been playing this ad about 6 times during the 4-hour prime time on all networks here in the midwest.

sophist

Pro Member

Music Maven

New Member

There are two different commercials and the male voiced is the original Lovin' Spoonful version. In my search for a previously recorded version by a female artist, the only version I could find was by Carol Burnette's late daugher Carrie Hamilton, from the soundtrack to an 80's movie called Tokyo Pop. I don't think this commercial's version is that one though, because it seems to be a duet with a male Japanese singer.
My guess is the ad agency bought the rights to use the song not only in it's original form, but the rights to use the music and re-record it. My guess is the female voiced ad is done by studio musicians.

tsoutsas

New Member

I am enamored by the short song covers these companies put in their commercials. Most recently with the latest Kohls TV spot, I continue to replay the movie on their website over and over. These companies (Kohls, Gap, etc) should release CDs of the music in their commercials, I would absolutely buy it. In fact, I would even make a trip to their store to buy such an item, as I have never walked into a Kohls store before.

Although in my quest to find this song "Do You Believe In Magic?", I did find a similar version used in a movie called Ice Princess preformed by "Aly & A.J." (google that and you'll find it). While it's not the same, it's pretty close.

I'm glad sites like this exist, so like minded people can obsess over an old song in a commercial.

Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright said: “As soon as I read the script I was like, 'Oh, I love this song, I love this premise. This will be a lot of fun'."

These commercials suggest that by using a particular item, we can experience a sense of wonder, joy, and fulfillment. They tap into our desire for a little bit of magic in our everyday lives, offering a temporary escape from the mundane. Furthermore, the belief in magic is deeply rooted in human culture and history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day societies, magic has served as a way for people to make sense of the world and navigate the unknown. In this context, commercials that evoke a sense of magic may simply be tapping into our innate desire for mystery and the extraordinary. Ultimately, the question of whether to believe in magic commercials is a subjective one. Some may dismiss these advertisements as empty promises, while others might find solace and hope in the idea that something as simple as a product can bring a touch of magic to their lives. It is up to each individual to weigh the evidence, exercise critical thinking, and decide for themselves..

Reviews for "Unveiling the Tricks: Behind the Scenes of Commercial Advertising Magic"

1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I really did not enjoy the "Do you believe in magic" commercial. The whole concept seemed cheesy and forced. The acting was not convincing, and the storyline was predictable. It felt like a desperate attempt to sell a product rather than a genuine advertisement. Overall, I found it to be quite unappealing and would not recommend watching it.

2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I found the "Do you believe in magic" commercial to be extremely irritating. The jingle was obnoxious and got stuck in my head for hours. The visuals were over-the-top and seemed like a desperate plea for attention. The whole commercial was just too much for me, and it left a negative impression. I would not be convinced to purchase anything based on this advertisement.

3. Julie - 2 out of 5 stars - Personally, I found the "Do you believe in magic" commercial to be quite dull. The visuals were unimpressive, and the concept was not engaging. It seemed like a generic advertisement that I've seen too many times before. The lack of originality made it forgettable and failed to leave a lasting impact. I was not convinced or entertained by this commercial.

4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - I strongly disliked the "Do you believe in magic" commercial. The whole thing felt forced and insincere. The acting was cringe-worthy, and the dialogue was cheesy. It seemed like a desperate attempt to manipulate emotions and sell a product. I found it to be highly unconvincing and inauthentic. It did not leave a positive impression on me at all.

The Wizardry of Visual Effects: Creating Magic in Commercial Advertising