Sony Betamax: Bet’cha Beta’s better…
“It could change your whole way of life.”
Here it is, folks. Today, we relive the Battle of the Century! Sony’s Betamax (Beta tape) versus RCA’s VHS recorder. Beta tape technology was superior in nearly every way so it was sure to win the hearts of consumers, right? Unfortunately, no. Not so much.
Enjoy the two competing spots below. Both ran in October of 1978.
Previously on 70s Spots: Pepsi ‘The Boss’ & Pabst Blue Ribbon ‘Elephant’ (1977)
‘Who do you think you are?’
Music for Monday is in the house! Time to tune in to Cherry Stereo and see what classic 1970s disc the DJ is spinning. Hey, how appropriate! It’s Jean Knight performing “Mr. Big Stuff” on Soul Train in 1971. Have a look & listen!
Previously on Music for Monday: XTC, ‘Making Plans For Nigel’ (1979)
When you need to pour like a Boss.
“If you pour a lot of Pepsi – bring home The Boss.”
Two liquid refreshment spots on the counter today. One for Pepsi Cola showing off the 64 ounce bottle known as “The Boss.” Funny, in these days of overindulgence, that cola container doesn’t seem so large anymore. The commercial aired in August of 1977.
Next, a spot for Pabst Blue Ribbon beer featuring an African elephant and its helpful rescue team. Drink deep and enjoy.
Previously on 70s Spots: Yamaha Motorcycles (1979)
More Pepsi at Bionic Disco: Daily 70s Ad: Pepsi ‘Baseball Kids’ (1970)
More Pabst at Bionic Disco: Daily 70s Spot: Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer ‘Weight Lifter’ (1978)
Oh yeah!
“Every time we race – we learn more about how to build you a better motorcycle.”
Here’s two sleek and sexy Yamaha motorcycle commercials from February of 1979. In the first spot, you’ll find a variety of racing bikes doing their thing.
After that, you’ll climb onto a “Yamaha Special” in first-person view. Rev ’em up and go!
Previously on 70s Spots: Polaroid (Garner & Hartley) & RCA TV (Cicely Tyson) (1977)
More Yamaha at Bionic Disco: Daily 70s Ad: Yamaha Enduro ‘A Better Machine’ (1970)
Jim ‘Maverick’ Rockford says, ‘Get the OneStep!’
“The simplest camera in the world.”
How goes the fledgling weekend? Thanks for checking in for a double dose of nostalgia.
Here’s two spots that aired in October of 1977. First, the famous team of James Garner and Marriette Hartley for the Polaroid OneStep camera. Second, Cicely Tyson for the RCA ColorTrak TV set.
Previously on 70s Spots: ’71 Ford LTD (Rod Serling, 1970)
More Polaroid & James Garner at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: Polaroid ‘One Step’ commercial with James Garner (1978)
More RCA ColorTrak at Bionic Disco: 70s Spots: RCA ColorTrak TV (Samantha Eggar, 1976)
That Serling scowl.
“Ford gives you better ideas.”
Two spots for the 1971 Ford LTD for your pre-weekend celebration. Rod Serling (The Twilight Zone) stars in the first commercial from September of 1970. Serling also provides narration for the second clip from December ’70.
Only…in the Twilight Zone.
Previously on 70s Spots: Schaefer Beer (George Kennedy, 1978 & Mario Andretti, 1979)