‘Touch again, and it’s Odyssey. America’s favorite home video game!’
(Magnavox commercial, 1976)
“Quality in every detail.”
Here’s a commercial for a Magnavox TV with the Odyssey video game system’s Pong built right in. Just one touch is all it takes and you’re immersed in a world of stunning tennis-like competition.
The spot aired in December of 1976.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #550, 551: Texaco ‘Rough Roads’ & ‘Oil Wells’ (1975)
Just another typical Southern California Texaco full-service station station circa 1974-’75.
“Texaco understands what rough roads can do to tires and shock absorbers…”
To finish off this week of commercials, we have two for Texaco. First up, a focus on rough road conditions and other vehicle wear and tear. After that, a commercial about erecting over 1,600 oil wells. Both spots were likely produced in late 1974 and aired in January of ’75.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #548, 549: Chevy Chevelle & Vega Wagon (1974)
Chevrolet preps for Bicentennial fever.
“Chevrolet makes sense for America.”
Here we have two commercials for Chevy touting great gas mileage and affordable pricing. First, one for the ’75 Chevelle. Second, one for the Vega Wagon. Both spots aired on the last day of 1974.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #547: Hamilton Beach Double Mac (Joe Namath, 1976)
Broadway Joe for Hamilton Beach, 1976.
“Just about anything you want to cook you can cook double-quick.”
This weekend, why not pull out the ol’ Hamilton Beach Double Mac and cook up something twice as fast as normal. Joe Namath thinks it’s the bee’s knees.
The spot aired in December of 1976.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #546: Western Union Mailgram (1975)
More Joe Namath at Bionic Disco: Joe Namath For Hamilton Beach Butter-Up Popper (1971)
Cutting edge messaging technology from Western Union, 1975.
“Mailgram. Impact of a telegram at a fraction of the cost.”
Here’s an old timey spot for Western Union’s fancy schmancy Mailgram messaging service. The commercial aired in May of 1975.
Kids today with their texting and internets! In my day, we had to phone for a Mailgram…grumble…grumble, etc.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #545: Schick Super II ‘Tortoise & Hare’ (1973)
Forgotten mascots of the 1970s – the Schick Tortoise (1973).
“Once upon a time…”
Fairy tale time. Here’s a commercial for the Schick Super II razor system featuring the famed tortoise and hare. The spot aired in November of 1973. Slow and steady wins the…shave.
Previously on 70s Spots: Daily 70s Spot #544: Brut Cologne (George Blanda, 1971)