Brought to you by YouTube and its user iseven016 is a Pepsi commercial from the 1960’s:

Now there most interesting thing about this commercial is how much the brand hasn’t changed.  Sure, the music, the logos and probably even the taste has gone through several redesigns but Pepsi uses the platform of being “the drink of the youthful mind” to this very day.

Of course, when you review these old commercials talking about being modern it suddenly becomes deliciously ironic.

Speaking of modern, all I can think of when I see a modern Pepsi logo are those old, solid rubber balls from early grade school gym class.  They were red and blue, with a white stripe across the middle.  And they hurt like the dickens any time they hit you.

I’ll be honest — when I first saw this ad, I knew who was featured in it and I knew what is was about, but I didn’t immediately recognise Michael Jackson until a closer shot was made.  Times certainly change, and not just the 80’s wardrobes.

Just like how both old and banned commercials can come back to haunt you online, they can also give you a free boost through nostalgia.  Showing a commercial ten years old looks dated and lazy.  Show one from 20 or more years ago and it’s nostalgic.  Of course, this one’s now 30 years old, so it’s classic.

Despite the number of complicated legalities involved, there’s a strong marketing case to revive these old commercials, especially online where they can be shared easily.  Sure it’s “just advertising”, but it’s also a distinct slice of history and a reminder of good times.

What do you think?  Are there any commercials that should be released into the public domain due to their historical or cultural significance?

And while we’re on that subject, check out the Vintage Ad Browser for another little slice of advertising history.