half-assed productions

Classic Candy Commercials

It’s been several months since I’ve actually did some sort of full length article. Well, I figured I’d get back into the swing of things. The easiest way to do that is to give you a collection of videos. I’ve given you many classic 80s commercials in the past, but today’s theme is candy. Let’s begin….

Hubba Bubba

Back in the 80s there was a bubble gum war. There was a fight between 3 brands: Bubblicious, Bubble Yum, & Hubba Bubba. They all suggested they were the softest gum with the biggest bubbles. I never really compared all three brands together. Perhaps thats an article for another day. (idea noted). I was unaware that Hubba Bubba was still around anymore, but after a quick search I found that it was discontinued in the early 90s, but returned in 2004. I do remember around 3rd grade being caught in class with a piece of Cherry Cola Hubba Bubba in my mouth. I had to write like 100 times how I would never chew gum in class again.

Whatchamacallit

I’ve probably seen this commercial about 1000 times in my youth. I remember hearing this song on Saturday mornings between gummi bears & Pee Wees Playhouse. It has the greatest name for a candy bar ever. Plus, it’s a personal favorite of mine. I would say it’s in my top 3 favorite candy bars. My only problem is it’s not as popular as it once was. Sure, you can find a bar pretty much at any Walgreens. But, around Halloween, try finding a big pack of fun size bars. Good Luck, it’s pretty much impossible.

M&Ms

There’s nothing like the old chocolate candy staple, M&Ms. This is one of the commercials I remember as a kid. I mean, it seems like one of the coolest places. First you can jump into chocolate pools, then shower off with a candy shell. I always wish there was such a place for me to go. Although, I bet it’d be really uncomfortable being encased in a candy shell.

Skittles

I remember getting one of those big 1 pound bag of skittles for my birthday when I was about 7 or 8 years old. That’s a big mistake. Since I have a summer birthday, that meant no school & no parents around during the day, just my older brother. Well, he could care less what I did, just as long as I didn’t get on his nerves. So, I basically downed the whole pack of skittles in an afternoon. I was hawking up rainbow colored loogies for the next week.

Rolo

There’s many things that go together great, chocolate & peanut butter, peanut butter & jelly, but I would say my favorite is definitely chocolate and caramel. I remember this jingle from back in the day. “You can roll a rolo to your friend”. Could someone please tell me what the last guy is supposed to be? Is he some strange mad scientist with no evil agenda?; Perhaps a piss poor inventor? Or most likely, he’s just an unemployed uncle of the director.

Rolo Commercial director: But, mom, I’m a big hollywood director now
Mom: You’re filming candy commercials, not exactly big blockbusters
Rolo Commercial director: Well, I was going to get Harrison Ford for my Milky Way Bar commercial, but he’s too expensive after that “Star Wars” movie came out.
Mom: Put you’re uncle in the commercial. He’ll work for Rolos
Rolo Commercial director: Deal!

Well… There you have it. Candy Commercials from the 80s. Anyone have any favorite discontinued candy?

-Greg
06/16/09