Has your Wednesday been a little crazy? I know, me too. Don’t worry–we’ve got the cure. A heavy dose of backlighting will make your problems fade away. At least, that was a common tactic in many a 1980s music video. In fact, it seemed like a divine light was perpetually shining down on many of our musical heroes. Not only did it give them a healthy glow, it added a hazy effect that at times was just what the doctor ordered. Who needs clarity anyway?
Friday Video Pick: The Secret of My Success Theatrical Trailer
Today we bring you the trailer from the 1987 film The Secret of My Success starring Michael J. Fox and Helen Slater. In this comedy, we see Michael J. Fox’s Brantley Foster go from Kansas farm boy to corporate executive. His methods are a bit unconventional, and that’s where the drama begins. While Michael J. Fox IS this movie, we can’t help but notice the shiny backdrops that gleam behind his center-stage antics. In fact, ’80s corporate life has never looked so luminous.
Laugh Along with the Trailer for Christmas Vacation
Are your Holidays turning out to be a bit different than you expected? Perhaps you’re frantically trying to finish up work before heading out of town. Or your house is a bit too full of company. Or you were counting on something that didn’t quite work out. If you’re about to reach your breaking point, remember that things could always be worse… You could be Clark Griswold!
Christmas at Mirror80
The week of Christmas is upon us! For your seasonal enjoyment, we’ve compiled our favorite winter posts. From George Michael’s ski bunny style to a DIY project based on 1980s stickers, you’re sure to find something you love as you peruse the features below. Have a very ’80s Holiday!
Friday Video Pick: ’80s Space Toy Commercials
Ever owned a Care Bear, a Barbie, or a My Little Pony? What about a G.I. Joe action figure or a Transformer? These well-known, well-loved items are often the first that pop in our heads when we think of 1980 toys. Today’s post isn’t about these toys. Who here remembers the Moon Dreamers or the Silver Hawks? If “yes,” you’ll love this trip down memory lane. If “no,” get ready for some action…
Friday Video Pick: Blade Runner Original Theatrical Trailer
How long has it been since you’ve seen the original Blade Runner theatrical trailer? I mean really watched it, observing how it manages to take a beautifully-shot film and fit it into the standard preview formula. I am a true child of the ’80s, but I must admit I was a bit too young in 1982 to take note of this trailer. In fact, I didn’t see the film until high school, and when I finally did, it was the Director’s Cut. You can imagine my shock when I eventually saw the original version of the movie, complete with Harrison Ford’s gumshoe narrative voice-over, which (surprise!) both he and Ridley Scott opposed. Get ready for the narrative voice-over in this trailer…
Friday Video Picks: ’80s Christmas Commercials
Today we bring you two ’80s Christmas commercials with the best of intentions. Remember, these were the days of innocence, when a grown man in a clown suit interrupting a children’s ice skating party in the middle of a deserted forest was more delightful than creepy, and when a stuttering doll operating a camera was more charming than terrifying.
Friday Video Picks: ’80s Teen Commercials
We conclude our week-long focus on products and advertisements targeting ’80s teens with two commercials that celebrate all things bright and distracting! Let’s start with the following clip, an ad for Magic Girl perfume. In a fruity whirlwind of confusion, this piece puts the competition to shame with images of spellbound, obsessed teens. And some pretty wicked ’80s fashion!
Friday Video Pick: “Bulletproof” by La Roux
In the spirit of ’80s graphic design, we set out to select a mind-blowingly stylish video for today’s Friday Video Pick. A video that could be a Trapper Keeper if it materialized into a school supply. There was only one choice for us: “Bulletproof” by La Roux! It may not be from the ’80s or even an ’80s copycat, but moments of ’80s influence can’t be denied. From the black and white grids to the floating geometric shapes, it’s hard to keep up with the visual changes packed into this 3 1/2 minute work of art! The beginning even features a backdrop that evokes the color and pattern combinations present in the design of ’80s powerhouse collective The Memphis Group.
Friday Video Pick: “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club
To wrap up Album Cover Week, Mirror80 aimed to spotlight a video that looked as if an album cover had come to life. And there was no other video for us than “Genius of Love” by Tom Tom Club, featuring artwork by pop artist James Rizzi. Rizzi also created the artwork for the track’s single release, as well as the cover of Tom Tom Club’s 1981 self-titled LP.
