The national Super Bowl XXIII ads are documented. Bud Bowl I is well-preserved. Michael J. Fox’s Diet Pepsi android clone ad is documented in advertising history. The Diet Coke 3D commercial was the first 3D Super Bowl ad — viewers were given 3D glasses in TV Guide. The Pepsi “Soviet Union” spot arguing that positive change in the USSR was Pepsi’s doing runs against the Cold War backdrop. Billy Joel sang the national anthem. The Brotherhood of the Rose mini-series world premiere was promoted during the broadcast. These are the facts the internet already has.
What the internet does not have: the Tri State Chevy Dealers ad. “34 dealers dedicated to low prices.” Cincinnati regional dealer group. Not found anywhere online. Mikita at Denny Lumber in Middletown, Ohio — lumber company established in the 1860s, still operating. No video of any TV commercial from them found anywhere. WLWT station promos and IDs from 1989. A listing called “Nightingales” that may be a Cincinnati-area business. These are the items that exist only on this tape. The game is available through NFL Films. The Cincinnati market commercial breaks are not available through anyone.
Commercial Inventory
- Tri State Chevy Dealers – “34 dealers dedicated to low prices.” Cincinnati regional dealer group. Not found anywhere online. Confirmed lost.
- Mikita at Denny Lumber (Middletown, OH) – Local hardware/lumber retailer, est. 1860s. No TV commercial video found online. Confirmed lost.
- WLWT station IDs and promos – Cincinnati Channel 5 local branding from 1989. Almost never preserved.
- Michael J. Fox Diet Pepsi “android clone” – Documented but rarely seen. $5M celebrity endorsement.
- Pepsi “Soviet Union” – “There’s been a lot of positive change since they got Pepsi.”
- Diet Coke 3D commercial – First 3D Super Bowl ad. Viewers had glasses in TV Guide.
- Bud Bowl I – Budweiser vs Bud Light mini-game. Parts 1-4. Well-documented.
- Domino’s “The Noid zaps ordinary pizza” – Classic Noid campaign ad.
- Federal Express “flight simulator / van into ocean” – Well-known FedEx Super Bowl spot.
- Michelin “babies one-upping each other” – Classic Michelin baby safety campaign.
- Gillette “The best a man can get” – Gillette campaign launch spot, Super Bowl XXIII debut.
- Dristan with Mike Ditka – Celebrity cold medicine endorsement from the Bears coach.
