7/31/2007

01august2007wednesday

Eyes were ON the clock at 06:02

Advertising - Press




1. HP Campaign 3rd Ad(GN Hpg38) **

HD: HP Colour is brilliant. It can push sles up by 80%

Copy: (Please see the prior ads of this campaign)

** Good.


2. ADCB - Mastercard pay pass (G Back page-full) ***

HD: Soon to be released.

The fastest Credit card in the UAE

Base line: Our vision. Your Future.

*** Simply beautiul. Good photography. Good execution.


3. Al Wahda Mall (GN Fpg35) *

HD: A Mall of Festive Fun!

Copy: Al Wahda Mall now offers miles of fun-filled events and world-renowned brandsin every corner. It is the ideal day-out for your family and friends. Magicians, comic entertainers and many more festive surprises are all set to enliven teh good-times here.

Step in. Stay in.

Baseline: Have it all.

* just for fun.


4. Toshiba (GN 40x6 Hpg-27)
*

HD: Certified in Japan. Approved by Mother NAture.

Copy: Now keep food fresher for longer. Presenting Toshiba Refrigerators with Hybrid Guard technology.

Toshiba has integrated three of the latest technologies at the heart of every refrigerator. Choose from the high-class 2-door Glass Collection, the stylish 2-door Collection or the innovative Auto Ice maker. Any which way, Toshiba will preserve a healthy lifestyle for you

* Good photography.

Advertising - Outdoor:



1. Virgin Mega Store-Apple Macintosh ***

Location: just before Maktoum Bridge, towards deira.

*** Virgin Megastores put up this overbridge banner just opposite to PACC Computer shop. The visual is of a man is jumping on (your way to PACC which is known for Apple computers for many years.) to your car... Clever thought to detour the potential customers.


2. Burjuman



3. City Centre Self Ad poster **

31july2007tuesday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:08

Advertising:

Reviewed ads that got repeated today:
15. Chevrolet -Captiva(takes you to a better place) 15. RAK Bank (Make noise) 27. Hyundai-Sonata(excitement guranteed)


1. Nissan (Campaign-3rd Ad - GN HPg-39) ***

HD: Your car is fixed with right the first time by Japanese-trained technicians.

Copy: At Arabian Automobiles Service Centre, our technicians are trained to provide the most professional service. Our facilities have expanded capacity with features like:

State-of-the-art equipment . Fast delivery . Fix-it-right-the-first-time policy . Nissan Genuine Parts

http://www.arabianautomobiles.com/

*** Visual makes you feel the Power. It will charge you. (The shadow could have been made lighter, especially when it falls on a light spot). Good ad(s).



2. VINCCI (GN Hpg-14) *

* It's calling... Nice.


3. ARY (GN Qpg-27) *

HD: Introducing RAYS - a dazzling new collection of diamond jewellery from ARY

Copy: Shine a ray of light in your life with our new range of exquisite diamond jewellery. RAYS. Set in 18K gold, these unique earrings, pendnts and rings will be the highlight, wherever you go.

* It thing it was made for outdoor advertising.


4. Chilis (GN HPg-5) *

Hd: Chili's Sizzling Fajitas

Copy: Fire up your taste buds with our fantastic sizzling fajitas. They're all easy to love. The hard part is which one to choose: Our new succulent Steak ad Portobelo Fajitas, tangy Citrus Grilled Chicken & shrimp Fajitas, the tasty Mushroom jack or the delicious Steamed Veggie Fajitas, and if you can't decide, the Fajitas Trio serves up steak, shrimp & chicken all in one skillet.

The choice is yours. The choice is Chilli's

* I like the copy twist when it reaches 'Fajita Trio'. The photography is not appetising though.

7/30/2007

30july2007monday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02

Advertising:

1.

2. Samsung (GN fpg-15) ***
Hd: Imagine a TV that moves, and moves you.
*** Nice.. it moves you.

7/28/2007

29july2007sunday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02




1. HP (2nd ad of the campaign - GN HPg-37)**

HD: Your business ideas speak louder in colour

Copy: HP Colour LaserJet 3000 Series

Did you know that colour can actually help your business perform better? It's a fact. Your message is understood 70% faster when it's in colour. Sales jump by as much s 80% when you use colour. That's why investing in HP jump by as much as 80% when you use colour. That's why investing in HP coloour makes so much sense. It's the fastest way to gt your business into the big leasgue. To start benefiting immediately, cll your HP reseller today.

** nice.


2. Tameer-Siver Tower (GN Fpg-48)**HD: Turn to silver. Nothing reflecs your figures better.

Copy: Introducing Silver Tower at Business Bay

At distinctive edifice, crafted with silver aluminium and grey glass, ensuresnot ony stunning corporate office spaces but great returns on your investments. Silver Tower, standing tall at the waterfront exit of Busines Bay, has world-class amenitites at is, at the same time, bold enough to stand out from the rest.

31-storey, 260-office tower. 6 high-speed elevators. 4 leves of car part. Wrold-class leisure facilites with mini gold course. Fully equipped health club, retail and commercial outlets

Baseline: The art of builidng.

**Concept.. nice. Execution...simple.



3. BinSina Pharmacy (GN HPg-45)*

HD: BinSina Pharmacy is Awarded te Best Service Performance Outet in The Pharmacy Category.

Copy: BinSina Pharmacy was the first pharmacy in the UAE to obtain Dubai Service Excellence Scheme memebership 3 years ago.

This year, our pharmacies have been recognised a providing he best customer service in the pharmacy category of all the pharmacies in te UAE.

We take this opportunity to thank our customers for their valued support and a big thank you to the Economic Department, Dubai Govermetn for their extensive effor tot help and encourage retailers to achiev world class performance.

* BinSina has recently changed their coroporate identity. This ad, as an informative, gives the attention.

28july2007saturday

Eyes were on the clock at 08:05


Advertising:


1. BMW-Full Circle (GN HPg-6)**

HD: Your entry to Sheer Driving Pleasure.

Copy: BMW Full Circle. Tailor-made leasing and finance solutions.

BMW Full Circle not only ofers you tailor-made leasing and financing solutions, but also opens up the way to your favourite BMW. Enjoy all the flexibilty, comfort and total peace of mind our new programme provides. Benefit also from a number of options at the end of your contract: replace, refinance or retain your BMW. BMW Full Circle covers all BMW models and comprises even MW Service inslusive. Find out all about BMW Full Circle and our launch offer. http://www.bmw-dubai.com/

** It lacks the class what BMW ads do have. Retouching is perfect in front,, but towards back of the car, it goes more graphical.. and the cuts on the glass look artificial..

2. Al Manzil Hotel (3rd ad of the Campain -GN Unwind-1 HPg)*

I'm in the middle of the someting..

* WE have reviewed the earlier ads before in this session.. the copy is the same. Same comment to be expressed over here.

27july2007friday

Eyes were on the clock at 07:45

Advertising:




1. Ski Dubai (GN Friday Mag - 70) *

HD: Sign up for cool school.

Copy: It's that time of the year again. School's out and the sun's up. What better way to beat the heat than at Ski Dubai? Take pat in a Ski Dubai Summer Camp and learn how to ski or snowboard. There are options of 5 week courses and 5 day courses for kids and 3 day courses for adults. For something extra special, have a look at our Premium Summer Camps inclusing luch and personalised attention. MAke this the coolest summer ever!

Baseline: an unforgettable snow experience.

* Attention value is very weak, and visual-beyond comprehension.

Outdoor: (Van)

1. Etisalat Van ***

HD:
1. This Bus stops our mobile coverage doesn't. (Side)
2. Wherever this bus goes. So does our coverage. (Back)

*** It's the nice extension of their on going campaign, and has been cleverly executed.
1. On the side the headline says "This Bus stops. Our mobile coverage doesn't." The viewer gets this message when he is beside the van.. that means his view is static, whether he and the vehicle run together side by side, or in a traffic jam.
2. At the back.. the viewer is following the bus. So "Wherever this bus goes. So does our coverage." does make the real sense...
Fantastic.

7/26/2007

26july2007thursday (eyes... ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02
Details will be posted soon.




1. Etisalat (GN 40x6 pg-24) **

HD: 5 free offers to enjoy this summer

Copy: Free one month rental or Global Friends & Family. 10 free SMS. Free one month rental for greetune. 10 minutes free video calls to local number. Free airtime worth AED 10.

Cool off this summer with Etisalat's 5 exciting offers.

** Nice.


2.

3. Hush Puppies (GN Hpg-32)*

HD: Comfort designed to withstand anything, specially kids!

Back to school.

* Not appealing. dirty looking.



Outdoor:


1. Pepsi (Location: all across UAE)
HD: Win the taste. Lose the sugar.

2.

7/25/2007

25july2007wednesday

eyes were on the clock at 06:04


Advertising:

Reviewed ads that got repeated in today's GN
Omniyat-44, Al Husaifa (shoppotunity-01), Etisalat (whereever you go..-15), Arwa (Lady-18), Onyx (one,twofold...-32)





1. Nissan Campaign - Ad4 (GN HPg-33) *

HD: This summer buy a Nissan and travel the world

Copy: Pick up more than holiday memories with a 2007 Tiida.

Along with low monthly installments of Dhs. 825 on Tiida and FREE travel vouchers workth of Dhs. 3000, you also get a chance to win a holiday package to France, Malasia, Jordan, Seychelles or Australia! Rush to your nearest Arabian Automobiles showroom and get ready for the holiday o a lifetime.

* This is the 4th ad of the campaign. It seems after doing two good ads, they lost interest and extended just for the sake of doing a campaign. The execution is bad and ameture


2. Noor Islamic Bank (GN Appointment pg-4) ***

HD: THe bigger the career opportunity, the braver you need to be.

Copy: Do you have the initiative and drive to take a team from zero to infinity? Zero because we are just begining, Infinity because we have ambitions to be a multi-talented, multi-cultural and multi-dimentional team of professions. Professionals who will take on the responsibility to shape a bank that will take on the world. If yes, please apply for the various positions that are offered on www.noorbank.com/jobs.html

*** I don't know whether they intentionally made the lion really big and out of proportion to support the headline concept. But the brain behind taking a fullpage brand ad in the appointment section really deserves an applause.
3. Qamardeen Hotel (2nd ad of the Campaign - GN HPg-40) *
HD: I. M. Mine.
Copy: This is my space in Dubai, my home away rom Rome, or Mumbai, or Lodon. It's my blend of my work and my life, my balance, warm, friendly, edgy, diferent, interesting. That's me. That's mine. Qamardeen. It's Dubai, my way.
* First ad was better.. Somehow they lost the synergy when reached in the second one. Perspective is wrong, even the lighting... When two or three images combined to form one visual, no matter those were shot separately or hired images, the challange of the art director is to conceive the totality, in terms of 'common' light sources of the whole visual, and perspective, and elements in the frame, and composition... it's a make-belief. It's mathematics and physics - he has to calculate the segment joints.. and individual lighting and perspective, all to make one single natural imag - the viewer should not feel that it was a combination of segments. It's like how Jurrasic Park was shot. The Dinoser was created later, but the director had shoot the people in action, their eye and body-movements in motion (kinematics is the technical term) in advance. The modern trend of Art direction is more scientific for creating surrealism, rather than concepts or jargons.

7/24/2007

24july2007tuesday

eyes were on the clock at 06:02

(mobile)Art:


1. Art is his calling (GN Tabloid - pg11)

Bassam Lahoud takes extraordinary photographs - on his mobile phone.

His photograpss are exquisite works o art. Through the eye of his camera Bassam Lahoud provides a fresh and unusual perspective of people, landscapes and everyday objectives such as a pair of spectacles,a spiral staicase or a window.

His pictures have a spiritual quality and a delightful sense of movement. And the play of light is just perfect. But the most amazing thing about these artworks is that they have all been created with the camera on his cell phone.

Lahoud calls it "Mobile Art". The name is apt because I have taken these pictures with my mobile phone and also because the special effects have ben creatd by my movements while taking the pitures.

Bassam Lahoud's Mobile Art is on display in the Egypt Court of Ibn Battuta Mall till tomorrow.

Advertising

1. Nissan (GN HPg-18) ****

HD: Get superior service from our Japanese-trained technicians.

Copy: At Arabian Automobiles Service Centre, our technicians are trained to provide the most prfessional service. Our facilities have expanded capacity with features like:

.State-of-the art equipment . Fast delivery . Fix-it-right-the first-time policy. Nissan Genuine Parts.

Call us today and feel the difference.

**** Nice... Perspective is wrong, vehicle should have been bit more in front.

2. The Oberoi Centre (GN FPG-33) *

HD: Be at the heart of Dubai business district.

Copy: Standing tall at the entrance of the Business Bay. The Oberoi Centre is a unique blend of business and pleasure. With a 33-storey commercial tower that offers both office andretail space, and an Oberoi Hotel. Asia's leading luxury hotel chain.

Designed and planned by world class architects and consultants, the commercial Oberoi Centre benefits from flexible planning of office space. Each floor can be divided into four ofices, which may be sold as a single unit, separate units or mixed units as per the requirements of each buyer.

* Apart from those clutter of colours, facilities, interiors and route map..etc. this ad stands out as a simple announcement... a different one. Image used is very pleasing.
Outdoor:

1. Location: Al Qusais

2. Ninewest (on Dubai Transport bus)

7/22/2007

23july2007mon

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02


Business:


1. Gulf TV advertising rates highest in Arab world (GN Pg-32) @ mistake
The peak terrestrial TV ad rate in teh Gulf falls between 9 and 10pm and is offered to advertisers at an average of $1,536. This is close to the Levant's peak rate between 8 and (@ 'and' has repeated here) 9pm offered at $1,533 - Arab Advisors Group report.
Dubai: Terrestrial television advertising rates in teh Gulf are highest compared to those in teh Levant and North Africa regions, according to the Arab Advisors Group's latest report... The Arab Advisors Group calculates the average rates for each region using each country's local average rates for a whole day.
Art:
1. Rain Dance (GN Tabloid Pg-24) ***

An artist performs as images are displayed on a water screen at Plazza del Popolo during a light show in downtown Rome
*** Hydrogen bonding. Water. awesome it is.


Advertising:


1. 1. Al Fara's Properties (GN HPg-7)*
HD: No missing links
Copy: Developers from an integrated construciton group.
From design to final hand over, we've got dedicated people in the group companies who ensure that the whole process of develpment adheres to the highest standards of excellence with timely deliveries. Making sure it's built just the way you want.
Baseline: Building since 1980.
*Idea is good.. Execution-below average

2. 2. RAK Bank (GN 40x6 Pg-15)***
HD: It's a stampede to better service
Copy: Everyone's coming to RAKBANK . Simply better service. Simply better value. Simply better people. Simply better banking. It's no wonder we are ranked the best bank in the UAE for customer service by ethos Internaional. http://www.rakbank.ae/*** Good ad. Attention value is more. Simple execution.

3. Memon Investments LLC(GN FPg-2)*
HD: Achieving new heights and moving ahead. Here's proof!
Copy: With over 28 years of concrete experience, a global presence in over 90 countries and well-over 30,000 satisfied customers worldwide, we have established an enviable reputation for Quality and Service.
At Memon, we are proud to be certified b IMS to the ISO 9001:2000 Internaional Quality Standard. WE thank all our employees, partners and well-wishers for reposing their confidence in us and being our driving force in our pursuit of excellence.
Baseline: Redefining Development.
* Visual good.. in terms of minute aspects like the reflection on the golden bar on the red-carpet have been taken care.

4. ABN-AMRO Bank (GN HPg-32)*
HD: Get ready for a great Travel Adventure Reward yourself with free holidays
Copy: Get ready for a great travel Adventure. Start a rewarding relationship with Van Gogh Preerred Banking today and get free ticket vouchers to exciting holiday destinations around the world!
Base line: Making more possible.

* No colour harmony.. more towards its competitor, Mashreqbank.

5. The Onyx (GN FPg-42)**

HD THe Onyx. A twofold view. A threefold opportunity

Copy: Views s magificent as the investment opportunities in our three towers.

Located next to the Emaar Business Park, The Onyx is the irst freehold office porperty on sheikh Zayed Road. This unique investment opportunity consistes of three magnificent buildings: two commercial uildings with breathtaking views of the Emirates Golf Course and Then Palms, and one hotel which has a dynamic view of the cityscape. Whichever view you invest in, you're looking at very pretty investment picture.

Baseline: The Centre of Business.

www.onyx-ae.com

** I liked the headline... it sounds the ascending order - The ON-yx. a TWO-fold view. THREE-fold opporutnity

22july2007sunday

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02


1. Ovio- Joy Alukkas (GN 40x6 Pg-18)**
Hd: Ovio-Bold and Beautiful
Copy: Ovio, the seamless synergy of large semi-recious stones with precious diamonds. A bold fusion created for the fashionably ating woman of today. The Ovio Collection blends stunning semi-precious gems like purple amethysts, lemon quartz, rose quartz, blue topaz, and yellow citrine with diamonds to give you a creation that will surely turn heads.
** Good photography. Good layout. lemon stones on red background look slightly awkward. It will look good in outdoor.


2. Dodge (GN Pg-26)**
HD: Watch out!
Copy: Dodge charger R/T up to US$ 2,100 cash back offer
Powerful street smart affordable.

Need Cash? Schol fees due, rent up, or just need a holiday? Now, drive away in a Dodge Charger R/T and we'll give you up to us$ 2,100 to spend as you like.
** Rough look. A different approach.

21july2007saturday

Nothing special today.. all the ads appeared today have already been reviewed here

7/21/2007

20july2007friday (eyes ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 08:00

Interview:


Arabic is a flexible language... always ready to adapt - Dr. Peter Clark (GN Weekend Review-pg10)

(Having lived and travelled extensively in the UAE for four years while working for the British Council, Dr. Pter Clat now visits the country often to advise the Emirates Foundation on their stratey in dealing with literacy and literature in the UA as well as the upcoming Booker Prize-affiliated award, the international Prize for Arab Fiction)

Q: How has Gulf-Arab fiction progressed in recent years? . Novel writing is relatively new to the Gulf, but the region is now witnessing a rise in fitcion. Storytelling has been a long standing tradition in the Gulf that is now being put into writing. Last year for example, Saudi writiers published 64 works of fiction, 20 of which were authored by women.

The UAE Writers Union has also been doing a splendid job in preserving Emirati writing...

Q: How do you feel about the status of the Arabic language today? Arabic is on the defensive in environments that are dominated by the English language, such as the UAE. We can try to encourage Arabic reading by pubishg more attravtive Arabic books or perhaps books that have Arabic on one side and English on the other.

Advertising:

1. IDdesign (Friday Mag 67)**

HD: Intutive and imaginative. Furniture to evoke the Canceian in you.

Copy: Sfoft edges. Mysterisou aura. Sharp silhouettes. Delightful comfort. A fine expample of Danish cratmanship. IDdesign furniture is a departure from the ordinary. Much like a Cancerian. Much like you.

Baseline: WE've definitely got something for you

** The water splash takes the shape of a Crab to connote the cancerian.. comprehension problem.

2. Parador (Friday MAg-30)**
HD: Your dream home. In tune with your lifestyle
Copy: You always dreamt of a home that spells warmth, reflects nature's essence and mirrors your individual taste and style. Now you can make that dream come true with Parador - the finest laminated engineered and solid wood floorings. Perfect to convert your homeinto a cozy nest of wrmth and love.
** Perspective fits perfectly, tho' it was shot separately.

3. Maltesers (GN Friday Mag-80)*

HD: the ligther way to enjoy chocolate

* Meaningless.

4. Sharjah Tourism (Friday Mag Pg10)***

Hd: Your destination in your hands.

Copy: Call 800SHARJAH )800-7427524

Everything you need to know about Sharjah is now just a phone call away. For the latest information on activiites, museums, the hottest spots for entertainment, shoping and dining, and so much more...

http://www.sharjahtourism.ae/

*** Nice colour combination. good concept.

7/19/2007

19july2007thursday (eyes ON)

Eyes were on the clock at 06:02
Details will be posted soon.

Advertising:

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