In anticipation of Super Bowl LX, an Xfinity commercial ingeniously re-imagines the classic film 'Jurassic Park,' integrating contemporary internet technology with de-aged versions of its original stars, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, and Jeff Goldblum. The advertisement humorously posits a scenario where, with a stable internet connection, the infamous park's security systems remain operational, preventing the catastrophic dinosaur breakout. This allows the film's protagonists to enjoy a rather tranquil, selfie-filled vacation amidst the prehistoric creatures. However, the blending of 1993 footage with digitally enhanced, younger appearances of the now septuagenarian actors results in an unsettling visual, prompting a playful yet critical assessment of the de-aging techniques employed.
The commercial, designed to capture attention during the highly-anticipated Super Bowl, stands out for its ambitious use of visual effects to turn back time on beloved cinematic figures. By portraying an intact Jurassic Park, where internet connectivity averts disaster, the advertisement cleverly showcases Xfinity's service while engaging with a popular film franchise. The core concept revolves around the fictional premise that robust internet could have prevented the chaos of Jurassic Park, enabling a serene environment where the characters, instead of fleeing for their lives, leisurely interact with dinosaurs, even taking selfies with a T. rex.
A critical look at the de-aging effects reveals varying degrees of success across the three main actors. Laura Dern, who was 26 during the original film's production, appears remarkably natural with the digital age reversal, suggesting the technology is most effective when the original age difference is less pronounced or the subject's movement is limited. Her depiction as Ellie Sattler blends almost seamlessly, avoiding the jarring effect seen in other instances. This particular segment of the commercial highlights the nuanced capabilities and limitations of current de-aging technology, where static or less dynamic shots tend to yield more convincing results.
Jeff Goldblum's portrayal as Ian Malcolm, while mostly convincing due to his largely stationary posture by the pool, occasionally falters when depicting more active movements. The challenge of maintaining realism during dynamic actions, such as walking towards a colossal pile of shrimp, underscores the ongoing hurdles in achieving perfect digital youth. Despite these minor imperfections, Goldblum's iconic delivery of the line, 'That's one big pile of shrimp,' remains a highlight, demonstrating that charm can sometimes overshadow minor technical flaws. This aspect of the advertisement serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the original cast and their memorable performances.
Conversely, the de-aging applied to Sam Neill as Alan Grant receives the most critical feedback, with many finding his digitally rejuvenated appearance unsettling. This specific instance illustrates the 'uncanny valley' phenomenon, where visuals that are almost human-like but not quite, can evoke a sense of discomfort or revulsion. The ambitious attempt to render a younger Neill for the commercial highlights the boundaries of current de-aging technology, particularly when applied to extensive and expressive facial movements. This aspect of the commercial inadvertently raises questions about the ethical and aesthetic implications of such advanced digital manipulation in entertainment.
This innovative Super Bowl advertisement, by integrating a beloved film with a modern technological narrative, offers a fascinating case study in commercial creativity and digital effects. While effectively promoting Xfinity's internet capabilities through a humorous 'what if' scenario, it also sparks a broader conversation about the advancements and limitations of de-aging technology in cinema and advertising. The commercial playfully challenges viewers to consider the impact of seamless connectivity on fictional catastrophic events, all while showcasing the evolving landscape of visual storytelling.