Apple has posted two new TV ads to its Web site, both in QuickTime format, of course. Produced by the CGI geniuses at Pixar Animation Studios (Steve Jobs’ other company), the two ads highlight Apple’s newly redesigned iMac.
Years before Pixar began producing feature-length motion pictures like Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and Monsters Inc., the company developed a short feature entitled Luxo Jr., which showed a small table lamp playing with a child’s ball.
Developed as a proof of concept to show that computer-animated graphics could be used in whimsical and fun ways, Luxo Jr. is considered by many to be a milestone in the field. With the new flat panel-based iMac’s frequent comparison to a table lamp, it’s little question where Pixar’s animators got their inspiration.
The ads consist of a fifteen second spot entitled “SuperDrive” and a 30 second spot entitled “Dance.” Each one shows an animated iMac bouncing around the screen with a playful personality not unlike Luxo Jr. To see the new iMac in action, visit Apple’s Web site at the link above.