Graphic Edition
Halo 3 Believe Ads
I have never played Halo 3 - nor do I own an Xbox. But I am absolutely amazed by the Halo 3 "Believe" videos.
Many people say that TV ads are dead - an opinion that I usually support. But they do work if you make something as spectacular as the Halo 3 ads. They are some of the best I have ever seen.
Every time you watch these ads you see something new. They are based on a very simple concept but has a level of detail that simply blows your mind.
Here they are (including bonus video):
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Museum:
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Hunted:
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Enemy Weapon:
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Making the Monument
Not only did they make these stunning ads, they also created an even more impressive "Making the John-117 Monument" mocumentary.
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Bonus video - A closer look at the Monument
I have created a special video that takes a closer look at the John-117 Monument. It is based on images captured from the "Believe" site (1666 images in total).
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» Share it (via YouTube)
(Images from Halo 3 Believe, Music from BeatSuite)
Behind the scenes pictures
(via Kutako)
Comments
Thomas Watson - Oct. 5, 2007
Personally I think that half of what makes this and the old Gears of War commercial so impressive is the soundtrack.
The soundtrack is very unlike other commercials and with its very quiet music this commercial simply stands out and makes the listener/viewer relax.
The music from Gears of War, which is also an XBox game, was by Gary Jules: Mad World - An original Tears for Fears piece. You can see and hear the the whole commercial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccWrbGEFgI8
Thomas Baekdal - Oct. 5, 2007
Thomas, I think you are spot on about the soundtrack. It works well for Halo 3, and for Gear of Wars (thanks for the link).
I also spend a relatively long time picking the music for the bonus video above for the very reason that the sound was a big part (if not the dominant part) of the experience.
Many people underestimate the power of sound and choose some pop-tune-sound-alike which often degrades the experience.
Zachery Morrow - Oct. 21, 2007
I think that the music in the first Believe ad is incredible. I think the piano piece goes well for the drama in the scene. Do you happen to know what that piece is? I've been searching all over for it, but I can't find it at all.
Thomas Baekdal - Oct. 22, 2007
Zachery, Sorry, I do not know it. I think it was custom made for the Halo 3 game.
You can buy "finish the fight" Halo 3 theme song from iTunes (out as a single), but it is not the piano version.
I guess that we have to wait for the full soundtrack to be released...
Joseph Bucci - Oct. 23, 2007
Zachery -
The piano piece from the first one is Chopin's Prelude in Db - the Raindrop Prelude.
Thomas Baekdal - Oct. 24, 2007
Joseph, Thanks for the info!
I was a little confused at first because Chopin's "Raindrop" doesn't sound anything like what we hear in in the Halo 3 ad until about 1:35 minutes into the song.
David Gravagno - Oct. 27, 2007
does anyone know how i can get that song? email me if you do please. :)
James Garrison - Nov. 5, 2007
You can download complementary copies from classical artists at the following sites:
http://pianosociety.com/cms/index.php?section=132
http://www.lisztonian.com/download/index.html?quick=1&;composer=3
Jim
Steve Schwartz - Nov. 15, 2007
I am so thankful someone knew what this song was, I have been searching for months, literally, and had amassed quite the classical piano library...but only found this song because of your posts. Thanks again.
Loads 91 - Nov. 26, 2007
hey thanks guys i also have been looking for the track
thanks to this post i have found it .
cheers again
Yecats - Dec. 17, 2007
Portal has a great themesong - Still Alive.
Butzy - Jan. 4, 2008
Ye may have found it already but the paino music form the believe advert sounds alot like 'I Know You Are But What Am I?' by Mogwai!!!
Butzy - Jan. 4, 2008
Actually no it doesnt now that ive listened to it again sorry but ye might like the song anyway
John - Jan. 6, 2008
Halo3 is an amazing game. Of the videos i watched, it shows that many people have a deep respect for those involved with it. Master Chief isn't just a fictional character to us, but an inspiration.
A fan, a player, one who has been inspired.
egteral - Jan. 27, 2008
chopin - raindrop prelude no 15 in d flat op 28 but you have to go to min. 1.35
Anonymous - Mar. 3, 2008
THAT WAS PRETTY COOL DUDES.
HALO 123 ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Mark Burry - Mar. 6, 2008
I agree with Butzy the track is Mogwai - I know you are but what am I?. Its an amzing track and goes so well with the ad
Bry - Mar. 14, 2008
yea that mogwai song definitly isnt it compared to Chopins song, at about the 2 minute mark on chpoins is when it is the believe ad
Alex - Jun. 1, 2008
I love all of the "Believe" ads. As a huge fan of the Halo series I was blown away with them. They did such a good job on it and I love every second of the "interviews" and the model is just so detailed.
eridanis - Jun. 6, 2008
and if you're curious, the chopin music is so gloomy / angry because his doctor sent him away from rainy london to recuperate.....and it rained the entire time he was there. it's supposed to sound like rain, unrelenting rain.
John Galt - Nov. 4, 2008
Soundtrack is what makes or breaks the commercial. Another great example here from Gears of War 2:
Published: Sep. 29, 2007 in Movies
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Tyll - Oct. 2, 2007
Wow. I never heard of Halo 3 until seeing a news report on people camping outside stores at the night of the release. But this marketing campaign truly is impressive, it transports all the fascination of a great _story_ that can be explored and witnessed. Thanks!
Regards, Tyll