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.
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Museum:
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Hunted:
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Enemy Weapon:
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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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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)
(via Kutako)
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
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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.
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.
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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...
Zachery -
The piano piece from the first one is Chopin's Prelude in Db - the Raindrop Prelude.
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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.
does anyone know how i can get that song? email me if you do please. :)
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David, You can buy it on iTunes - search for "Chopin Raindrop"
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
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.
hey thanks guys i also have been looking for the track
thanks to this post i have found it .
cheers again
Portal has a great themesong - Still Alive.
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!!!
Actually no it doesnt now that ive listened to it again sorry but ye might like the song anyway
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.
chopin - raindrop prelude no 15 in d flat op 28 but you have to go to min. 1.35
THAT WAS PRETTY COOL DUDES.
HALO 123 ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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
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
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.
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.
Soundtrack is what makes or breaks the commercial. Another great example here from Gears of War 2:
You guys are legends, been looking for that piece for ages!
Thanks so much guys!!!!
xx
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Tyll
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