The Super Bowl is advertising's night to shine. Even in this tough economic climate, a $3-million dollar, 30-second spot, is money well spent.
The standouts included year-after-year favorites like the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales and those E-Trade babies.
The tough economy became a centerpiece in many commercials, using humor and sentimentality to reach into American homes.
With a nod to the past, Pepsi focused on the next generation, using clips of a young Bob Dylan singing alongside hip hop artist Will.I.Am. It was a hit with advertising experts. "Pepsi is back, this really was a fantastic spot for them to put out there and get back to their core message," said Matt Miller, president of the Association of Independent Commercial Production.
Beyond the big ad agency entries, the Doritos "Crystal Ball" ad may be the biggest surprise hit. The ad ranked number one with the public in USA Today's annual ad meter.
The amateur creators, two brothers from Indiana, beat out other finalists to win one million dollars. "Just seeing our commercial air during the Super Bowl is one of the most amazing feelings and we felt like we were at the highest peak and just on top of the world," said co-creator Joe Herbert.
The brothers are now hoping that crystal ball will be the beginning of many Super Bowls to come.
Michelle Franzen
NBC News
Also, if you missed any of the commercials, click http://www.nbc.com/super-bowl/commercials/video/ to view them all.
