What's Next, Dr. Kevorkian Martini Mix?
Gregg was just in Kroger, a Detroit grocery store, and couldn't believe what he saw. Here, from the Kroger press release for "Old Yeller" dog food:
Inspired by one of the most beloved movie classics of all time, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today introduced Disney's Old Yeller, a chunk style dog food now available at more than 2,500 stores around the country (photo here).Disney's Old Yeller is a 100% complete and balanced product for dogs of all sizes. It is available in 50 lb. bags priced at $9.99-$11.99, depending on the geographic market. Two additional bag sizes will be introduced in June. Kroger plans to support the brand with an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign.
Released in 1957, Walt Disney's Old Yeller was the quintessential tale of a boy's love for his dog. Set amid the landscape of 1860s Texas, a young boy named Travis wants nothing to do with the lop-eared stray. But Old Yeller quickly proves himself a loyal friend, protecting the family and saving Travis' life. They soon become inseparable pals, sharing joyous experiences and learning valuable lessons about growing up.
"The movie is a timeless classic that transcends generations, and we believe this brand will appeal not only to original fans, but to the millions of Americans who share the same kind of special bond with their beloved dogs," said Barry Vance, Kroger senior corporate category manager.
The same kind of special bond? The dog dies in the end, dipshits. He gets rabies and the kid has to shoot him.
I can see the adverts now
Announcer: "Tired of shooting your pet dogs?"
Kid with shotgun: "I sure am"
A: "Feed your dog Old Yeller dog chow, gaurenteed ot to give your dog rabies"
Really fast barely adudible disclaimer: OldYellerdogchowisnotasubstituteforvaccination.Doesnotcuredisease,oldage,orpoorhealth.ShouldavetrecomendterminatingyourdogKrgerassumesnoliability.Insomerarecasesbrokenglasshasbeeningestedbydogsresultingindeath.OldyellerDogChowuseschineesericianladenwheatproducts.BypurchasingOldYelleryouwaiveallrightstosue.Pleaseifyouloveyoudognevereverbuythisposin.
lujlp at January 15, 2009 6:35 AM
Disney has their hands in everything. I can't wait to buy Mickey Mouse tampons.
Kendra at January 15, 2009 6:37 AM
Disney has their hands in everything. I can't wait to buy Mickey Mouse tampons.
Or Goofy condoms. "Gawrsh! You don't want one of them STDs or nuthin!"
I was going to make a Jonas Brothers joke here, too, but I decided not to. You're welcome.
old rpm daddy at January 15, 2009 7:05 AM
I can't watch the animal movies, because the dog always ends up dead at the end.
ahw at January 15, 2009 7:50 AM
Wow. Tough marketing. Have better luck calling it "Bambi's Mom" or something.
Abby at January 15, 2009 8:18 AM
Kroger plans to support the brand with an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign.
So, the marketing department won't be taking a shotgun approach?
Will it be a targeted marketing campaign?
Will the presentations have bullet points?
Will the product develop a rabid following?
I'm here all night folks. Be sure to tip your bartenders and waitresses.
Conan the Grammarian at January 15, 2009 8:38 AM
If Old Yeller had been eating "Old Yeller" dog food instead of desert rabbits, he wouldn't have gotten rabies.
The marketing message is "Old Yeller, not rabies. Isn't your dog worth it?"
(smile)
Andrew_M_Garland at January 15, 2009 9:57 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2009/01/15/whats_next_dr_k.html#comment-1620922">comment from Andrew_M_GarlandMy dog IS "worth it," so she wears L'Oreal.
Amy Alkon
at January 15, 2009 10:00 AM
"I'm here all night folks. Be sure to tip your bartenders and waitresses."
That would be Conan the Groanarian.
old rpm daddy at January 15, 2009 10:13 AM
First post got messed up
I can see the adverts now
Announcer: "Tired of shooting your pet dogs?"
Kid with shotgun: "I sure am"
A: "Feed your dog Old Yeller dog chow, gaurenteed ot to give your dog rabies"
Really fast barely adudible disclaimer:
OldYellerdogchowisnotasubstituteforvaccination.
Doesnotcuredisease,oldage,halitosis,orpoorhealth.
Insomecasesbrokenglasshasbeeningestedbyanimalseatingthisproduct.
OldYellerDogChowusesricianinfusedchinesewheatgluten.
OldYelleroccasionalemitsfumespoisionustohumans.
ShouldyourvetrecomendterminationOldYellerDogChowanditsparentcompanyassumesnoliabilty.
Bypurchasingthisproductyouwaiveallrightstoleagalaction.
Ifyouloveyourpetpleasedontfeedthemthispoison
lujlp at January 15, 2009 11:33 AM
Bambi Burgers! Yummmmm!
Cousin Dave at January 15, 2009 11:34 AM
How about Amelia Earhart Luggage:
http://search.ebay.com/amelia-earhart-luggage_W0QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1
sjv at January 15, 2009 1:29 PM
should I try the veal, ConantG?
ah, back in the olden days when occasionally Disney shows also showed when life isn't fair, and not everyone lives happily ever after. Everyone's dog dies, and sometimes you have to put them down even when they don't get rabies... Maybe if that was still common knowledge people wouldn't be so psycho about their pets. It's a good move, brand identity and everything. Maybe they'll watch 'ol screamer... Just remember to show the kid the animaniacs episode about Bumbie's Mom, to show how nobody actually dies in movies or cartoons...
SwissArmyD at January 15, 2009 1:49 PM
...this brand will appeal...to the millions of Americans who share the same kind of special bond with their beloved dogs....
"The toughest time…in anyone’s life…is when you have to kill a loved one just because they’re the devil." - Emo Philips
Conan the Grammarian at January 15, 2009 2:06 PM
"Just remember to show the kid the animaniacs episode about Bumbie's Mom, to show how nobody actually dies in movies or cartoons..." ~SwissArmyD
I love that episode! I have some of the Animanics cartoons on tape. Slappy the squirrel cracks me up. "Tactless, yet rude." :D
Sandy at January 16, 2009 12:56 PM
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