WORLD’S BEST COMMERCIALS 1996

Say what you will about Saddam Hussein and Yasir Arafat – you've got to admit that they sure can sell Nenuco Shower Gel body lotion. And in this compilation of the best, most riotous, and most outrageous TV commercials from aroudn the world they're joined by such pitchmen as Rowan Atkinson, Shaquille O'Neal (the only basketball player this year, we promise!), Boris Yeltsin, Hillary Clinton, King Kong, Denis Leary, Muhammed Ali, Emil Zatopek, Satan, and Lenny the heroin addict. Most of the entries are British, but expect unexpected delights from South Africa, Finland, Spain, India, and even the USA. Marvel at extraordinary special effects that range from molded-clay animation to computer-graphics imaging; mini-epics that cram a lifetime narrative into a few minutes; and humor that ranges from sly subtlety to stuff that can't be quoted in a PG-rated program guide. After this, be assured that you'll never produce or distribute land mines again, and you'll always take care what you do with that last Rolo. Presentation sponsored by Diet Coke (who were gracious enouch to let some Pepsi plugs slip by).- Charles Cassady