History of Film Trailers

In this post I will be exploring cinematic trailers from past decades and discussing the differences between one another. To do this I will watch individual trailers from each decade then analyse the shot types, edits and sound.

2000's - Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: Youtube
1980's - Aliens: Youtube 
1960's - The Great Escape: Youtube

After viewing all theese trailers it was quite apparant that through the decades the was a gradual shift between the style of trailers we see today. For example, for the 1960's The Great Escape trailer uses clips from the movie with an overlaying soundtrack or song. This then means that there is no use of added in voice-overs and minimal use of text. But as technological advances throughout special effects and title progression, we get to see trailers use more techniques to make them look more attractive such as used fast-paced cuts to but tension, music to match the climaxes/scenes of the trailers and more showcasing of visual special effects.

On many of these trailers it shows text of the cast/actors who are in the film, this is probably because there is no underlaying reputation of the film so people may not already know who these people are, otherwise for example, the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Trailer has built a massive reputation on the previous two films so people would already know who stars in the film.

Modern Trailers I have researched mainly employ:

• They makes use of both fast and slow-paced jump cuts to either build tension or for the climax of the trailer.
• It also uses voice-overs and sound edits to re-arrange events of the film.
• They can also have text to show the actors/cast names and the logo of the film.
• The logo of the Trailer company who made the film may also be used.

 Pre-modern Trailers I have researched mainly employ:

• Still use sound, but can be hampered by the fact that many of them didn't have colour.
• But more basic in terms of sound and video editing, and the flow of the trailer.
• Much more informative than entertaining.

The 1980's 'Alien' theatrical trailer has a lot more in common with modern action/horror style trailers as it includes different paced jump cuts and an overbearing amount of footage (even with it being 1:55 minutes long.)

In conclusion to the History of Film Trailers, I have learnt that over the past decades these Trailers have evolved massively because of technological advances in special effects and editing to make them looks more attractive and appealing. And also the importance of film trailers to make the actual film make revenue when released in cinemas.