Poltergeist Directv Direct TV Ad, is it too far?

[bronco121314]

Big deal. God forbid someone died. Nothing was distateful at all?

[FetalJuice88]

i want all of you whiny PC twats to die a horrible death..

[sprintbass]

i think its bad...its a cheap way to show something that should be respected A and B for him to do it is low...if he wanted to be a part of it so much he sure couldnt be botherd to do poltergiest 3 now did he? poor taste.

[getdishnetwork]

I don't see any problem with it, especially if her family didn't. Its a classic scene from a classic movie, I don't see anything disrespectful about this.

[HughWalenski]

Craig T. Nelson is dead, too. Why doesn't anyone complain about that?

[Musiclover19]

@HughWalenski Probably because Craig T. Nelson is NOT dead.

[HughWalenski]

@Musiclover19 Yeah, I keep telling myself that, but it still hurts. R.I.P. Craig T. Nelson. We'll miss you.

[6DexterFilms]

@Musiclover19 Yeah, the fact that he's in the commercial is a good hint at his liveliness.

[BooNube]

Absolutely fucking sick. Using a poor dead little child to whore your cable service. That's about as shameless as it gets, and Craig Nelson who must have been around all the grief and sadness at the time too. What an absolute motherfucker.

[14lanicup]

this isn't even scary

[kfplady]

Its fine. As a fan of Heather's, I was excited to see this commercial, it was also a nice little promotion for Poltergeist.

[Shanethefilmmaker]

It would have been funnier if it were the headstones scene instead I could imagine Craig T's freaking out on a cable guy. "You son of a bitch you moved my sattelite but you left the same service didn't you? You gave me the same crappy channels but you only MOVED THE DISH WHYYYYY!!!?"

[DeathscytheRick]

As I understand it, the family of Heather O'rourke was involved with this commercial from conception to airing. They looked at it as an honoring of thier daughters life and acting. So if the parents were fine with it, you complainers need to accept it and move on.

[MikeAM78]

Nothing wrong with it. Should movies stop airing or stop being sold after somebody in them dies? Of course not. Permission was sought, the family granted it, so there's nothing wrong with it. Just like the other ad using David Spade in a clip from "Tommy Boy." I'm sure Chris Farley would love to know that he's still making me people laugh.

[akissy]

After the advertisement drew criticism from bloggers and columnists for exploiting O'Rourke, DirecTV responded in a Q&A session with readers of The New York Times... explained that O'Rourke's family "was involved in the spot from start to finish [and that] Heather’s mother not only approved, [...] she also commented that Heather’s inclusion was a wonderful tribute to her daughter."

"Q & A with Stuart Elliott". The New York Times. 2008-10-27. Retrieved 2008-10-28.

[akissy]

@akissy So my answer is no. If thefamily didn't think it was distasteful, why should we?

[Admercial]

What's so offensive about this?

[Min2073]

The footage is a little grainy. I was wondering if that was really Craig T. Nelson in the commercial? It sounds like him

[Musiclover19]

@Min2073 It is indeed Craig T. Nelson in the commercial.

[Min2073]

@Musiclover19 Thanks : )

[Bobzeaux]

Are you serious? 20 years after her death wasn't enough for people to not make a fuss over this?

Relatives of Heather O'Rourke, I feel for your loss, but that's just ridiculous. Is this ad in any way mocking her, or desecrating her memory or something? What is there to complain about?

[sabre926]

I say 'no' this is not offensive. The fact that little Carol Anne is no longer with us is not only tragic but sad. And I feel that this commercial preserves her memory and the misadventures she and the Freeling family had battling the wicked minions of Preacher Kane. I mean, the commercial isn't distasteful in anyway and it's actually quite nostalgic.

[jeffhardylover1992]

I think this ad IS distasteful!

Please take this off Youtube!

R.I.P Heather O' Rourke

[jawatkinsfhsu]

@jeffhardylover1992. Who cares what you think, not her parents thats for sure. If everyone got everything they thought was distasteful banned we would have nothing to be entertained by. Get over yourself.

[Musiclover19]

@jawatkinsfhsu THANK YOU!!!!!

[gard069]

@jeffhardylover1992 get a grip you moron.

[michaeldj5]

I don't think it's offensive at all. I watched this, ready to see something really disrespectful about poor little Heather O'Rourke (RIP), but, I think it alludes to the "good times" of her life, namely, being a part of that movie (Poltergeist).

[aquabrighteyes]

FYI - The voice in the commercial was re-voiced by actress Terri Douglas who does kids voices. GREAT JOB!

[aquabrighteyes]

FYI - The voice in the commercial was re-voiced by actress Terri Douglas who does kids voices. GREAT JOB!

[KTFOproductions]

kinda creepy... but I hear a Ghostbusters sequel may have the stars in it as they were young, using CGI to make them young again like it's a 80's sequel!! Soon stars won't even be needed, it'll all be CGI...

[ZeroCorpse]

The only thing that bugs me about this is that Poltergeist took place in 1982, and DirecTV didn't actually exist until 1994. So why the hell would they be talking about DirecTV 14 years before it was available?

I mean, come on. Most of the channels on modern-day cable didn't even exist in 1982.

[friskedkitty]

@ZeroCorpse Was there also Direct TV in Lt. Ellen Ripley's future?

I don't see any of the character's in the Alien movies watching Tv, so how would there be any direct tv then? Lol they're just commercials. :)

[retro80stv]

@ZeroCorpse What channels did you have back in 1982?

[mococloco1]

@ZeroCorpse It's a commercial, they're advertising for direct tv, not the poltergeist.

[RetroVideoFan]

Actually her family not only gave them permission to use the clip, but her mother commented them that it was a wonderful addition to it, or something along those lines.

[phoenixflameangel13]

aww but it was a cute commercial....as long as her family is ok with it I suppose.

[BarryDennen12]

Oh jeeze suddenly it's distasteful because a dead bitch is in it ....

[CandyCanePrincess121]

well damn if that was your kid you wouldnt say that

[sango1789]

I thought the direct tv thing was actually cute, why are people so offended by this? I dont see why its bad.

[Spokavriel]

Amazing what you can miss, moving from state to state at that time I didn't even know she had died.

I actually think its tragically ironic. But at least she's not one of the trillions of children in the history of the world who had also equally tragically died young with nothing that anyone would know to remember them by.

She still made a mark on the world and that's more than most who even grow to be adults ever get.

I never really cared for the ads but it could be allot worse.

[beck943]

I think as long as Heather's family is okay with it, it is fine.  And it certainly IS fine, helping keep Heather's memory alive. That's all you can really do when someone isn't here anymore... RIP

[Evilursa]

I can't see what the fuss is about...........her family were fine with the clip to be used, Heather's line of "they're here" is forever engrained in pop culture. It's part of a movie classic. Should Judy Garland's family be outraged every time The Wizard Of Oz plays on tv? No.

It's a classic scene from a classic movie that poked fun at watching tv in the first place. And that's why the joke has been rehashed here. I like the fact that Heather is definitely not forgotten....

[burtonrules123]

is that the guy who played the father in the movie or some other guy?

[gshowguy]

I believe that's Craig T. Nelson himself!

[Phame17]

I don't think it's offensive, I think it's just awkward or chilling to see commercials like this. Not because the person's a child but simply because the person's dead, and they're not really DOING what they're doing. For example, I get creeped out by the "Rockband: The Beatles" commercial when they show John Lennon & George Harrison edited to where it makes them interact with the people.

[ajplimpton]

I don't understand why some people are so offended saying it's disrespectful to use footage from a movie just because the actress who played a fictional part died.

What about Elvis in the new Sirius commericial? Do people find that disgusting too? I guess we should just never air any of his music again or any John Wayne movies or anything with anybody who died. Madness...

[MrBarelylethal]

I guess because its a child some people overreact, its funny though that this would not be a big deal in most of the rest of the world. Nevertheless, my best guess is that having a little blonde girl who died at the age of 12 more that 20 years ago was a bit too much for some people

[catico6]

No, I don't see that my retort was stupid. I was not trying to be mean in anyway. I wasn't saying that I disagreed with you either. I completely agree that everyone needs to mind their business. All that I was saying is, your replay says "The family members did not object dipshit" but Killerqunz never tried to say that the family objected. All that he was saying is that the little girl could not object. So....I'm not sure what the misunderstanding is here.

[AgathaVincent]

Ok, Time to finalize this discussion..

The family of Heather signed a contract to do the movie. The movie is about a character named Carol Anne...Not a movie about Heather O'Roarke. The characters image and likenesses can be used in any fashion MGM seems fit. DIRECT TV doesn't seek permission from the family, they get it from the "suits".

It's like this.

Everyone who has a video posted here didn't seek permission from the artists. Think about it, and let's at least act like we make sense.

[catico6]

Okay, look, to make a point, yes, this commercial WOULD be offensive had the family not given permission for this commercial to air. It would have been wrong and immoral. However, Heather's family did sign permission and therefore it is their business whether it is a degrading commercial or not. Seriously, she was a beautiful little girl and should still be seen on TV, not hidden from the world due to her death. Should we stop selling movies and music produced by the dead? Think about it.

[catico6]

Truthfully infantryofficer, if you were to re-read Killerqunz' statement, it says "Did this dead girl agree to have her image used in a commercial no. Can she take it to court?" There is no mention of the family. The statement is saying that the little girl could not state whether she objected or not so using the term dipshit was wrong here. However, people offended should back off. The family felt it was fine and that's all that matters. It is their choice. Not ours.

[KRKahn87]

They're not parading anything. Shut the fuck up already or don't watch the god damn commercial. Cool out.

[psychoticbastard]

That little girl in the video was called Heather ORourke and she fucking died making that movie! I can't believe they're parading her death by making her sell TV ads! I hate this world!

[ChadATL]

@psychoticbastard She did not die making Poltergeist 1. In fact she went on to star in parts 2 & 3 and died several months AFTER part 3 had completed filming. Just wanted to set the record straight.

[ChadATL]

@psychoticbastard She did not die making Poltergeist 1. In fact she went on to star in parts 2 & 3 and died several months AFTER part 3 had completed filming. Just wanted to set the record straight.

[AngeLBarraganJR]

Now that I think about it I think Heathers family gave DirecTV permission to use her is that so everyone could see just how talented she was.

I got no problem with ads using dead celebrities itll be like Toys R Us using the little Rascal for thier Xmas ads or KFC bringing back Col. Sander as a cartoon back in 98.

[209kathy]

A little bit of Hollywood trivia:  The young actress was filmed saying, "They're BACK", not "They're HERE" and the HERE was dubbed afterwards (Producer thought the line worked better), but they did not sync up her lips. So it looks odd.

[enigma800]

209kathy, that's not entirely correct. The original line that Heather O'Rourke said was, "They're ALL here." However, it flowed better saying "They're here." Since the scene was already shot, they just edited and overdubbed the line. O'Rourke does say, "They're back", but only in Polgergeist II.

[VirtualBilly]

aw, fuckity fuck-fuck fucky fuck...

i can't believe anyone has a problem with this. if the camera man or the key grip died, nobody would give a shit. but since the little girl was on camera, suddenly it's disrespectful.

and i suppose hollywood should stop remaking timeless classics for the same reason, right? "they shouldn't have remade Ocean's Eleven because the Rat Pack is dead!" haha, lol... give me a fucking break.

[augustgirl]

Wow, I love your point. Seriously. I can't add to what you have said. Excellent.

[crhood2166]

We're a society that takes pride in hanging our sensitivity out on our sleeve. The ONLY people that would have any right to be offended would be the family and they obviously signed off on it.

[sheesheenegro]

If you find this offensive, you wont believe television.

[Gibix]

I would only find this offensive if the father got up and started pelvic thrusting the little girl in the face then MAYBE I would get offended if not start laughing.

[bnutscrazy]

lol..very tru..

[v1per187]

RIP Heather O' Rourke.

[marissawho]

theres nothin wrong with this

[wolejare]

they''re hhheeeereee.

No honey they're not here.lol

[Mirialiah]

I don't feel like anything about this was offensive. It's not like the Chris Farley one. They weren't making fun of her in any way or using any embarrassing shots/scenes of her. This shouldn't tarnish anyone's memory of the child. If anything, it shows that she was a good actress even at that young age.

People like to make fuss just for the heck of it.

[Killerqunz]

Whats offensive about this situation ? Companies using dead people, is that in some situations, their family members object to having their deceased loved ones used in a new commercial, movie or whatever, but the companies will continue doing it over & over, earning money off of the dead.

Thats where its wrong. Did this dead girl agree to have her image used in a commercial. No. Can she take it to court? No, she is dead. As long as someone is making money, they continue to do so.

[ybcool]

Because, MCRVendetta.. These people have NO LIVES and MORE ISSUES than Sports Illustrated Magazine!! That's why they're making such a fuss over these Commercials! I like and appreciate what you said regarding this Commercial. ;-)

[Etherialshroud]

There wasn't anything wrong with this, it feels good to see people still remember. And it being a cable station that replays these movies nonstop. lol The only thing offensive is that they are showing you the movies you'll see over and over.

[chasemano789]

it isnt offensive

[mcrvendetta]

why is this rude or distateful? heather is apart of pop culture history and will always be remembered. "they're here" is one of the most reconizable lines in film today. while what happened to her was tragic i remember seeing this commerical and thinking it was clever. i don't know why people make things a bigger deal than they are.

[samantha37825]

it's no different than JFK being in Forrest Gump

[JackkAttack09]

Well put good sir

[samantha37825]

I believe if it's not a negative use of them or their life, why not keep their memory alive? I'm sure Heather was proud of her role on the movie and would be happy to know that people still watch Poltergeist and haven't forgotten about her.

[rawheadrecks]

Good point!!

[residentevil808]

i think it offend people cuz she is dead and say there here !

[VampumpkinReborn]

i never knew she died so young... D:

that was a great movie...

there is nothing wrong with this commercial, i think it helps us to remember her.... R.I.P., love... :(

[GOreelz]

wuts so bad about that?

[rubberduckiemilliona]

I'm sure I'll get thumbs down, but I actually thought it was pretty funny!

Sure it's a bit rude, but she died over twenty years ago- you've got to be able to let go sometime. :P People impersonate Elvis and make fun of him all the time, but no one says anything because its really funny. :P

It's all in how you look at it. If you're open minded, it can be funny. :)

[blackren101]

I'm not particularly found of using dead stars in this manner. but the commercial isn't making fun of her.

[Mattlott666]

Too far? chick is dead. Died over 20 years ago, so bitch is either in heaven, hell, reincarnated, or worm food depending on your religious belief. This is more memory than any other dead 12 year old will get, so why aren't we happy that this girl is still being remembered for her 1 role?

[ultimatepresident]

First of all, you're all dumb for arguing about such stupid things.

Clearly, the biggest problem with this commercial is that the tv isn't even an HDTV!

[gillimaster]

im offended....

[dhooper2005]

yes - she died at age 12 in 1988 due to surgical complications following cardiac arrest, resulting in part from a misdiagnosis in 1987. a) she did not die immediately after the enunciation of the line (which was in 1982) b) her death was not in any way related to the film and c) the ad in no way attempts to capitalize upon her death or use it to generate interest. if you can watch the commercial without knowing whether or not o'rourke is alive or dead than it probably doesn't cross a line.

[doctr55]

people are offended by the commercial, which isn't making fun of the dead girl, but not offended when the movie is shown. What is the difference?

[Mocktezuma111]

How is this going to "FAR"?

its just commercial -_-

[chieffatnutz]

thats what i was gonna say? people can't honestly think that was affensive to the dead actress. Just because she passed on doesn't mean we can't see her on TV anymore or used as an add.

[ONLYBESTVlDEOSFORYOU]

the girl died in 1988, at the age of 12, after delivering this line. thats why its goes to far

[BrianHatesYooTube]

Your math is off. The movie came out in 1982, she died in 1988, so she didn't die "after delivering this line."

[ONLYBESTVlDEOSFORYOU]

definition of after: happening at a time subsequent to a reference time. that being any reference time

[BrianHatesYooTube]

Oh...well...then by that definition she died after she was born.

[ONLYBESTVlDEOSFORYOU]

you're right, she died after she was born

[BrianHatesYooTube]

So if she didn't die immediately after saying the line that's in the commercial, but died several years later, after appearing in other movies, what's the problem with the commercial?

[eliriousd]

yea get the facts straight first.....and really......who gives a fuck? Michael Jackson is dead but they made a whole movie about him in which he's starring.....ppl need to stop being so fuckin sensitive over shit that in no way involves them....this is the kinda GONE TO FAR crap that leads to our tv getting censored and giving leeway to the government to tell us whats right &wrong &whats moral & whats not...when thats MY CHOICE...so...to the rest of the overly sensitive world....stop bitchin

[psychonavigator]

Fuck me running, you must work for Fox News.

Also, learn to grammar.

[eliriousd]

Grammar?? its the internet fucktard if u wanna read good u bes be gettin to a fuckin library.....grow balls and go beat off to gay porn before u head to ur kkk rally

[gator3395]

That's something a UN knowledgeable 12 year old boy would say.

[eliriousd]

than im immature...but im sure that even a 12 yr old boy can realize that 1) this video is not offensive in anyway and 2) that the internet (a place where i can read legal diction or watch girls eat shit from a cup) doesnt require the effort of proper grammar which is a good reason why i can say what i want in anyway i want cuz i dont expect to find the smartest or most mature or intellectual people. If I did then i would hope the smart, intellectual world could see that this debate is stupid

[Mattlott666]

AMEN.

[gator3395]

HA no i could care less about your grammar; as i see it were human. And your point about watching girls eat crap made me laugh because you had a point. The reason why i replied to you is because of your reply about masturbating to gay porn and going to a kkk rally. Which was completely irrelevant.

[eliriousd]

well thats just because i have a temper problem and i hate cynical assholes like psychonavigator that make stupid references, talk shit for no reason and contribute nothing but meaningless text and i kno i jus wrote that i expect nothing from the internet but thats just so long as its not at me. i hope i didnt offend u with anything i said....i was jus tryn to make a point

[gator3395]

naw man you didnt offend me. I was confused on the fact how that stuff fit in.

[sugarcrazedninja]

i don't get how old movie clips can offend people...to me it's like their trying to get people to remember older, classic scary movies. it is sad that the girl died, though, but i don't think its offending.

[AngeLBarraganJR]

Ill be honest at first I didn't like it but then I see nothing wrong with it and unless they done something to Heather I have no problem like I wouldn't have a problem if Activision used John Lennon for thier Rock Band ads.

BTW-

DirecTV have some new commercials and Chris Farley is in one of them.

[eieiowens]

It would have really been offensive if she walked into the room on sitting on John Lennon's shoulders with Robert F. Kennedy and Mohandas Gandhi following them and then they all went 'Boo' before talking about DirecTV!

[eieiowens]

Lenny Briscoe??? That has to be the stupidest analogy I've heard an actor who died a normal death is still seen in re-runs from his show, and an actress who died tragically at the age of 12 is digitally placed into a DirecTV commercial are nowhere even the close to being the same situation.

phantomlord must get laughed at like crazy when tries to argue or debate about anything! What an oddball!

[phantomlord54]

Are these same people offended by the countless reruns of episodes from the Lennie Briscoe years?? TNT never paused to stop running them...perhaps they had the blessings of the Orbach family

[ChadATL]

Not offensive to me. Reps from Direct TV even contacted Heather O'Rourke's mother before even making the spot and got her blessing. She even commended the ad as a tribute to her daughter's memory! What I want to know is who are these people who just sit around all day waiting for something in the media to offend them? Wish I had that much time on my hands!

[Deadite32]

I don't find this offensive at all because they didn't really alter the footage of Heather O' Rourke. I would have found it disturbing if they had her pitching Direct TV instead of Craig T. Nelson. I feel like only her family should really have the right to be offended (but I doubt they are).

[perchedeagle2]

Heather wasnt in this! Carol Anne was!

[perchedeagle2]

It also amazes me that with all the bull shit people passively accept in this country, the complete and total degredation of our society and our culture and our government, that people actually find this offensive and HAVE THE TIME to find this offensive, BUT are are perfectly comfortable with the huge red white and blue dick thats being jammed up their assholes on a daily basis. :) If you know I'm quoting someone maybe you're intellegient:)

[perchedeagle2]

People pick and choose what's offensive and whats not based on a random emotional basis.  There are all sorts of commercials with dead actors and the O'rourke family approved of this. And hey check out the bill of rights, NO WHERE IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS DOES IT SAY YOU HAVE THE RIGHT NOT TO BE OFFENDED EVER! If you're offended I DON'T GIVE A CRAP. :) So tired of people proclaiming what offends them. "This offends me! ooh Im offended." Your emotions aren't as important as you think so shut it!

[CircusofPython]

How is this going too far at all?

I guess because someone died we must not ever mention them...ever

[TheNepenther]

I can see how people would think it was bad taste, but if her loved ones were asked first and they felt is was a positive way of remembering her then let it be...and then go buy the Poltergeist trilogy...embrace life. Don't drink and Drive.

[JFMuni]

if they had been making fun of the way she died, it would be different... but they were simply promoting satellite tv and an awesome movie she starred in. Is it offensive to watch the movie because the girl died at a young age? Had it been an advertisement about the Crow, i bet no one would have even cared.

[PsychoDragonX]

I agree with both your comments. OR HELL... why just use "The Crow"? What if, say, they used Heath Ledger's likeness as The Joker for a similar reason? I dunno HOW they'd do it, but I'm sure if they found a way they'd probably use different clips of all his movies.

My guess is they'd have him on the screen & you'd hear "why so serious?" as someone looked at an expensive cable bill or something.. and as the veiewer flipped channels you'd hear a line from different movies to fit the scene.

[JFMuni]

OH, thats real mature, after making a comment about how disrespectful the commercial is, you insult her mother for trying to make money off her dead child. i doubt you were even offended by this commercial at all.

[79978867547864536877]

good vid man.

[AMCfan2007]

Her mother even said it was a wonderful tribute.. its not a big deal...

[ntmfilms]

respect? i think heather o rourke was a wonderful actress and she should have never died. I respect her family and that little girl, and this commercial is fine. okay? so stop overreacting! its just a commercial!

[ntmfilms]

okay. people that have died tragically have been in commercials after they died, so why should this be different just because its a little girl who died young? They aren't making fun of her dying, they're poking fun at the MOVIE. not HER

[ourus21]

what??? this is not offensive AT ALL!! this is a nice propaganda!! its just too dumb to actually get mad at this ad...its not making fun of her..you can BARELY see the girl in the whole thing!! the only one who might be humillated about this is the guy who talks...-.-!

[Musiclover19]

You mean Craig T. Nelson?

[kelech92]

Peopla get so uptight over nothing.

It really isn't a big deal, her mother didn't mind that the commercial was aired, but everyone else just has to make a federal case over it.

[elizabeth1977]

I like it

[milkmanv1]

No, its just archive footage. It's not like they really altered anything, like that one ad that had Christopher Reeve walking. I dont see anything distasteful about it all; it's sad she died young, but like with the DirecTV ads of this kind, it's more of using a iconic pop-culture movie rather than cashing in on some girl's death.

So NO DEAL.

[mileylover529]

the first time i saw this comercial i thought it was odd, bc i didnt get it. i had no idea it was based on a movie. i actually just found out about heather yesterday.

i dont think it should of been allowed to air. the poor girl died so young and they make a comercial on her making fun of the movie she was in.

RIP Heather Michelle O'Rouke

[Dakota10999]

In opinion, I don't find it distasteful. But I don't know if other people do or don't.