Babies on Skates: Epic Evian Babies Bottled Water Ad Takes to the Internet

If you've been on YouTube the past few days, there's no way you missed Evian bottled water's "Babies on Skates" promotional video. The visage of a pudgy baby in roller skates striking a pose against a boom box on YouTube's front page had thousands of people clicking just to satisfy their curiosity. I think Evian got what they bargained for.

So why babies, and why roller skates? The main theme Evian is pushing right now is "Live Young," perhaps a hare too close to the "Live Strong" motto perpetuated in the form of yellow wristbands on athletes of all different sports. What could be a better embodiment of youth than babies? At least, that's what Evian is hoping you think.

As for the roller skates, most everyone agrees it's a creative move on Evian's part. While chatter across the Internet mostly criticizes the idea of talking babies, most are relieved that the babies let their actions speak louder than their coo's. Additionally, nearly everyone is impressed with the little munchkins turning tricks on skates to "Rapper's Delight," which was remixed for the video by hiphop artist Dan the Automator.

But the Evian water ad begs the question, did they overdo it just a bit? Everyone knows the ad was created using CGI babies, and Evian does little to counter such an obvious detail in the video. So I'm thinking, they took a theme and ran with it; more power to them.

But there's still one more caveat in the whole babies on skates idea: it's just a bit creepy. According to my Internet research, I'm not the only one who thinks babies who act like adults - in any form, whether it be walking on their own, speaking perfect English in a grown man's voice, or skating in perfect form of their own volition - err a smidge bit on the uncouth side. And for good reason; it's just not natural.

So will Evian accomplish what they're hoping for? If their super-slick Babies on Skates dedicated website is any indication, they're certainly planning on a full-throttle campaign with Live Young. Curious surfers can head on over to EvianLiveYoung.com and get a full dose of Evian Babies in the form of the official video, "making-of" teasers, Evian Babies on Facebook, and even an option to download the music video and a free "Rapper's Delight" track. (I should mention that when you sign up for the free music track, all instructions are in French. Just so you know, they want your title, first and last name, email address, zip code, and optional telephone number).

Evian's real goal with their Live Young campaign is to make you thirsty watching those babies get a workout. So thirsty you get a hankering for their bottled water. But if you're not quite hip to drinking runoff from the French Alps, fill up a glass from the tap and get your fill of babies on skates while you hydrate. Head on over to YouTube or EvianLiveYoung.com to get down with the babies on skates.

Sources:
EvianLiveYoung.com
YouTube.com
MkgtCliks.blogspot.com