J.J. Abrams’ Official 1-18-08 Trailer Hits the Web

Posted by on July 9th, 2007   Filed under: Movies, Trailers

That mysterious J.J. Abrams movie trailer has finally gone online over at Apple, for those who didn’t get a chance to see it or who chose not to watch the grainy YouTube versions. Strangely, it seems that they are promoting the movie based on its release date and nothing more… could it be that 1-18-08 is actually the title of the film? Regardless, everyone’s calling it by something different, whether it’s “Cloverfield” or “Slusho”, and we’re still not much closer to knowing what it’s about. Personally I’m loving the mystery; I don’t remember a marketing campaign this good since The Blair Witch Project. In the meantime, occupy yourself with the following related ARG/viral marketing websites: www.1-18-08.com, www.ethanhaaswasright.com, and www.ethanhaaswaswrong.com.

» Related Link: Apple: 1-18-08 trailer



  • Here’s my theory:

    I think ‘1-18-08′ is the title because if you look at the picture attatched to this post (which is made to look like home video footage) the date and time of the supposed recording is ‘January 8th, 2008, 12:36A’, suggesting that what was thought to be the release date of the film is actually the name of the movie, referring to the day that this disaster occured.

  • The other reason is if it hasn’t started shooting yet, January seems to be a little too soon for a release.

  • True, although it does say “In Theaters 1-18-08″. It is in production now apparently, but it’s unclear when they actually started shooting. Apparently the actors are even being kept in the dark as to what the movie is about… again, very much like The Blair Witch Project I suppose.

  • Matt

    One word…..”Pumped!”

  • Ian

    Actors in the dark … let’s hope the writers are not in the dark too. Isn’t Abrhams kind of known for starting stuff that looks like a crazy sci-fi mystery thing and in the end is either lame or just overly drawn out (Alias, Lost). I like the trailer and I’m ever the optimist so we’ll see.

  • Goon

    I dont think Lost is drawn out. I just think some people are incredibly impatient, and are so focused on the answers they dont appreciate the journey (which has been great, give or take a few minor annoyances)

  • Kezza

    has anyone seen the video on ethanwasright.com?
    when the shell opens the icons appear in a certain order, copy the order & you will see the video. August 1st is certainly mentioned.

  • Yeah I saw the first video, but couldn’t figure out the second puzzle thingie.

    Apparently Abrams is saying these Ethan Haas sites have nothing to do with the movie now though:

    http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=21825

  • However, apparently this one is part of their viral campaign:

    http://www.slusho.jp/

    ???

  • I’m interested in this movie mainly just because I love monster movies. The idea of the entire film being “amateur” footage doesn’t really sweeten the deal for me, personally. The Blair Witch Project was pretty good, but they weren’t running through a city filming a giant monster. They were essentially walking around the woods filming nothing for the most part, which was cool and creepy. If this is a large scale attack by a large creature as the trailer would lead us to believe, I’m not sure that “wow, I caught the whole thing on tape as this inhuman beast ravaged an entire city” is going to work. Just my opinion. Better to be pessimistic and end up pleasantly surprised than to get excited and have my hopes and dreams shattered as was the case with Transformers.

  • Kezza

    i couldn’t figure out the 2nd puzzle either. i’ve also read that these sites have nothing to do with the film, if this is the case then what do they relate to? also, have you clicked on the blue star on the left hand side? it prompted me to send an e-mail but to whom or where i am unsure.

  • danielDJC

    I wana play kirk !!

    myspace.com/croninmedia

    or

    myspace.com/danielwastedsoul

    whereS JJ !! ! !………