Every time we embed a trailer, I start the post with "well, we don't normally embed trailers, preferring to wait until non-watermarked versions pop up so that we can run them through our video processor," and then I mention that the trailer we're talking about today is special or big enough to bypass our usual rules.
I wouldn't necessarily put Resident Evil: Retribution on that pedestal, except to point out that some asshole at Sony has managed to find a bold and exciting new way to ensure that you're aware of a wide array of Sony products. Product placement is nothing new, of course, and even product placement in trailers is a burgeoning field, with last year's Zookeeper ensuring that we were all aware of the wide array of spicy treats available on the T.G.I.F. menu, but the teaser trailer for Retribution goes to a whole different place.
You see (and you should really watch that trailer if you don't believe me), the first third of the trailer is literally an ad for a variety of Sony products. Curious about the PS Vita? Well, take a gander! Curious about new Sony cell phone models? Have a look! Wonder what the hell any of this has to do with Resident Evil: Retribution? Apparently nothing! They don't even try to make a graceful segue! It's just a Sony ad that morphs into a movie trailer!
It's difficult to imagine a world where Sony could find a way to offend more than they did by releasing the horrific Resident Evil: Afterlife, but somehow they've managed to top even themselves with this little stunt. I...I'm going to lie down for a while. I just need to breathe for a bit.
