Jeep, Mountain Dew Answer Call of Duty with Epic Trailers

Posted by Michael Waltzer on November 7, 2011 05:45 PM

Proof that video game trailers are as big a deal as a new movie opening? The trailer above, promoting EA's Need for Speed game (in stores Nov. 15), is seen "through the eyes of Michael Bay." EA tapped the Hollywood action director's special way with SFX to amp up the buzz for the new game, and — from the sound effects, to the cinematography to the close-ups to the visual effects — Bay delivers everything an action fan, movie or gaming, would want in a movie trailer.

But even bigger is the video game launching at midnight tonight, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, which brings out some other entertainment big guns: Avatar star Sam Worthington, comedy actor Jonah Hill, and even the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard. The trailer, which you can watch below, features Jonah and Sam in a live action version of the game.

Jonah is "the n00b" (gamer-speak pronounced 'newb,' as in 'newbie') and Sam is "The Vet." They go through different levels together training and improving, and by the end, Dwight Howard gets called a "n00b" by Jonah, continuing the cycle. Similar in feeling to the EA trailer above (not to mention the comparably big production values and budget), the Xbox trailer employs special effects, slick cinematography, and some slick cinematic tricks:

The multiplayer game is scheduled to be released at midnight tonight, and judging by the hits on the trailer video (over 14,000 comments and 2 million views), the release should be a smash success. New features for the game include Facebook integration, and modes and match customization.

Also standing to cash in? Brands such as Jeep, which is releasing a limited edition model, which fans can win in a Facebook contest via the Jeep brand Facebook page —