Watching Simpsons

Lately, whenever The Simpsons set out to promote something, the sights have been set large. For example, Groening and company got the Springfields of the United States to squabble over the rights to host a “yellow carpet” premiere of the film, as well as the honor of being labeled the “Official” home town for America’s favorite animated dysfunctional family. There was also, reminiscent of Pink Floyd decades ago, a large inflatable Spider Pig floating over London. One of the most interesting, however, is when Kwik-E Mart took over a number of 7-11 stores across the nation.

So, with DVD set for impending release, the stakes are high, again. Of course, this means the promotional gimmicks now have a huge precedent to meet and surpass. That may seem like a tall order, but the Groening and company seem to be up for the challenge. And, as a result, there are a grand number of promo stunts in the offing. According to the Hollywood Reporter, even the Empire State Building may go yellow, as a result of 20th Century Fox’s marketing push:

In one of the biggest DVD promotions this year, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is kicking off Tuesday’s DVD release of “The Simpsons Movie” with big celebrations in cities around the country.

At the top of the list is New York, where the Empire State Building will turn “Simpsons” yellow for the first time ever in the building’s first promotion for a movie.

That really would be a strange sight to behold. After all, the Empire State Building is one of the iconic buildings of New York, one that resonates in American history. It always has been one of the most prominent features on the New York sky line, and, it would make for an interesting thing to see at night, if the yellowness is illuminated. The rest of the promotion, however, will likely be seen as less dramatic. It will be interesting, none the less:

In Los Angeles, holiday elves wearing yellow Santa hats will hand out pink-frosted D’oh!Nut sprinkles, Homer’s favorite treat, to commuters downtown, while in Hollywood a “Simpsons” holiday spectacular is going up at Hollywood & Highland, with inflatable Homer Santas, pink-flocked Christmas trees and donut balloons.

In 20 cities, including Salt Lake City, Honolulu and El Paso, Texas, pink donut mylar balloons will be tied to parking meters at high-traffic shopping areas, signifying free parking.

And in 51 cities — from Mobile, Ala., to Concord, N.H., yellow “Simpsons” Santa hats are being distributed at random locations.

The Simpsons, The Simpsons Movie, The Empire State Building, 20th Century Fox