Subliminal Messages - Extreme Advertising

One of the topics we faced during our theory module was Subliminal Advertising, a subject I've always found oddly unsettling.

During the lesson we explored various modes of subliminal advertising:
The first is perhaps the most common; the product look uttrely irresistible and induces the viewer to go and purchase said product. Coca-Cola has done this often.

By observing this picture we undertand why and how. The glass is quite large and filled to the brim, the ice makes it look invitingly cold, which is made more effective buy the condensation on the outside of the glass, suggesting that the surroundings are a warm or even hot temperature. The drink is being pourede in such an attractive way, that its almost possible to hear the fizz and the light clink of the ice cubes against the glass.

The second, more sinister, involves inserting certain elements in the adverts itself to render it more memorable withou the viewer noticing. For exhample thsi Heineken image.

As its plainly shown, most of these elements are of a sexual nature, because of course, sex sells.
This technique is mostly used for foods and alcholic drinks, and are normaly in the form of still images.

One of the most well know pieces written about this topic is "Subliminal Seduction" by author Wilson Bryan Key, in which he expalins in depth the tactics used  by companies to sell products and services.