Comparing Different Types of Trailers - 'Dune: Part Two'

The first film I have chosen to compare the theatrical trailer, TV spot and teaser trailer from is 'Dune: Part Two', a science-fiction sequel based on a well-known novel. This film had a number of each type of trailer, with lots of TV spots released online in the week before the film's release in cinemas.

Teaser Trailer

• short in length (under a minute)
• does not contain any detailed narrative or plot information
• indication of genre (sci-fi) through mise-en-scene, music and impact sounds
• includes individual head shots of the significant cast members, but no detailed character development 
• images from the film (but really only a small excerpt from a self-contained scene)
• no official release date 
• title cards teasing the release of another, presumably more detailed, trailer
• title card for the name of the film (on for a significant amount of time)

Theatrical Trailer

• much longer in length (approximately two-and-a-half minutes)
• contains a lot more narrative information and character development (of multiple characters)
• lots of images from across the whole film
• clear indication of genre through icongraphy/mise-en-scene
• narration from a main character 
• editing using lots of fades to and from black
• multiple taglines on title cards throughout trailer, broken up with film footage
• music from the soundtrack plays throughout, indicating genre and the film's epic tone
• title card 'From Director Denis Villenuve' 
• production company logos/idents close to the start 
• official, specific release date (November 3) on the final title card, alongside production company logos and reference to other formats (IMAX)
• film name title card on for a signifcant amount of time, towards the end of the trailer
• full cast list as billing/credits title card, towards the end of the trailer

TV Spot

 

• very short (thirty seconds)
• very fast editing, essentially a montage of lots of clips from the film 
• very action-packed (eye candy), to excite the audience
• focuses on one aspect of the film; here, the action 
• title cards with large font (one word at a time) making the tag line
• indication of genre
• very specific release date (including reference to tickets being on sale now)
• voiceover man (giving rating, which is also indicated visually on the final title card)