Qantas – I Still Call Australia Home

Peter Allen, popular singer in Australia, wrote a very patriotic song, “I Still Call Australia Home”, which became the “signature song” of Qantas. Here are three commercials showcasing the song.

1999

Shortly before the 1999 Superbowl, and during other occasions, people worldwide have seen a very special Qantas commercial featuring the Australian Girls Choir and National Boys Choir. The same song, interpreted differently, trimmed down to 2 minutes, and filmed in many many corners of the globe, such as the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, the Great Wall of China, the Kings Canyon in Australia, etc. The most expensive Australian ad ever made (USD 3 million) and one of the most expensive worldwide, this is truly impressive. The result is one of my all-time favorite commercials.

2001

Qantas did it again. A beautiful sequel, featuring the unforgettable Australian Girls Choir and National Boys Choir, in places as diverse as China, India, New Zealand, Tanzania and of course, Australia. According to Qantas, the commercial now has a “classical film feel” thanks to a revised musical score.

2005

Could the latest ad in the series, featuring a folk-like version of “I Still Call Australia Home”, be the most splendid so far? The soundtrack is illustrated more beautifully than ever, like with a merry-go-round in Paris during the “…spinning ’round the world” bit. More beautiful destinations are featured, including every Australian state. Stay focused during the last few seconds of the commercial, for a beautiful surprise on Whitehaven Beach (Queensland), made by 500 boys and girls.