A few days ago, United Airlines released this in-flight safety video. If you viewed the comments below it on the YouTube page, you’d think it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. I say, only if you like stale bread.

It’s forced. It’s ridiculously long. And every time I feel like they are about to maybe make me laugh (or even smile), they cut to the next scene. All filmed gorgeously in some of the world’s most interesting cities. But you can’t shine sh*t. And guess who’s probably paying for it – you, the passengers. Hope you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. (Be sure to scroll down to see which branded airline safety videos are actually doing it right.)

Last Fall, Virgin America showed us how a safety video is done (below). Of course, Virgin has a lot more personality than its competitors (more personality than most other brands, in fact), so no surprise there.

Air New Zealand has always been known for its entertaining safety videos, including a recent one featuring Betty White and another focusing on swimsuit models. But my favorite – from a few years back – stars Richard Simmons in a ridiculously over-the-top disco aerobics extravaganza.

If you love 80’s nostalgia and need to know where to store your Devo hat during takeoff, you’ll get a kick out of this one from Delta.

Which approach do you like best? Any you think deserve to be seen that I didn’t include?