Babe opened 30 years ago this month. Just like its title character, the movie defied absolutely all expectations, as no one would’ve thought a so-called “children’s film” about a talking pig would end up being nominated for 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Babe enchanted critics and audiences alike, earning $254 million worldwide. Three years later, Babe: Pig in the City–a dark, surreal, and frankly bonkers sequel–would ultimately flop hard at the box office, cancelling plans for a third outing which presumably would’ve been called Babe: Pig in Space.

To promote the film in theaters…there really weren’t any major promotions. As I said, no one was counting on Babe being a pig that thinks it’s a blockbuster, which made it the definition of a sleeper hit. So it was the home video release the following year where the sponsors would really come into play, including one with McDonald’s. Hey, don’t judge Babe! A sponsor is a sponsor! Why are you looking at Babe like that? You think that Babe is amoral since he’s willing to look the other way as Ronald McDonald fries up his barnyard buddies? Don’t you dare judge Babe like that! You’re just jealous of his success!

I do like how, in this commercial, mom and dad have no idea how to react to the sight of their kids playing. “Is our son learning a foreign language?” Yes, dad, your five-year old is learning a foreign language and making his cute plushie Babe toy speak it. That makes sense, dad! Also, I love how happy that little girl is playing with her “Maaaaaaa” toy. I wonder if this was followed by her playing out the scene from the G-rated movie where the kindly old sheep bleeds to death from the neck, because dammit, kids were just built differently in the 90s.

Of course, McDonald’s had more than just potentially delicious toys for the occasion. There was also a deal with Pay-Per-View (this is what we called “On Demand” back in the day, kiddos) which gave those who rented the movie and purchased a Happy Meal a free poster via the mail. What’s weird is my family also got this poster for free, although I don’t think it was through this campaign. I wanna say we got in because we pre-ordered the VHS at our local video store? All I know is it was huge and decorated our stairway wall for several years. Alas, a Sherlock poster now stands in its place. I guess that’ll do, pig. That’ll do.

Have a ba ram ewe night, y’all!