What was Acid House and why was 1988 the Second Summer of Love?

Acid House was an electronic dance music movement that exploded in the UK in 1988, combining Chicago house music with the Roland TB-303 synthesizer's distinctive squelchy sound. The Second Summer of Love refers to the massive outdoor raves and warehouse parties that defined British youth culture that year, featuring the iconic yellow smiley face symbol.

Why is Die Hard considered a Christmas movie?

Die Hard, released in 1988, is set during a Christmas Eve party at Nakatomi Plaza. While debate continues, the film features Christmas music, holiday decorations, and themes of family reunion, leading many to consider it a holiday classic alongside its status as one of the greatest action films ever made.

What made the Air Jordan 3 so special in 1988?

The Air Jordan 3, released in February 1988, was designed by Tinker Hatfield and introduced the iconic elephant print, visible Air cushioning, and the Jumpman logo. It saved the Jordan line from discontinuation and is credited with keeping Michael Jordan with Nike. The shoe coincided with Jordan's famous free-throw line dunk in the 1988 Slam Dunk Contest.

When did Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys first launch?

The original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures launched in 1988 by Playmates Toys. The first wave featured the four turtles - Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo - along with Splinter, Shredder, April O'Neil, and Foot Soldiers. They became one of the best-selling toy lines of all time.

Was the Game Boy released in 1988?

The Nintendo Game Boy was actually released in Japan on April 21, 1989, and in North America on July 31, 1989. However, it was announced and heavily anticipated throughout 1988, making it a major topic of excitement for the Class of 1988.

The Class of 1988 | Acid House, Die Hard & 80s Nostalgia Time Capsule

The Tech

Revolutionary Gadgets That Changed Everything

ICONIC

NES

Nintendo Entertainment System

The console that saved video gaming. Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and countless classics defined a generation. 8-bit perfection.

Peak Year: 1988

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LEGENDARY

WALKMAN

Sony Sports Walkman

The iconic yellow waterproof portable cassette player. Take your mixtapes anywhere - the beach, the gym, or just walking down the street looking rad.

Released: 1988

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The Look

Acid Wash & Power Suits

POWER

BLAZER

Oversized Power Blazer

Shoulder pads that could take out an eye. The Wall Street look that said "I mean business" - paired with suspenders and slicked-back hair.

Yuppie Essential

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GRAIL

AIR JORDAN

Air Jordan 3

The shoe that saved Nike. Tinker Hatfield's masterpiece featuring the iconic elephant print and visible Air unit. MJ's favorite.

Released: Feb 1988

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RADICAL

DENIM

Acid Wash Denim

Bleached, faded, and absolutely everywhere. From jackets to jeans, acid wash was the ultimate expression of 80s excess.

Peak 80s

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The Fun

Toys & Games That Ruled the Playground

COWABUNGA!

TMNT

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Heroes in a half shell! The action figures that every kid had to have. Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo took over 1988.

Toy Line Launched: 1988

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COMING 1989

GAME BOY

Nintendo Game Boy

The future of portable gaming is almost here! Nintendo's handheld revolution launches next year. Get ready for Tetris on the go.

Coming: April 1989

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The Culture

Movies & Music That Defined a Generation

🎬 The Movies

ROGER

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Live-action meets animation in this groundbreaking noir comedy. "I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way."

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DIE HARD

Die Hard

John McClane vs. Hans Gruber at Nakatomi Plaza. The action movie that redefined the genre. Yippee-ki-yay!

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🎵 The Music

The Second Summer of Love

Acid House exploded from Chicago to the UK, bringing with it the iconic yellow smiley face, warehouse raves, and a musical revolution. The 303 bassline changed everything.

Acid Tracks - Phuture Voodoo Ray - A Guy Called Gerald Pacific State - 808 State

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