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During the 1980s, one cartoon series ruled the airwaves… TheTransformers. This paragon of consumerism was created with a dual purpose–to entertain and to galvanize children to buy the toys. Somewhere along the line, the show became a cult favorite, so in 1986 they fashioned an epic tale of good versus evil specifically for the big screen. The result looked vaguely like an animated remake of Star Wars. Who are the Transformers? The good guys are the Autobots: Optimus Prime, Jazz, Ultra Magnus, and many more. Their mortal enemies are the evil Decepticons, led by Megatron and StarScream. The Autobots must save their home planet from an evil entity known as Unicron (voiced by Orson Welles). At the same time, they must defend themselves from an all-out attack from the Decepticons. Along the way, lives are lost, battles are fought, and a new Autobot leader is born. The story and action never stop in a thrilling ride that often makes you forget that you’re watching an ’80s cartoon with inferior graphics. The violence will also come as a mild shock to those who haven’t seen this film for a while–definitely a movie for the 8 and over audience. For those who grew up on this series, this is a movie that must be watched. Unlike cartoon serials before and after, The Transformers relied on solid stories and interesting characters, a manifesto the film itself upholds with gusto and grace while also being morally responsible. Don’t underestimate this movie; there is definitely more to it than meets the eye. –Jeremy Storey more info
Transform
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This movie is one hour and twenty-four minutes long and was released on August 8, 1986. This movie is set between season two and three. We witness the deaths of Optimus Prime and Megatron and witness the births of Rodimus Prime and Galvatron. Overall the details of this movie, with a darker theme to it and a heavy metal music sound, make this a very excellent movie to watch. Also we are intruduced to some new characters like Kup, Blurr and Wheelie. I woudl recommend this to anyone.
Transformers: The Movie – 20th Anniversary Special Edition
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I actually grew up in the Beast Wars generation but my brothers loved the series so of course when this edition of the original movie came out my brother picked it up right away. He popped it in the dvd player and we sat down and watched it together. Lets just say I enjoyed it enough to go out and get my own copy of the movie (and the series). Watching it I was reminded of what cartoons are supposted to do. To bring enjoyment, to be funny, corny and all-in-all entertaining (something cartoon shows and movies seem to lack these days). Is the movie cheesy? Yes but it’s a movie I would gladly watch over and over again. The soundtrack is refreshing and often amusing, the jokes are corny and I found myself rolling my eyes more than twice.
The audio is clear and visuals are clean and crisp. This edition is completely remastered.
The commentary tracks are actually very amusing and interesting to listen to, there being one for director Nelson Shin, story editor Flint Dille and voice actress Susan Blu (Arcee) and another commentary by fans of the show. Other features include: The Autobot Matrix of Knowledge which is a feature that displays trivia and fun facts on the screen throughout the movie, the Autobot Matrix of Knowledge Presentation, original commercials for the toys and the movie, a sneak-peek of the 2007 live-action film (which isn’t new now but*srugs*) and a holographic (?) cover which changes from one set of characters to another (a refrense of the changes in seasons 3 and 4).
This is a great addition to anyone’s collection, whether you’re a newcomer or a long time fan.
I would have waited an eternity for this DVD…
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Transformers: the Movie was one of two animated feature films that were released in 1986 by DEG/Marvel/Sunbow entertainment, the other being G.I. Joe: the Movie. Both films had very similar plots (both written by Ron Friedman a series writer for the G.I. Joe cartoon), both served as a re-launch of the cartoon franchises, and both featured controversial major character death scenes that caused a minor blip on the radar of concerned parents everywhere. They also both featured a fair amount of big named actors doing voice-work (Transformers has Judd Nelson, Eric Idle, Robert Stack, Leonard Nimoy, and freaking Orson Welles, whereas G.I. Joe has Don Johnson and Sgt. Slaughter.) What sets Transformers apart is that it was released first which meant that it actually got into theatres un-edited whereas G.I. Joe didn’t fare so well (it was rushed to TV instead as a five part mini series with a new ending to ‘fix’ the original character death scene.)
I have to say, outside of not including the original cover art that I am pretty partial too, this is the best this film has ever looked (will probably ever look) and it’s accompanied by the best set of extras that pretty much anyone could hope for. The cover art isn’t all that bad. There are two separate covers for the flick that are printed on both sides of the insert so you can choose the version that you like the best, either with the original generation 1 characters or with the newer revamp characters that are introduced in the movie. When you consider that the original cover featured Ultra Magnus, it sort of makes a nice triptych of images with all the Autobot leaders featured. The DVD was also packaged with a special lenticular insert that lets you flip between the two images and is very reminiscent of the old Transformers sticker books. The other thing that I really like about the DVD is the artwork on the discs themselves and granted it’s a bit superficial, but it does illustrate that whoever worked on the packaging had the fans at heart. The discs creatively display both Unicron and the Matrix, utilizing the hole in the center of the disc.
Anyway, the actual film has been cleaned-up and the brightness of the color in the animation restored for the first time since it was theatrically released. Sony has also provided two versions of the film, both widescreen and full screen, which for this film is particularly important as the widescreen version (that was seen in theatres) is actually a cropped version of the film to attain the widescreen ratio. The full screen version that has been previously released on home video actually has the complete image that was intended for view by the animators (there is a version of the film floating around that was restored from either a test copy of the film or the original animation that has an even larger visible image area, but it’s all page runoff stuff that was never intended for view.) So for the first time in 20 years the film can be watched either as it was intended or as it was shown in theatres, which is pretty cool.
The DVD also features commentary by Nelson Shin, the director (which I haven’t listened to yet, but could be interesting or it could be worse than Warwick Davis’ commentary on Willow), as well as both a fan commentary and a ‘pop-up video-esque’ trivia feature, that probably has nothing new as far as info for hardcore fans, but is fun to have none the less. There’s also a slew of promo material like trailers, TV spots, animatics, and test footage as well as a few toy commercials from both the US and Japan. There’s also an episode from a Japan only Transformers spin-off, Scramble City with optional commentary.
Pretty much this DVD set has everything (outside of the music videos for a couple of the songs in the film) that a Transformers fan could every want out of a DVD release.
Till All Are One
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It’s hard to describe to people who are either under the age of 28 or over the age of 38 why this movie is one of the best ever made. This movie is more dear to me and truly describes my childhood more than any other 80’s movie. For those of us in the know, there is no matching this movie. Michael Bay’s pathetic attempt to capture the Transformers world doesn’t come close to this original low budget film with probably what I consider to be one of the greatest Movie soundtracks of all time.
Hearing the words “Megatron must be stopped no matter the cost” and then hearing that intro to “Touch” still gives me goose bumps and the scene that follows still makes me cry. In my opinion Optimus was, and still is, one of the greatest Hero’s of all time.
I just feel bad that kids today will never get to experience cartoons like this, the way we did. Running home from school to see Transformers, G.I. Joe, Thundercats, etc. For me personally, these cartoons are a big part of who I am today. The morals they instilled and the life lessons they taught will never be forgotten.
My First Piece of Transformers Merchandise
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
2 years ago I was walking around Wal-Mart looking at DVDs. I see a copy for 15 bucks and had to get it. This is a great movie. The only part that makes me shudder is the Death of Optimus Prime. But he does come back in season 3. My favorite part is when Galvatron and Hot Rod fight. But the most powerful moment is when Rodimus Prime opens the Matrix. I always watch disc 2 beacause of Full-Screen and it shows old G1 toy commercials. It shows the Constructicons, Insecticons, Powermaster Optimus Prime, Blaster, and Soundwave. It also shows Japanese Scramble City commercials for Galvatron, Ultra Magnus, and Rodimus Prime. The Ultra Magnus isn’t the Diaclone. The Diaclone was orange, blue, and purple (or black). So I love this movie and you will too.
The Movie
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
A theatrical version of the cartoon which changed everything. The death of Optimus Pre really sent the cartoon downward for the reminder that it was on. Still a great cartoon movie.
The Best Movie Of the 80’s!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This movie is the best and the craziest movie that ever came out on vhs for transformers. Optimus Prime dying, Megatron becoming Galvatron, Galvatron being destroyed, and the always remembered, epic battle against Unicron. This movie is great and i hate that you can only go up to 5 stars. This is definetly a movie you would want to add to your Transformers collection. Comment and please rate! Thanks for reading!!
cursing in this 80’s hit movie
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
For those who jest cant get over the part that there was some cursing in this 80’s hit movie please consider that there’s was more of that in the live action movie. The same live action movie that you took your stupid little brats to see!!!!!…. get over it! i bet you freak out when bugs bunny dress in Drag too!
22 years old and still holding strong
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Recently, my 12 & 11 yr old sons wanted to go see Transformers 2. But, they insisted I see T1 first. So we rented it then went to the theatre. After viewing both T1 & T2 I remembered their was an ORIGINAL Transformers. They (and all their friends) watched the ORIGINAL twice a day for 2 weeks. Amazing!!!
never received it
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
i ordered it, never received it, long story either mail problems or seller negligence but i gave it five stars because its the best movie in the whole world.