This section is for reviews of Transformers cartoons and movies on DVD. This exciting format gives us a chance to see or favorite episodes in amazing sound and picture quality, well in most cases...

Transformers: The Movie (US Release)

If there is one thing I can remember about my childhood, its watching this movie over and over again. There was just something about Transformers the Movie (TFTM) that drew me to it. It might have been the great animation or maybe it was just seeing Grimlock slap Wheelie upside the head, but I watched this movie constantly! Unfortunately, I never went to see this movie in the theater, and my VHS and Beta copies of it were far from perfect. So I've been really looking forward to getting a copy of it on DVD. To finally see the movie with a clear crisp picture and great sound, was something I've been waiting for. With the US DVD of TFTM being released, we now have a chance to see the movie the way it was meant to be. MOVIE It is the year 2005. The treacherous Decepticons have conquered the Autobots home planet of Cybertron. But, from secret staging grounds on two of Cybertron's moons the valiant Autobots prepare to retake their home land... So begins this chapter in the Transformers saga. This movie was intended to be an epic film, very Star Wars like, unfortunately it wasn't quite as epic nor as popular. But it was something completely different at the time, an animated movie that graphically portrayed war, death, and 80's rock. Of course it was essentially a 90 minute commercial to sell toys, but its still very entertaining! In the name of marketing the movie introduces a ton of new characters, unfortunately it kills off a lot of old favorites in order to make room. Still, its an action packed movie with great animation and some big name voice actors. The movie takes place about two decades after the second season of the TV series. A lot has changed, Spike has grown up and has a kid, the Autobots have lost the battle for Cybertron. Some things remain the same however. Megatron goes about plotting against the Autobots to destroy them once and for all, and yes this time there shots can kill each other! The beginning of this movie is simply remarkable. With the intro of a planet-like robot named Unicron completely consuming a small planet and then the action quickly switches to an all out battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. It is a pretty fast paced movie, with only a few scenes of strait dialog. Some good plot might have been sacrificed because of this but its still really fun to watch. Towards the second half of the movie the focus switches almost completely to all new characters. The characters end up in some pretty interesting worlds fighting bizarre creatures, and in the end they all converge for one climatic battle! The version of TFTM on this DVD is the unedited version. So yes it includes Spike's swear, and also doesn't have those annoying Star Wars credits or mention of Optimus Prime coming back at the end. On the technical standpoint of this movie, the animation is top notch. Back in 86' this was probably the some of the best cel animation seen in the North America. There are some scenes where the animation is completely remarkable, and would probably never be attempted without the aid of computers today. The movie does take a few unneeded turns, introduces a few annoying characters, but we all love it just the same. Its Transformers at its best; dynamic, action packed, and funny in its own way. Its a true classic, and in the world of Transformers, this is one of the top dogs... OUT OF FIVE Video The transfer of this movie simply shines. Rhino actually remastered the video making it look almost like a brand new movie. The colors are crisp an vibrant and the picture is crystal clear. The only problem is some small dust and scratches that appear on the picture from time to time, but they don't detract from the movie at all. It also has a great looking animated menu. A image of Prime from the movie appears in the background surrounded by the menu options. The chapter index also displays animated previews of each chapter. A very impressive transfer and menu system gives this DVD top marks. OUT OF FIVE Audio Finally the movie is in Surround Sound! Its a treat to be able to crank the movie and clearly hear the battle scenes. The music is also greatly improved in this release, with even the cheesiest songs sounding good. The sound isn't perfect though, it falls short in a lot of sequences like those with Unicron where the sound should be booming. Also when the music, voices and sound-effects are in conflict, one will always grow quiter to accomdate the others. This wouldn't be a problem if there was a better balance in the sound, the way it is now its very noticable. Still this is nitpicking, the movie sounds great and is an enormous improvement over previously releases. OUT OF FIVE Extras Unfortunately the one thing there isn't a lot of is extras, but the two that were included are pretty cool. The first one is a great collection of 32 Storyboards. Each Storyboard panel is the size of the screen so you can take a good look at them. Most of the storyboards feature scenes that never made it too the movie, giving you a look at how parts of it were originally intended. There is also a extensive interview with composer Vince Dicola. The interview runs about ten minutes, giving him time to discuss everything from how he got hired to score the film to performing at Transformers Conventions. Some might find this interview interesting, but most will find it unbearable or will get a good laugh at poor Vince's expense. Cartoons, including Transformers, will probably never have many extras when they come to DVD. So this is probably the best we'll ever see for a TF DVD. OUT OF FIVE Overall Rhino certainly put some work into this DVD and it shows. This movie looks and sounds so amazing you'll totally forget that your just watching a feature lenghth commercial. If Rhino could have found a few more extras to throw in, like the previously announced toy commercials, this would have been a perfect DVD. Overall a great DVD definately worth picking up, its a fun flick for both Transfans, or those who just enjoy a good action or animated movie. And in this format its better than ever! If your looking to buy this movie you can find it at most Suncoast and Electronic Beautique stores in the US, as well as Amazon.com for a pretty reasonable price. OUT OF FIVE

Transformers The Movie Canadian Release Release Date 2000 Distributer Rhino Rating PG Running Time 90min Sound 5.1 Surround sound English Aspect Ratio Full Frame Screen capture images courtesy of Seibertron.com

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