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TF:TM Ultimate Edition DVD Review

Date: Monday, June 4th 2007 9:19pm CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Movie Related News, Reviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Hotrod | Credit(s): Chris McFeely

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Our own Chris McFeely has stopped by. He has posted a review of Metrodome's THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE – ULTIMATE EDITION DVD. Here is his review:

THE TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE – ULTIMATE EDITION
Dir: Nelson Shin
Cert: PG
Starring: Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack, Lionel Stander, Eric Idle, Orson Welles, Peter Cullen, Frank Welker

FEATURE

Yeah. It’s the movie. You know it, I know it. That’s not what we’re here for. Let’s move on.

VIDEO

THIS is what we’re here for.

This is Metrodome’s second shot at properly releasing the movie – leaving aside cheapie budget versions that have nothing about them worth speaking of, their previous effort was “Transformers: The Movie – Reconstructed,” which aimed to show every millimetre of footage that was animated by peeling aside the edges of the screen to reveal it. This resulted in a rather misjudged “curtained” image which was fine for widescreen-television owners, but shafted those with regular-size sets. Additionally, the image was taken from the original negative, but was inadvertently converted to NTSC before being converted to PAL, resulting in a badly interlaced image. The colour balance of the thing was all over the place, and the picture was very soft – I recall speaking fairly well of it when it came out, but time has opened my eyes to its flaws.

This “Ultimate Edition” of the film takes it cue from Sony’s 20th Anniversary release last year, which featured a newly-remastered widescreen version of the film, to replicate its original theatrical presentation. This time, Metrodome have succeeded in making a PAL transfer directly from the negative, resulting in smooth video (which, due to PAL speedup, runs a few minutes faster than viewers will be used to, and while the faster speed is not noticeable to my eyes or ears, the quality it brings with it is) that is sharper in Sony’s, with colours that I would describe as... “cooler,” but for the most part, more “correct” to my eyes. Most notably, of course, Hot Rod is no longer the bubblegum-pink of Sony’s version.

All I can do is echo the sentiments of all the other professional reviews that have compared the two, and say that this is the best that the movie has ever looked on DVD.

AUDIO

The audio for the Reconstructed DVD was also a bodge-job, thanks to Magno Sound, who were responsible for adding all those extra noises to the series DVD boxsets (from both Rhino and Metrodome), and did it again for the movie – on both the 5.1 and 2.0 audio tracks. For the Ultimate Edition, the Reconstructed audio was dissected with a fine-toothed comb, and while not every sound could be removed (otherwise it, uh, wouldn’t be 5.1), the most offensive, inappropriate offenders have been ganked the hell out of there. This includes, but is not limited to, those insufferable, overbearing “sizzling whipcracks” that were all over the place in the series, and the pop-gun banging of Prime’s gun. It’s still not QUITE perfect, mind you, because the levels seem not to have been modified following the removal of these sounds – consequently, the actual sound of Prime’s gun is very low.

There is, however, a completely unmolested 2.0 track to enjoy, with nary an extra zip or zap in sight. That’s how I’ll be watching it!

PACKAGING AND PACK-INS

The movie is available in both a single-disc and a two-disc version.

The single disc is packaged in a standard DVD case, with a rather artsy cover image that’s a paintbrushed version of the image of Optimus Prime that Andrew Wildman drew for the Season 1 box set. This version – I don’t have it, so I’m not 100% on this – does not have any extra features beyond the remastered picture and the two audio tracks. It is simply labelled as a “special edition.”

The two-disc set is the “Ultimate Edition.” It consists of a metal case, decorated with the above-mentioned illustration, which opens to reveal a standard DVD case with a different sleeve, bearing the original UK movie poster artwork. This is awesome. It’s nothing against Don Figueroa, but when I look at the Sony set, or the Australian release that he also provided a cover for, it just looks *wrong* to me to have this stylized, modern artwork appearing on the cover of a release of a twenty-year-old film. I’ve always preferred the use of the original poster artwork, be it US or UK, for releases of the movie, and this tin-and-case combo balances new and classic art in just the right way to keep me merry.

Depending on where you buy the two-disc set, there could be one of several different bonuses in store for you when you open the case. Buying it from Play.Com will net you a set of three postcards commemorating the different movie artwork – one displays the US poster, the second the UK poster, and the third the Ultimate Edition cover art. Snag it from HMV, and you’ll find that the sleeve is reversible, with the US artwork on the other side. Pick it up from Virgin, and there’s a set of art cards waiting for you, displaying various images from the film. Woolworths and Toys R US include posters with their versions, but I’ve not seen these, so I don’t know what they’re of.

The set comes with a sixteen-page booklet written by me (I assume this isn’t included with the single-disc version). It serves as an overview of the movie and the DVD, beginning with a personal introduction, then a discussion of the remastering of the video and audio, and a four page “essay” on the making of the movie, discussing the production, writing, animation, actors, soundtrack and distribution. After this, there’s a section on where the movie falls in the chronology of the series, summarising each of the seasons, ending with an explanation of what Scramble City is (it’s included as an extra feature), and thanks from me and Metrodome to various good chaps. In general, as with the commentary discussed below, my aim with the booklet was to put the information across in a clear and descriptive manner and without “familiarity,” if you know what I mean, so that newbies and nostalgics inspired to buy by the live-action movie can read it and understand it without being baffled by terminology or the tendency to take certain things as read, as hardcore fans do, while at the same time, discussing topics and trivia that not even regular online contributors may be aware of.

I also wrote a large selection of actor biographies/filmographies, but there wasn’t room in the booklet for them. I’m told they might appear on the website – www.transformersdvd.com – at some point.

MENUS

After the copyright stuff at the start of the disc, the traditional Metrodome logo has been replaced with a Transformers logo, rendered like the live-action movie logo, as if it were tarnished metal (the same effect is employed on the DVD cover), which then “transforms”, like the logo in the LAM trailer, into the word “Metrodome.” This is cute. I like it. :)

The menus themselves are fairly simply affairs with clips of the movie running in the centre, and a lot of geometric shapes for buttons that are not *entirely* intuitive. They’re not stunningly attractive, but they are functional, and while not as intricate or impressive and Sony’s shifting design, I’ll take actual footage of the movie over Sony’s use of purse-grabbing Dreamwave art for reasons very similar to those discussed above over the cover.

EXTRAS

The meat and potatoes of it all.

DISC 1

This disc includes a feature-length audio commentary by me. It’s a pretty breathless experience, as I just had *so* much stuff laid out in my notes in front of me that I didn’t have time to let up anywhere. No slight against those that participated in the Sony commentary track, but I felt that it fell into the trap I discussed above – the tendency to be very “familiar”, talking not just about the movie, but Transformers as a whole, as if all the listeners are automatically informed about all of it, and will know what “Diaclone” is, and other such things that are not the province of Joe Public, with the presence of multiple commentators preventing them from dwelling on any one topic long enough to get really specific about it. I go out of my way to begin the whole affair by summarising the creation of the Transformers toyline, going through G.I. Joe, Henshin Cyborg, Microman, Diaclone and MicroChange, so that viewers will understand what I’m talking about when I refer to them, and I always make sure to clarify what characters I’m talking about by saying something like “Dirge, the blue cone-headed jet,” given how few of them are actually named in the film. It’s a very concentrated effort to make the commentary open to everyone, to not confuse those who aren’t as informed as fans on message boards, but at the same time, to include lots of obscure facts, trivia and anecdotes that will ensure that even informed fans get something out of it.

At least, uh, I hope. /: )

Next on the list is a familiar feature from the Reconstructed list of extras – a compare-and-contrast of the differences between the US and UK versions, offering clips of the opening, closing and Spike’s expletive. Twelve TV spots for the movie follow (in contrast to Sony’s eight), alongside the US theatrical trailer and the Japanese “trade trailer” with Diaclone Magnus. Both Sony and Metrodome include the “final title check” and “cinex check” reels, the former featuring the Superman-style flying text cast credits, and the latter featuring several animation effects, including a “clean open” version of Laserbeak’s approach to Cybertron, without text.

After that, there are a selection of character biographies – these appeared previously on the Reconstructed disc, and actually come from the Australian release, but whereas Reconstructed just literally cropped the screens of text and pasted them in, background and all, this version reproduces the text with a new design. Profiles included are for Arcee, Blurr, Hot Rod, Kup, Springer, Ultra Magnus, Brawn, Ironhide, Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ratchet, Wheeljack, Windcharger, Cyclonus, Galvatron, Scourge, Bombshell, Kickback, Megatron, Shrapnel, Skywarp, Starscream, Thundercracker and Unicron. The presence of so many unimportant characters, only included to give a sort of “book of the dead” side to the profiles, is sort of bothersome when characters like Wreck-Gar, Grimlock and Perceptor go unmentioned, as is the sweeping statement that Skywarp unequivocally became Cyclonus, or the *ridiculous* notion that one of Galvatron’s weaknesses is a “reliance on Unicron,” but overall, they’re as nice as they ever were.

The final extra on this disc is a rather nifty little trailer that Metrodome created to promote this DVD release.

DISC 2

As I haven’t mentioned it before, this would be a good time to point out that this disc features the original, fullscreen version of the film. It is an unremastered version, the same version included on those budget releases you can pick up for £2 in any store, hence it is entirely unremarkable – kinda dark, but watchable anyway, and certainly nicer looking that the fullscreen version on the Sony disc, where the colours are all *over* the place. What is notable is that is it the UK version of the film, with the opening text crawl, no swear and Caroli’s closing narration, thereby making both versions of the movie available in one set. Nice!

After this, the disc includes a 25-minute interview featurette with story consultant Flint Dille, then a 20-minute video of Peter Cullen’s Q&A session from… I don’t know what convention this is from, I’m afraid, but the video comes courtesy of Evantainment.Com. Both men talk about their history in the industry and their involvement in Transformers, coming across as likeable blokes, with Cullen getting emotional in a few spots.

The next feature is Scramble City, the big draw of which is that – unlike Sony’s version – it contains the original Japanese audio and subtitles, as well as a new commentary from me. The subs, it must be said, are “hard” subs, permanently on-screen, which cannot be turned off – I believe this is a rip of that bootleg that goes about. The subs are functional, conveying the action and intent decently, and thankfully, were already translated into English terminology, talkin’ about Optimus Prime, Autobots, Decepticons, etc, rather than Convoy, Cybertrons and Destrons. I don’t think they use an apostrophe correctly in all 30 minutes, though. VERY disappointingly, however, something has gone horribly wrong with the video. The individual disc I received of the episode during production of the DVD was of the same sort of quality as the version included on Sony’s – however, somewhere between that disc and the final release, the video has become washed out and greenish throughout, looking like a bad VHS dump. I mean, yeeeeah, audio and subs, but… what *happened*? I’m playing detective on this one right now…

Next on the list is the “Alternative and Deleted Footage” also seen on Sony’s disc – a lot of stunningly unremarkable footage that is either missing some luminous effects or small overlays, or not immediately distinguishable from the finished affair, and then the sole second or two of ACTUAL deleted footage that has been uncovered. This has no audio, so I provide some colour commentary, as Paul Hitchens did on the Sony disc... there is not a lot to say, so I try to spice it up by talking about how the luminous effects are created and such things.

The first theatrical trailer for the live-action movie is also included here, as opposed to the Mars Rover teaser on the Sony disc. After that, the animated storyboards feature on the Sony disc, courtesy of Paul Hitchens, put in an appearance here, with storyboard stills of Hot Rod and Daniel’s fishing sequence, the Decepticon attack on Autobot City and Optimus Prime and Megatron’s battle set to the audio of the finished sequences, as well as one “deleted scene,” when Magnus, Tracks, Sideswipe and Red Alert attack Devastator, and Red buys it. Also featured on the disc are the original movie script (the ACTUAL original script, featuring all the wacky stuff that didn’t get into the finished movie, not the transcript included on Reconstructed), and the “5.1 breakdown” I made singling out all the added noises from the Reconstructed audio. Beware of snideness!

OVERALL

The disc offers a superior video presentation to Sony’s, so that is a major plus to it. Beyond that, it really comes down to a battle of the extra features, and what is present and what is not. Metrodome’s version lacks some extras that Sony has, due to the dissolution of Sony BGM making their acquisition challenging, but features some of their own unique extras which Sony did not have. For starters, the Flint Dille, Nelson Shin and Susan Blu commentary is absent, as are the collection of featurettes with that trio, Jay Bacal and Tom Griffin – however, Dille was the only real reason to listen to the commentary, and he covers the same basic stuff in his interview (unique to Metrodome’s version), while the inclusion of a Peter Cullen segment is a worthy substitute for any featurette, given his complete absence from the Sony disc (also, I’m not afraid to mention that I culled a bunch of stuff out of the featurettes for use in the commentary, so a chunk of what was talked about in there is already covered on the set in some way). Sony also included some toy commercials and a gallery of production art that are not here, but Metrodome features the original script, more TV spots, audio and subs for Scramble City and two different versions of the movie. I don’t really think that any one selection of extras is particular better than the other – Sony has some good things Metrodome don’t, Metrodome has some good things Sony don’t. This one’s a judgement call for all y’all out there, but if you’re basing it on the video, then Metrodome wins.

The History of Transformers Cross-Overs

Date: Wednesday, April 12th 2006 10:10pm CDT
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Hotrod

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The Transformers franchise has been involved with cross-promotions in the last year with more to come. The cross-over most fans are familiar with are the Transformers and G.I. Joe cross-overs since there have been so many. In the West (the United States, Canada, South America, Australia, and Europe) G.I. Joe is not the only franchise to have a tie in with the Transformers. A few other properties have joined forces in with our favorite robots in disguise in the past. Meanwhile, there are still some joint ventures in the present that appear will be being carried on into the future.

Marvel Comics - Part One

The first ever cross-over or team up with the Transformers occurred early when the Transformers franchise was just beginning when Marvel Comics began publishing the Transformer in 1984. In the third issue of the Transformers, "Prisoner of War", one of Marvel’s most popular characters web slung his way into the Transformers comic book. Spiderman only appeared in the one issue. The appearance of Spiderman would later seem odd since the Transformer Universe would get separated from the rest of the Marvel Universe. However, the introduction of everyone’s friendly neighborhood Spiderman in the third issue would start a trend that is continuing today, Transformers and cross-overs. Spiderman and the Transformer though have never crossed paths since.

The next franchise to team up with the Transformers would be the most famous cross-over to date, and one that has been done many times since. The G.I. Joe franchise was the next brand that joined with the Transformers franchise. This move made a lot of sense at the time of its conception. Hasbro owned the rights to both Transformers and G.I. Joe. Another factor that helped bring both Transformers and G.I. Joe together was the fact that Marvel was publishing comics for both franchises. Also at the time both were wildly popular.

The first comic book team up of the Transformers and G.I. Joe occurred in 1987 when Marvel comics released a four part mini-series. This series was important for many reasons. It placed both Transformers and G.I. Joe squarely in the same Universe. What took place in the mini-series had an effect on what happened in later issues of both G.I. Joe and the Transformers.

Later in 1987 Marvel UK launched their own five part series entitled "Ancient Relics" witch had the Transformers join forces with the United Kingdom’s G.I. Joe counterpart at the time, Action Force. Action Force, led by Flint, would team up with Centurion, and the Autobots Blades and Grimlock to take on a crazed Megatron who had suddenly returned. (It is later revealed that it was not the real Megatron but a clone Megatron inhabited by Straxus.)

The next time Transformers and G.I. Joe would combine forces would be in 1993. In 1993 Marvel began to publish a new Transformers comic titled Transformers: Generation 2, G2 that would pick up where the previous run left off. Before the new comic started the reintroduction of the Transformers would take place in the G.I. Joe comics 138 through 142. During this run Megatron made a deal with Cobra Commander. Cobra would rebuild and upgrade Megatron, in return Megatron would provide Cobra with Cybertronian technology. The result ended with Megatron having a new body, his G2 form. A small group of Autobots would team up with G.I. Joe to try and stop Megatron. These events would lead directly into the Transformers: Generation 2 comic with some members of G.I. Joe appearing.

Transformers Meets A Real American Hero. Again.

The next cross-over would not occur for another ten years. In 2003 both the Transformers and G.I. Joe comics were no longer published by Marvel comics. G.I. Joe was and is currently published by Devil’s Due. In 2002 the Transformers started to be published by Dreamwave Comics. In 2003 both companies would take their own shot at doing a cross-over involving the two brands.

The first to publish the cross-over was Devil’s Due. Devil’s Due put together a six issue series that started in June of 2003 and ended in December of 2003. The series was titled simply "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers". The series rewrote the entire history for both G.I. Joe and the Transformers. Both of the continuities were merged from the beginning with this mini-series.

Not to be out done Dreamwave released their own mini-series. In September of 2003 Dreamwave launched a six issue run call "Transformers/G.I. Joe". The saga would end in March of 2004. Dreamwave took a different approach then Devil’s Due. "Transformers/G.I. Joe" took place during World War II. The story took place in its own continuity and did not have any impact on the existing continuities.

In 2004 both Devil’s Due and Dreamwave would publish follow ups to their earlier Transformers and G.I. Joe team ups. Devil’s Due started to publish "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II". This was a direct follow up to "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers". The series lasted for four issues.

In September of 2004 Dreamwave was planning to publish their last Transformers and G.I. Joe cross-over. The mini-series was titled "Transformers/G.I. Joe Volume 2: Divided Front". The "Transformers/G.I. Joe Volume 2: Divided Front" story was set to be told in a total of five issues. Like "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II" was a follow up to "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers", "Transformers/G.I. Joe Volume 2: Divided Front" was a follow up to "Transformers/G.I. Joe". Dreamwave’s take on the Transformers and G.I. Joe was scheduled to end in February 2005 but, only one issue was ever published before Dreamwave went out of business.

In March 2006, Devil’s Due started to publish their third and latest installment of their G.I. Joe and Transformers saga. It is titled "G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers III: The Art of War" and is a direct follow up to G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II". The series is set to span five issues.

G.I.Bots The Cartoon

G.I. Joe has had an influence on Transformers outside of the realm of comic books. In season three of the original Transformers cartoon a couple of G.I. Joe related characters made appearances. The first to do so was Marissa Fairborn. Marissa Fairborn is the daughter of Dashiell Fairborn. Dashiell is a member of G.I. Joe and has the code name Flint. Marissa appeared in seven episodes in Transformers season three. She first appeared in "Five Faces of Darkness" parts 3, 4, and 5, episodes 68-70. Marissa Fairborn then showed up in episodes 71, "The Killing Jar", 76, "Forever is a Long Time Coming", and 90, "Money is Everything". Her last appearance was in episode 92, "The Burden Hardest to Bear".

The other G.I. Joe character to appear in the Transformers cartoon in season three was none other then Cobra Commander. He appeared in episode 88, "Only Human". In this episode Cobra Commander helped capture Rodimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Springer, and Arcee and removed their minds from their bodies and placing them in human bodies. He would then try to use the Autobots' robot bodies to attack Autobot City and destroy the other Autobots. Ultimately the plot was foiled.

Transformers and G.I. Joe have never had any official toy cross-overs with the exception of one prototype from the early 1990s. In 2004, however, G.I. Joe would have an impact on the Transformers toy line at the time, Transformers Energon. The first figure inspired by G.I. Joe was the Decepticon Snowcat. The G.I. Joe Snowcat was the inspiration for both his alternate mode and name. Energon Snowcat was released in different colors in 2005 as Transformers Universe Snowcat. Energon Kicker is another figure inspired by G.I. Joe. He was made in the same fashion as the 3 ¾ inches G.I. Joe figures of the time.

Marvel Comics - Part Two: Other Characters

Another popular character who had a cross-over with the Transformers was Death’s Head. He appeared in over thirty-one issues of Marvel UK Transformers. His first appearance was Marvel UK’s Transformers 113- "Wanted Galvatron Dead or Alive (part 1). Death’s Head would play a role in helping defeat Galvatron when he went back in time and later Unicron in the story arch "Legacy of Unicron".

There has even been a case when a character from the Transformers has made an appearance in another comic. A lesser known Transformer character Circuit Breaker, Josie Beller, is one such character. Even though she was not an Autobot or Decepticon, Circuit Breaker was an important character in Marvel’s Transformers. Her origins began in the Transformers issue 5-"The New Order". She would end up playing an important role in the Marvel Universe which was odd because by this time Marvel’s Transformer Universe was supposed to be separate from the rest of the Marvel Universe. Circuit Breaker would convince the Beyonder, who was taking control of all the multiple Earths down to their molecular level, to relinquish control in Secret Wars II issue 3. She was able to do so when she met the Beyonder and praised him for his rule. While doing so, she told him she did not like robots because they had no free will. This caused the Beyonder to rethink his actions and release control of the Earths.

Star Wars Transformers - A New Hope

The newest franchise to intermingle with the Transformers is the very popular Star Wars brand. This was unexpected by many fans. Hasbro has combined the two franchises in a sense in a toy line called Star Wars Transformers. The line is base on Star Wars vehicles that transform into characters from the Star Wars Universe. Thus far the line has been popular and there are more releases planned.

Both brands will soon be doing battle with one another in Hasbro’s Attacktix series. Starting in August 2006 Transformers Attacktix figures will be available to go along with the currently available Star Wars Attacktix figures. Hasbro will also be releasing special Attacktix Star Wars vs. Transformers Intergalactic Showdown Pack that will include six figures including both Darth Vader and Optimus Prime.

The Future Of Transformers Crossovers

What the future holds as far as cross-overs and Transformers goes no one knows for sure. One thing is for sure, there are bound to be some more down the line and as long as they are successful. Hasbro will continue to pair the Transformers with other brands as long as there is an audience to be reached. So keep your eyes open, you never know who the Transformers will cross paths with next.

I would like to thank the following sources:
SEIBERTRON.com Vector Sigma Database, Hasbro, and www.Marvunapp.com

Hasbro Transformers CYBERTRON Press Release

Date: Friday, February 18th 2005 8:52am CST
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Seibertron

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TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Line Brings New Storyline to Hasbro’s Iconic Brand

Feb 18, 2005

Hasbro Builds Upon TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS Line of Vehicles Based on Popular Car Brands


TRANSFORMERS fans have a lot to look forward to in 2005 as Hasbro launches the latest installment to the TRANSFORMERS saga – TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON features a compelling story full of intrigue and surprise that will remind fans what it means to be “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE”!


CYBERTRON, home planet of both TRANSFORMERS factions, is in danger. In order to save it from certain destruction, OPTIMUS PRIME will lead the AUTOBOTS on an intergalactic scavenger hunt to lost planets to find four ancient CYBER PLANET KEYS. But MEGATRON and the nefarious DECEPTICONS will be hot on their heels, trying to steal the CYBER PLANET KEYS and harness their power for evil. These four CYBER PLANET KEYS are the AUTOBOTS only hope, as they have the power to unlock CYBERTRON itself, and make their home planet into the one TRANSFORMERS robot powerful enough to shut down the black hole that threatens the entire universe!


A new line of toys based on TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will help kids bring the action of the newest chapter in the TRANSFORMERS universe to life. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will launch during the summer of 2005 in conjunction with the debut of the new Cartoon Network animated series. Hasbro’s line will feature a broad array of action figures that range from basic to “supreme” versions. Hasbro is also introducing new TRANSFORMERS figures that have a “triple-change” feature to convert them into three modes instead of the traditional two. TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON will be available in July for between $6.99-49.99. They are recommended for kids ages 5 and up.


In addition, Hasbro continues its popular TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS line of highly detailed and realistic authentically licensed vehicles that can be changed into the robot modes of favorite TRANSFORMERS characters.


As we look beyond 2005, Hasbro has teamed up with DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures to develop a live-action motion picture based on the TRANSFORMERS franchise. Steven Spielberg will executive produce, and Lorenzo di Bonaventura (“Constantine”), Don Murphy (“The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) and Tom DeSanto (“X-Men” and “X2: X-Men United”) are attached to produce. The film is slated for release in the summer of 2006. Stay tuned for more exciting details about the first live-action TRANSFORMERS movie.


Highlights of Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS product line includes:


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON ”SUPREME CLASS” FIGURE

(Approximate retail price: $49.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Supreme Class STARCREAM figure is the most challenging foe the AUTOBOT forces have ever seen! The evil STARSCREAM figure, second in command of the DECEPTICONS, stands at more than 14-inches and converts from robot to jet, features lights and battle sounds, and comes with a gold crown of leadership. STARSCREAM includes two CYBER PLANET KEYS, unlocking two different mechanical features. First, a hidden sword that swings out from underneath his right arm. Second, a projectile launcher that swings out from underneath his left arm.


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “LEADER CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $39.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Leader Class assortment includes the two main characters from the new CYBERTRON animated series that each have a triple-change feature and can be changed into three different modes instead of the traditional two! AUTOBOTS leader, OPTIMUS PRIME, converts from robot, to truck, and then to flight mode, creating the greatest OPTIMUS PRIME ever created! The figure’s CYBER PLANET KEY feature reveals a hidden weapon to defeat the evil DECEPTICONS. The MEGATRON figure converts from robot, to vehicle, and then to jet mode, and includes a spinning hand weapon and CYBER PLANET KEY activation to aid in his quest to defeat the heroic OPTIMUS PRIME and his AUTOBOT forces! Both also feature electronic lights and battle sounds.


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “ULTRA CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $24.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Ultra Class assortment features some of the coolest lead characters in the new animated series and introduces the CYBER PLANET KEY activation features that produce flip-up wings, 3-headed dragon modes, projectile launching and additional fun play. Included in the assortment are JETFIRE, second in command of the AUTOBOTS and commander of the AUTOBOTS air forces; and SCOURGE, a wicked 3-headed dragon that rules the Jungle Planet with a vicious trans-metal claw.


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “VOYAGER CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFOMERS Voyager Class assortment features two new characters from the TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON series -- CRUMPLEZONE, the strong and speedy DECEPTICON, and VECTOR PRIME, the wise and ancient TRANSFORMERS character that aides in the quest for the CYBER PLANET KEYS. Both come with CYBER PLANET KEYS that reveal cool hidden features and various accessories!


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON DELUXE Figures

(Approximate retail price: $9.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS Deluxe assortment features six new figures – HOT SHOT, DIRT BOSS, THUNDERCRACKER, LANDMINE, RED ALERT, and OVERRIDE. Each come with a CYBER PLANET KEY that reveals awesome activated features to enhance all your fun TRANSFORMERS play.


TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON “SCOUT CLASS” FIGURES

(Approximate retail price: $6.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

The TRANSFORMERS Scout Class assortment features six new figures – OVERHAUL, RANSACK, SCATTORSHOT, CLOCKER, HARDTOP, and the RECON MINI-CON TEAM – JOLT, SIX SPEED, and REVERB. Except for the RECON MINI-CON TEAM, each Scout Class assortment character comes with a CYBER PLANET KEY that reveals awesome activated features to enhance all your fun TRANSFORMERS play!


TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS

(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Recommended for ages 5 & up)

TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS are 1:24 scale vehicles have rubber-look tires and adjustable seats for an incomparable authenticity! The line is refreshed throughout the year with new additions. The following TRANSFORMERS ALTERNATORS will be available during Spring 2005: Ford Mustang GT/GRIMLOCK; Jeep Wrangler Offroad/SWINDLE; Honda S2000/WINDCHARGER; Chevrolet Corvette 2-BATTLE RAVAGE; Mazda RX-8 Race SHOCKBLAST.

Figuring out Don Figueroa

Date: Sunday, January 18th 2004 9:19pm CST
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Seibertron

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Views: 49,745

Written by Supreme Convoy

Almost a year ago, I interviewed Don Figueroa about the first volume of the amazing War Within mini-series. Now Don’s career has taken another leap as the artist for the ongoing Transformers: G1 series written by Brad Mick which hits comic book stores January. And once again he’s taken a moment to answer questions about his life and work.

Supreme Convoy: First of all I gotta say how much I enjoyed the look of your work evolve. To be honest, I remember looking at the humans in Macromasters and they look a bit "fake." But I can see in the GI Joe vs. Transformers #1 cover you nailed the GI Joe crew.

Don Figueroa: That was a Jam-piece, I only did the TFs, and Dan Norton did the Joes/Cobra. Glad to know what you really think of my work though :(

Supreme Convoy: Oops, guess I was mistaken on that one :(

So how has your life changed since working with Dreamwave? Has it become a "rock star" lifestyle or still a "starving artist" lifestyle?

Don Figueroa: More of a hermit. But besides the lack of human contact. I'm glad I have a job that I enjoy working on. I guess the only down-side is that I'm stuck in the house more than usual.

Supreme Convoy: How did it feel to have completed a series like War Within that seems to be an instant fan favorite to whomever reads it?

Don Figueroa: Glad to hear people enjoyed it. I'm really proud of that series and I hope I get to do another one that is as successful.

Supreme Convoy: After the success of War Within, have other publishers asked you for projects? I'd like to see your work on a superhero book, maybe even Iron Man for obvious reasons.

Don Figueroa: I'd like to work on Iron Man someday, but it's been a while since I've read the comic. But for now, I'm happy working on Transformers.

Supreme Convoy: Is it a bit weird to see your artwork on Transformers merchandise like shirts, books, DVD covers?

Don Figueroa: Not really, I haven't seen much of my work in other merchandise. I did do a cover for the TF:TM DVD for the Australian release, but that's it. I haven't seen a shirts or anything like that with my artwork. There's probably a few out there though.

Supreme Convoy: What are you most looking forward to on the G1 series?

Don Figueroa: Just getting to work on the originals is great. There's no pressure of having to redesign them.

Supreme Convoy: And I'm assuming there'll be many easter eggs in the series just like you did in War Within?

Don Figueroa: Most Likely. Keep an eye on them

Supreme Convoy: Is there any particular reason why you weren't on board for War Within II? Was it because you were already signed on the ongoing G1 series?

Don Figueroa: Yeah, and because I was already working on Armada: Worlds Collide.

Supreme Convoy: Oh, and I have to say I enjoy the designs you did for GI Joe vs. Transformers and War Within II, especially with Skyfire who looks a lot like Strikefire from Macromasters.

Don Figueroa: Thanks. I'm always proud of that design.

Supreme Convoy: What can we expect to see in the new G1 series? Perhaps introducing new characters?

Don Figueroa: It's really up to Brad. If he wants to introduce a new bot. That's cool. I'm always up for it.

Supreme Convoy: Can you give us a quick rundown on the ongoing series?

Don Figueroa: I can't sorry. You'll just going to have to get the book ;)

Supreme Convoy: Any regrets in terms of what you wanted to do in the comics but just could do because of time or practicality?

Don Figueroa: Probably the way I laid out the panels and pages on the first War Within series. Looking back, I could have done it better and less confusing. I also wanted to do some "Director's cut" stuff in the TPB, but due to time, we never got to do it.

Supreme Convoy: What is your favorite piece of art that you have done so far?

Don Figueroa: The Convention exclusive cover for TF:G1 #1.

Supreme Convoy: What do you think it is about the Transformers saga that makes it so appealing to people even 20 years later?

Don Figueroa: Great Characters and great toys.

Supreme Convoy: Any other projects you are currently working on?

Don Figueroa: I have a couple of other projects I'd like to do if I have some extra time. As for now, they're just ideas.

Supreme Convoy: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Don Figueroa: Hopefully still working on comics, TFs or otherwise

Supreme Convoy: Have you had a chance to play our Heavy Metal War game? From personal experience, it's quite addicting.

Don Figueroa: No sorry, I haven't played a lot of games, especially video games, ever since I started working on comics. It just takes up way too much time.

Supreme Convoy: In the upcoming year, is there anything you're looking forward to? Like Energon, Masterpiece Optimus Prime, Alternators?

Don Figueroa: Yes, but I can't tell you what it is;)

Supreme Convoy: Just out of my fascination of Batman, is the image of Grimlock jumping off a cliff in War Within #2 suppose to be an homage to Dark Knight Returns?

Don Figueroa: Yep an homage, That Batman silhouette just looked so damn cool

Supreme Convoy: And I have to ask, what's the status on Macromasters? Is it still on the backburner? I'm always dying to hear any Macromasters news since it's been along time.

Don Figueroa: I can't work on it anymore, basically because I'm too busy nowadays, and I'm sure the storyline and art is out of date by now. if I ever decide to work on it again, I'd probably start over again

Supreme Convoy: Speaking of Macromasters, someone has archived the site here.

I'm still marveled at the level of work you put into those figures.

Don Figueroa: Thanks, I'm itching to get back into making a couple of new "Toys" just for the hell of it. but I used to get all cut-up and bruised working with plexiglass and I'm worried I might get injured and not be able to draw for a while. I'm thinking of using other materials like clay or more epoxy putty

I’d like to thank Don for another great interview. And just like last time for War Within, I’ll be definitely looking forward to the Wednesday when Transformers: G1 #1 comes in January.

Interestingly enough, when I was in high school Don's Macromasters was my favorite Transformers fan fiction. Currently in college, War Within is my favorite Transformers comic book. I wonder what Don will do next after I'm done with college... (*crosses fingers* Come on, Hasbro/Takara toy designer!)

The Mystery of Ultra Magnus

Date: Monday, September 22nd 2003 10:51pm CDT
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Seibertron

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Views: 59,630

Article written by KingMob

Ultra Magnus is one of the most popular characters from Generation 1, and while he survived the run of the American cartoon series, his fate in the other main Transformer media of the time is somewhat less than cheerful. While his demise at the hands of Sixshot in the Japanese cartoon is well-known and may even be considered as a dignified end for the character, the comic continuity dealt with him in a considerably less-than-heroic way.

For a start, Ultra Magnus never appeared in the conventional US comic run at all. His last on-page appearance in the UK comics was in #205, more than 100 issues before the title was cancelled, but this was the Ultra Magnus of 2009; the last narrative appearance of the present version of Ultra Magnus was in issue 171. Then he simply vanished, never to be seen again.

It was an incongruous decision to ‘disappear’ Magnus, because the character had been such a huge part of the storylines of the preceding 90-odd issues. After the death of Optimus Prime (UK#106), Magnus’s role was elevated to that of leading man, the heroic ‘role model’ character. Simon Furman would no doubt have preferred to use Grimlock in this role, but unfortunately for him his favourite character was off-limits for this purpose, thanks to the US portrayal of him at the time as the semi-tyrannical ‘bad’ Autobot leader. Ultra Magnus was the next logical choice, and provided the readers with some of the best storylines of the year, including the fantastic ‘City of Fear’. However, Optimus Prime’s scheduled return meant the Magnus needed to be sidelined. Instead of writing a conclusion for the character, Furman just left him on Cybertron (in the company of the Sparkler Mini-Bots) presumably with the intention of returning to the character, as Magnus was important not just to the fan community; he was important for the validity of the ‘future universe’ stories that Furman enjoyed writing, where he was a major player. But this never happened.

What is more worrying is that Magnus was never seen or mentioned again at all in the present narrative. His absence during the Unicron Saga is especially jarring, particularly during the sequence where the Heralds of Unicron attack Autobase. The combat abilities of Ultra Magnus are practically revered by Emirate Xaaron and colleagues; Operation Volcano and the Wreckers’ first attempted termination of Galvatron both initially depend on his presence. It is markedly odd not to at least see Magnus during the Autobase defence (UK#315); but Furman resorts to having the Z-list character Quickmix act as Emirate Xaaron’s military advisor (a post normally held by capable fan-favourites like Impactor, Magnus and Springer). Then, Magnus is specifically excluded from the character roll-call after Primus transports all the Transformers from Earth to Cybertron (UK #317). Again, Furman goes one step further and has the Cybertronian Autobots personalised by a minor character, namely Backstreet. Finally, it is inconceivable that Ultra Magnus would not seek out his friend and mentor Optimus Prime, after Prime was publicly named leader of the Transformer race by Primus. Therefore, it is pretty safe to assume that Magnus wasn’t just being sidelined or ignored; he wasn’t even there at all. It is also important to note that no-one even mentions him during this crisis, or in any of the 100+ previous issues. To step into the real world, it is also worth noting that Furman was ignoring the US editorial decision to exclude many of the Movie/3rd season only characters at this point; Galvatron being the obvious example of this. So, there was no ‘official’ reason for Magnus to be ignored.

So, just what happened to Ultra Magnus? The possibilities are thus:

A) He was present on Cybertron the entire time, we just didn’t see him during the Unicron War, the aftermath, or the events on Klo and Hydrus 4. He would need to have spent the entirety of Generation 2 on Cybertron.
B) He left Cybertron at some point before the Unicron War and never returned until after the events of Generation 2.
C) He was wiped from reality/existence during the Time War.
D) Simon Furman forgot all about him.

A is highly unlikely due to the reasons outlined above. Magnus should have been defending Autobase, he should have been chosen as the visual representative of the Cybertronian Autobots; his stature would demand at least one panel of him fighting in the Unicron War, like Jazz and Hot Rod. Similarly, if he were to die, we would have to see it. Basically, it is beyond belief to claim that he was present but always off-panel.

B is a possibility, but there is absolutely no evidence for it other than the similar absence of the Sparkler Mini-Bots, Ultra Magnus’s seeming cheerleader squad who followed him around for the last 20 issues of his present narrative appearance. They were used as a kind of ‘special mission’ unit by Xaaron (rescue Magnus, locate Chameleon) and their disappearance is synonymous with that of Ultra Magnus. It is therefore conceivable that the Sparklers and Magnus were sent away on a special mission by Emirate Xaaron himself. This would explain why Xaaron was not accompanied by Magnus; presumably Prime would also know of this mission. The rest, though hard to believe, then falls into place. As entertaining as this theory is, it is far from satisfying, mainly because it is bizarre that Magnus would be gone for so long and that no-one mentions him. Worse, such an event would surely have made excellent material for a potential story; Furman would have at least set up some plot markers pointing to it.

C is my personal favourite, a theory absolutely water-tight apart from one panel of primary evidence in UK 205. In this theory, I put forth the notion that the body of the Ultra Magnus of 2009 – lying shattered on the ground after being gutted by the Horrorcons – is one of the bodies that is sucked up by the Time Rift when it finally manifests. The Rift erases everything that is sucked into it from reality, from existence itself, changing the timelines to compensate for this as it happens. This is the perfect explanation for the disappearance of the present narrative Ultra Magnus. It explains where he goes (he literally does vanish), it explains why no-one else ever mentions him (they don’t remember him because he never existed and the timeline-alteration has changed the past to compensate) and it explains why we don’t see him ever again (yep, still non-existent). With a stretch, one can even explain away the absence of the Sparklers; they are such low-grade characters they could actually be on Cybertron etc and we just weren’t shown them. Or they could even have been caught up in the reality-effect that removed present-day Ultra Magnus. However, this theory is torpedoed by one panel on the last page of UK 205, in which one can just barely make out the figures of Kup, Blurr, Arcee and Red Alert gathering up the inert body of Ultra Magnus after the Rift has been sealed. This panel therefore negates the entire theory, although it should be noted that without it the theory is perfect. Magnus is never seen again in the future storylines either, despite the fact that his body is presumably taken back to the future by his comrades, and that Rodimus Prime can revive him using the power of the Matrix. All I can offer to validate this theory is to either consider the offending panel an art error, or that the re-organisation of the timelines which follow the Time War and create the ‘dark future’ seen in the UK stories (different to the ‘dark future’ shown in the US issue 67) also erase Ultra Magnus from existence. This is merely conjecture, however.

D is therefore the most likely, I’m afraid. Ultra Magnus was no longer a popular toy by 1991, the cartoon had long been cancelled, and no-one was clamouring for his return. Furman was under pressure, writing both US and UK stories and facing the potential cancellation of his title. What with juggling heavyweights such as Prime, Galvatron, Grimlock, and Scorponok, not to mention the whole Unicron thing, there was just no time or room for Ultra Magnus, a relatively forgotten about character at the time.

For my part, I think it was a great shame that Ultra Magnus was forgotten about, especially as his lack of appearances in the comic helped decrease his popularity with the readers. Ultra Magnus is a truly heroic character with a complex personality worthy of respect, and his disappearance took away one of the few strongly humanist characters in the book; the person with the most similar character traits left was probably Scorponok! I also think the Transformers story as a whole lost something when Magnus vanished; the drift towards very action-orientated characters and plots started around the same time as he was removed. While this is not to be considered a bad thing, it would have been enjoyable to have had a cerebral action hero of Ultra Magnus's calibre involved.

Comparisons of Pat Lee's artwork

Date: Sunday, January 6th 2002 7:58pm CST
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Seibertron

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Views: 153,740

DETECTIVE WORK
Admit it: Pat Lee's renditions of the Transformers has you drooling like you would if the Seibertron: Big Broadcast were held at the Playboy Mansion. Unfortunately for us, such is not the case. So we get Pat Lee's kickass artwork ... but you know what we've noticed here at SEIBERTRON? It sure looks like he's using the Japanese Bon-Bon comic book character designs as cannon for his anime style. We've spent NFL Sunday afternoon gathering various images, cropping, resizing, blah blah blah ... just so you can see what we're talking about. So quit looking at the pictures of Anna (hot, isn't she?) and check out the pictures of the Transformers below. After all, that's why we all check out SEIBERTRON right?

Interview with Dreamwave Productions (Part 1)

Interview with Dreamwave Productions (Part 2)

1 - Blaster has toy face similar to that of his Bon-Bon design.		2 - Astrotrain is colored white or light grey with red decals on his chest. Similar to that of the Japanese figure AND the Bon-Bon design.
Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork	Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork
3 - Devastator has eyes instead of the cartoon/comic visor, much more similar in design to his toy.		4 - Grimlock's dinosaur head is identical to the Bon-Bon version, far more detailed than US cartoon or comic.
Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork	Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork
5 - Ironhide and Ratchet both have windshield wipers on their chests; a detail left off their designs for US cartoon and comic.		6 - Jazz has the open door look, a slick looking feature of this character which was ignored by US cartoon and comics.
Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork	Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork
7 - Superion has his toy look which is identical to that of the Bon-Bon version. No shield on his face this time around!		8 - Ultra Magnus, like Devastator, is missing his visor also. He's given tradtional looking eyes - again, much like the Bon-Bon version.
Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork	Bon-Bon Artwork	Pat Lee's Artwork

Beast Wars Season 2 Is In Works

Date: Monday, April 7th 1997 12:00am CDT
Category: Site Articles
Posted by: Seibertron

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Views: 497,922

Beast Wars will return for a tentative thirteen new episodes for a fall 1997 second season. It is unknwon at this time which characters will be in the show.

What did everyone think of episode #21 titled "Possession" starring the Decepticon Starscream? I felt it was very well done and stayed true to Stascream's original character. I was a little disappointed that his old form wasn't featured (other than for a brief moment), but hey, Galvatron and Unicron were mentioned which further cemented the ties between the original Transformers and the Beast Wars.

How about the season finale two parter titled "Other Voices"? This is what the whole season has been boiling down to and I thought it was worth the wait!

The Unicron form which the Alien entity portrayed was awesome! The voice was even similiar to Orson Welles' Unicron voice from the Transformers: The Movie. I thought it was kind of cool that the Aliens found this "file" of Unicron is Optimus Primal's memory banks from the episode "Chain of Command". Unicron truly did make an everlasting presence upon the Transformers. I wonder what ever happened to Unicron's head after the Technobots were created by Grimlock prior to the Rebirth trilogy.

The Blackarchnia/Tarantulas situation is certainly original. I'm assuming that Tarantulas must have the more powerful mind of the two (reference to "Other Voices" Part 2). I can't wait to see how this is resolved next season.

And speaking of next season, how about that awesome cliffhanger at the end of "Other Voices" Part 2? I thought Megatron was going soft in the last few episodes, but he pulled off one of the coldest, most evil moves I've ever seen by trapping Optimus Primal in the stasis pod. Worse yet, he was mocking Optimus Primal during his final (?) moments. Let me hear your feedback on Optimus Primal's situation.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com