Video Reviews for Premium Finish Optimus Primes, Megatron and Bumblebee

About time we got something for this line. I can't believe they haven't revealed the rest of the line yet

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:About time we got something for this line. I can't believe they haven't revealed the rest of the line yet

Depending on how these overpriced things sell, the line may be cut short.

The film versions look ok, but there are (oversized) KOs that have come out with better paint jobs, so these official versions are really TLTL. I'm not sure if BB has been released with better paint, but the overall "extra" paint still doesn't seem detailed enough to warrant an extra purchase if I've got the original.

The WFC figures look even worse than before and I'll be sticking with the slightly oversized, but vastly superior KO versions (which, ironically, have less paint apps than the originals, thanks to the lack of cr@pple-damage paint apps).

TT really are out of touch with their roots here. They used to release gorgeous metallic, matte-painted, chromed, glossy or want other type of "premium" finish, but all of these just like either "meh" or awful.

primalxconvoy wrote:TT really are out of touch with their roots here. They used to release gorgeous metallic, matte-painted, chromed, glossy or want other type of "premium" finish, but all of these just like either "meh" or awful.

I agree so much here.

For me a PREMIUM paint job for an official WFC toy is not one with a worse bukkake than the original.id pay extra for chrome metallics but not this.

This release just seems redundant with the Netflix Megatrons out there. And I don't understand the halftone damage pattern. Although I'd be interested to see a direct comparison between the two.

Gauntlet101010 wrote:This release just seems redundant with the Netflix Megatrons out there. And I don't understand the halftone damage pattern. Although I'd be interested to see a direct comparison between the two.

Did Takara get that Netflix one? Because these premium finish toys are made for the Japanese market.

william-james88 wrote:

Gauntlet101010 wrote:This release just seems redundant with the Netflix Megatrons out there. And I don't understand the halftone damage pattern. Although I'd be interested to see a direct comparison between the two.

Did Takara get that Netflix one? Because these premium finish toys are made for the Japanese market.

They got all the Netflixes.

Guess they don't have enough Megs.

LOL

I seriously wonder what was the point of that overpriced Megatron when there's similar options in the Netflix line. TWICE. Both available for the Japanese market.

-Kanrabat- wrote:I seriously wonder what was the point of that overpriced Megatron when there's similar options in the Netflix line. TWICE. Both available for the Japanese market.

I wonder, are those Hasbro "imports" produced in lower quantities than TakaraTomy originals?

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:I seriously wonder what was the point of that overpriced Megatron when there's similar options in the Netflix line. TWICE. Both available for the Japanese market.

I wonder, are those Hasbro "imports" produced in lower quantities than TakaraTomy originals?

The Hasbro imports are part of the same batch as Takaratomy originals.

I've started hearing more that the line was cancelled at 4 each SS and WFC. shame, i was actually looking forward to seeing what Jetfire Prime would look like in premium, but the others kinda really let me down for the most part, so maybe it's best I just imagine what could have been

PvP has shown that Meg's paint up close.

All of my wat.



Newspaper print.

I'm very glad to have gotten the first Netflix Megs with his red babies.

-Kanrabat- wrote:PvP has shown that Meg's paint up close.

All of my wat.



Newspaper print.

I'm very glad to have gotten the first Netflix Megs with his red babies.

OMG! Dot Matrix printer!

First-Aid wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:PvP has shown that Meg's paint up close.

All of my wat.



Newspaper print.

I'm very glad to have gotten the first Netflix Megs with his red babies.

OMG! Dot Matrix printer!

Hasbro uses the same dot matrix stuff on Studio Series toys to convey rust, nobody complained (aside from me).

Also we did post a review of that Megs December 9th. I guess it didn't have enough swear words to get people's attention.

william-james88 wrote:Hasbro uses the same dot matrix stuff on Studio Series toys to convey rust, nobody complained (aside from me).

On Sparkless bot, it works. But that megs is just wrong. The dots seems way bigger and it's only ONE color. Plus, there's the fact that Netflix Megs exist. Twice. With way better paint.

Cool, so now I'll have the same mold in G1 toy colors, toon shaded G1 cartoon colors, and now Netflix if it were an 80s Marvel comic, can't wait!

Emerje

Emerje wrote:if it were an 80s Marvel comic, can't wait!

Emerje

It would be such an easy repaint. There's the whole US and UK market at the very least for it.

Could it be a copyright issue or simply incompetence?

Went ahead and placed my order for Premium Finish Ratchet! Considering the original is more expensive on the aftermarket and the deco is actually really nice (adds a lot of details to alt mode that I couldn't paint myself, like the text and Autobot logo on the back), I finally decided to go for it.

There's definitely more details that I'll be adding, but I'm excited to get it!

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Went ahead and placed my order for Premium Finish Ratchet! Considering the original is more expensive on the aftermarket and the deco is actually really nice (adds a lot of details to alt mode that I couldn't paint myself, like the text and Autobot logo on the back), I finally decided to go for it.

There's definitely more details that I'll be adding, but I'm excited to get it!

I may eventually get this one for the same reasons.

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Went ahead and placed my order for Premium Finish Ratchet! Considering the original is more expensive on the aftermarket and the deco is actually really nice (adds a lot of details to alt mode that I couldn't paint myself, like the text and Autobot logo on the back), I finally decided to go for it.

There's definitely more details that I'll be adding, but I'm excited to get it!

Selfishly, I wanted this to be the DotM version, since that is the only retail SS figure I don't own, and premium would still be far cheaper than the aftermarket

The Premium Finish line is not done yet. On February 10th, Takara will be revealing a new Optimus Prime, along with other toys that Hasbro already revealed like Kingdom Blaster and such. This Optimus Prime is a Premium Finish version of the SS05 mold (or of a different release based on that mold), with the long nose truck he had in the first 3 Bay films. These teaser images come from Takara's Twitter page.

Also in Premium Finish news, we have shots showing PF Starscream next to the original Siege release. You'll let us know what you think and if it's different enough to add to your collection as maybe an additional seeker. Or even simply use this as your main Starscream. Those images come from @Ishikawa_sunday on Twitter.

So PF wasn't cancelled after all, interesting. Maybe it's just the movie stuff that's continuing since they previously did these reveals in pairs? It's going to have to look really good for an SS05 repaint to replace my SS32. Let's see if the eBay prices crash when this is released.

Emerje

So, lowering the contrast of pale characters like Starscream and Ultra Magnus is "premium."

EEEEEEEEEEeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh...................

I'm curious about that Optimus Prime though. If it's the "ROTF" mold and he's awesome looking, I may buy it. It may be ironically cheaper than the normal release at after-market prices.

I hope they release both Optimus and Jetfire in Premium Finish.
Then we can have a combined mode in PF.
That would be swesome

optimeow wrote:I hope they release both Optimus and Jetfire in Premium Finish.
Then we can have a combined mode in PF.
That would be swesome

That may be the ONLY reason I'd buy a premium finish figure.

-Kanrabat- wrote:So, lowering the contrast of pale characters like Starscream and Ultra Magnus is "premium."

EEEEEEEEEEeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh...................

The battle damage on Starscream is a completely different pattern, one shared by no other use of the Siege Seeker mold (seriously, every single use of that mold has the exact same battle damage pattern).

optimeow wrote:I hope they release both Optimus and Jetfire in Premium Finish.
Then we can have a combined mode in PF.
That would be swesome

I agree, that would be awesome!

I’m sure the final figure will be the SS-32 mold, but at least in the promo they’re using SS-05, which can’t combine and is a lot less accurate. They show him holding the Ion Blaster though, which was SS-32’s accessory (SS-05 had the Energon blades), so I think the actual figure itself will be the newer mold.

I’m so glad the premium finish line is still kicking specifically for this figure. I’m really excited to see what they do with it!

Easy pass on both. PF Siege Starscream just looks greyer, not 'better'. And as I'm no fan of the Bayverse movies or stylings, saying that there will be a PF Bayverse figure is, to my mind, like saying they'll be selling premium sewage....

So turns out it is SS-05 (which is kinda unfortunate), those flames are gorgeous though. . .

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:So turns out it is SS-05 (which is kinda unfortunate), those flames are gorgeous though. . .

0322154F-3A52-4D00-AF67-023EE2E351FA.jpeg

7D4919BC-5D2F-4949-B889-82229C09E156.jpeg

DFB048D4-9741-46AE-A96A-5E4B0404269F.jpeg

Odd they did not go for SS-32. That guy really needs a re-release. With the insane prices he's going for.

Overcracker wrote:
Odd they did not go for SS-32. That guy really needs a re-release. With the insane prices he's going for.

I know right? It just doesn’t make sense - SS-32 looks so much better in bot mode and combines with Jetfire, who is supposed to be the next PF release! I actually would’ve picked it up if it was the SS-32, but as is. . . I’m so disappointed they used the older mold.

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:So turns out it is SS-05 (which is kinda unfortunate), those flames are gorgeous though. . .

0322154F-3A52-4D00-AF67-023EE2E351FA.jpeg

7D4919BC-5D2F-4949-B889-82229C09E156.jpeg

DFB048D4-9741-46AE-A96A-5E4B0404269F.jpeg

Doesn't look much different from the normal SS-05 with ToyHax decals
Wish they re-release SS32 or SS44

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:So turns out it is SS-05 (which is kinda unfortunate), those flames are gorgeous though. . .

0322154F-3A52-4D00-AF67-023EE2E351FA.jpeg

7D4919BC-5D2F-4949-B889-82229C09E156.jpeg

DFB048D4-9741-46AE-A96A-5E4B0404269F.jpeg

Doesn't look much different from the normal SS-05 with ToyHax decals
Wish they re-release SS32 or SS44

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:

Overcracker wrote:
Odd they did not go for SS-32. That guy really needs a re-release. With the insane prices he's going for.

I know right? It just doesn’t make sense - SS-32 looks so much better in bot mode and combines with Jetfire, who is supposed to be the next PF release! I actually would’ve picked it up if it was the SS-32, but as is. . . I’m so disappointed they used the older mold.

Agreed. Unless they plan on releasing SS-32 in PF later on, I don't see the need of re-releasing this guy.

"Premium Finish" aka how TT would normally release Transformers in their market before Brand Unification.

Overcracker wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:

Overcracker wrote:
Odd they did not go for SS-32. That guy really needs a re-release. With the insane prices he's going for.

I know right? It just doesn’t make sense - SS-32 looks so much better in bot mode and combines with Jetfire, who is supposed to be the next PF release! I actually would’ve picked it up if it was the SS-32, but as is. . . I’m so disappointed they used the older mold.

Agreed. Unless they plan on releasing SS-32 in PF later on, I don't see the need of re-releasing this guy.

#32 may look better in Robot Mode, but the Vehicle Mode has some problems as a trade-off, most notably the removal of the toolboxes behind the gas tanks:



...plus the clear plastic tabs and a more complex transformation would make anyone nervous.

Don't forget we also have #44: #32 mold plus the MechTech trailer from Dark of the Moon. That's a more suitable candidate for a PF re-release as the changes are more drastic.

Images courtesy of Takara, via Daimchoc's Facebook group.

This is available for preorder at Takara Tomy Mall for ¥6,380:

- https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810188308/















The Allspark also has listings for the various online links to buy both this and some of the new Legacy line figures.

Thanks to Dengeki Hobby, we have our next reveal for the Premium Finish line, Transformers 2007 Optimus Prime! Optimus Prime, in a surprise twist, is a repaint of the SS-05 mold, the original Revenge of the Fallen figure that came with the pair of swords, instead of the later SS-32 figure which featured a more accurate chest and the ability to combine with Jetfire. This figure has been decked out in an incredible movie accurate paint job, and includes a pair of blasters that came with SS-32 and the swords that came with the original SS-05.

Sadly, as previously mentioned, as this figure uses the first Studio Series Optimus Prime tooling, he cannot combine with Jetfire or the Dark of the Moon trailer in robot mode, which is a shame as Jetfire is rumored to also be in the Premium Finish line.

With this reveal, Japanese importers have started to list the figure for a price of 6,380 yen (roughly $55 USD) with a late July 2022 release date.

Check out the images below, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Thanks to Denkegi Hobby, we have our next reveal for the Premium Finish line, Transformers 2007 Optimus Prime! Optimus Prime, in a surprise twist, is a repaint of the SS-05 mold, the original Revenge of the Fallen figure that came with the pair of swords, instead of the later SS-32 figure which featured a more accurate chest and the ability to combine with Jetfire. This figure has been decked out in an incredible movie accurate paint job, and includes a pair of blasters that came with SS-32 and the swords that came with the original SS-05.

Sadly, as previously mentioned, as this figure uses the first Studio Series Optimus Prime tooling, he cannot combine with Jetfire or the Dark of the Moon trailer in robot mode, which is a shame as Jetfire is rumored to also be in the Premium Finish line.

With this reveal, Japanese importers have started to list the figure for a price of 6,380 yen (roughly $55 USD) with a late July 2022 release date.

Check out the images below, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

primalxconvoy wrote:Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

Yes I do. I was writing the actual news that got front paged. My post with the news information was front paged. Your post was the photos, it wasn't a news post.

primalxconvoy wrote:Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

This is Seibertron.com... didn't you know that you have to actually write the news articles for them, citing all sources, and hand over your firstborn before getting credit for news

transformers_va wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

This is Seibertron.com... didn't you know that you have to actually write the news articles for them, citing all sources, and hand over your firstborn before getting credit for news

That's how your original post can be news without having to draft a new story. But usually, users post the source and pictures, which is fine, but someone has to write the story with all the information.

As for news credit, Evasion Mode Bumblebee was given credit since he posted in this thread first. I had originally sent this to news from work early this morning, before anyone commented in this thread, but if a user posts the information before I news it, I credit the first user to share. He isn't mentioned since the original source was shared, but the news credit source was given to him.

Sometimes, I don't check the thread before posting either because I have limited time, so sometimes a post can be missed. We usually go based off of news emails AKA when you report news via the many links on the site pages, thread posts are usually secondary or even tertiary checks for news.

As for PrimalxConvoy, you posted images after the news was shared via email and in the thread, so while you did share images, you were not first, and only 1 user, the first user, can be credited for news for a story.

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

Yes I do. I was writing the actual news that got front paged. My post with the news information was front paged. Your post was the photos, it wasn't a news post.

I see. In the future, I suppose I had better leave posting the news to people like yourself, as I'm still confused as to how "posting photos of a new TF figure" isn't considered "news" and thus not worthy of recognition. To be honest, I'm more surprised you didn't cite Takara Tomy Mall and DimeChoc's sites. I would have been happier if they were included over me, as that's where I got the pictures/news from.

I'm also confused over posting news via email. I've done that in the past and I believe I was asked to post the information in a thread, so it seems it's a "Catch 22" for posting news here.

I think you can give news credits, or at least mentions to various people, or sources cited in emails/PMs/thread posts, moving forward. That would at least cover all bases, surely.

Regardless, I suppose this issue is better resolved or discussed in the "Ask the Staff" thread, so I'm happy to continue it there if need be.

Thank you for your time and explanation.

NOTE: The reply below was to an earlier draft of my reply above and this might not have answered all of my points. I've not answered the reply below in order to not take up this thread's space regarding this topic. The editing was not designed to make the reply below appear out of touch with my concerns (which I'm sure there's an internet term for; a form of "reverse ninja'd-aring"?).

primalxconvoy wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:Er, I literally just posted these pictures before your post. Didn't you check this thread before posting the news article? What am I missing here?

Yes I do. I was writing the actual news that got front paged. My post with the news information was front paged. Your post was the photos, it wasn't a news post.

I see. In the future, I suppose I had better leave posting the news to people like yourself, as I'm still confused as to how "posting photos of a new TF figure" isn't considered "news" and thus not worthy of recognition. To be honest, I'm more surprised you didn't cite Takara Tomy Mall and DimeChoc's sites. I would have been happier if they were included over me, as that's where I got the pictures/news from.

I really do not see how you didn't know the process, given how long you have been here, nor why this is an issue. Someone else shared the news first. Someone has to share the news for me to write it if I don't see it myself, which is about half the time. This was a case where I saw it first and used my source, which is a common source to use for Takara news for me, but still gave official credit to Evasion Mode Bee since he posted the news first in the thread and I saw it before i wrote the news story.

I appreciate you sharing the news, but you don't need to get annoyed when you are not named in the news story.

primalxconvoy wrote:In the future, I suppose I had better leave posting the news to people like yourself, as I'm still confused as to how "posting photos of a new TF figure" isn't considered "news" and thus not worthy of recognition.

It is news. We should be posting news articles with videos and galleries and user comparisons and all sorts of things. However, we're short staffed at the moment. If any of you want to join the team and help us out with posting news, we'd really appreciate it. There are some rules and guidelines to follow, but we could really use the help. Also looking for a news admin to kind of take over the whole "posting news" thing as well if anyone is interested.

primalxconvoy wrote:I'm also confused over posting news via email. I've done that in the past and I believe I was asked to post the information in a thread, so it seems it's a "Catch 22" for posting news here.

I appreciate the feedback. We're short staffed. The staff members we have are doing this in their spare time between their jobs and family life. They are doing the best that they can. If any of you are interested in helping, we could use a few more staff members helping us out. Please contact me if interested. Thanks.

Seibertron wrote:

primalxconvoy wrote:In the future, I suppose I had better leave posting the news to people like yourself, as I'm still confused as to how "posting photos of a new TF figure" isn't considered "news" and thus not worthy of recognition.

It is news. We should be posting news articles with videos and galleries and user comparisons and all sorts of things. However, we're short staffed at the moment. If any of you want to join the team and help us out with posting news, we'd really appreciate it. There are some rules and guidelines to follow, but we could really use the help. Also looking for a news admin to kind of take over the whole "posting news" thing as well if anyone is interested.

primalxconvoy wrote:I'm also confused over posting news via email. I've done that in the past and I believe I was asked to post the information in a thread, so it seems it's a "Catch 22" for posting news here.

I appreciate the feedback. We're short staffed. The staff members we have are doing this in their spare time between their jobs and family life. They are doing the best that they can. If any of you are interested in helping, we could use a few more staff members helping us out. Please contact me if interested. Thanks.

Thank you for the clarification.

This Premium Finish toy, I'm impressed with, even if it is the lesser version of SS Bayverse Optimus. Still, even the SS05 version of the mold looks orders of magnitude better with this premium deco, and it's overall a more premium-looking one IMO than the SIEGE PF decoes (although those at least have better weathering/damage than the baseline).

You know what would be cool, if unlikely? Premium Finish Unicron Trilogy reissues.

Well, that Optimus is another pass for me.
Still waiting for the DOTM/ROTF version.



Also, "short staffed..." Ha!