Time for another link fest. This one is fairly focused on official Transformers toys including a look at the new Masterpiece version of Optimus Prime, a new DOTM toy, more 3rd party stuff and three reviews.
Masterpiece Optimus Prime 2.0 Released - MP-10 | Coin | Packaging | Comparison
The new version, with new mold, of Optimus Prime has now been released from Takara. MP-10 is the most cartoon accurate version of Prime released so far that comes with a mini-Spike action figure along with his trailer modeled on the G1 version. This is a very expensive toy costing around $250 from the usual importer websites (TFSource, Bigbadtoystore, etc) but he does look pretty sweet. Hopefully video reviews will pop up soon so I can make a decision on spending that kind of money. Depending on the company's supplier (Japan or China), your figure might also come with a coin. Hit the links above to view galleries of this must have figure of any Optimus Prime fan. On a related note, it seems Takara is testing the idea of releasing a Masterpiece Ultra Magnus based on this figure. Back in the 80s, Magnus was a while repaint of Optimus Prime with a trailer that the cab fit into. This version seems to make use of the recent development from 3rd party makers (see Fansproject's City Commander) to create a trailer that breaks down into the needed component parts to form the Magnus look. It’s just a test so this may never happen (but don't be surprised if someone fills the void anyway).
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Hasbro's The Hub network along with Blockbuster video (they still around?) have announced a fall tour to promote the network, the season finale of Transformers: Prime, the home video release of Dark of the Moon and the upcoming Transformers: The Ride in 3D that is opening in Universal Studios Hollywood next year. The tour is currently schedule to run from 9/30 to 10/22 hitting 8 Blockbuster stores in six states. The tour is supported with a Facebook contest for chance "to be among first to experience" Transformers: The Ride and will have the Bumblebee Camaro or Sideswipe Corvette on hand. Based on the dates, the tour has two traveling caravans with a TF car attached to each. Below are the locations, click here for the full press release along with mockups of what the tour will look like.
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The HD Room was able to score an early copy of the upcoming release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon and learned just a touch more about the "deluxe" edition that is planned for release later this year. They confirmed the DVD and Blu-ray release is just the movie without any bonus features. It also comes with a $10 off coupon for the "Ultimate Edition with Blu-ray 3D" for DOTM that will come with Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, DVD, and Digital copy. Again no information on extra features or when the ultimate edition will come out. This re-enforces that there is absolutely no reason to buy the movie when it is released on September 30th until Paramount releases the details on these later editions.
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In an interview with MovieWeb to promote the release of Fast Five, Tyrese Gibson provided the prediction that Michael Bay and Shia LaBeouf will return for Transformers 4.
"My humble prediction would be that... we're at $1.1 billion. This is the biggest year of my life. I'm on the other side of $1.7 billion in box office receipts, between both films. I think, with the success of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, both Michael Bay and Shia probably want a break from the franchise, but there's no way, I believe, that, at some point, they're not going come back to do Transformers 4. Maybe they need a few years to get a few other creative things out of their system, which is understandable, but for people to love this franchise around the world like they do, its damn-near crazy to not give the fans what they love and enjoy again. So maybe two years, maybe three years will go by, you never know, but I believe, and hope, that we are able to do another Transformers. I'm a real Transformers fan, outside of the fact that I'm in the movie, but I just hope we're able to do it again one day. It's the first film in Paramount's 99-year history that has ever grossed $1 billion. I hope we're able to figure this out."Read More »
Mike Costa, James Roberts (w) • Livio Ramondelli (a) • Livio Ramondelli x 2 (c)
“CHAOS” rages on! A hole is punched through to the core of Cybertron itself—but what for? Where’s Galvatron?! And why is Megatron, deep in the Autobot base and stuck in his cell, laughing? It all spells one thing—TROUBLE with a capital “Crush the Heroes!” CHAOS part 2, in which things go from bad, to holy-hell-how-are-we-gonna-get-out-of-this-alive!!!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Time for another linkfest. With the Dark of the Moon news down to just the upcoming home video releases and repaints, figured time to merge this stuff into one. Have not decided if will start seperating this stuff out yet into a bunch of seperate posts or not. What do you think? This method easier or prefer five or six individual posts? Any case, the latest is a TF pinball machine, a look at more 3rd party figures, TF Prime concept art, repaints and a review.
iGear Masterpiece Cartoon Seekers
Third party Transformers maker iGear announced the next two toys in their not Masterpiece line. They are release cartoon version of not Starscream (December 31st) and not Skywarp (April 30th, 2012) that is based on their modified mold from Takara's Masterpiece Starscream that was released three or so years ago. The newish mold started with their recently released conehead seekers where the back leg wings have been modifed to eliminate the ball joint connection at the hip resulting in a better looking figure. Based on the coneheads, the retail cost will probably be around $130 each.
iGear's not Sharticon
Speaking of iGear, they also revealed the near final look at their next not Generation One Transformeer knockoff with a look at their not Sharkicons based on the Quintessons' evil minions from Transformers: The Movie. Not sure on size, release date, or cost. Keep hoping they will be so cheap that you could practically create an army of them but not holding my breath on that.
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A pieces of news in regards to Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Transformers: Prime for home video.
For DOTM release you can add a new case type on top of a steelcase and alt cover with a Transforming Megatron case, at least in Germany. No idea how widespread these alt cases will be in the other countries but if previous history is a guide usually they become store exclusives somewhere in other regions. Speaking of other regions, it seems Germany is getting the movie on November 10th and the UK on November 28th. 
Also below is the HD version of the US release commercial thanks to JosephNCali.
Shout Factory has announced the December 6th release of Transformers: Prime - Darkness Rising on DVD. The mini-series was the initial five episodes that launched the series last October. Their press release can be found here. The retail price is $14.97 but Amazon currently has it for pre-order at $10.49. Personally I am just going to wait until a season box set comes out.
While my knowledge of films is limited, I do enjoy reading about the tech that is created to help create the movies we love such as Transformers: Dark of the Moon's complex, dangerous vehicle chase sequences. Even though we often think in terms of digital effects, there is still a whole lot of tech required to create the practical shots of cars moving at high speeds for whatever a scene may require. These scenes require specialized equipment designed to get up close to capture the thrill of the chase. Two separate articles from Jalopnik and Gizmodo get into the details of this equipment seen on many sets of movies, TV shows and commercials.
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As promised by Paramount's press release on the home video release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Hostess has started their "Transform Your Treat" contest for a chance to win $25,000. The contest, which runs from September 12th to October 16th, is supported by a TF themed website and limited edition TF named snack food. The boxes (below) will also include a $4 rebate on the purchase of the movie. Press release below.
Read More »TRANSFORM YOUR TREAT WITH HOSTESS®
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $25,000
This Halloween Hostess joins with “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” to offer an online sweepstakes with exciting prizes
Irving, TX, September 14, 2011 - Hostess®, maker of America's most iconic snack cakes, is partnering with Paramount Home Entertainment this Halloween to offer consumers a chance to win a grand prize of $25,000 and a host of other “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” prizes with the “Transform Your Treat” instant win game. As part of the alliance, Hostess is also introducing limited-edition TRANSFORMERS-themed snack cakes featuring OPTIMUS PRIME®, SHOCKWAVE™, BUMBLEBEE™, and SENTINEL PRIME™ from the box-office blockbuster movie, based on the iconic Hasbro TRANSFORMERS brand, in grocery stores across the country.
Transformers, the brand as a whole, is one of 12 finalists to join The National Toy Hall of Fame in 2011. The Toy Hall of Fame announced the 12 finalists yesterday, 7 of which are Hasbro properties. The competition is stiff for Transformers as the others finalists include Dollhouse, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, Jenga, Pogo Stick, Puppet, R/C Vehicles, Rubik's Cube, Simon, Star Wars action figures, and Twister.
As you may have noticed some of the inductees are not a trademarked brand but more of the toy concept like previous inductees the kite, jump rope or checkers. The winner will be based on icon-status, longevity, encouraging learning & creativity, and innovation. Something Transformers has in spades. One November 10th, the two winners will be announced. You can find the full list of previous winners here. Below is the full press release. Read More »
Two new cases for Transformers: Dark of the Moon have popped up online. Amazon Germany has posted the DOTM Triple Play Steelcase featuring Prime and Bumblebee. In the meantime, Wal-Mart will have its own exclusive Sentinel Prime Blu-ray cover that appears to be just the Blu-ray disc for DOTM. Perfect for those not interested in getting an extra DVD and digital download code.
Based on the press release, the 9/30 release is just the movie. No extra bells and whistles which is being saved for a later release, possibly in December. As a result of this lack of information, I continue to maintain that no one should buy the movie until can make an informed decision on which version to buy to avoid being forced to buy duplicate copies of the movie.
Update: A new ad of the upcoming release, promoting "Transformers Friday" has started airing. I saw it last night on Comedy Central. Thanks to Prime, here is a better quality version of the video.
An unintentional leak over a week ago confirmed that Transformers: Dark of the Moon is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on September 30, 2011. Paramount has finally got around releasing an official press release confirming their own leak. As Nelson indicated, the 9/30 release is for just the movie with no bells and whistles as these will be "followed by a deluxe Blu-ray and DVD release, including a Blu-ray 3D, in the coming months."
The assessment that the editions will come in around December makes the most sense as Paramount will want to take advantage of the holiday buying season. What does not make any sense is for anyone to buy these "standard" editions come the end of the month until all the information is revealed on what the "deluxe" and 3D editions of the movie will have as far as extras so buyers can make an informed decision on what version to buy. In my opinion, unless the deal is too fantastic to pass up (say $5 for Blu-ray version) you should not buy a single copy of this movie until Paramount releases the details on the deluxe editions. Press release below.
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Yet another Transformers: Dark of the Moon link fest and the toy and related news continues to trickle in. Below are few galleries to upcoming toys, a video review and two custom jobs that take two DOTM to the next level.
Leader Class Prowl Custom
Hit the link to view a gallery and how-to on this very sweet custom leader class Prowl created by autobotx23 that sold for $339 on eBay. The figures core is Leader class Bumblebee with parts from leader Brawl, leader Megatron, Sentinel Prime, Halo figures, and more. The result is just a ton of Transformer goodness.
Hasbro's DOTM Wave 5 Gallery
Hit the link for the deluxe class Wave 5 Transformers: DOTM toys. Not entirely sure when these are coming out but guessing in a few months. The line-up includes Armor Topspin (repaint), Darksteel (bio, repaint), and Air Raid (new mold).
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The other day we learned that Transformers: Dark of the Moon home video release is officially scheduled for September 30th, at least in the US. Leaks have indicated that there will be a "Triple Pack" of Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy and a seperate 1-disc DVD. Something confirmed by images from Play.com which also includes images of the DVD Trilogy Box Set and suggested something called the "3D Super Play" (while reusing the regular Blu-ray cover) but no details past that. We have also learned that a Blu-rayTransforming Trilogy Set is in the works. To make your buying decisions even more complicated, Nelson reveals that it there might actually be two release dates.
On the Shoot for the Edit forums, he commented on the planned release date saying "I thought it was October for the regular set, and December for the different Special Editions." He then further elaborated on this saying, "The first is just the movie. The second is the 2-disc Special Edition set. And the 3rd is the trilogy (6 disc) in a special metal encasement. There might be different versions of this across the globe. That box in the form of the Autobot logo is one of the early concepts for the international trilogy."
The questions become buy the third movie on Sept. 30th? Wait for the box set? What about those that already own the first two movies? A "special metal encasement" might make double-dipping a little easier, depending on the price. What we still don't know is anything about the 3D edition, the extra features or even official confirmation of the various editions and their pricing. For a movie that is now about three weeks from coming out, the silence from Paramount on the details is starting to get very odd.
Hitting shelves on September 7th is the Transformers #25, part 1 of the "The Last Story in Earth" which is part of the Choas storyline. I think the idea is even issues of the series will take place on Cybertron focusing on the main Chaos story while the odd issues take place on Earth as a lead up to a decision to leave Earth. Below is the covers and first seven pages of the TF #25 from Issuu.
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Despite the fact that the visuals did come – especially for those who saw it in 3-D – the movie didn’t quite pan out. It was a hodgepodge of incessant humor, unnecessary characters, and dubious character motivations. I never thought I would say this, but the only redeeming quality of Revenge of the Fallen was the presence of the departed actress Megan Fox and her rapport with Sam. This was entirely absent in Dark of the Moon, as new actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley just didn’t seem believable in the girlfriend role.
Now long after a near-lingerie scene, Sam’s (played by an overacting Shia Labeouf) parents come to visit him in the lavish apartment he shares with his new girlfriend, Carly – and the filmmakers pounced on an opportunity to take a bit of a pot-shot at Megan Fox in the film – on a tour bus, of all things. Dressed like mild rappers, if there is such a thing. Sam is in somewhat of a crisis, looking for a job under the expectant gaze of his father, Ron Witwicky (played by actor Kevin Dunn), and is in fact on his way to a job interview, much to the disappointment of Ron, who strongly feels that he should have one by now. Other than the Transformers, themselves, Dark of the Moon was quickly becoming forgettable.
About half-an-hour into the film, we finally meet a Transformer that wasn’t solely into making jokes: A humongous subterranean creature called Driller, who was actually a pet of a more fearsome Decepticon called Shockwave. Shockwave is the big bastard shown in the Transformers trailer leading up to the movie, with a single glaring red robot eye and a gun the size of a jet attached to his arm. Strangely, despite the hyping of Shockwave as the ultimate bas dude, he was dispatched rather easily by Optimus Prime, who sent him back to slag along with his skyscraper-crushing slug.
It wasn’t always easy to tell what was happening in Dark of the Moon and, on a second viewing, I found out why: the ceaseless attempts at humor. They really got in the way of the story, and didn’t mesh with it, as a good film would. On a personal note, the death of Optimus Prime’s oldest warrior friend, Ironhide, should have been more significant.
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| Rest In Peace, Ironhide |
Another grating problem in the film was the sheer lack of likability of Sam; he mentions that he saved humanity several times throughout the film, which is a trait audiences don’t generally warm to in their heroes. As a watcher of the entire collection of Transformers’ films to date, it appeared to me that the Autobots saved the world….with Sam’s help; not the other way around.
In sum; Transformers 3 Dark of the Moon was a massive effort that ultimately fell quite short of both promises (the last script was blamed on the Writer’s Strike; who do we blame for this one?) and expectations. As always, it the story had everything to do with it. Until next time, I suppose.
Mark your calendars as Friday, September 30th is the day that Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be released on Blu-ray and DVD. The information is direct from the official website for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, assuming you are looking at it on a mobile device when it redirects you to a page that says "Own It Friday 9/30 on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Download." If date sounds familiar that was the date that DVDWorldUSA posted a little over a week ago. The reported editions are "Triple Play" pack of DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Copy, single disc DVD, probably a single disc Blu-ray, and a Transforming Trilogy Case. Hopefully Paramount will issue a press release soon providing specifics on pricing and extras. Thanks to StarscreamDOTM for the heads-up.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon set photographer Robert Zuckerman has posted a large gallery of images from the filming of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. His role is to gather the still images used for help in advertising the movie, for press and related products such as posters, toys and the like. The full gallery of images can be found at Zuckerman's website or at MichaelBay.com.
Amazon France has posted the first look at the Transformers Trilogy Transforming Blu-ray Case that is in the shape of the Autobot logo and comes with Blu-ray editions of all three movies. The listed release date is currently November 2nd, yet another day to add to the theorized listed of release dates for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Still nothing official from Paramount on when Dark of the Moon is coming to home video. The listed price is EUR 67.19 or around $97.00 US but I expect the first week sale price to be in the $60 to $70 range. (via Seibertron)
The Hollywood Film Festival has announced that Transformers: Dark of the Moon Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar will receive The Hollywood Visual Effects Award when the 15th annual ceremony is held on October 24th. He has been in the visual effects industry for 30 years starting with ILM in 1981. His recent work is all three Transformers films, received Oscar nominations for his work on Cocoon, Chronicles of Narnia, Backdraft and the first Transformers film.
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