Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Anyone go as a Transformer? Post a comment about your day. The pic is not me but grabbed from Gizmondo.

Transformers 2 Misses Strike Deadline

According to a Variety, Transformers 2 did not make the writer's strike deadline. This deadline refers to a writer's strike that may or may not start tomorrow. If a final script had been submitted, production on Transformers 2 could have been scheduled and started regardless of if the strike started or how long it lasted. Without a finalized script, only so much pre-production work can be completed.

For something as CGI heavy as Transformers the extra time probably will be a relief pre-production wise as gives them time to work on models and the like but if the strike goes to long (or the actors and directors strike next June) AND the studio sticks to its June 2009 release date then the time has to be eaten from somewhere and that means post-production could experience a time crunch to complete the film. Realistically, the only way for the film to meet its release deadline is either no strikes occur or if they do, they last only a month or so. Anything longer and I don't see how it couldn't effect the proposed release date. A more detailed analysis from me is here.

TF Sound and Visual Effects Show

For those that live near Hollywood, CA that like the behind the scenes stuff comes news of a one night show that covers the sound and visual effects for Transformers.

From TFormers:

The MPSE Sound Show returns to Hollywood to reveal the sound effects of this summer’s DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures blockbuster “Transformers.”

Join award winning supervising sound editor/sound designer Ethan Van der Ryn (King Kong; the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and sound designer Erik Aadahl (Superman Returns; I, Robot) for an exploration of the sonic world of the action-packed Science Fiction film directed by Michael Bay. Clips from the movie will be screened with special “pre-dub” soundtracks showing off the variety of audio effects created for the motion picture. As an extra attraction, all sound will be played through a state-of-the-art audio system developed by Meyer Sound Laboratories so that you can hear every subtle and bonecrushing sound effect.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Scott Benza from Industrial Light & Magic will be our special guest to present how their computer animators recreated the Autobots and Decepticons for the 21st Century live action film.

By the end of the evening you will experience how the craft of movie making is "more than meets the eye."

One night only: Monday, November 5, 2007,at 8 p.m., at the Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre in the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Highland Avenue.

General admission is $10. Seniors and students with valid ID are $8. Members of the MPSE and American Cinematheque are $7. Tickets can be bought on Fandango.com and at the Egyptian box office.

A co-presentation of the Motion Picture Sound Editors and the American Cinematheque made possible with support from DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, Meyer Sound, and Absolute Rentals. More information can be found at www.MPSE.org or www.AmericanCinematheque.com.

Wal-Mart Masterpiece Starscream

Based on a few Internet reports, it appears that the Wal-Mart exclusive Masterpiece Starscream is starting to hit stores with a retail price of $48.87. This is similar to Masterpiece Optimus Prime that was out last year (only all plastic) that is a faithful re-creation of Starscream. Its also a very complicated transformation, more difficult then the Alternator line, so patience is recorded. If you love Generation 1 Starscream though, this is a must have toy for the collection. The pic is from "Redline" over at the TFW2005.com boards.

Battlefield 1942 Transformers Mod

If you play the PC game Battlefield 1942, you might be interested in Beta testing a mod of the game that is desiged around Transformers including a re-creating of Autobot City. I don't know enough about the game to know if the mod is any good or not but below is a video of some of the built environments.

Can download and read more about the mod here.

Transformers Brags About Money

Paramount bought an ad in Variety point out the success of Transformers in theatres with its $700 million worldwide haul and its 8.3 million first week DVD sales. From the ad, about the only question I have is what is fastest selling DVD of all time. (source)



As a reader pointed out, the pic shows 700 billion but re-reading the Defamer article, and how the text lines up, its safe to say that the extra zeroes where added on by them. I guess I could remove them but don't feel like it besides it might encourage the studio execs to greenlight a larger budget so even more transforming fun.

Mini Interview With Bay About TF2

E! Online posted a quickie interview with Michael Bay after some awards ceremony in Hollywood, where he briefly commented about Transformers 2.

So...the next Transformers. Does Shia LaBeouf have creative input?
He has zero creative input.

Yeah, but he's like the man now—Mr. Indiana Jones—so he's totally gonna show up and be all, "I know what works!"
No, but I'm friends with Shia. I really love working with him.

So, where do you go with it? How do you up the stakes?
It's not about upping it. It's about still keeping the heart.

Any new characters coming in?
Oh, yeah…a lot of fun stuff. I keep telling the writers, remember the heart and the magic, remember the heart and the magic. It's not about being bigger.

Speaking of bigger, the DVD is doing great. Did you watch the American League Championship series? It's the smartest advertising for Transformers.
No, but we're number one. Go figure!

I am all for remembering the heart (whatever that means) and the magic but I wouldn't mind a little escalation and upping of things. Transformers can be epic in storytelling. Something the cartoons and especially comics have utterly failed to capture. Cartoons don't have the budget to do epic (even though Beast Wars came darn close) but comics don't have that excuse. Instead they have a glacier story pace that could give Lost pointers on how to move things along as slowly as possibly. The movies, with today's technology, can possibly finally give us the wide-screen epic story that Transformers have desperately needed. (source)

Bay: DVD Could Be Better

Michael Bay admitted to USA Today that the record breaking Trnasformers DVD is "not as good as it could have been." The 8.3 million first week in sales seems to indicate many didn't mind though.

The article:

Most directors diplomatically go to bat for DVDs of their films. Filmmaker Michael Bay (Armageddon, Bad Boys, The Rock) is just as likely to drop verbal bombs while talking about his DVDs as when he is directing.
Bay's take on the new Transformers DVD, which has sold 8.3 million copies since its release last week: "It's a good DVD. But not as good as it could have been," he says. That sales total made Transformers the year's fastest-selling DVD in North America, according to Paramount Home Entertainment.

Despite setting a record, Bay, 42, says a hectic studio schedule prevented him from being as personally involved in the DVD as he was back in the days of Pearl Harbor. His 2002 four-disc director's cut of that film set the standard for buffed-up special editions.

"I was traveling promoting (Transformers) while they were doing the DVD," he says. "You try to guide people as to what to do (in making it), but ultimately if you rush your date, you are not going to get the DVD as good as it could be. … Studios want to pump this stuff out, and my job is to care about it and try to put the right people on it. They just see it as a show they are selling, and I see it as a movie. That's how your movie lives on, in the DVD format."

An aspect of the DVD that Bay says he personally fought for was having the film be on a disc by itself, with just a commentary. He won that battle in the $20 single-disc version that hit shelves last week along with a deluxe, two-disc $40 version.

Its nice for Bay to acknowledge that the DVD extra features where not up to the high standards he has established in the past. The Pearl Harbor set is a good example. I own it and some issues with the movie aside (fantastic potential but...) the extra features are nearly as good a benchmark as the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions documentaries.

As my review indicates, the second disc just wasn't as good as it could have been, being only a surface skim of how the movie was done. The potential was there but not realized. The special effects could have been its own section that could have been hours long. What about all the design work? Almost no pre-production information was shared. How about the practical effects? Except for the bus effect, little was covered. And those poor sound guys. They created Oscar worthy sounds but nary a mention in the extra features.

Anyway, admitting room for improvement will hopefully lead to the sequel set creating new benchmarks in special edition features.

Transformers DVD 8.3 Million Sold

According the Hollywood Reporter, the sale of the Transformers DVD broke a few records during its week of sales for the year. It broke the first week DVD sales record with 8.3 million sold in six days. 4.5 million of those sales where from Tuesday alone. In the HD DVD front, it broke a few records there with 100000 sold on the first day and 190,000 in the first week. By comparison, I think the Blu-Ray record is 250,000 for 300 (after about 3 weeks).

Unfortunately I couldn't find a chart or archival information that would make for easy comparison I did find some numbers to help fuel bragging rights. 300 also sold 8.3 million copies, but took 10 weeks to do it. One of the top selling DVDs of the year, Happy Feet sold 9 million but took about 6 months to do that. Basically Transformers is a money mine for Dreamworks and Hasbro and will hopefully lead to a larger budget for the sequel.

Transformers Wins at SCREAM Awards

Spike TV recorded the Scream Awards at the Greek Theatre in LA on October 20th to air on Spike on October 23rd (10-midnight EST) and Transformers came away with multiple awards. The award show doesn't really matter much other then an excuse for the participants to party and get laid on Spike TV's dime and maybe help push some DVD sales (being Spike TV, I doubt even that).

Transformers won for Best Science Fiction Movie, Scene of the Year (Optimus vs Megatron), and Best F/X.
Shia LaBeouf won "Scream King" for Disturbia and "Sci-Fi Star" for Transformers
Megan Fox won for "Sci-Fi Siren" for Transformers.

Full list of winners here.

If you have Spike TV, it might be worth watching if your bored. Based on the Spike TV Video Game Awards, the production tends overdone and mostly groan worthy but it gave Harrison Ford the "Hero Award" for his body of work and did a 25th Anniversary thing for Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan so I plan on recording it for fast forwarding through the stupid bits (of which there will probably be many). (source)

Optimus Prime Peterbilt

A fan built replica of the Peterbilt Optimus Prime is for sale on eBay. At the time of this writing the bid was at $55,400. Sadly the builder wasn't able to develop transformation technology for the truck but based on the below list of accessories, apparently threw in lots of features to make up for it.

Accessories include:
-Voice activated alarm, with the voice of Optimus Prime on lock and unlock mode.
-17 inch LCD TV/DVD
-JVC JAVX33 Stereo CD/DVD player with Bluetooth and Satelite Radio ready
-Infinity Sound system, speakers and subwoofer
-New Memory Foam mattress in sleeper
-Custom 2 tone(red and blue) gear shift with flames
-Legacy Low profile leather bucket air Seats
- All pedals are chrome with rubber flames
- Custom interior with two tone (blue/red) flames
- Wood floors
- Chrome wheels with new virgin tires 285/75R22.5.
- All switches, buttons light covers, speaker covers, arm rests and steering in chrome
- Chrome columns and wood steering wheels with flames
- Dual Chrome 7 inch stacks
- Chrome Sunvisor
- Brand new accessories and new, top of the line, custom Sherwin-Williams automotive paint Base coat/Clear coat.
- Too many features to list, the only thing it can't do is transform!!

The auction and tons of additional pictures can be found here.
(source)

Transformers Score on Billboard Charts

The Transformers Score by Steve steve Jablonsky has been out for a little over a week and sadly the sales don't seem that impressive. Out of the top 200 albums, it ranks at #172, soundtrack wise its #13, and according to MTV.com it only sold 4300 copies in the first week.

Hopefully those sales are more a result of the lack of availability rather then lack of interset as pretty much the only way to get the score is from online stores. If its at brick and mortar stores, I have not read a post yet about it. Hopefully it will start showing up there and drive sales up. (source)

Transformers Special Edition Extras Review

The DVD has arrived and the question isn't to buy or not to buy but which to buy, the 1 disc standard edition or the 2-disc Special Collector's Edition. Then its if buy the 2-disc edition, what exclusive to go for. I went with the steel case. I can't afford to buy all the exclusives so instead will just review the extras on the DVDs (not the HD-DVD).

The first disc for both versions are identical with commentary from Michael Bay. The second disc is the extra disc that gets into the details on how the movie was made and is what costs the extra $8-9 you may have to spend to get it. The question is one of worth. Is it worth that extra bit of money? That's subjective but it depends on how much you like about the process of filmmaker and the behind the scenes stuff. If you don't care then probably not worth the extra money. If you do though, it becomes a question of how good is the extras. After all, most of the time the extras are just recycled press material that was already but out on HBO, Extra, and so forth with everyone breaking an arm patting themselves and each other on the back for making such a great move with some deleted scenes thrown in. That's the normal scenario. The best behind the scenes material ever assembled was for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but that sadly didn't become the model for extras that is should have been. So the question is where does Transformers fall in this scale?

Disc One
Michael Bay Commentary
Informative commentary that covers some ground the disc two covers but most of it is new stories and behind the scenes information. Tells stories on the animators and how their styles helped with the Transformers, stories about the actors and working with ILM and Digital Domain to pull off the effects. There are silences during the commentary that had me wondering if it had cut off but they where mostly brief. Mostly didn't like the silences because get feeling their was gobs of information that could have been conveyed about the scene or what have you during that silence. Overall good director commentary.

Disc Two
Our World (49:20)
The Story Sparks (8:33)
Covers the origins of the storyline idea of the film with interviews from those involved in the movies production. Some of the information is repeat of the usual press stories told during the movie promotion such as why Bay decided to do the movie. This section is interspersed with Transformers images, input from Hasbro, and fantastic concept artwork for the film and from Hasbro. Lots of interviews, lots of set footage. The term "Bay-hem" gets coined. Bit about the intensity of Bay but apparently it effects the set in a good way not bad.

Human Allies (13:11)
Covers the actors in the human roles of the movies with interviews, set footage, and so forth. Also gets into the details of why some people where cast in various roles with audition footage. Don't know why but Megan Fox in the audition looked much better then post movie Megan Fox. Love Rachael Taylor's accent. Also shows some bits of the Air Force training that Josh Dumahel did to prepare for the role. Back patting occurred (contractually obligated I think when involves actors), but the deleted scenes, outtakes, and so forth work so not to bad.

I Fight Giant Robots (14:00)
The military's involvement in the film is covered here. Shows some of the military training the actors went through, equipment, and behind scenes footage when filming the military related scenes. Could call this the "Boys and their Toys" section of the extras. Also covers some of the practical shooting done for the Los Angeles sequence with the actors and things going boom from to be inserted later Transformers. Pretty informative and lots of booms and toys are on display.

Battleground (13:36)
Covers the locations chosen for the film, the logistics involved in on location shooting, and the work involved in prepping the sites for filming. Some of the set construction and use is also covered in this section. An element of danger is involved, especially when it comes to "man-piss". Another good section, dry at times, but to be expected.

Their War (65:11)
Rise of the Robots (13:40)
This section covers a lot of territory. Its a Transformers history 101, bit about the Transfans, screen tests for the Transformers, explanations on why changes where made from G1 to the movie design including voice casting decisions with Optimus and Megatron. The argument for why not Frank Welker is covered here (comes down the voice didn't fit with the design and tone). As a Transfan, this was a little walk down nostalgia lane, but this section can be appreciated by both new and old fans.

Autobots Roll Out (20:00)
The whys, whats, and hows of the Autobots for the movie. A profile on each car used for each character and the customizations (some extreme) that was done to each. This is the section that explains why the changes where made from the G1 model to the movie model, many of which made since from a technical perspective. Also get to see other vehicles built (and destroyed) for the film and the various vehicle related stunts that were performed. One of the better sections on this disc.

Decepticons Strike (14:33)
Like the previous section, this one covers all the Decepticons. Goes over each of the military vehicles used for the film, be it as Transformers or for other scenes. Also covers the filming of them and the technical details of shooting with the military. Nothing about shooting on the USS Shoup though (the navel vessel at the end). Decent but not as much information as would have liked.

Inside The Allspark (16:58)
This section is about inserting the Transformers in the film from the filming of them with pole place holders to building them in the computer, animating them and inserting them into the film photo-realistically. All this is covered with interviews, test footage and CGI work. This was my geek out section. I find it fascinating to see how the imagination is made real.

More Than Meets The Eye
From Script To Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack (8:52)
The title says it all. Takes the attack sequence and covers all aspects of the sequence from Skorponoks design, to locations, filming, CGI, and so forth. Its a good breakdown of a scene from concept to finished product.

Concepts (2:12)
A montage of images, concept designs, artwork, and ideas that where created for the film put together with the score for the film. This section is frankly genius. Most of the time this section is the picture section where you have to keep pumping the next button on your controller. Usually, because its such a pain, its a section I skip over. Here though, especially with nice edition of the score, makes for a short but enjoyable viewing of some excellent artwork. Other DVD creators need to copy this and make it a standard.

Trailers
Its the three theatrical trailers for the film, not the TV trailers.

Easter Egg info here.

The sections all do have a "Play All" option, something you don't appreciate until watch a DVD extras that don't have it. Why its not an automatic standard on all DVDs is beyond me. Also should mention that the menu animations are excellent.

Overall, the extra are entertaining and provide some decent information. The editing is good, the information conveyed clearly and well. Its a pretty much a by the books behind the scenes guide like most others seen on DVDs over the years. I would only spin the extra money if you are genuinely curious about the behind the scenes stuff. If you are looking for a film school detailed "how they do that" knowledge, your not going to find that here as just a surface skim on how Transformers was made. If it hadn't been Transformers I would have passed as rarely the extras provided worth the extra $10 or so the studios are now demanding (but use not to). As a Transfan though, the two hours of Transformers goodness made it worth the extra cost.

Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes Has Begun

I finally decided to go with the steel case for the Transformers Special Edition and got lucky and bought the last one FYE had (Autobot rather then the Decepticon one I would have preferred). Inside came a little flyer that promotes the Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes which offers a chance to win the 2009 Chevy Camaro customized to look like Bumblebee. The contest does not require the purchase of a DVD to enter. The contest ends on 1/15/2008 and limited to legal residents of the United States and Canada. Official rules here.

To enter click here. The entry form asks for name, address, and phone numbers.

Transformers 2-Disc Easter Eggs

From "Doc Brown" over at the TFW2005.com has posted instructions on the various Easter Eggs available on Disc 2 of the Special Edition Transformers DVD.

DVD Credits
- Main Menu
- Highlight setup
- Press left

Bay Bot
- Our World
- Highlight "I fight giant robots"
- Press down

Deleted Scene - Bay Cameo
- Their world
- Highlight "Inside the allspark"
- Press left

Casting Mojo
- More than meets the eye
- Highlight Script to sand
- Press up

Deleted Scene - Woman in Dress
- More than meets the eye - trailers
- Highlight trailer 4
- Press right

Transformers Out On DVD

Transformers should now be out in a seas of copies in retail stores near you. What exclusive version did you buy and what do you think of the DVD and any extras?

Transformers DVD Sales Exclusives

Transformers will be out in stores tomorrow in the US in a 2-Disc, 1-Disc and HD-DVD editions. On top of that, stores have their own exclusives to bump sales which I have tracked in various posts (Sunday ads, Suncoast/FYE, DVD tag). Below is the summary based on the info already collected and some additional stores provided by TFormers.com.

Best Buy
- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron. (pic)
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Blockbuster
- Free 128MB MP3 player with purchase (miminium of 4 per store).

Borders
- "Making of" booklet with the purchase of the two-disc Special Edition. Price unknown.

Circuit City
- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (pic)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

K-Mart
- Buy the "Transformers" DVD and movie action figure priced at $19.99 or more and get $10 off instantly (same as Best Buy but better selection I assume).
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Sears
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Suncoast and FYE
- For 2-Disc Special Edition, choose the Autobot or Decepticon insignia-themed steel case for $26.99

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99). (pic)
- DVD also comes with Transformers: The Movie Prequel #1 with exclusive cover and new story from Decepticons point of view.
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us
- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet (pic)
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Wal-Mart
- Two-disc gift set (pic) includes one-disc version of "Transformers" and "Transformers: The Beginnings," which is the Peter Cullen narrated animated version of "Transformers: The Movie Prequel" by IDW Publishing. (By animated, basically the comic panels cut up and motion effects and camera moves added to synch with the voiceover).
- Edition prices unknown.

If know any other deals, post to the comments and I will try to update the list accordingly.

Transformers Crosses $700 Million Mark

On the eve of the US DVD release of Transformers, it seemed like a good time to check out the mostly final box office numbers for theatrical release. The numbers have really changed dramtically since last checked. The main thing is the movie crossed the $700 million worldwide gross mark. Impressive considering that the other films in the top five are all sequels and most viewers probably didn't really know what Transformers where until the movie. I don't think the numbers include IMAX sales, but could be wrong. If it doesn't then more then likely the additional sales would bump Transformers include the number 2 spot in sales for the US.

Top 5 Movies US for 2007:
1. Spider-Man 3 - 336.5 million
2. Shrek 3 - 321.0 million
3. Transformers - 317.6 million
4. Pirates 3 - 309.4 million
5. Harry Potter 5 - 291.0 million

Top 5 Movies Worldwide for 2007:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Budget: 300 million
Opening Weekend: 114.7 million
Total Domestic: 309.4 million
Total Foreign: 651.6 million
Worldwide Total: 961.0 million

2. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix:
Budget: 150 million
Opening Weekend: 77.4 million
Total Domestic: 291.0 million
Total Foreign: 645.2 million
Worldwide Total: 936.2 million

3. Spider-Man 3:
Budget: 258 million
Opening Weekend: 151.1million
Total Domestic: 336.5 million
Total Foreign: 554.0 million
Worldwide Total: 890.5 million

4. Shrek 3:
Budget: 160 million
Opening Weekend: 121.6 million
Total Domestic: 321.0 million
Total Foreign: 470.7 million
Worldwide Total: 791.7 million

5. Transformers:
Budget: 150 million
Opening Weekend: 70.5 million
Total Domestic: 317.6 million
Total Foreign: 383.2 million
Worldwide Total: 700.8 million

Various Sunday Ads for Transformers DVD

The Sunday ads are out for the big three retailers and below are shots of each and details of the deals started with the release of Transformers on Tuesday October 16th. Pretty much across the board it just confirms previously released information. Sadly no mention of the Transformers Score.

Best Buy- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron.
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Circuit City- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (silver Autobot insignia)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99).
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet and TRU is only place I am aware of that has the Peter Cullen version, just read the box to make sure getting it.
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Peter Cullen DVD Related Interview

Superherohype has posted an interview with Peter Cullen from Friday when he hosted a press conference about the special features of the HD-DVD version of Transformers.

The full interview is here.

Some highlights:
- Not comfortable with celebrity, likes the anonymity that voice over work brings.
- Slight changes where made to his Optimus voice to "justify its size relative to the actors on screen." (Personally I can't tell if a change was made or not. So it one was made compliments to the sound crew for making it near invisible).
- Wasn't really aware of the popularity of Transformers until his first convention in 98 or 99 (probably Botcon which is held annually in various locations) after being encouraged by his daughter to go.
- Did audition with Bay for the role of Optimus for the movie.
- HD-DVD features: Picture in picture during the commentary so can see Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers. Disc 2 allows zoom and 350 view of the robots.

Suncoast / FYE DVD Exclusive The Steel Case?

Over at the TFW2005.com forums, an employee of Suncoast (and maybe FYE) says that their exclusive DVD extra for the 2-Disc set is the steel case similar to the international version. It appears though that the case is the choice to choose either the Autobot insignia or the Decepticon one rather then a case that has both. The sale price is $26.99 (MSRP: $29.99) and in limited numbers with pre-orders getting first dibs. With the average price (for the first week of release) of the 2-disc set probably being in the $23 range, its up to you decide if difficulty to get and extra $4 is worth the cost. I still can't decide what would be better, a transforming case or a steel case. Decisions decisions. Pics from "Halo" on the forum.

Leaked Treatment Origin?

IESB.net received an email from the writers' of the leaked treatment for Transformers. The names where withheld but basically they are saying they wrote it hoping to get the sequel writing job and they while flattered by the positive reaction it was never in contention and apologize for any problems it caused. This backs up statements by Bay's admin in regards to the treatment and my guess on its origins.

The email:

We are two unrepresented writers with links to [edited]. While we did intend to have Bay's people read the treatment, in no way is our treatment officially linked with the studios or either camp. Prior to this whole debacle, no one associated with the movie had read our treatment. They signed off on a writer before we could get it in the hands of our contacts. Not to mention, the legal tape we would have had to get through was an additional issue as unrepresented writers.

As best we can figure, someone took the pdf file of the original treatment from [edited], doctored it, then tried to pass it off as some kind of scoop, posting it either on Saturday or Sunday (when the leaked treatment first appeared, apparently). Though we initially posted the treatment in what we thought was an obscure corner of the internet, it's obvious to us now that there is no such thing. [edited] is a forum I post on quite regularly ([edited] is where I went to school), writing reviews and sometimes posting about my experiences in LA.

While we are flattered by the overwhelmingly positive reaction the treatment itself has garnered, again, it was by no means ever considered by the powers that be as a viable option, nor read by them either. We just want that made clear to as many people as IESB can reach. The rights of the studio need to be protected, and the production deserves to progress without false perceptions of their actual plot/story. In addition, we ask that it be made clear that we are not only agitated, but dumbfounded by this whole phenomenon and apologize for any inconvenience it must have caused not only the fans, but those involved with the project as well (especially for Don Murphy...wow).

So there you go. Sure all this could be smoke and mirrors down the road (I liked the script so wouldn't mind that at all) but for now, based on the various denials from various sources, it safe to say this isn't the official treatment for the sequel.

I think the takeaway from this for production is that this treatment was very well received, even more so then then the real leaked script for the first film. I rarely read anywhere where it wasn't liked. The question the writers and Bay should ask themselves is what about it got such fan attention and enjoyment considering how difficult that is to achieve.

I have an opinion on that (being a blog and all). The treatment provided Transformers with epic scale storytelling, something the franchise in all its forms has lacked. It also filled in gaps from the first movie's such as the Allspark apparently creating only Decepticons...until the Matrix gives them a soul. The new Transformers were well chosen fan favorites, and often introduced into the film well. It lacks overall character development but I personally don't think that is entirely necessary. With so many human characters and Transformers, the attempt is doomed to fail no matter what. When it comes to the Transformers, you want to watch them transform and do heroic or evil things. Not have a sit down and unleash some angst ridden misery they are or had experienced. Basically the character development should be done via actions rather then words. Preferably actions that have things going boom. The end was actually pretty genius as it made a promise of even grander things to come. The story simply didn't quit. There wasn't a slow moment in the script. A smart approach to any action movie. Peddle to the floor, no braking allowed.

ILM's Scott Benza Interview

ILM animator Scott Benza discusses the details of the daunting task of creating Transformers for the big screen with Scientific America. The article writer apparently agree with me that Transformers are probably a lock for an Oscar visual effects award (I add sound and special effects to).

The full article is here.

Some highlights:
- Animation work began in November 2005 when provided with the 3-D animatics of the TFs.
- His role was to animate the characters, provide real movement, emotion and so forth, basically create CGI actors.
- Example technique used is Virtual Background Pipeline where digitial photograhs of a scene or location are stitched together to digital re-create the same scene. From this they can create the textures, reflections, camera moves and so forth needed for the scene. All this is done in Zeno, CGI software used by ILM.
(source)
- Custom built software by ILM was used "to calculate how Scorponok would move through its scenes" as the computer can work out the physics of the Transformers movements better.
- Benza is eying simulation software such as used by automobile companies, to possible improve the Transformers in the sequel. the software is desinged to take into account various conditions such as speed, vehicile type, road and so forth to create realitistc crashes. I guess in Transformers it would be used for CGI autmobiles and add extra layer of fluidity to their movements.
- Also seeking out ways to improve smoke, fire and water so even more realistic as currently its expensive and time consuming for computers to do.
- "ILM used 5,500 computer processors and 220 terabytes of storage to store all the models, animation, background plates, textures, reference materials and artwork for the film. Benza is counting on the further development of computer processors that take advantage of multithreading throughput, among other technologies, to continue his quest for lifelike animation."

Borders DVD Exclusive

According to TFormers.com, Borders DVD Exclusive is a Making of Transformers booket that I guess comes with the 2-Disc special edition set since the MSRP is $39.99, $10.00 more then the other retailers (not including whatever special prices may occur the first week of release).

To read about other retailers exclusives click here.

Mark Ryan Interview

IFMagazine.com has posted an interview with Mark Ryan, the voice of Bumblebee and was also the on set voice for most of the Transformers to help the actors in their roles.

The full interview is here.

Some highlights:
- Was hired by Michelle Lewitt to do the on set work since was able to throw up different voices for each Transformers as needed.
- First scene he shot was the house sequence with Shia LaBeouf.
- Poles with red and green lights represented the robots to help with line of sight for the actors so looked at right spot correctly.
- On set, played Jazz as Sean Connery and other voices, Ironhide was a southern character and so forth.
- Did the post production work for Decepticons until the roles where cast (Probably to help with timing and the like for editing scenes and animatics. This explains why the casting of roles was able to wait so long. Usually the voice work is done before the animation so can match mouth movements. For example Disney/Pixar cartoons, usually the voice work was done up to 2 years before the movie even comes out.)
(source)

Bay Admin Confirms Treatment

Nelson, admin for Bay's official website, confirmed that a leaked treatment (which I liked alot) is real but with a caveat.

Fake and real are relative my friend.

Fake as in it's a treatment that won't be used? Yes.

Real as in it was not a fan who wrote it? Yes

From the LA Times article announcing the signing of the TF 2 screenwriters, it mentioned that Dreamworks execs had started back in May accepting proposals from writers for the sequel and its possible that the treatment came from one of them. If true, unless Dreamworks bought the treatment (doubt it), none of the ideas can be used as it would be risking a lawsuit for stealing the ideas from it.

Transformers 2 Writers Signed

The LATimes is reporting that Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Ehren Kruger have officially been signed on as the screenwriters for Transformers 2. It was previously reported that they where in negotiations but now the contracts have been signed to an estimated paycheck of $8 million payday for each.

According to the article, "Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and DreamWorks executives had been inviting writers to propose takes on the sequel as early as May, two months before the first film's Independence Day opening. The studio has been looking at the "Transformers" property as an extended saga, with an expansive mythology built into at least two more films." This may explain the treatment that leaked online as one submitted version from an unknown writer.

Exactly when the scripts will be written and how hands-on Orci and Kurtzman will be is anyone's guess as they have a full plate with shooting for Star Trek XI (which they wrote and one assumes be on set for) starting next month. Also Eagle Eye, a film they are producing, begins at the same time. After that, the pilot for Fringe, which they wrote and exec produce, will begin shooting by year's end. How they can bounced between all those sets and write indicates to me that at least for the early drafts, most of the detail work will come from Kruger with the other two just providing the "big" ideas.

The article notes that Bay has already begun digital pre-visualization for the film from designs not used in the last film (and probably coming up with new ones along the way). In theory, strike or no strike next June, visual effects work would continue but I have my doubts.

Transformers: The Score (NOT) Out In Stores

Just a little reminder that the score to Transformers should now be out in stores starting today.

Update: Based on the comments to this thread and elsewhere, it appears the score is NOT out in stores. The reported release date was 10/9 yet nada in the brick and mortars. In hindsight, its pretty telling that none of the Sunday advertising flyers had the score even though usually new releases get a mention. Apparently you can order it online at Amazon and BestBuy.com. For now though I recommend a wait and see as its possible that stores are simply waiting to pair it up with the Transformers DVD & HD-DVD thats coming out next week.

Transfomers 2 Leaked Script?

A possible draft of the Transformers 2 script has leaked online. Emphasis on possible. It could be fan fic or any number of other things. The PDF of the treatment can be found here or here or here (at least until removed). Below is a rather extended description of the film, in inviso-text, as I read through the script. To read highlight the section below. Just in case it’s a real treatment, a warning that there may be SPOILERS here, so consider yourself warned.

Act One
- Starscream returns, now self-declared leader of the Decepticons.
- Rallies the others around his goal is a new energy source derived from the Allspark that rests on Earth. Plans overheard by Hot Rod.
- Soundwave leads a faction that is still loyal to Megatron and with his followers battles Starscream and co and gains control of the resurgence ship Nemesis
- Sam and Mikaela are in college, her at community and Sam in New York. Still together.
- Sam and Bumblebee have a strained relationship since the city of gridlock makes driving a car impractical.
- Shige, unspecified Asian, is Sam's roommate and learned English from Baywatch closed caption. Guessing he is the comedian role that Anderson was for first movie.
- Nemesis slams into the ocean, destroying an aircraft carrier and taking on its form. IE Nemesis becomes a transforming aircraft carrier (something rumored to be in the sequel for a month and more).
- Soundwave takes on the form of a "large, military-grade focused sound laser" while the other Decepticons take on military vehicles that where on the downed carrier.
- Megatron's crushed lifeless form is retrieved and placed in a Cybertronian chamber. Since sound is a form of energy, therefore making Soundwave an unlimited source of energy, he is able to heal other Transformers and restore Megatron. The reason mainly because the merging of the Allspark with Meg's spark caused an overload and shutdown of his system rather then death.
- The resurrection’s side-effect results in dependency on Soundwave for energy but (I think), Meg's wouldn't like depending on anyone for survival so needs something from Prime to complete his return and sends his minions to capture Sam as leverage.
- Hot Rod lands on earth to warn Prime of Starscream's plans and coordinates for unknown energy source. The alt form, Ferrari F430, is taken from a "high-profile action movie director’s car (a cameo perhaps for Bay?).
- Autobots head to Las Vegas, with Hot Rod (with Mikaela) running ahead of them due to his speed.
- Bumblebee also heads to Vegas with Sam and Shige in tow (after a scene involving street racing).
- Mikaela finds Agent Simmons, who now works for LUXOR in Vegas, to get the location of the object.
- Everyone but Sam and company form up at the home of Linus Ellison, descendent of the Sector 7 founders.
- The second source, "City of Lights" is an orb that stores the Allspark's excess energy that was collected while being studied by Sector 7 and is used to meet the United States energy needs. The electrical conduit for the orb runs from Hoover Dam to Vegas, in effect Vegas was built to hide the orb much like Hoover Dam was built to hide the Allspark.
- The Luxor (the black pyramid) provides the access point to the orb (hence Simmons working there) resulting in a White House ordered evacuation of the entire city.

Act Two
- Sam and co still heading to Vegas, Shige still unaware of Bumblebee is a robot; watch their dorm destroyed by a giant robot on TV. Sam recognizes that means he is in danger.
- Creation Matrix is introduced and contained within Prime. The Allspark provides life, the Matrix provides the Transformers with a soul and free will. Without the matrix the Transformers are soulless primal beasts ("hence the cell phone, Xbox and Mountain Dew machine"). Decepticons therefore came from the Allspark and Matrix but used free will "to follow a path of evil". (Very slick and very obvious, I feel pretty stupid for not thinking of this).
- At this point, Starscream wants the Orb and Megatron wants the Matrix.
- Meanwhile Sam and co reach the roadblock of traffic from the evacuation of Vegas and come head to head with six construction vehicles...who merge to form Devastator.
- While trying to escape Ultra Magnus and his car load of Transformers arrive to attack Devastator and defend Sam. Meanwhile Shige pees in his pants (thinking BB wouldn't like that). A vicious battle ensues.
- Devastator is slowed buying time for a tactical retreat down Route 66 to Vegas (historic American landmark, worth googling).
- In Vegas, the largest defense force ever assembled is ready as Starscream's faction arrives in protoform.
- The force is intercepted by protoform Autobots (so three groups of Autobots) resulting in a free-fall battle until forced to break for crashing landing to Earth. The fight is rejoined and moves toward Vegas.
- Once the fight reaches Vegas, the military learns that the Decepticons no longer effected by the sabot rounds making them ineffective in the battle.
- The assault continues above ground while below Mikaela watches as Ellison and Simmons wordlessly hatch a plan.
- Night falls as the Autobots defense of the Luxor barely holds. Reinforcements arrive in the form of Sam and co. pushing back Starscream's faction.
- Sam and Shige are escorted down below as Skorponok drills through to the underground bunker undetected.
Act Three
- Skorponok is detected and despite best efforts from the military below ground, manages to sever the orb from the electrical conduit, stopping the flow of energy to the nation, plunging cities and Vegas into a blackout.
- Military re-enforcements arrive in Vegas, only to discover they where infiltrated by Megatron's forces and destroyed.
- The military lies in waste, the Autobots outnumbered and exhausted, Megatron's forces begin their assault.
- Seeing the odds, Ellison makes the call to go to the Stratosphere Tower and release a Sector 7 built electromagnetic pulse that would destroy all electronic systems within 50 miles including the Transformers and the orb. Despite knowing it would kill them; Optimus approves of the plan and orders the Autobots to clear a path up the strip.
- Soundwave, overhearing the orders, moves to intercept.
- Prime, Magnus and Hot Rod stay to defend the Luxor, the others move to defend human's move to the tower.
- Starscream, thinking the advantage is his, moves to attack the Luxor to claim the orb.
- The fight up the strip against Soundwave's troops results in a kamikaze move by two Autobots that opens the lines but also kills the military specialists for the EMP.
- Sam and Mikaela ascend the tower under assault from a Deception with Bumblebee trying to defend. Eventually Bumblebee wins forcing the weak Megatron to enter the battle and clumsily but effectively stopping the EMP and possibly killing Mikaela.
- Soundwave attacks Starscream's faction with a sonic pulse that also hits Prime who was chasing a determined Hot Rod that had ordered his retreat orders.
- Soundwave uses that opportunity to rip the Matrix from Optimus and brings it to Megatron restoring him to full strength.
- First order of business to regain the role of undisputed leader of the Decepticons by taking out Starscream those results in a dogfight in the Grand Canyon.
- The defeated Starscream's last act of defiance is a message to his faction on Cybertron, "I have prepared the way..." resulting in a mass exodus from Cybertron to Earth. (HMM so TF 2 Vegas battle is what Helm's Deep was to the Two Towers, with I guess TF 3 having a battle that will be like Return of the Kings Minas Tirith - if true sweet)
- Movie ends with the Autobots recovering in Ellison's compound, Optimus severely wounded, Hot Rod determined to right his wrong (I guess getting the matrix from Megs), Sam feeling betrayed by Prime with the death of Mikaela, and Mikaela regaining consciousness, the forcefield of the Bumblebee defeated Decepticon failing after having protected her from the destroyed Tower.
- ...to be Concluded in TF 3.

My take is this is a wish list script that is not going to happen as written simply because its too expensive. The main ideas are good, but with 6 seperate Transformers "teams" total in the script, probably more then a few will go to the wayside. The ideas here are very good though and the epic feel is something to drool over. If one thing that could be an easy cut it is the addition of Shige. He is basically Sam as an Asian kid. Sam's humor was sarcasm, Shige is situational. Sam was "omg, he Transformed" and so is Shige. The film already has a Sam and doesn't need another. The ending has an unfinished feel to it, but then so did Pirates of the Caribbean 2 amd that didn't hurt the box office any. The Constructicons are an idea that should carry over no matter how many drafts. The teaser trailer would need one thing, and one thing only, and that is the merge to form Devastator. There is a noticable lack of characterization but to be honest I can't say that I care. Its Transformers doing big things in big ways. When playing Transformers as kids, I didn't imagine conversations and angst, I imagined them beating the snot out of each other in creative ways. That's this treatment on a city wide scale.
I don't know if the script is true but there are touches in the draft that seems authentic and in some cases realistically answer some fan concerns from the first movie, beats that now seem intentionally done. If this isn't the script, maybe it should be. It has an epic feel that Transfans always wanted to see in the cartoons but rarely got. The focus definitely shifts from the humans to the Transformers. In this draft, it seems it would be easier to count the scenes that don't have Transformers then ones that do. If this is the script though, it’s an expensive one, like in the $200-$250 million range because it probably would break a few records for visual effects. It also meets the needs of pre-production for the sequel, as provides enough to indicate what sites, sets, cast, and Transformers (but leaving plenty of latitude in this regard for Bay, Hasbro and the digital effects studios) are needed. Should add that even if this treatment is real, the movie is still two years away so this and the final version could end up having nothing in common.

Thanks to Maximus and Frank S for the links to a copy of the script.

Update from Don Murphy's site:

1- Some idiot posted some stupid story
2- Apparently it was good.
3- It thankfully wasn't real, because, well writers don't start writing
till deals are done and they aren't.
4- Not one single person/fan/stooge/alleged friend alerted me to the
situation which, HAD it been real would have been bad for the film, not to
mention illegal.

Murphy is referencing the report that Orci, Kurtzman, and Kruger are in negotiations to be the writing team. However, Murphy does have a history of denying leaks that later turn out to be true. Also, nothing helps say "pay up" then having a treatment ready before the writer's strike begins on November 1st. In the end, like most rumors, we really will not know until someone official confirms information (rare) or the day the movie is out.

Another Update:
More information is coming up online that indicates this treatment may be real (other then Murphy's very angry denial). According to TFormers.com, the leaked treatment came from CountingDown.com, a Dreamworks owned website, before it was pulled down. How true this is, I don't know as TFormers is posting this bit of information two days after this site posted about the same leaked script.

In additon, ComingSoon.net reports that "Spielberg told us there are going to be multiple "Transformers" films that [Shia LaBeouf] is signed on to do and that there's already a story for the second one, but production depends on the pending writer's strike." This is further backed up by IESB.net "they have a story that will be turned in a couple of weeks. If they get it before pre-strike great if not oh well. T2 not certain to be pre-strike but he believes that they can put it together quickly if they meet the deadline." This contradicts Murphy's statement of "don't start writing till deals are done and they aren't."

Finally at Michael Bay's forums, Nelson (head admin) posts that the script isn't fan made reminding readers "It's a treatment...far cry from a shooting script." Which is an excellent way to summarize this entire post and to know things will change. At this point, I believe this treatment is the real deal and while the big ideas will make its way into the film, not all of them will.

"ILM on Transformers Effects"

IGN.com has posted an interview with Scott Farrar in regards to the visual effects for Transformers. The full article is here.

Some highlights:
- Optimus having lips was because despite best efforts by ILM, the face mask while talking "looked horrible - they didn't resonate".
- There was a little cheating in regards to car to robot mass ratio due to design and look. This also resulted in more complex design and transformations.
- Screen tests resulted in Sam killing Megatron rather then Optimus, for increased impact and bravery.
(source)

Hollywood Strikes and Transformers 2

After reading the recent issue of Entertainment Weekly, there has been a slight clarity on strike fever that may strike Hollywood. It turns out that there could be three strikes over the next 8 months. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and the Directors Guild of America (DGA), arguably the most powerful unions in the world, all have contacts with the studios that expire soon. All have demands for a larger share of the profits in whatever media the various studios may exploit their properties. Whether people are part of these guilds or not, if they plan on being a writer, director, or actor, they will respect a strike or get blacklisted. As a result of this, the June 26, 2009 Transformers 2 release date may be forcibly pushed back depending on various factors and how much pre-prep occurs.

Screen Actors Guild
Their contract expires at the end of October. Already notices have gone out to members asking for permission to start a strike on October 1st if a new agreement isn't reached. Based on reports, it doesn't look like one will be. The result is that the studios, for TV and movies, will have only their stockpile of scripts to work from. Once the various productions on the stockpile completes, that means no new movies or episodes.

For TV, the impact would be pretty immediate as the script turnover rate is about every 7-10 days for a standard season show. They will probably burn through the stockpile pretty quick which can result in momentum crushing repeats for many shows.

In movies terms its gets a little more blurry as scipt turnover rate is pretty slow, often months being allocated to tweak them. Also the studios have already begun prepping by greenlighting and rushing production on a lot of films resulting in allowing them to probably have a slate through the beginning of fall 2008.

In regards to Transformers 2, the effect might be minimal depending if a pre-production prep ready draft script is turned in before the strike. Since pre-production will probably take 3-4 months, all the prep work can mostly be completed before concerns over the deadline of a final shooting script arise. However, if no draft is turned in, then not much for pre-production crew to work from. Hard to design characters, check out locations, designs sets, costumes, and cast if no script to work from. Assuming no pre-production worthy script, then the longer the writer's strike, the less likely the 2009 release date can be met.

Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America
The union contract for both these unions end around the end of May which could result in a June 2008 strike. Whether one or both of these groups strike the result is the same - the immediate shutdown of all projects, both TV and movie, currently in production.

For TV, the this could result in the delay of the 2008 season premieres which of course effects revenue. For movies, this would of course impact any movies in production or about to start which would delay the planned release of an unknown number of films. Projects that completed filming but not post-production would only be effected if the directors union strikes. The more immediate impact will be promotion as the actors will not do their usual tour to promote the film coming to theatres.

In regards to Transformers 2, the effect again could vary depending on how much pre-prep is done. If pre-production and actual production completes before an actors strike, the actors striking but not the directors no delay as Bay will have the material in the can to work on the film. If both done but directors strike, an impact would only occur if the strike lasts for more then 6 months (highly unlikely). I will be amazed though if production on the film starts much less completes before the contracts expire. As a result, that means that production and post production has to occur after a strike ends. The longer a strike lasts from either union, the smaller the window to complete the film before the June 09 date. The smaller the window the greater likelihood it will be pushed back. If its pushed back, I have a feeling the studio will reschedule the film to bow in May 2010.

In the end, if you want that film to come out in 2009 rather then 2010, just hope a strike doesn't occur.

Brief IMAX Review

I finally answered the siren call and dropped $12 to see Transformers at the IMAX. To sum its basically the theatrical release about two stories tall. The extra scenes where fine but no big deal either. It was fun in the theatre and fun at the IMAX. The main pluses of seeing it at the theatre (as a male) is seeing the lovely Rachael Taylor and Megan Fox writ large and seeing the Transformers action extra large. The IMAX really lets you appreciate the detail that went into the Transformers as lot of stuff becomes visible such as battle wear, chipped paint on the faces, things like that. Its just astonishing how well done ILM and Digitial Domain did the TFs and further supports that they moved the CGI bar higher. As far as the camera shake and the like, no seasickness. If (like me) you don't like all that shaking, it was equalally annoying as it was in the theatre. I still get a kick out of touches for the Transfans put in the film such as the Jazz vs Bonecrusher that nearly mirrors Kup vs Blitzwing from the animated film. With the DVD release only two weeks away, its up to you to decide if those pluses where are worth a repeat visit. Since I only saw the movie once in the theatre, a repeat viewing extra large was worth the price of admission.

Transformers US DVD Exclusives Info

From SuperHeroHype comes more information that verifies the exclusive content for Wal-Mart, Target, Circuit City, and Best Buy for the October 16th release of Transformers on DVD. Some of this is a repeat of already known information, just being summarized with pics all together.

Target (item not yet up on site)
This exclusive for the 2-disc special edition is a transforming DVD case that turns into Optimus Prime. It was previously leaked as coming to Australia but this is first time its comes out as a stateside exclusive. The one-disc edition comes with the first issue of the prequel comic. No MSRP but assuming its around $29.99.


Best Buy
As previously mentioned, this set for the 2-disc special edition will include two Robot Heroes figures made exclusively for Best Buy. The figures are movie Optimus Prime with strange arm and Cliffhanger (re-colored Bumblebee). MSRP is $29.99.

Wal-Mart
Their exclusive DVD is for the one disc set. Its labeled 2-Disc DVD set, but its not the same as the Special Edition version. The second disc in this set is an animated version of the IDW Transformers 4 part prequel comic for the movie that is narrated by Peter Cullen. The MSRP is $19.96 but might be on sale for less that first week. Thanks to Frank S. for the link.

Circuit City (no info yet on site)
Compared to the other stores, Circuit City's offering is rather anemic. Its a "Classified Digital Content Card" that provides free access to online content. I assume its for both editions but don't know for sure.


Sadly it doesn't look like the steel case is making a stateside appearance. Might be a good thing for me as I am not sure which to buy if given a choice between the steel case and the transforming case.

Transformers DVD Menu Screenshots

ComicsContinuum.com has scored the first look at the screen menus for the 2-disc edition of the upcoming Transformers DVD. Click the images below for the full size image. Thanks to Maximus for the link.

Transformers 2 Screenwriters Announced

The Hollywood Reporter has announced the writing team for Transformers 2. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Transformers, Star Trek XI, Mission Impossible 3) are being joined by Ehren Kruger (The Ring 2, Brother Grimm).

Scribe Ehren Kruger and the writing team of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are in negotiations to team to write the screenplay for DreamWorks/Paramount's "Transformers 2."

Director Michael Bay, star Shia LaBeouf and producers Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Don Murphy are back in their respective chairs, as is exec producer Steven Spielberg.

The teaming of A-listers to write such a huge project might be an industry first and could have been necessary because Kurtzman and Orci -- who wrote the $315 million-grossing first "Transformers" movie -- also are busy writing J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" movie for Paramount and producing "Eagle Eye" for DreamWorks.

But the teaming will not be a case of complete strangers being thrust together, as the three writers are working together on "Nightlife," a DreamWorks serial-killer project that sees Kruger adapting a Thomas Perry novel, with Kurtzman and Orci producing along with Neal Moritz. Kruger also adapted the Stephen King tome "The Talisman," which Spielberg is exec producing
for TNT.

Sources are pegging the writing deal, which is not yet closed, in the $5 million-$7 million range, which also might be an industry high for a nonoriginal screenplay. Reflected in the price is the pressure to perform: With the studio hoping to make the movie before a potential talent strike, the writers are going to have to type fast.

Kruger met with Bay and Hasbro president Brian Goldner and impressed the duo with his knowledge of the "Transformers" mythology. Kruger also has "Torso," a graphic novel adaptation that has David Fincher directing, set up at Paramount. He is repped by Paradigm and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern.

Orci and Kurtzman are repped at CAA.

Torso is becoming a movie? Sweet. Brian Michael Bendis' Powers would make a fantastic franchise.

Anyway back to Transformers. That $5-7 million payday for each member of the writing team is quite nice, with a probably rush job surcharge added on with the studio trying to beat the strike deadline. The strike and because Orci and Kurtzman will probably be on set for Star Trek XI in November, is probably why Kruger was added to the team. The other two come up with the outline and the "big" ideas and Kruger is the man that cleans it up why they work on Star Trek.

Keep in mind that everyone is working against a clock right now. Not because of the strike but because of the year and more lead time that Hasbro needs to make sure the toys are ready in time for the movie. Since the movie is aiming for June 26, 2009 that means that more then likely the script (and cast of characters) along with pre-production designs must be completed by end of April (to be generous). I am thinking as a result drafts have to be slammed out by end of November at the latest. For movie scripts that is not much time at all. Hopefully the writers knew this was coming and already has started work on the script. The shooting draft doesn't have to be completed by then but the major scenes, sets, and characters have to be in place so that pre-production knows what to do in preparation.

The payday that is coming for the writers is a precursor for the large payday coming to Bay and Shia (which the article is saying are coming back). It wouldn't surprise me that when its all said and done (not including profit sharing) that about $35 million (I suspect it will be about $50 million when said and done) of the budget will go to just paydays. I think this is the movie that Shia will cross the $10 million per movie threshold. I don't think he is worth it but the studios tend to believe the hype they themselves manufacture. No idea how the paydays work the for producing team which is a carry over from the first film. The issue between Spielberg and Paramount is still rumbling around so not sure what, if any, impact that may have on the film.

Over all the takeaway is that all the major players for the first film are coming together for the sequel, with an additional writer. If you loved the first film, that's good news. If you didn't, there is a nearly $700 million gross that says too bad. Thanks to various site readers for the article.

Transformers DVD Contests

Chevy and Hostess are both sponsoring contests for the upcoming October 16th release of Transformers on DVD.

The Chevy contest starts October 16th, because the TF DVD's comes with a special insert with a website address that will provide an opportunity to register to win one of the 3 production versions of the 2009 Camaro dressed as Bumblebee. (source)

The Hostess contest started on October 1st with specially marked Hostess products containing a game code. Use the game code at HostessTransformers.com to find out if win instantly. There are 60 prizes with the grand prize being a 50'' Plasma TV and Home Entertainment system. Also a $4 rebate towards the DVD purchase if buy 2 TF marketed family size packages of Hostess stuff. (source)

The chevy contest interests me. The hostess one not so much but can't hurt to try I guess. Pass on the rebate though as the products and the hassle of rebates doesn't make it worthwhile for such a small amount.

Best Buy Transformers DVD Gift Set

Best Buy has a tiny pic that is their exclusive Transformers DVD Gift Set for $29.99. The set contains the 2-disc edition of the Transformers DVD and Robot Heroes version of Cliffjumper and Optimus Prime. Oddly the release date is 11/4/07 rather then the 10/16. If you collect the Robot Heroes, it might be worth it but otherwise you might as well buy the 2-Disc solo on week one when it will probably retail in the $22 range.
(source)

"Transformers 2 More Ambitious"

Scif.com has posted an article with Scott Farrar, visual effects supervisor for Transformers, which can be summed as do more and do it better.

"We want to improve on some of the processes that we did," Ferrar said in an interview at Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco, where the film's transforming robots were created. "I think what we're going to do is get faster and know our problems sooner and quicker. And then, of course, I know Michael's always thinking about new, crazy actions. And we're open to that."

After discussing the monumental task of creating the effects for the first film, Farrar groaned and fell off his chair in jest when asked about the sequel, which was announced last week with an anticipated release date of June 26, 2009.

"It's a circus, and they're going to raise the tight-wire walker a little bit higher next time," he said. "But it's all going to be dramatic. I think the commitment is not to just chuck out a sequel. The commitment is—and this makes us really happy here—that it's a deep story. There are lots of layers to the story of all these Decepticons, everybody. And so they want to really keep the characters rich."

Farrar added that the filmmakers plan to use the techniques and technology they learned on the first film to make the second even better. "It was difficult and, I think, laborious, and I think we learned a lot by the end," he said. "I think we've learned a lot about lighting, and I think we can go to much moodier lighting. Lots of things. It'll be improved."

Thanks to Maximus for the link.