Transformers 3 Filming in Chicago?

Pre-production is in full swing for pre-production and it looks like Bay may have made some progress on his location scouting according to an observation from "jamtron". He reports that while driving by Chicago Studio City, he saw a sign for Michael Bay's office indicating that filming may occur at the site and possibly around the city.

Chicago was also one of the cities Bay mentioned he was checking out for the film. As the name suggests, the facility is Chicago, IL and can be used for the movie production with large spaces for set construction and production offices. Recent productions as the site include Prison Break, Wanted and Public Enemies. If the first two movies are any indication, filming on Transformers 3 is likely to being in May or June. Thanks to jamtron for the tip.

UK Toy Fair Reveals Power Core Details and More

The UK Toy Fair was held recently and Hasbro was in attendance with details about their future plans for Transformers including Power Core, War for Cybertron, Revenge of the Fallen, and more. Sadly no pictures but thanks to Transformers At The Moon and TFormers, here is a summary of some of the highlights.

- War for Cybertron Optimus Prime and Bumblebee: Prime looks almost Voyager class in size. BB has "awesome vehicle mode" with metallic gold paint scheme.
- Universe Seaspray: Voyager sized toy with blue, white and yellow color scheme with boat alt mode. Image indicates this is a new mold, but not sure. Seems large enough to hold a few scouts on the deck.
- Power Core Combiners is a sub-line for movie based "Transformers" that will come in 2 and 5 packs. The 5 pack combiners form Bruticus.
- New RPM molds including Drift, a Bumblebee track set, and Stealth Force which is deluxe size vehicles with fold out weaponary)
- Transformers: Animated may be "phased" back in for the UK in late 2010.

The Hasbro flyer image is from Private Universe and is the first offical confirmation of the Power Core line, Battle Ops Bumblebee and the new Seaspray. It also shows the official transition from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen to just "Transformers" for the toy line.

The Power Core Combiner's line is described as "New segment based on the combination theme introduced in Revenge of the Fallen. Combination play delivers an interchangable system of combiner robots, servering as a range of body parts and weapons."

The new lines will start hitting toy shevles in late 2010.

Legends Devastator, Other Exclusives in Feburary

Hasbro has posted its list of exclusives that will be hitting stores shelves starting in February including Legends class Devastator. Overall, 10 different sets total of exclusives are being released for Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Target and K-Mart. Sadly no exact dates nor pricing is provided for any of the sets. Below is a quick summary, click here for details and images.

Wal-Mart
Legends class Constructicon Devastator - Seven Legends sized transforming constructicons form the evil robot
ROTF: Road Rival Showdown - Two scout class toys named Beachcomber and Deadlift, both repaints of previously released toys.
ROTF Windy City Chase - Two scout class toys named Slap Dash and Trenchmouth, both repaints of previously released toys.

Toys R US
ROTF Shanghai Showdown - Deluxe class Ice Cream Truck Twins and white repaint of Voyager Demolisher.
Transformers Animated Arcee - Deluxe class Arcee, not clear if this is a repaint or not.
Transformers Animated Ratchet - Deluxe class Ratchet, not clear if repaint with detachable shock paddles that seems more cartoon accurate.

Target
ROTF Bumblebee and Shadow Striker - Two legends class repaints.
ROTF Rally Mudflap and Offroad Skids - Two legends class repaints.
ROTF Smokescream and Starcream - Two legends class repaints.

K-Mart
Nebular Starscream - Voyager class repaint with dark grey and green-something color scheme.

First Look at War for Cybertron Prime and Megatron Toys

Thanks to UGO.com, below are the first official images of Transformers: War for Cybertron Optimus Prime and Megatron toys that will be released with the video game this summer. As you can see, the images retain the classic color scheme of each faction leader while presenting a brand new Cybertronian alt mode for each.

Bay: TF3 Location Scouting Begun

Michael Bay has provided to his official website a brief update on his pre-production efforts for Transformers 3 and also assistance he helped provide for the devastation in Haiti. Click here to view images of the team heading to Haiti.

Hello everyone,

Busy scouting - Chicago, Detroit, and Washington D.C. for Transformers last week. Things are going well. The script is feeling very different from the other two. I ended my scout down in Miami this weekend to load my plane with 14 Florida Surgeons, specialists in various fields and flew them down to Haiti. We then returned with a planeload of a team of exhausted Miami Fire rescue. It is proving very difficult for these volunteers to get back home.

They say the news hardly gives the true scope of what really happened. They really feel about 500,000 probably died. One of the worst stories I heard from people down there - because of the huge lack of education in Haiti – when the earthquake struck – everyone ran inside buildings most likely to their graves. The state of Florida is really pulling their weight in this massive effort. Here some pics:

Michael

First TF Unite for the Universe Images

As mentioned the other day, the Revenge of the Fallen line was going to get another release as a Japan Exclusive under the line title of "Unite for the Universe". Toys R Us Japan had descriptions for "JetPrime" combo and Megatron but no images. Thanks to the TFHenkon blog, below are images of those two toys.

They retain the look of the movie line but seem to be either new molds or modifications of existing molds. JetPrime seems to be two parts. One is Optimus Prime with robot and vehicle mode while Jetfire is really just the backpack component that doubles as a gun and trailer or sorts. Megatron appears to be more movies accurate with paint job and detail but also seems to have extra flaps for some unknown reason. Thanks to Chris for the link and info.

War for Cybertron Toy Line Confirmed (Updated)

Game Informer Magazine reports that it has confirmed with Hasbro that the upcoming video game Transformers: War For Cybertron will have a small line of toys to go with it.

"In 2010, Hasbro will be introducing a limited assortment of Transformers figures tied to Activision’s War for Cybertron game. At this moment, this is all that we can share with you. We appreciate your understanding."

The details of the line such as price, classes, and more have not been released. So far the only now verified figure is Optimus Prime but it is probably safe to assume that Bumblebee, Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream and a few other fan favorites will make the cut. The game is tentatively scheduled for June 22nd release so safe to assume that Hasbro's goal is to have the toys on store shelves by then.

Update: If the word from Hasbro isn't enough, the Transformers Collector's Club cover image (above) with War for Cybertron Bumblebee should be more then enough verification of the new toy line.

Transformers Linkfest

Alternity A-4 and Transforming Buzz Lightyear
The Disney Label is expanding to include a transforming Buzz Lightyear while the Alternity version of Starscream and Skywarp seems to be have been confirmed to be a Mitsuoka Orochi according to the images below from BigBadToyStore.com.


G1 Transformers Game Coming to iPhone
Glu Mobile's Transformers G1: Awakening is "coming soon" to the iPhone. The game is apparently a converted version of a mobile game that was released sometime in late 2008. The game appears to feature many G1 classic characters and looks almost like a version of Advance Wars. Below is a non-audio trailer of the mobile version.


VES Nominates Revenge of the Fallen
The Visual Effects Society has announced their nominees for the 8th Annual VES Awards and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen received one for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture" (wow that is a mouth full). The competition includes 2012, Avatar, District 9, and Star Trek. Sadly this is the year of Avatar so Michael Bay and co is going to have to get use to saying "It is just an honor to be nominated."

Transformers: Animated CGI Style
Click the link to view three images of what appears to be a CGI version of Transformers: Animated toys for the Versus sets that will be released with the rest of the line for Japan. The images include Optimus vs. Megatron, Bumblebee vs. Starscream and Ratchet vs. Lockdown.

Transformers XBox Mod, as Clothes Dryer and The Tonight Show

Transformers related stuff has made a few real life appearances this week that are of note. One is a sweet case mod for the XBox 360, Prime helps explain The Tonight Show fiasco, and Prime also shows up as a dish washer.

XBox 360 AllSpark Mod
As the image shows, the XBox has been transformed into the AllSpark Cube. The mode sports a DVD tray with Decepticon logo, storage compartment, and lighting effects. Click the link above for more images.

Optimus Prime, Clothes Dryer
A Taiwanese father spent $1,600 for scrap metal and lot of work to create a 14-foot model of the movie version of Prime for his son. Video below, image at link above.



Animated Optimus Prime Helps Explain The Tonight Show Fight
The Transformers: Animated version of Optimus Prime assisted Pee Wee Herman with explaining the war that has been going on with NBC and Jay Leno over the show. Prime plays Conan's (Mr. Giraffe) lawyer. Video below or use link above (third video down).

TF2: A Day with Bay in Tokyo

For those who may have not seen it, below are two videos that cover one of the extra features that are on the Blu-ray release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The featurette follows director Michael Bay as he spent the day in Tokyo, Japan promoting the movie for its world premiere. (via MB.com)

Revenge of the Fallen Unite Toy Line Announced

According to TFormers and toy listings on Toys R US Japan, Tomy Takara is starting a new "series" called Revenge of the Fallen "Unite for the Universe". The toy line currently is made up of Optimus Prime with Jetfire (UA-01) and Megatron (UD-01) and the toys will be released on June 28th, 2010.

Based on a translation of Prime's page, it appears the Prime with Jetfire isn't two separate toys that combine but a "JetPrime" with jet-truck vehicle mode. Makes me wonder if Battle Ops Bumblebee isn't a part of this. The goal seems to be to create the most movie accurate toys yet. So far nothing official from Takara or Hasbro about this or any images to support it so time will tell what this means. Thanks to Chris for the link and information.

New Battle Ops Bumblebee and Power Core Combiner?

Two new Transformers toys have leaked on the web that continue to suggest new lines are in the works or at least a modification of existing ones.

The first is from ActionFigs.com for "Battle Ops Bumblebee" both in and out of package (below) that matches the leaked image of the rumored fifth Leader class Bumblebee. This also matches the leaked Target DCPIs putting this figure at about $60. The figure appears to have lights and sounds with deployable chain guns. Also note the packaging has dropped the Revenge of the Fallen name and design indicating a change in direction for the line. Another change is a new conversion grade which tops out at 5 instead of 4. Is this a new direction for the leader class? The first toy of a new line based on the movies, or even just a really good knock off? As usually time will tell. Thanks to Christopher for the link and observations.

Additionally, another Power Core Combiner has been leaked by S250 which seems to be the return of mini-cons but with more flexibility in use. The image shows an unnamed Decepticon fire truck with a mini-con named Chopster. One toy could be fake, but two definitely proves a new line is in the works. The only question is this one related to the rumored cartoon or not.

IDW April Transformers Books

IDW has posted its plans for its line of books for April including Transformers complete with covers. Below is a brief description of the TF ongoing books but for full details, covers and other IDW comics click here.

Transformers #6
Mike Costa (w) • Don Figueroa (a) • Figueroa x2 (c)

It's the AUTOBOTS versus the biggest foe they've faced since DEVASTATOR! But with Optimus Prime in captivity, do our heroes stand a chance? The action keeps coming courtesy of Mike Costa and Don Figueroa!

*2 regular connecting covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers Spotlight: Prowl
Mike Costa (w) • E.J. Su (a) • Nick Roche, Su (c)

The end of the war between Autobots and Decepticons had profound changes throughout the ranks, even for the coldly logical PROWL. Learn of his change of heart and its impact on his actions in the ongoing series.

*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #4 (of 5)
Nick Roche, James Roberts (w) • Nick Roche (a) • Trevor Hutchison, Roche (c)

The Wreckers have found Aequitas, and things have suddenly become a whole lot more complicated! As the Autobots' special ops team stands on the brink of dissolution as the fatalities mount, Perceptor realizes that drastic action is called for-but having come this far, who among his teammates is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice?

*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Nefarious #2
Simon Furman (w) • Carlos Magno (a) • Brian Rood, Magno (c)

Layers within layers are revealed as the massive global conspiracy that is Project: Nefarious continues to unfold. OPTIMUS PRIME wants answers, and he's prepared to go to any lengths to get them. But how far is too far? And by committing his forces to stopping SOUNDWAVE, is Prime just playing right into The Initiative's hands?

*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio.
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers Bumblebee #2 Preview

Big Small Comix has a five page preview of Transformers: Bumblebee #2 that will be hitting comic stores with Wednesday. The issue continues the adventure of newly anointed leader of the Autobots and ties directly into the events of Transformers ongoing #3 where multiple Autobots were captured by humans with only Blurr escaping. Click here to view the preview.

Transformers Linkfest

Next Alternity Toys Announced
According to BigBadToyStore.com, the next set of Japan exclusive Alternity Transformers will A-04 Okamora Orochi Skywarp and Starscream. Yep the two seekers will instead be vehicles. The preliminary release date is May 2010 for price of $49.99. According to TFormers, the image to the right is what the Mitsuoka Orochi sports car look like that could be the model for the toy's vehicle mode. Beautiful looking car so pretty sweet if this turns out to be true.

Transformers Star Wars Crossover Wave 8
Click the link to view the gallery of images for the next wave of TF/Star Wars toys based on the Clone Wars vehicles and characters. The wave includes Battle Droid (alt Trade Federation Tank), Obi-Wan (Jedi Starfighter), Xanadu Blood (Magna Guard), and Anakin Skywalker (Y-Wing Bomber). I have not kept up with this line enough to be sure but I do believe most of these are new molds.

War for Cybertron Gallery
At the link above is a gallery of game art. Some of the images are repeats but many are new including this shot of Ironhide.

Another Japan Transformers Animated Gallery
Based on new gallery of images, it appears the number of Transformers: Animated toys hitting Japan starting in April will now be 25 figures including five versus box sets. Click the link above to view the listing. I feel a need to point out how Takara continues to number their toys (and logically) making them very easy to collect. Not only is this good for collectors, but if you’re a kid trying to get a toy, which is easier , the name and description of a specific Transformers or simply provide its box number. I really don't see a downside to a number scheme. It is something I wish Hasbro would copy but I betting they have some idiotic reason on why not (someone should ask why at a Botcon panel).

The Hub Press Release
Hasbro and Discovery have officially named their new network "The Hub" which will launch this fall, replacing Discovery Kids Network. The release is heavy on corporate-babble, light on details but it did say "The Hub will incorporate cherished Hasbro properties, including Transformers..." I suspect the rumored new Transformers cartoon will probably be part of the launch line-up.

Toshiba's Device Label Ad

From Seibertron.com below are two images of Toshiba's current flyer that highlights their US release of the Transformers Device Label line that was first announced at CES last week. The flyers show a retail price of $39.99 for Tigatron and Ravage working 4GB USB drives (the Takara release was 2GB) while Trypticon and Grimlock, both working usb mouses, are retailing for $49.99. The ad includes a 15% off code for accessories (so assume works on these items) which is 15accy09b. Going to the link ToshibaDirect.com from the ad does not yet seem to work as unable to find Transformers for sale yet.

Bay Talks Sounds, Hints at Transformers 3

While at the Cary Grant Theatre to discuss Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen's sound art, Michael Bay dropped a few a small hint to Hero Complex about Transformers 3 that is currently scheduled to come out on July 1st, 2011.

On TF3:

So can we expect more thunderous sound in the third installment? Although the number of robots increased significantly from the first film for the second, the third film ...won’t be as robot-heavy and there will be fewer explosions, a tight-lipped Bay said after the Q+A.

“There will be a nice crescendo ending,” Bay said. “It gets much more into the robot character. The last time you kind of met a few of the robots; this time you’re gonna get a much cooler landscape.”

On TF2's sound art:

“I have like 2,000 people — through their artistry — making my dreams a film,” Bay said. “The artistry of this sound group is just amazing. I love, love sound. It’s 45-50% of the movies.”

“All of our sounds are performing almost like actors,” said [supervising sound editor Erik] Aadahl, whom Bay described as the “secret weapon” of the films. “They’re just performing the scene through sound. It just takes a lot of playing around with different elements. With sound, we are completely unfettered by the laws of physics.”

[The Reedman] scene meant to “cleanse the palate” from the booming sound featured throughout most of the film. The volume was turned down to enhance the sound created by the energy sparks. So where did the inspiration for the muted, vibrating zing of the microcons come from? A couple of magnets. Spread an inch apart and tossed in the air, they meet to create a quivering sound that -- when amplified by a microphone -- resembles the chattering of insects.

Aadahl said the vibrating hum from his electrical shaver resembled an bug buzz — perfect for a tiny Decepticon scout. The creak from opening the stove door? That served as the central sound for an older (more rusty) Decepticon. And a slamming dryer door was used as the thud for Devastator’s footsteps -- proving that that it doesn’t always take a large element to produce a big sound. “Those huge things seem small in comparison to the small things,” Aadahl said. “We find the macro in the micro.”

Transformers: Nefarious Press Release

IDW has issued a press release to promote Transformers: Nefarious, a six issue miniseries that takes place after the events in the Revenge of the Fallen and follows the continuing adventures of Soundwave after the resurrection of Ravage in Tales of the Fallen #5. The first issue comes out in March but you can place a pre-order for it now through your local comic book store. Art from the issue can be found here.

TRANSFORMERS Movie Continues in Comics

San Diego, CA (January 12, 2010) - The biggest movie of 2009 continues in IDW Publishing's latest series based on Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand. Coming in March, TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious follows a shadowy organization, known as The Initiative, with devious designs on the TRANSFORMERS. Scripted by Simon Furman with art by Carlos Magno, this six-issue series takes fans on an action-packed mission as the robots in disguise fight to stop this unseen enemy.

"It's time to move forward in the movie-verse and Furman and Magno are just the creators to do it," said Andy Schmidt, IDW's TRANSFORMERS editor. "Simon came up with a great idea and a fantastic story that Carlos is just hitting out of the park. I'm thrilled to be along for the ride and I'm sure fans will be too!"

Picking up just months after the end of the blockbuster movie's storyline, TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious follows the all-seeing SOUNDWAVE as he leads the charge against The Initiative, and is joined by such fan-favorites as OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE and IRONHIDE. The threat is so great that all TRANSFORMERS must work together, forcing the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS to form a tentative alliance.

Veteran TRANSFORMERS writer Furman crafts this thrilling tale, while Magno draws suspense into every panel. Brian Rood will contribute gripping variant covers.

TRANSFORMERS: Nefarious #1 (of 6; $3.99, 32 page color) will be available in stores in March. Diamond order code JAN10 0963.

War for Cybertron Reveal Trailer (Update)

The Reveal Trailer for Transformers: War for Cybertron has been released today that shows off a more complete cinematic sequence then the first and includes a voice over from Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime. The trailer gives you a good look at Bumblebee, Thundercracker Skywarp (going by purple jet, TC is blue oops), Ratchet, Soundwave, Megatron, Trypticon and Omega Supreme. Each character has been re-designed in a way that is clearly inspired by their G1 look as they are easily identifiable. It really is a merge of the Classic line of toys with the War Within designs. It also sounds like the voice of Megatron will not be Frank Welker. Thanks to v1p3rS and Alpha for the info.



Update: TFormers has posted a 168 image gallery of the trailer for those that want to pour over the details. Click here to view.

Update 2: Previous link and trailer was taken down for copyright claim, found another copy. Based on profile name "transformersgame1" I guess this is official copy which is why other taken down. Not really sure.

Transformers 3 Starts Filming in May?

Deadline Hollywood reports that Transformers 3 will start filming in May. The article covers Shia LaBeouf was leaving WME for CAA (both are talent agencies) and apparently the actor said that filming would start then. Considering the film's July 1st 2011 release date and the previous two films started filming in June, a year before intended release, a May start date is not unreasonable. It is also not officially confirmed. Thanks to Janson for the link.

Transformers Ongoing Preview

Newsarama has posted a preview of Transformers #3 that will be hitting comic store shelves this Wednesday. The storyline continues the opening arc of Optimus Prime quitting and allowing his capture by the government that now distrusts all Transformers and have the technology to destroy them. Meanwhile Bumblebee, elected new leader of the Autobots, decides what to do next. All three issue covers and first five pages can be found here.

War for Cybertron Optimus Prime Toy?

If this image is true, it appears that Activision's Transformers: War for Cybertron video game may have a toy line to go with it when released this summer. The image from S250 shows the vehicle mode of Optimus Prime from the game. Its potential class, release date and other specifics are unknown. Since Hasbro seems to want to treat the game as canon and the Revenge of the Fallen line will have run its course by summer, it does seem like a good way to fill the gap between now and whenever their next animated effort gets off the ground. Hopefully Hasbro will release something official soon to confirm what their future plans are for Transformers post ROTF.

Transformers Linkfest

More links to new Transformers related toy galleries.

New Official ROTF Toy Gallery
Hasbro has released a new crop of official images for their next wave of Revenge of the Fallen toys. Most we have seen here on this blog or elsewhere before but still good way to get the best look at new toys includes Breakdown, Bludgeon, Evac and more. I think many of these may now be showing in stores stateside, at least I was able to buy Bludgeon and saw Recon Ironhide at my local target the other day.

Transformers: Animated Japan Wave One
The first wave of Transformers: Animated toys for Japan have been announced. Apparently the new wave follows the USA mold of the figures but include a few painting tweaks such as colored faction symbols and metallic paint.

ROTF EZ Collection 2 Set
A set that is probably Japan only for now that has 8 Legend class figures all in one package. The figures included are battle damaged Megatron and Optimus along with Ironhide, Sideways, Skids, Grindor, Wheelie and Soundwave. Click the link for more images of the packaging and figures.

New Target DPCIs
New entries in Target’s product database suggest some new toys coming that we may not know about yet. A few are about exclusive Legends two packs and the like but some are unknown such as Cyber Ops Bumblebee for $60 and a new 5pk combine for $20.

Auto-transforming Bumblebee
From Tformers, below is a video that shows Bumblebee knock-off that transforms itself and plays sounds and music. Not a toy I would want but still cute to view.

Transformers Device Label Coming Stateside?

Transformers gets a little love at CES currently going on at Las Vegas. In this report from TekZilla, it is suggested that the Device label line of Transformers may no longer be a Japan only exclusive with Toshiba releasing the mouse and thumb drives to the states for $40. Sadly no information on when and who might be carrying them.

ROTF Remains on Oscar VFX Shorter List

The number of movies still in contention for an Academy Award for Visual Effects has gone from 15 to 7 according to the LA Times. Fortunately Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen remains on the list. Some contenders removed include Watchmen, Sherlock Holmes, and A Christmas Carol. Remaining contenders:

- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
- Star Trek
- Avatar
- District 9
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Terminator Salvation
- 2012

The next step in the process is for the Academy's VFX panel to view 15-minute clips and vote on three as the official nominees for the award. The final three will be announced on February 2nd with the winner rewarded during the ceremony on March 7th. Avatar is a clear lock for one of the spots (and likely the award winner). My guess the final two spots are between Transformers: ROTF, Star Trek, and 2012.

Leader Class Bumblebee?

S250 has provided a new picture to TFW2005 that indicates that Bumblebee may be getting the Leader class treatment. This would be the fifth such toy after Starscream, Jetfire, Megatron and Optimus Prime. This version of Bumblebee has a battle mask (I assume slides back), blaster, shoulder mounted cannons and lots of details. If the picture is toy accurate it appears this leader version has the potential to be better than Ultimate Bumblebee which will probably annoy many that paid the higher price for the toy (such as myself). There has not been official confirmation from Hasbro for this toy (but then there never was for Starscream either), nor any hints on release date. Thanks to Chris for the link.

Update: It should be noted that it seems a consensus has been reached on multple Transformers sites (and here in the comments) that this may be a fake photoshopped effort. Sadly there is no definitive proof to prove how real or fake the image is. However, I figure give it a few weeks since usual the real toys get followed up with in packaging images and the fake toys just never get heard from again.

Tales of the Fallen #6 Arcee Preview

The Full Mowery blog has posted a preview of the next issue of Transformers: ROTF Tales of the Fallen. Issue six focuses on the character of Arcee (the pink motorcycle) and takes place after Reign of Starscream, but before Alliance (which took place before the movie). It introduces a new Decepticon created by the writer Chris Mowry that is kind of the anti-Ratchet whose purpose is simply to get fallen soldiers back into the battle.

Click here for issue description and the five pages. Thanks to Chris for the link.