Transformers Linkfest - More 3rd Party Stuff

Time for another Transformers link fest not related to Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff. In many cases it also seems like a repeat of previous link fests with new galleries to previous toys with the main difference being that many of them are available to buy.

BTS-04 Sonicron (Soundwave) Gallery
Hit the link to view more pics of the 3rd party Sonicron (Soundwave) that uses his classic G1 look with a new alt mode of a more modern tape recorder. The toy works with classic G1 cassettes but apparently the company is working on making new ones to at some point.

Generation One Series Bible Auction
Heritage Auction has posted images and the chance to buy a copy of the Transformers Series Bible from Sunbow Productions back in 1984. The 75-page book is the specifics on the character designs, episode synopses and more that was used when creating the animation for the series that started it all. (via Seibertron)

IDW October Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for October that continues the Chaos storyline that will run through the books through the end of the year. A total of two books is being released. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

DOTM Linkfest

The movie has been out for weeks now and yet the Transformers: Dark of the Moon related merchandise news keeps coming.

Figure King 162 ScansHit the link for a scan of Japanese toy magazine Figure King #162 featuring Takara's release across the entire line of Transformers including DOTM, Masterpiece, and more. It also has interviews with Takara Tomy toy designers (but obviously in Japanese).

DOTM Galleries - Armored Topspin | Leadfoot | Shockwave Repaint | Shockwave and Ratchet Action Sets | Target Exclusives
A bunch of links to upcoming DOTM toys that should be hitting toy shelves soon or already have (Target exclusives). The Shockwave repaint is very odd and not confirmed if official. I am sure one is coming as Hasbro reuses every mold at least two (or more) times but I would be really surprised if that color scheme is the final version.

Transformers 3 On Top In Lifetime Revenue

Another weekend has drawn to a close and Transformers: Dark of the Moon continues to hold its own at the box office despite stiff competition from Harry Potter 7.2 and Captain America. DOTM now has an estimated worldwide total of $882.4M, passing the previous two Transformers films in lifetime box office revenue. The film's domestic total breaks down to $325.8 million in the US and $556.6 elsewhere. That total makes DOTM the most successful international release ever for Paramount. The continued overseas success accounts for 63.1% of the total as the film still lags behind Revenge of the Fallen in the US.

This weekend DOTM added another $12 million in the US and $62 million international to the total with a big thanks to China's $40 million contribution as the film finally debuted there this weekend. Next weekend is Japan's turn to finally see the movie. At this point it is pretty much a forgone conclusion that Transformers: Dark of the Moon will join the billionaire club of movies that currently only has 8 members.

The question is will Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows beat the movie there considering in its second weekend the world wide total sits at $834.6 million thanks to even greater international success then Dark of the Moon. Domestically Harry Potter 7.2 suffered a huge 72% drop in sales from last weekend thanks to Captain America so there is still a chance that Dark of the Moon will hit a billion first.

San Diego Comic-Con Day 2-4 (Updated)

The second day of the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con as ended with a few more Transformers related bits with gallery of Soundwave & Ironhide, the TF Animation panel, and when the exclusives will be available to buy online.

Update: Nothing new happened on the final two days of SDCC. The only things of note is a new gallery from the dealer room by AllSpark and a look at Bumblebee Kre-O costume.

Human Alliance Soundwave Gallery
Hit the link to get a good look Human Alliance Soundwave that appears to come with Laserbeak and Dylan Gould figure. I have to admit he is looking pretty sweet. Wheeljack is also getting released but no word on Mirage/Dino. The scheduled release date is December.

Cannon Force Ironhide Gallery
At this link are images of the red paint job for voyager class version of Ironhide that will be released in September.

San Diego Comic Con Day 1

Yesterday was the preview, today was the first official day of the San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Transformers held multiple panels today from Hasbro, IDW, and Transformers: Prime revealing upcoming toys (including asked about DOTM toys), comics news, and hinting at a significant story arc for Prime.

Hasbro Transformers Panel
The Hasbro panel revealed a bunch of new toys that are in the works. The Generations line is getting relaunched with Junkheap (Wreck-Gar repaint) and Sky Shadow (Thunderwing repaint). Dark of the Moon wave 6 toys will include deluxe Wheeljack (specifically not Que) and Soundwave who will come in deluxe, Human Alliance (with Dylan Gould), and legion sizes. Additional DOTM toys include Air Raid and Darksteel. Target will be getting two score exclusives in the form of Leadfoot and a Leadfoot/Twin Twist two pack. Not sure why they just don't do a Wrecker trio set. Even more Transformers: Prime toys were teased with concept art for legion & deluxe class Wheeljack, legion Bumblebee, commander class Ironhide, deluxe Soundwave with Laserbeak, deluxe Knockout, voyager Skyquake, and voyager Starscream.

San Diego Comic-Con Day 0

The San Diego Comic-Con 2011 officially begins today but that didn't prevent visitors getting a chance from looking at the various displays that where built by the many companies that are using the convention as a means to promote their products including Hasbro. Below are links to the many galleries that have been posted of the upcoming wave of Transformers including Unicron, Toys R Us exclusive Rodimus Prime, Kre-O displays, Transformers: Prime toys, pallet of Kre-O Primes and more. Except for a couple of repaints, there isn't really anything new. Thanks to Sahara for some of the links.

Preview Night Galleries - TFormers (x217) | TFW2005 (9x)
Various galleries that are a combo of Transformers products and displays. The number in () is pics at the link.

Transformers: Prime Next Wave and Starscream Review

In prep for the San Diego Comic-Con 2011 that starts today, Hasbro has released official images of the next wave of Transformers: Prime toys that are scheduled to come out either this December or early next year. The next wave includes voyager Optimus Prime, voyager Bulkhead, deluxe Zombie Cliffjumper, and deluxe Vehicon. In addition Peaugh has posted a video review (below) of Transformers: Prime deluxe Starscream that is looking pretty sweet.

Possible DOTM Blu-Ray, DVD Covers

Play.com has posted what might be the cover for the "Triple Play" Blu-ray and single disc DVD versions of Transformers: Dark of the Moon when the film is released at retail on the rumored release date of November 15th. It could just also be a mock-up. (via Seibertron)

Official Hasbro SDCC Exclusive Prices

The 2011 San Diego Comic-Con is just days away. Hasbro is joining the party with a bunch of brand exclusives and panels to promote their line of products. Included with that is Transformers related items that was revealed a while back but the pricing has remained unknown until now thanks to a Hasbro issued press release (below). In years past, if fast enough, there have been chances to buy the toys at HasbroToyShop.com. Below is a summary of the Transformers related portions. Not mentioned is the rumored Masterpiece Rodimus Prime for the con.

TF Toys
- Special Edition Optimus Prime Kreon with Matrix deco (likely same as one from Botcon) - no price listed
G.I. Joe Sky STriker with Starscream deco - $49.99
Nerf N-Strike Barricade Optimus Prime RV-10 Blaster - $24.99
Special Edition Ultimate Optimus Prime - $79.99
Optimus Prime First Edition in Matrix packaging - $19.99

Panels
Transformers Brand Panel - 7/21 2:30pm to 3:30pm Room 24ABC
The Making of Transformers Prime - 7/21 3:30pm to 4:30pm Room 24ABC
Evolution of Transformers Animation - 7/22 5:30 to 6:30pm Room 8

Dark of the Moon Gives Hasbro a Boost

Hasbro's Q2 numbers (I think April 1st to June 30th) are in and the executives are feeling the love thanks to Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Their profits jumped 33% compared to same time last year ($58.1M to $43.6M). Sales are tracking the same as they did with Revenge of the Fallen, crediting the movie with much of the boost. As a result the boys division (which includes Transformers) had a 96% jump in revenue. Considering ROTF made $592M that year, it seems the next two quarters might be just as strong with the small drop in US sales being made up with international sales. It also seems that The Hub has turned a small quarter. There were concerns it was in financial trouble due to new deal that was negotiated with Discovery Communications but this quarter it turned a modest $197,000 profit. Not much but considering the network isn't a year old with all the associated startup costs that isn't a bad start.

Harry Potter Squashes Transformers at Box Office (Updated)

To no surprise Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 stomped Transformers: Dark of the Moon at the box office. Harry Potter took in a record breaking $168.55 million (including $1435M from midnight screenings) passing The Dark Knight ($158.4M) as the highest grossing weekend ever in North America. The result is DOTM suffered a 59% hit from the previous weekend taking in $39 million and passing Transformers I domestic total.

Overseas Harry Potter also squashed the competition taking in $307 million over the weekend easily passing the previous record holder of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger tides ($252M). The result it has made $475 million worldwide in just three days. By comparison, Dark of the Moon remains strong with an international total of $460M bringing the movies worldwide total to $762.8M after three weeks of release. At this point I will be really surprised if Transformers 3 doesn't cross the $1 billion threshold, the only question is will it do it before or after Harry Potter 8.

Transformers: Exiles Cover

Amazon has posted the cover to Transformers: Exiles, the sequel to Transformers: Exodus that kicked off the War for Cybertron continuity that informs Transformers: Prime and used concepts from the movies. The paperback novel by Alex Irvine is set for release on September 27, 2011. Below is the Amazon description of the novel.

The epic battles between Optimus Prime and Megatron have long thrilled Transformers fans. But these two giants weren’t always great leaders and bitter foes. This new novel continues the electrifying saga that started with Transformers: Exodus, unveiling the origins of the conflict—the explosive events that unfolded before Optimus and Megatron arrived Earthside, forever altering the destiny of their kind.

"Machine Gun (16bit Remix) Transformers Video

Below is a pretty sweet fan edit by Keith Carunida using 16bit's remix of "Machine Gun" by Noisia to create a fantastic music video using scenes from all three Transformers film. I have no clue who the artists are but the way the scene edits go just right with the music is how a montage should be done (speaking to the poor montage editors of award season). Worth the four minutes to watch and listen to. Thanks to Colin H. for the find.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Linkfest

Time for a little cleanup on miscellaneous stuff that has popped up related to Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Links include a look at custom figures, a chance for Nebraskans to see two DOTM vehicles, a TF limo, new apparel line and more video reviews.

Customized DOTM Ironhide, Megatron and Sentinel Prime
Hit the link for a look at the custom figures based on the Dark of the Moon toys, each with a new gorgeous paint jobs, lights and other custom details that really make the figures stand out.

Gearing Up for DOTM
An interesting article with Tactical Pro Shop CEO Matthew Kime as he talks about how his company help outfit the gear that NEST wore in Dark of the Moon. “We started this project in Feb. 2010, so we had to be very proactive regarding where things are heading, plus integrate conceivable pieces of tech that this ‘elite’ unit would have had developed for their mission.” The company also helped on ROTF, helping with supplies when the shoot ran short in China.

Transformers #22 Preview

The next issue in the Chaos saga is out tomorrow with Transformers #22. The story is a flashback to the origins of the Transformers civil war and ties into events that are about the plague the entire race. The covers and first seven pages preview can be found here.

In comic related news, IDW has announced that John Barber (from Marvel) has taken over the reigns of Senior Editor. He is replacing former Senior Editor Andy Schmidt who left IDW for Hasbro. Barber's Transformers credentials including writing the comic adaptation of Transformers: Dark on the Moon and the upcoming Transformers #125 that is said to be titled the Death of Optimus Prime. Sadly considering how poorly the IDW has used the character, not really as big a deal as it may sound. Due note that "death" can have multiple meanings beyond the literal in comics.

Bay, Russell on Sound Mixing Transformers

In an interview with Editors Guild Magazine, director Michael Bay and Re-recording Mixer Greg Russell briefly discuss sound mixing for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Its a technical discussion that gets into some of the prep and the use of Dolby 7.1 Surround. Below is a few segments, full interview is here.

EGM: Michael, how important is sound to your movies?
Michael Bay: Sound is 50 percent of the movie; it is critical. Transformers: Dark of the Moon is an effects-heavy movie, stylized and beautiful. Greg Russell is a key to its success.
We consistently try and make my movies the best sounding we’ve ever done. As James Cameron told me the other day when I played him an in-progress mix: “It’s f*cking epic!” We were in the middle of mixing the wall-to-wall sound in Act 3, as we’re preparing for the Battle of Chicago with a few characters in the middle of the city. It is all too easy for the mix to become too overwhelming. I rely on Greg to keep me grounded. You can make it totally loud, but then you have nowhere to go in terms of dynamics. Less, quite often, can be more for a movie soundtrack.

Making of Iridescent Music Video

Below is Linkin Park's next YouTube video called "Making of the Iridescent Music Video". Like the title says, it gives a behind the scenes look into making the music video for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

Life Size Transforming Ravage

Compute146 has created a sweet custom Transformer that takes the Generation One Ravage of scales him to the size of a medium size dog. He transforms to a cassette type shape that fits in his custom briefcase. These are few images, with more here. What you should really check out is the thread where he describes the creation process step by step with images as he worked on it over four months. That can be found here.

Transformers Linkfest - Mostly 3rd Party Edition

It has been a while but here is another bunch of links to upcoming Transformers toys not related to Dark of the Moon. Most of them are 3rd party creations that look epic including a Devastator tease and plans for a Dinobots Combiner. Also have links to a few galleries of upcoming Hasbro releases.

MakeToy's Devastator Teaser
The company has released a full size image of the combined Devastator that will be a combo of six smaller robots (blurry images of those at the link). The combined figure looks to be a round 12 inches high.

Transformers 3 Weekend Box Office Results

Transformers: Dark of the Moon continues to steamroll the competition worldwide. With the weekend close, day 12 of release, the film has a domestic total of $261 million and international total of $348 million for a worldwide total of $645 million. These stats put Transformers 3 as the highest grossing film in the US of the year. It has a ways to go to pass Pirates 4 international total of $778.9M. Deadline notes that thanks to these numbers, Michael Bay once again will make between $80M to $100M off the third film. With these kinds of numbers, you can see why Bay ultimately chooses to ignore the critics and focus on the numbers.

DOTM earned $47 million in the US box office for a 52% (as expected) compared to last weekend but less than ROTF's 61%. TF3's US sales also continues to lag behind TF2's totals at $261M to $293.4M but the low drop in box office indicates it may be able to make up the difference over time. This will be the last time Transformers 3 is number 1 at the box office as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 takes the spotlight next weekend. Regardless, it is international sales and ability to withstand the Harry Potter onslaught that will determine if this film can break the $1 billion threshold.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Blu-ray, DVD Dated

According to Blu-ray.com, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is hitting Blu-ray and DVD on November 15th matching a similar report from earlier this week. I don't know if that is a worldwide release date. The site also confirmed that as expected there will be a three disc set of Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy that has become the norm lately. Thanks to Ghjklbnm for the link.

Two Dark of the Moon Critics Spots

MB.com has posted two new TV spots that quote various publications for what postive comments they had for Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Transformers 3 Fastest to $500 Million

Box Office Mojo is reporting that Transformers: Dark of the Moon has added another notch to its record belt. The movie is now the fastest in history to pass the $500 million mark in worldwide box office sales by reaching that point in nine days (on Thursday). The previous record was held by Pirates of the Caribbean 3 & 4 which did it in ten days. The comparison isn't a hundred percent though as Pirates 4 didn't do a near same day worldwide release like Dark of the Moon. That two day international difference means a lot considering more than half of their revenue is outside the states.

Transformers: Prime Metal Attaction Clip

Tomorrow brings a new episode of Transformers: Prime on The Hub at 7pm EST. Below is a preview clip found by Seibertron from the episode called "Metal Attraction." Looks like might be a fun one.

Five Things About DOTM's Visual Effects

The Hollywood Reporter's has posted an article that provides five facts about the visual effects of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Below is the summary, click here for a few more details.

1) The Driller has 70,051 parts (7x number Prime has).
2) Took 288 hours per frame to render Driller destroying the CGI building.
3) 3D essentially created twice the work with the left eye image and then the right eye being rendered.
4) For final week before deadline, all of ILM's render farm was used for movie or 2000,000 render hours (or 22.8 years) per day.
5) "Secret Sauce" used to make images extra shart and brighter.

Transformers 3 DVD, Blu-ray Coming in November

ZonaDVD (english) is reporting that Paramount has revealed to them the release time frame of Transformers: Dark of the Moon to DVD and Blu-ray. Seems early to be leaking this kind of information. The indicated release date, at least in the PAL region, is November 2011. That date is likely worldwide and matches the time frame when the previous two movies were released to take advantage of the holiday season.

The site also indicates there is the expected DVD and Blu-ray, a 3D combo pack (so likely 3D Blu-ray, regular edition and Digital Copy) along with a collector's edition with a transformable faction head containing the disc. No details yet on special features, pricing and so forth. A trilogy pack will also be released at the same time. (via TFW2005)

More DOTM Concept Art

Another concept artist, Wesley Burt, has posted his work from Transformers: Dark of the Moon, joining the other four artists who posted their efforts. His art includes early designs for Igor, Wheeljack, and Laserbeak along with potential concepts for the various craft and Prime's trailer. Click here for the full gallery. (via Seibertron)

Don Murphy: No Reboot, New Trilogy

In a post on his message board, Transformers producer Don Murphy commented (log in required) on what his hopes are for the next film.

What happens next? Certainly not a reboot. We haven't lost the Transformers. They didn't grow up or become expensive like Toby Maguire. I don't know what happens next. I'm pretty sure there will be a second trilogy. I am pretty sure it will kick ass. And I am pretty sure some of you will hate it because it wasn't all bots.

Right now the studio is just enjoying the mountain of money Dark of the Moon making them followed by the DVD/Blu-ray release. After that is when they will probably sit down and get serious about mapping out the future of the Transformers franchise. I think the studio is waiting to see how Amazing Spider-Man performs next summer. It proves to be a perfect test case to determine if a reboot so soon after the original movie trilogy can be just as successful. I am basing this line of thinking on the reality that for studios it is not about if a reboot is good idea or not but just a business first decision of keeping all options open for the most financial success.

Jason Statham in Transformers 4? Nope (Updated)

I didn't even want to waste my time writing this or your time reading it but sadly ShowbizSpy's link bait article claiming Jason Statham (The Transporter, The Expendables) is up for a role in Transformers 4 has popped up on at least 4 websites that I am aware of. It is complete nonsense that isn't even worth repeating. A Hollywood insider told the site, "It’s clear the franchise still has huge potential but with a new leading man capable of taking Transformers in a new, darker direction. Jason could be just the man to do that and his relationship with Rosie would be an added bonus in marketing the movie."

Translation: A bunch of guys were standing at some studio office talking about how hot Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looked in DOTM, which likely led to them talking about how her boyfriend Jason Statham would be perfect for a role in the next movie but he only likes dark stories with flawed "heroes". Someone heard this and called the website who thought "hey this will get a lot of hits!" and thus a BS story like this is born.

Roger Ebert: "On the Origin of Transformers"

Everyone's favorite Transformers fan (sarcasm intended) Roger Ebert has decided to dedicate a post of his very popular blog to Transformers. His reviews of the movies have fallen just short of absolute hatred so it is interesting for him to claim "I have become fascinated by Transformers." While my review was not flattering, I did find Dark of the Moon to be very entertaining while Ebert wrote "It provided me with one of the more unpleasant experiences I've had at the movies."

His post is to somehow derive the origin of Transformers as a race based on how they were depicted in the last two movies as he makes no meaningful reference to the first while ignoring all non-movie related aspects of the now 25+ year old franchise. It is really just another exercise in expressing his extreme dislike of the Transformers movies. While not nearly as bad as his "Video games can never be art" post, this is another example of him writing on things that is way outside his scope of experience and interests. While part of the fun of a blog (or the internet in general) is having opinions based on vapor, I expect better from Ebert considering his credentials and influence. Anyway the whole bizarre and almost stream of consciousness post can be found here.

Feel free to comment here or there (let him know I sent you) but keep the comments civil in both places. I have no problem deleting the R-rated or just pointlessly mean comments. It takes me a whole lot less time to delete then it takes for you to write.

Transformers #21 Preview

New comic Wednesday (but probably Thursday in the states) is tomorrow and the Chaos storyline kicks off in Transformers #21. The covers and first five pages of the issue can be found here.

Transformers # 21
Mike Costa (w) • Guido Guidi, Brendan Cahill (a) • Marcelo Matere, Cahill (c)
TRANSFORMERS goes bi-weekly! Two stories for the price of one, kicking off the “CHAOS” event!! In part one, Rodimus makes his triumphant return to Earth, and sets off the major events that will spin off into CHAOS. And in part two, Prowl begins his investigation... of Spike. This storyline will change TRANSFORMERS forever! No, really!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio

Dark of the Moon July 4th Results

The 4th of July is over and with it is another notch on Transformers: Dark of the Moon box office belt. The 4th brought another $18.9 million in sales for a US total of $116.5 million for the four day weekend. This in turns crowns the movie as the record holder for most successful July 4th weekend surpassing Spider-Man 2's $88.2M. Grand total, the first six days of release is now at $175.6M which is still behind Revenge of the Fallen's $214.9M. Once again, international sales take up the slack with the movie on track to hit a six day international total $235M for a worldwide total of $416M.

Transformers 3 Weekend Results

Box Office Mojo has posted the weekend estimates for Transformers: Dark of the Moon and the results are looking good. The movie made $97.4 million for the weekend with $32.9M from Friday, $34.6 for Saturday and $29.8 on Sunday. This brings the 5-day US total to $162.1 million which is right in alignment with studio expectations.

Concept Art for Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Updated)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon concept artists Josh Nizzi, Joel Chang and Warren Manser have each posted concept art from the movie on their websites. Among the interesting tidbits it reveals is the near use of Steeljaw (called Warpath) and that Shockwave and Soundwave probably had other Decepticon codenames to prevent the leaking of details about the characters assuming the art didn't leak. Shockwave was being called Blitzwing while Soundwave was being called Breakdown but the artwork makes it very clear who they were going to be. Driller was being called Colossus but I am betting Marvel owns that name so couldn't get it cleared. Of the group, I think Nizzi's art is my favorite. If a Transformers 4 (reboot or continuation) is made and only one of this team can be brought back, I hope it is Josh Nizzi as he has shown the most command of Transformers design over the years. Below are sample of my more favorite pieces but make sure to hit the links for much more art.
Update: Aaron Sims, another DOTM concept artist, has now posted his TF3 work online.

DOTM Friday's US Box Office Results

Day 3 of Transformers: Dark of the Moon continues to rack up the totals at the US box office by adding another $33.5 million to its total for $97 million according to Deadline. This is off by 15% on Revenge of the Fallen's numbers but international box office should more than make up the difference since it is doing 35% better.

Bay's The Island in Dark of the Moon

Michael Bay demonstrates what creative editing, good camera coverage and the excellent work by ILM can do with a scene. In a likely cost saving measure (and maybe the on set injury), resulted in the director repurposing footage from 2004's The Island for some moments of the highway sequence in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The comparison video is below.

Day 2 US Box Office Results

On a traditional slow movie day, Transformers: Dark of the Moon adds another $21.5 million to its US box office total for $64.7 million in two days. Current estimates put the movie at hitting $165 million through the July 4th weekend. Impressive but below Revenge of the Fallen's six day total of $214.9 million. It seems the second movie's bad reputation along with the critics’ harsh words about the movie is having an impact on performance.

Two New Iridescent Videos

Linkin Park has posted two new videos around their single Iridescent from Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The first is a look at the researsals for the song while the second is the music video in 3D.

Dark of the Moon The Score CD Delayed

Knightshift has provided the answer on why the CD copy of Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Score is not yet available at retail even though it is up on iTunes. The composer himself, Steve Jablonsky, provided the answer. To sum up, Michael Bay didn't get a chance to approve the score until a week or so ago. With time to print, produce and distribute it wouldn't hit store shelves until about September, long after the movie left theatres. Instead Paramount is going to use the probable November release of the DVD/Blu-ray release of the movie to help sell the Score.

Nice to hear from you. As you probably know the score is now up on iTunes. The physical CD situation has been more complicated. I finished the album weeks ago, but we didn't actually finalize it until a few days ago. Michael Bay is really happy with the score and he wanted to check out the album before it went out. As you might imagine, he's a busy dude. He's been flying all over the world promoting TF3, making it difficult to get approval. But I was happy that he wanted to be a part of the soundtrack and I did not want to release anything before he had his say. The record company tells me they need 4-6 weeks to get the album produced and into stores, which would put us into August at this point. A lot of discussion went into this, but the decision was made to wait on the physical CD, and release some kind of special edition alongside the blu-ray release (maybe autographed copies or other goodies, we don't know yet).

I know people are probably disappointed. Believe me I wish I could get physical CD's out there tomorrow. But it's just the way things went this time around. I can see why Paramount would rather not release a score CD almost 2 months after the movie release. To them it makes more sense to do something special around the blu-ray/DVD. I understand that.

So anyone interested in a CD should rest assured that it WILL happen. It just won't happen until later in the year unfortunately.

These big movies are so complex sometimes!! I hope you've been well!

Steve

(via Seibertron)

ILM, Hasbro Thank Michael Bay

Industrial Light & Magic and Hasbro each paid for ads in the Hollywood Reporter to Michael Bay for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Below are the ads as posted on MB.com.

Every Michael Bay Movie In Under A Minute

An amusing video from College Humor that provides the Michael Bay formula to successful box office films.