TF3 Detroit: Downtown with the Big Gun and Bayhem

The area around the Farwell Building in Detroit and the Clifford and Woodward area was invaded today by Transformers 3 production. Most of the Autobot vehicles showed up along with the gigantic gun/jet prop, and the cast. Part of the filming appears to be a continuation of the scene from last week with Shia and Rosie on the prop sharing a hug then later that night which brought some more Bayhem boom to the set (video below). Thanks to J1000 and Surge29 we have two galleries of pictures and videos to enjoy from the day. The set report, first set of pics and last videos are from J1000. The second set of pics and 1st video is from Surge29.

Lots of great stuff going on today; Shia and Rosie were filming on the TF Jet prop (which now appears to definitely not be an "arm" or anything like that, as it was sitting street-level as they climbed on and off of it in front of the deli/liquor store set on Clifford. They were also shooting at the Farwell building with probably close to 100 (maybe more) extras running to the center of the intersection, as they were preparing to blow out a store front there. Towards the end of the evening, as the guys that haul the Autobots around were packing them up for the night, they were very cool and gave me a chance to get some pics of my son with Bumblebee and Sideswipe; then, one of the guys gave my son a NEST logo sticker that they actually us on the vehicles! What a cool souvenir! As you can see in the pic, he's super excited about that! I also noticed the classic silver Mercedes in the hauler that has been seen on other sets. I had my wife and kids with me, and we even got a mention in the local paper (Detroit Free Press), who was there covering some of the goings-on.

J1000

TF3 Detroit: Transformers at Central Station

J1000 returns with more pictures and video of Transformers 3 production in Detroit. Today brought cast and crew, along with basically all of the Autobot Transformers vehicles including the Wreckers, Twins, Ironhide, Prime (with trailer), etc to Michigan Central Station. At same time the crew was putting the finishing touches on the Clifford and Woodward faked store front set while adding the huge Transformers jet thingy prop from last week. J1000's report, pictures and 9 videos below speak for themselves.

Things are full speed ahead in Detroit now! They were filming at Michigan Central Station most of the day, followed by a quick trip over to the Packard Plant in the late evening for some other shots. The downtown sets should be shooting tomorrow; the Deli/Liquor store they've been setting up at Clifford and Woodward now has the Transformer Jet prop assembled in front of it; they were putting it together around lunch time (the engines were still at Packard at that point), and had it assembled when I came back by around 5PM. At Central Station, they were filming Shia, and I think Duhamel and Tyrese and possibly Hardcore Eddie, as well.

The Wreckers were being filmed racing across the front of the Station, while Ratchet was positioned at the left side door, and tires could be heard squealing inside the station. They were shooting closeups of the NEST squad and Shia on the right side of the station. After they wrapped at Central for the day, I heard a crew member's radio say they had to rush over to Packard; I got some great HD video shots of them leaving, and then arriving at Packard. I caught a glimpse (and pic) of a second Optimus cab inside the gates (I've seen doubles of the other cars, but not Optimus yet). As they were filming at Packard, there were a few small explosions. Tyrese's Chevelle drove by, and a bit later, Ironhide and the Twins finally arrived on a car hauler! Exciting day here in Detroit! Stay Tuned!

J1000

Chicago Warehouse Set Pics and Report

It seems that Transformers 3 production in Chicago has moved away from the public eye and into a warehouse location. In a set report with pictures and two brief videos from "big ander" at the NeoGAF boards, a scene is being filmed involving several Autobots and Decepticons as part of the overall sequence of event being filmed for the movie's Chicago finale.

The warehouse itself seems more like a storage location for all the vehicles, not just TFs, used for the last few weeks including the Datsuns and the Mad Max truck. As for the two videos, one shows a camera rig resetting while the second shows two SUV's driving quickly down South Indiana Avenue near East Cermak Road. As the images show, they seem to look like the Decepticon SUVs spotted in TF3's first week in Chicago. The pic to the right is the location before TF3 production dressed it up as an auto body shop.

Below is the report with sample pics but the full hi-def gallery and videos can be found here (password: anderbay). Thanks to David for the pics, links and location.

They filmed a shot over and over with Ironhide, Bumblebee, and the new Ferrari driving down a street being chased by two Decepticons. For most of the shots, Ironhide was just waiting at one end of the street while Ferrari and Bee drove toward him, and then other shots were just the Ferrari. We were told that it's a scene near the end of the movie where they're in a climactic fight. Optimus was not on set, so I guess he's fighting somewhere else.

The warehouse was more fun. We ended up not being able to take pictures, but I still grabbed a few. We saw the duplicates of Ironhide, we saw Ratchet, we saw the car version of the hair robot, we saw both Optimuses (I touched one), we saw that new firetruck, we saw the armored car decepticon, we saw the nascar autobots, and we saw one of the twins. ...We also saw the three warehouse-spanning rows of wrecked cars. That was cool. Oh, and we saw a white Maybach outside of the warehouse that looked like it was being moved. I don't really know if it's even being used in the movie, but it was still sweet. Other random stuff:

- saw the sort of 3D storyboarding of the action sequences.
- Saw a bus being put together in one part, and an exploded version of it in another area.
- Saw a cool big long white Benz that looked like it had been shot up. I'll be sure to look for that in the movie.
- Saw an earlier version of a school bus, and then a second version being moved. The second version had braces and stuff inside; I'm guessing it'll be destroyed.

I just remembered one more thing: The warehouse had two old models of Bumblebee. I'm guessing he goes back to his old car form just for a bit for some reason. Dunno why.

More Old Post Office Boom, Transformers and a Stick

Today is the last day of filming for Transformers 3 at the Old Post Office Building location. To start with, here are two pics of a blue stick on top of same debris that Shia and Dempsey had been fighting on for about a week. The images are from Pixel Rally and show LaBeouf wielding the same steel rod as before. This seems to indicate Sam fights a human-ish size Transformers or it is needed for the visual effects.

Now to the videos. The 1st two are fresh angles on the Van Buren Street boom that sends some cars flying as NEST troops move in. The next group of videos comes from zztopeurope as he seems to have found the Transformers 3 parking lot on Clinton Street. He was able to get footage of the new Autobot fire truck (3rd video), yellow 'Bee Datsuns (4th), Ironhide, Optimus Prime (5th video), Bumblebee (6th) and even one of the Twins (7th video). There are 10 videos total, half are embedded below with links to the rest. Thanks to Mauricio for the links.

Transformers Linkfest

Another week has ended and so another linkfest to various Transformer things that interested me. Click the links below to view War for Cybertron character concept art, a look a new Josh Nizzi art, a cool Takara exclusive set, yet another Ironhide repaint, and a review of a new Generations figure.

War for Cybertron Concept Art
Click the link to view some of the art created during the development of Transformers: War for Cybertron. It includes Zeta Prime, Onslaught, Arcee, and few more.

Josh Nizzi's Robot Taekwon V Design
From the guy that created the look of Long Haul for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has applied his skill to create the robot for the live action movie being filmed in Korea. It seems inspired or at least based on the design aesthetic created by the Transformers movie. I think the character is a shell for a human occupant to go and kick bad guy butt.

Wave 2 Power Core Combiners Gallery
Click the link to get a look at the new pack of Power Core's that will be hitting stores shelves in August or September (I think). One of the 5-packs seems to have been inspired by the G1 Protectobots but isn't a redo of that gestalt.

Day 1 of the Transformers 3 Chicago Invasion

If you are a huge Transfan, then Day 1 in Chicago for Transformers 3 production has already set your heart a flutter as Optimus Prime has his trailer again, complete with G1 shaped striped and Autobot logo. On top of that fans have already supplied pictures of Ironhide, Bumblebee, the red Ferrari 458 Italia, Ratchet three fully weaponized Nascar vehicles (Stunticons?), likely the Twins and more. In addition, thanks to Jeffrey, we have images of a Chicago street dressed for war, or at least its aftermath. Below are sample images, and a YouTube video. For more images and videos from the Transformers invasion in Chicago hit the links below. Thanks to Katie, Christopher, and cypherXR for the links.

New Ratchet, Ironhide, and Planes

A US Army Sky Warriors member posted to flickr a few pics of the Transformers 3 vehicles while waiting to film. The images show off the new color scheme of Ratchet, what looks like a modified version of Ironhide, a little of Optimus Prime, and planes. No idea what is being filmed nor where as no location is provided.

TF3: Optimus Prime, Repainted Ratchet, and Ironhide Spotted (Updated)

A relatively new images was found by Waveride with Optimus Prime and Ratchet in a flatbed. The image and tweet from Staci424 says "Look what was parked at th lake this wkend. Its vehicles from the Transformers movie! He is a driver for Paramount." Ratchet seems to have undergone a color change switching out his yellow for "lime-flavored toothpaste" as Christopher described it when he provided the link (thanks!).

Additional tweets from Staci provides another image and a little background. Apparently the images were taken in Oklahoma as the driver was passing through on the way to a road show in Texas. Not sure what to make of the color change but it at least verifies that both characters are in the movie (as if there was any real doubt).



Update: Added picture of Ironhide from shalim with message "Check out these transformers trucks cruising on the 405. By the engraved Decepticon logo, it must be from the film." I believe he is referring to Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) in California and meant the Autobot logo. Link provided from the comments.

Deluxe Ironhide and Knight Morpher Commander Video Reviews

Two toy video reviews for your entertainment pleasure.

The first is a review from Peaugh, this time for Deluxe class Ironhide with drone. The main review is below, click here for a quick update about storing the drone inside Ironhide's vehicle mode. I am digging this version and a solid alternative that find the Voyager size a bit too expensive. Thanks to sideswipe88 for the link.

The second review shows off The Knight Morpher Commander fan designed Tranformer which is really Optimus Prime from the comic book miniseries Hearts of Steel. The figure is out now and the average retail price is $85. I can't tell what the size is but guessing around Voyager size. Over all I like what I see and strongly leaning to adding this figure to my collection.

Transformers Linkfest

$1,600 Bumblebee Costume
In the April 2010 issue of Popular Science, they wrote about three Transformer inspired costumes that are prettty awesome and detailed. Especially the Bumblebee one created by Greg Adler. The costume took around 400 hours to build. It is built around a wooden and backpack frame, with a mike helment, carpet tubes for arms, drywall stilts with hinges for the legs and more. The How 2.0 article also shows off a TF inspired toy from a cellphone and transforming Humvee. Thanks to Greg for the article page and scan. Click the image for a larger size to read the articles.

Power Core Combaticons and Bombshock
This gallery gives you a look at the upcoming new line of Transformers that is heavily based on fan favorite combiners both past and present. Too early to say if this new take on combiners is good, but the images indicate a lot of potential fun.

Power Core Smolder
Similar to above gallery but highlights the interchangeability of the combiners by swapping Onslaught (or whatever the middle figure is called) with Smolder (fire truck). I guess in theory any deluxe plus four mini-cons have the potential to create one five-figure combiner.

Masterpiece Grimlock (Hasbro version)
Gallery of images of MP Grimlock that is hitting Toys R Us (if remember right) sometime this summer. The Hasbro version has a few tweaks from the Takara version including a crown, clear sword, blunt teeth and sword and a few less accessories (but nothing major).

Deluxe Ironhide
A look at the new, smaller version of Ironhide that, until now, was Voyager and Legends class. The new figure comes with a mini dude that fits in the back in vehicle mode.

New Legends Class Toys
Gallery of new Legends class toys in packaging for the movie based Transformers line (that drops ROTF). Most are repaints of previous releases.

Transformers Linkfest

More links to more Transformers related galleries and news of note.

Transformers USB Thumb Drive
From Paramount Digital Entertainment, a limited edition run of 20,000 4GB USB drives in the Autobot logo shape that comes with own unique ID number and a copy of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on it. The price is about 20 pounds and appears to be a UK exclusive, released as part of the promotion for the November 30th home video release of the movie in the country. If in that area, click here to order. Thanks to Kaly for the link.

Premium Ironhide Custom
Link to a gallery of a fantastic custom paint job of Ironhide using the 2007 toy as the base. Thanks to Shane for the link.

Bumblebee, Soundwave 2-pack Packaging (sort of)
If you’re interested, a look at the packaging for Battlefield Bumblebee and Infiltration Soundwave. Both repaints of the deluxe toys, Bumblebee looks about the same as the cannon one while Soundwave has a red and blue color scheme of sorts. It is believed this packaging is not US bound.

Transformers 25th Anniversary Memorial Stamp Set
From Nikkon Broadcast is a stamp and trading card set. It includes 10 stamps, 50 JYP ($.55), five trading cards and special edition portfolio. It is for the Japan market only.

Transformers Encore #19
Tomy Takara has officially announced the release of Big Mission Cassettes Volume 3 for later this month for around $47. Japan only release, it will include Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Overkill.

ROTF Gold Prime
Click the link for a look at a gold painted version of Optimus Prime (Leader class but not sure). I guess part of a contest.

Transformers Galleries, The Plague and More

Below are a few links to new toy galleries and more.

The Plague and Leader Starscream
The image to the right is a screen grab from the Blu-ray edition of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen that shows off an unused concept character called The Plague. Could this be an early name for the Fallen or possibly a new character that might pop up in the third film? Additionally at the link is images of Leader class Starscream that will hopefully hit retail by Christmas. Thanks to RY for the link.

More Revenge Repaints
Click above for a look at rather ugly repaints of Fast Action Battler Skids and Mudflap along with Dead End and Knock Out. Hasbro's love of creating at least 2 repaints (or more) of every mold continues. Thanks to Ben1227 for the link.

Fast Action Battler Arcee
Gallery of the upcoming toy that retains the ugly look of the original.

Recon Ironhide in Package
Voyager class Jungle Attack Ironhide has been renamed according to the new images the character in packaging pictures. Recon Ironhide is a repaint of the figure but now includes more weapon accessories than ever before. Pic to the right is the back of the box with his bio.

Encore 18 Skids
The latest re-issue gets its own gallery as Generation One Skids is about to be released in Japan. I am especially digging the classic packaging and probably need to add this figure to my wish list as I never had a chance to buy this one those many years ago when first released.

Demolisher and Rampage Repaints
Yep, more repaints this time for the Deluxe Rampage and Voyager Demolisher. Rampage is getting a new red color and Demolisher turns white in an effort to make them more accurate to their look in the movie. No indication if this is a Japan only release or if these will make their way stateside sometime next year.

Jingle Attack Ironhide, FAB Arcee, and More

More images have popped up online for the next wave of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys. This time the focus is Jungle Attack Ironhide, Fast Action Battler Arcee, Wideload, and FAB Night Blades Sideswipe.

Of the group, probably Ironhide is the best because for once Hasbro offers more than just a new paint job. The new toy comes with new gear in the form of a rifle, knife, crossbow, and more. Below is a video review of the toy and click here to view a gallery.


In addition, click here for a gallery of Fast Action Battler Arcee that looks only marginally better then the Deluxe toy. Last, clear here for images of Scout class Wideload and FAB Night Blades Sideswipe in their packages. Thanks to Scorpio for the links.

Transformers Movie Stills

More movie stills have been released to the web by Paramount, this time many of them focused on the real stars of the Revenge of the Fallen, the Transformers. Below are the new images to me. The cool Twins image to the left is from IESB.net, to get the full huge HD image, click here. The first two images below are from the GM Autobot site and the rest of the images were found in IGN's TF2 Gallery. In addition, MichaelBay.com has posted a zip file of all the new wallpaper that was added to the official website, click here for that. Thanks to Captainclueless, Chris, Adrien, and Brian for all the links.

GM Kills Ironhide

According to Jalopnik, the GM Topkick which is the alt mode of Ironhide, is being discontinued.

GM Statement Regarding Wind Down Of Medium Duty Truck Production

After four years of working with multiple potential buyers, General Motors has decided to wind-down its medium-duty truck operations. Production of the Chevy Kodiak and GMC Topkick medium duty trucks will cease by July 31, 2009.

That cannot be good news for Ironhide's continued survival in the third movie.

LG Site Digital Content

LG has started its promotional tie-in with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen with a commercial (as seen here) and website. Now they have added additional digital content in the form of wallpapers of various sizes, movies stills, and facial images of various characters. To check out all the images, go to LG Nest > wait on the page to load > in the bottom right click "NAV" > then click "Digital Content". Thanks to Dxtr for the heads-up.

New Transformer Wallpaper

Hasbro has posted new wallpaper images Transformer 2 characters including Sideswipe, Megatron, Prime and more. Below are the 800x600 size of each but additional sizes and more wallpaper from Transformers: Animated can be found here. Thanks to Crisp for the link.