Making of Transformers: The Ride

With Transformers 4 news going quiet as filming went to unknown locations, here is something TF related to watch. It turns out I completely missed this 22 minute making of / advertisement for Transformers: The Ride back when it opened in Universal Studios Hollywood in 2011. The length suggests it had been made as something to air on TV but guess those plans fell through. Any case you might find it interesting with a look at ILM creating the effects, interviews with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg and more. Thanks to Feris O. for the find.

Transformers The Ride Grand Opening Video

Yesterday was the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Orlando and the studio has posted several videos to promote it. The first one is their staging of a Decepticon attack on the attraction building complete with jets in formation flyover and fireworks. The Optimus Prime and Bumblebee vehicles were also on hand for the opening. The second video is a commercial for the new attraction while the last is a 30 second time-lapse of the construction of Transformers: The Ride.

Cullen, Welker Comment on Transformers 4 at TF The Ride Grand Opening

Today was the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride in Orlando, Florida. On hand for the event was the now 30 years strong voice of Optimus Prime Peter Cullen and legendary voice actor Frank Welker (Megatron, Devastator, more). While on the red carpet, Zap2It spoke with the actors about Transformers 4. Cullen commented on Optimus Prime's new look while Welker was unable to confirm if he would be voicing anyone in the fourth film. More pictures from the opening can be found here. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

[Peter Cullen] once again be voicing the Autobot leader in "Transformers 4," and shared his thoughts about Optimus Prime's new look.

Transformers: The Ride Soft Opens at Universal Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando has opened Transformers: The Ride starting this weekend. The "soft opening" is not the official grand opening of the new attraction but something that is done a few weeks before to work out any kinks and problems that may come up. As a result The Ride may be open and closed at random times of the day depending on whatever needs they have to address. The grand opening of The Ride is scheduled for June 20th. Below are several videos that show off the new attraction from outside, in the queue and portions of The Ride itself.

Transformers: The Ride Orlando Opens June 20th

My prediction that Transformers: The Ride Orlando would open on Memorial Day weekend turned out to be off by a month as today Universal Studios announced the official open date as Thursday, June 20th. Press release below.

The highly anticipated blockbuster attraction TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013, Universal Orlando announced today.
Universal also launched an all-new “Join the Resistance” Facebook experience to prepare fans for the battle they’ll experience on the mega-attraction. “Recruits” can create their very own NEST IDs, train for battle, access exclusive photos and video and win prizes – including a trip to the attraction’s grand opening celebration on June 20. Click here to join the resistance.

Transformers: The Ride Orlando Campaign Begins

Universal Studios Orlando has begun their campaign for the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride. The attraction is already open in Hollywood and Singapore. The new campaign is beginning much the same as the Hollywood one with an outline of Megatron on the Fairwinds Credit Union with a "home video" (below) of an encounter with the Decepticon. The last time they started the marketing it was to later announce the attraction would open Memorial Day weekend which this year is May 24th to 27th. Another sign that the attraction is nearly ready to go is these great pictures from Wynton R. that show of the completed attraction building with stocked gift shop.

Transformers: The Ride Voice Actor Interviews

Below is a "old" video but first time I was aware of it as the various voice actors used in Transformers: The Ride discuss their roles. The video is from the May opening of the attraction at Universal Studios Orlando with Dustin Leighton (Evac) and Frank Welker (Megatron). Thanks to Feris for the link.

Transformers: The Ride Coming to Orlando

In the video below, Universal Studio announces that Transformers: The Ride is coming to Universal Studios Orlando in Summer 2013. The Ride has been at Universal Studios Singapore for almost a year and Universal Studios Hollywood for about nine months. Disney's Inside the Magic YouTube page has posted videos of the park crowd getting informed of the new attraction. Press release is here.
Lagoon Show | Optimus and Bee | Press Conference

Linkfest - Prime Masterpieces

This week’s linkfest is about little odds and ends to play catch up on after last week’s SDCC. To start, we have a cool fan creation that mixes Optimus with Warhammer, news that Hasbro’s mini-war with 3rd party toys continues, another 3rd party toy gallery, a new G1 reissue, new TF Prime themes, Masterpiece Prime US vs Takara comparison, and video reviews of Wave 1 Fall of Cybertron toys, SDCC Exclusive toys, and more. If interested in the SDCC panels, click here for links to videos of more then 100 panels that where held that week.

Orktimus Prime
Hit the link with a gallery of images for Orkitums Prime and interview with its creator madscuzzy. This version of Prime is based on Ork Truckk used for Warhammer game products only with that Transformers touch. It took two months to create using 3rd party Gundum parts and 1.5 ork trukk kits. The paint job proved to be especially difficult but as the images show, the final result was pretty darn cool.

Hasbro Bails on TFCon
Hasbro has announced that they have cancelled their New Product Preview and Q&A panels at TFcon this coming weekend because of the allowed sale of 3rd party TF toys at the Con. The Canada's Annual Transformers Convention is being held from July 27th to 29th in Mississauga, Ontario. They will still have a product display. The 3rd party market is not violating any law or copyright which is why Hasbro is applying pressure in ways like this (they also tried to get online stores to ban the products). If legal is an issue I am sure Lego would love to have words about the Kre-O line. Hasbro has chosen to ignore the collector's market as not having enough mass market appeal to reach the profit margins they desire (see Breakdown below as example). Takara has attempted to meet the need with their Masterpiece line (and BinalTech in the past). The 3rd party market (and Hasbro's SDCC exclusives) has clearly demonstrated that collectors are willing to pay a premium for new and unique products. Transformers' Collectors Club of repaints does not count as a meaningful effort to fill that niche. Nothing wrong with Hasbro's choice, from a business perspective I get it. I just can't agree with Hasbro's attempt to punish fans and conventions when others decide to fill a market area they chose to ignore using the same tactics Hasbro uses to their own benefit (see Kre-O). I applaud any convention (like TFCon) that refuses to bend to their unreasonable demands. Note: Botcon, being officially attached to Hasbro, as no choice but to comply.

SDCC 2012 Preview Night

Wednesday is technically the first day of the San Diego Comic-Con where Hollywood comes out to promote their latest wares to geeks and the press. It is more commonly referred to has Preview Night since since people are still arriving with booths and tables still getting prepped. Still it gives people a chance to tour what has been setup, including what Hasbro and High Moon Studios have for their booths. There will be several Transformers related panels, with Hasbro announcing how they are participating at SDCC.

Their exclusives proved to be especially popular probably due to Fall of Cybertron Bruticus. That one might be hard to come by but at least the Amazon exclusive repaint is currently up for pre-order for $59.99, just be aware its release date isn't until late November. All this means lots of images of current and upcoming Transformer products that will be coming out over the next six or so months. High Moon Studios' booth that is covered with concept art for Fall of Cybertron.

Linkfest - Fall of Cybertron

It turns out this week’s unintended theme for the link fest is Fall of Cybertron as collected multiple links on the subject including video reviews of Jazz & Shockwave, Achievements, Bruticus release month, and Metroplex screenshots. In addition, another look at the next three Masterpiece toys from Takara-Tomy, Scott Barga gets Academy invite, violin remix of Transformers I Arrival to Earth score and video reviews of upcoming TF Prime toys.

Next Three Masterpiece Transformers Images -
All Three | Hi-Re Gallery
A few weeks ago we got a look at the non-colored prototype of Masterpiece Sideswipe (MP-12) that Takara is releasing in a few months. Now we can get a leak at him in his fully painted glory along with a look at the Soundwave with Laserbeak (MP-13) and Red Alert (MP-14) prototypes that will clearly stick as close as possible to look of the Generation One characters. Of note is it seems Takara isn't going to try to come up with a modern alt mode for Soundwave, choosing to stick with the classic cassette boom box.

Transformers' Scott Benza Joins the Academy
Transformers trilogy animation supervisor Scott Benza was recently invited to join the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Members of the organization are those that vote for the Oscar winners each year and considered a huge honor in Hollywood. 176 members total were given invites this year, most of them either past winners or nominees including Benza who received multiple nominations for the effects work on the Transformers’ films. Congrats to him for the honor.

Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood Now Open

Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood is now officially opened to the public with special hours for the Memorial Day weekend. Thursday morning the grand opening red carpet event was held with executive producer Steven Spielberg, Glenn Morshower and others. Michael Bay filmed a welcome message from the Pain and Gain set. there. Universal Studio's twitter account documented the opening with pictures and comments. They also have red carpet pictures posted here. Below is a video from the opening ceremony.

Update: Inside the Magic has posted additional pictures and a video from the red carpet opening here.

Transformers: The Ride Commercial, Walkthrough and Review

In two weeks Transformers: The Ride officially debuts at Universal Studios Hollywood. That means commercial time. Also below is a thirty minutes recording of toy reviewer Optibotimus' trip on Transformers: The Ride during the preview weekend a few weeks ago. The video includes the trip through the line, the ride itself and his impressions. A gallery of images can be found here and here. Also tossed in his review of the 1:1 ratio of the AllSpark Prop Replica available at The Ride's store. It is a 1:1 replica of the prop Shia LaBeouf carried in the first movie. While it not worth it as just something to pick up at retail, it does seem like a good souvenir.

Transformers: The Ride Decepticons Attack, Prime Costime

The season ticket holder preview weekend of Transformers: The Ride is this weekend with the official opening date set for May 24th. As part of that Universal Studios has released a video (below) promoting the attraction making use of their creative use of LA's Staples Center. The second video is a look at the awesome Optimus Prime costume that some poor souls will have to wear during the hot summer months.

Transformers: The Ride POV Video and Queue Tour

For those (like me) that will likely not get a chance to check out Universal Studios Hollywood's Transformers: The Ride any time soon, you at least get a chance to experience some of the ride thanks to the videos below. Of course the attraction is in 3D so some of the effects don't come through but at least gives you some idea of what occurs. As expected, it doesn't seem to be any different than the Singapore attraction. Also below is a video of the queue path with all the various props and details they added while waiting in line. Seems to be worth checking out if you are visiting one of the parks. Transformers: The Ride officially opens on May 25th.

Transformers: The Ride Preview

Behind The Thrills have written up their preview of Transformers: The Ride that is opening at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 25th. It is based on a "Technical Rehearsal" from April 22nd but since the attraction is identical to Universal Studios Singapore that opened last December, I doubt there are meaningful changes being made. Season holders will get a chance to check things out during the May 5th weekend. The full positive preview with pics can be found here.

On a related note, Seibertron discovered that USA Network is holding a contest for US citizens (18+ years of age) for a chance to win a round trip to Los Angeles for a two night stay for the VIP Grand Opening event for Transformers: The Ride. Click here to enter. Contest ends on April 30th at midnight.

Behind the Scenes of Transformers: The Ride

Universal Studios Hollywood has posted a new video that shows some of the work, design and planning that went into creating Transformers: The Ride that will officially open on May 25th at the park.

Transformers: The Ride Staples Center Promo

As the image shows, Universal Studios Hollywood chose an interesting way to promote the upcoming launch of Transformers: The Ride. The ad on the side of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA gives the appearance that Megatron crashed through the side of the building. The LA Times says "A giant laminate stuck to the side of the sports venue makes it look as if an 80-foot tall, 20-ton metal alien creature from the movie "Transformers" busted a hole through the building. The laminate will remain on Staples Center until Tuesday." The Ride has a sneak preview the first week of May for season ticket holders and officially opens at the end of May.

Transformers: The Ride Opens May 25th

In a new commercial posted by Universal Studios Hollywood, the official release date has been announced as May 25th, 2012. This fits the expected Memorial Day weekend release date. For those with season passes, the attraction will have a preview weekend from May 4th to 6th.

Transformers: The Ride Preview Weekend

TFW2005's firehawc_69 has learned that Universal Studios Hollywood is giving a sneak preview of Transformers: The Ride during the May 4th-6th weekend. The ride itself will open officially around Memorial Day weekend. The news comes via the March 2012 Annual Pass Member Newsletter that says "Save the Date for a Sneak Preview Event. On May 4-6, Annual Pass members will get an exclusive chance to be among the first to experience Transformers: The Ride 3D. Stay tuned for more details." I guess this means only season pass holders will get a chance to ride it but wonder how they will enforce that for non-season pass holders. I guess tourists are out of luck until the attraction officially opens.