Transformers Limited Edition Trilogy Set Details, Pre-Order

Today Paramount has issued their press release (below) with details about the 3D Transformers: Dark of the Moon Combo set and the Signature edition of the trilogy set. The release verifies the special features of the 3D set aka the "Ultimate Edition" referred to back in September. This four disc set will be the Blu-ray movie (disc 1), bonus features (disc 2), 3D movie (disc 3), and DVD/Digital copy (disc 4). The current cost on Amazon is $38.49.

As for the Michael Bay signed edition, now called the "Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray Trilogy", the image above is what it will look like. It comes with seven Blu-ray discs which is essentially a combination of the Blu-ray editions of each movie and their special features minus any DVDs. Ultraviolet is handling the digital copy so no extra discs for that. The set is the 2-disc special edition of Transformers, 2-disc Special Edition of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and 3-disc Ultimate Edition of Transformers: Dark of the Moon in regular and 3D versions. Unless things have changed, this set is limited to around 5000 copies and currently being sold only through Amazon. The pre-order page is now up with a cost of $104.99. Both the Ultimate and Limited editions will be released on January 31st, 2012 in the United States. I don't believe the Limited Edition will be released outside the US. If ordering, make sure to use my links so this site gets credit for purchases.

Transformers Trilogy Set Out Now

Just a quick reminder that the Transformers Trilogy 3-disc box set is now available at retail. Amazon has the Blu-ray set for $39.99 and the DVD set for $25.49. Amazon only lists the extra features that come with Transformers I (Bay commentary, behind the scenes stuff), indicating nothing for the other two movies.

It still isn't known how this set compares with "Ultimate" set or the "Signature edition" that is coming out in late January. I continue to advise don't buy until all the information about all the editions are finally out. I still have not bought my own copy. This constant double dipping that the studios have tried to force on their fans has led to me pretty much stop buying movies entirely.

Transformers Trilogy Release Date, Cover

Thanks to Blu-ray.com The Transformers Trilogy box set now has a known release date and box cover to go with it. The three-disc set will be out next week on December 13, 2011 (at least in the US, not sure for other regions). Amazon has it priced at $47.99. As the cover shows, it’s a nice collage of scenes from the movies. Sadly, as become the norm, no information on what the extras are.

I am guessing the extras will be what are on the first Blu-ray disc of the first two movies and who knows for the third since the September release of Dark of the Moon had none and still no information on if the "Ultimate" edition will have any or not. The cover and release date just coming out a week before release and still not really officially confirmed by Paramount? For whatever reason, Paramount Home Video department has done a pathetic job of getting any information out on intended release of Transformers related product over the last few months. Makes me wonder why.

Transformers On Blu-Ray Out Today

Just a reminder that today is the day the Blu-ray version of Transformers hits store shelves. In addition the DVD gets a re-release today with the two-disc set in a transforming Megatron case and the one-disc comes with a Optimus Prime mask. I have not verified it personaly but Wal-Mart is supposed to get the one-disc set that has a Bumblebee mask. As far as the best deals, it is a wash on the Blu-ray edition but it appears that Circuit City has the best prices for the DVD sets.

Best Buy
Blu-ray $27.99
Transforming Megatron Two-Disc Edition $19.99
Optimus Prime Mask One-Disc Edition $14.99

Target
Blu-ray $27.99 (order online $24.95)
Transforming Megatron Two-Disc Edition $19.99

Circuit City
Blu-ray $27.99
Transforming Megatron Two-Disc Edition $17.99
Optimus Prime Mask One-Disc Edition $12.99

Wal-Mart
Transforming Megatron Two-Disc Edition $24.86
Optimus Prime Mask One-Disc Edition $19.86

Transformers Blu-Ray Review

The release of Transformers on Blu-ray is still several weeks away (Sept. 2nd) but already the first review is out. The review from Blu-ray.com gives the disc a 4/5 saying "With breathtaking video, heart-stopping audio, and a wealth of bonus material, the disc never disappoints."

However, the reviewer doesn't answer what I consider an important question - should you upgrade if you already own a copy? In general terms, if you don't have an HDTV (preferably a 1080p) then investing in any Blu-ray disc (and player) is pointless. If you already have the HD-DVD version don't bother either as the quality difference in picture and sound is essentially non-existent and your not getting any additional features either. You’re just going to drop another $30 or so dollars so the Transformers package is blue bordered instead of brown.

Now if you own just the DVD version and have an HDTV (and Blu-ray player) then the full review indicates it is a must buy. While deciding whether to upgrade from DVD to Blu-Ray, CD Freaks is reporting that Paramount is offering some incentive in the form of a $10 rebate. The rebate is available until 12/31/09 and is only for those that upgrade from DVD to Blu-ray. You will have to submit to Paramount proof of purchase tabs from the DVD and Blu-ray cases and your store receipt (so remember not to toss it).

Transformers Blu-ray Details

IGN is reporting the details on the September 2nd release of Transformers on Blu-ray. As expected, the release is essentially the HD-DVD release from last year with no additional features that I can tell. Unless you just have a kick butt 1080p TV and surround sound system (I don't), I wouldn't bother with the purchase until you do especially if already bought it in some other format.

You can read the full details here.

Disc 1:
- Feature film
- Commentary by Director Michael Bay
- TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)—In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences.
- TRANSFORMERS Intelligence Mode
- Menubots
- TRANSFORMERS Profiler

Disc 2:
- The Story Sparks - Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film. Explores how the writers adapted the cartoon into a live-action movie and why Michael Bay is the perfect director for the film.
- Human Allies - A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set.
- I Fight Giant Robots - An exploration of the military training that Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson underwent for their roles and the various stunts that the actors were asked to perform.
- Battleground - A piece on the senior officials from the Department of Defense and Air Force who consulted on the film to give it authenticity and the key locations that the U.S. government provided access to.
- Rise of the Robots - Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life.
- AUTOBOTS Roll Out - Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film.
- DECEPTICONS Strike - The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow: F-22 Raptors, Ospreys and A-10 Warthogs.
- Inside the AllSpark - ILM's digital artists discuss the challenges of bringing the TRANSFORMERS to life.
- TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector - Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the TRANSFORMERS robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models.
- More Than Meets The Eye
- From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects.
- Concepts - Early sketch concepts of the robots.
- Theatrical Trailers

Transformers Blu-ray Packaging

TFormers has posted the details of the Blu-ray release of Transformers on September 2nd. It appears that features are identical to the HD-DVD version which is essentially the 2-disc DVD release with two additional features of "Transformers Heads-up Display" and "BD-Live Features". The last picture below describes them.

Transforming Megatron DVD Case

As previously noted, Transformers DVDs are getting a re-release on September 2nd along with the Blu-Ray version of the movie. For the one disc there is the Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Megatron masks. For the two-disc set, much like the transforming Optimus Prime case released last year as a Target exclusive now comes the Megatron version. Whether the case is another exclusive is unknown but as the pictures below from TFormers.com show, it works identically to Optimus. The various sets will have the exact same features as their counterparts from last year. Personally I am going to skip them all and get the Blu-Ray disc at some point in the future (first I need to get a PS3 to play em on).

Transformers DVD Bumblebee Mask

The other day a picture was released of the new re-issue of the Transformers DVD that will include an Optimus Prime mask. Now there is news that a Bumblebee mask will be available to, exclusively to Wal-Mart for &19.96. Now just need to see what Megatron's mask will look like. The mask sets will be available September 2nd. (source)

Transformers Bring Home A Hero Optimus DVD

ENI has posted the first image of the re-issue of the DVD of Transformers. Under the promotion title of "Transformers Bring Home a Hero Promo", the one disc sets will come with either an Optimus Prime or Megatron face mask. The two discs will also be re-released with a transforming Megatron package. Finally, on the same date will be the Blu-Ray edition of the movie. The sets will be released on September 2, 2008.

Transformers to Blu-Ray, New DVDs on September 2nd

Paramount Home Entertainment has announced that Transformers will come to Blu-Ray on September 2nd, 2008. The current extra features list is the same as the DVD release only in HD but that could change by the release date.

Special Features
- Commentary: Commentary by Director Michael Bay
- Featurette: OUR WORLD:
- Featurette: The Story Sparks HD
- Featurette: Human Allies HD
- Featurette: I Fight Giant Robots HD
- Featurette: Battleground HD
- Featurette: THEIR WAR:
- Featurette: Rise of the Robots HD
- Featurette: Autobots Roll Out HD
- Featurette: Decepticons Strike HD
- Featurette: Inside the AllSpark HD
- Featurette: Transformers Tech Inspector (TBD) HD
- Trailers: TRAILERS (will play after the feature via a menu):
- Trailers: Iron Man Trailer HD
- Featurette: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE:
- Trailers: Transformers Teaser Trailer HD
- Trailers: Rise of the Autobots HD
- Other: Transformers H.U.D. (Heads Up Display)
- Other: BD-Live Features (TBD
- Featurette: From Script to Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack HD
- Featurette: Concepts HD
- Trailers: Trailers HD:
- Trailers: Teaser Trailer 1 HD
- Trailers: Theatrical Trailer 2 HD
- Trailers: Theatrical Trailer 4 HD
- Easter Eggs: EASTER EGGS:
- Easter Eggs: Michael Bay Cameo HD
- Easter Eggs: Girl in Dress HD
- Easter Eggs: Bay Bot HD
- Easter Eggs: Casting Mojo HD

In addition, Paramount will re-release the one disc and two disc sets which will differ on only in packaging. They are calling it the "Transformers Bring Home A Hero Promo". The single disc will be an Optimus Prime mask and the 2-disc will be a Transforming packaging similar to the Optimus Prime one from last year only this time it will be Megatron. All three movie sets will come out on September 2nd, 2008.

Paramount, Dreamworks End HD-DVD, Blu-Ray In Summer

Paramount and DreamWorks has announced that its last releases for the HD-DVD format will be this upcoming Tuesday. In addition DreamWorks has officially announced it’s no longer supporting HD-DVD. In theory the way is now paved for Transformers for Blu-Ray but apparently the company is still working out its Blu-Ray plans and it appears as a result they will not be released Blu-Ray movies until summer. Strangely slow response time to but then it is a studio with many many many cooks involved in any given decision.

Transformers Blu-Ray Delay?

Apparently Dreamworks hasn't made the jump to Blu-ray just yet due to the contract they have with Toshiba. Back in August, Dreamworks was given $100 million to join the HD-DVD camp and now that that camp has been shuttered...they are contractually obligated to continue to produce movies on the HD-DVD format only. At least until Toshiba gives them permission which they haven't yet. It’s probably just a simple matter between lawyers but until it is sorted out, don't expect any announcements for Transformers on Blu-Ray. (source)

Paramount Officially Going Blu-Ray

With the demise of HD-DVD, it was inevitable, but Paramount went ahead and made it officially just in case some didn't figure it out. No date on when discs will hit shelves but I am sure it will be as soon as possible with Transformers leading the charge. I am guessing end of March, early April.

The Towel Has Been Thrown

Michael Bay has cause to celebrate this weekend Toshiba has officially thrown in the towel on HD-DVD for reasons previousily discussed. Blu-Ray is now the official high definition disc. Toshiba will lose hundred of millions of dollars in the lost and is going to halt production of HD-DVD players and recorders as it exits the business.

If you have been waiting, you can now buy with piece of mind. My recommendation is to just go ahead and get the low end Playstation 3. Even if you’re not a gamer, it costs about the same as a separate Blu-Ray player but can use it to download movies, music and of course play games. More bang for the buck so to speak. Of course if you don't own a HDTV (like me) don't even bother to get a player, it would be just a waste of money until you do and by then the players and discs may be cheaper.

Blu-Ray Unofficial Winner of Format War

Well, it looks like Michael Bay's wish has come true. Today the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart announced that by June 2008, it would sell only Blu-Ray discs and players marking the unofficial death of the HD-DVD format. This, along with Best Buy, Blockbuster, and Netflix declaring their intent to go Blu-Ray, its all over except Toshiba throwing in the towel (which they are rumored to do soon).

The end of the war began when the Blu-Ray camp successfully bribed Warner Bros with $300 million the balance of power squarely onto their side and hasn't moved since. Now with the retailers announcing defections, it is over. So for you with HD-DVD players and disc, you soon will own a piece of history. Don't buy any new movies either; soon the ones that exist will be on clearance anyway. In the end, it seems those that are willing to bribe the most, won. I am just glad I sat this format war out but I do wish that consumers, not bribery, had been the deciding factor.

Bay Predicts Death of HD-DVD

Michael Bay fired off another post on his forums regarding the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray debate. He has a real jones for Transformers to pop up on Blu-Ray for some reason.

Well another studio down. Maybe I was right? Blu ray is just better. HD will die a slow death. It's what I predicted a year ago. Now with Warner's down for the count with Blu Ray. That makes it easier for Wal-Mart to push Blu Ray. And whatever Wal-Mart pushes - wins. Hd better start giving out those $120 million dollars checks to stay alive. Maybe they can give me some so I can give it to my Make-A-Wish charity, just to shut me up. Have faith people Transformers will come out in Blu-ray one day!

Bay

He does have a point. Warners jumped ship. Universal is going with both formats (the exclusive contract with HD-DVD ends at end of the month) and rumors continue that Paramount is considering a switch.

However, Toshiba isn't taking the news lying down with across the board price cuts (not sure if temporary or permanent). The line of HD-DVD players have all been cut in price (cheapest is $150), the 5 free HD-DVDs with purchase has been extended and Amazon is running a 50% off sale on HD-DVDs.

As always, the studios follow the money, and until the last two studios make a decisive decision, the game isn't quite over. With only 10% of consumers out there owning HD TVs, if your not one of them (such as me) the format war is irrelevant as its just a complete waste of money to buy the next gen format if don't have a TV that takes full advantage of it. On top of that, a success in either format is 500,000 copies sold. Compare that to 5 million+ for DVDs. Quite a substantial gap that still has to be crossed before a winner can be declared. As always, time will tell and until I can afford an HD TV, I am content to sit on the sidelines and wait it out.

Update: According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the studio war on the formats is kind of ugly under the surface. There have been rumors that HD-DVD payed Paramount $100 million to go exclusive to their format and Blu-Ray apparently did the same thing. Waners where going to go to HD-DVD but Blu-Ray swooped in and gave them $400 to $500 million to go to their format. They also did the same with Fox to prevent them from jumping ship.

So basically, if not for nearly a billion dollars total win fall from Blu-Ray, HD-DVD would have had 4 of the 6 studios rather then Blu-Ray. I don't know about you, but having to pay atudios to join your side isn't exactly confidence builder when it comes to your format. If Blu-Ray was the best and selling like they keep claiming, I would think they numbers would have spoken for themselves. Instead, apparently the camp willing to blow the most money up front will decide the format wars rather then the consumer. Its money and only money, pure and simple. "Quality" has nothing to do with it. (source)

Paramount Dropping HD-DVD? No

With Warner Bros and New Line officially going Blu-Ray in May, it appears the Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD might be over. The lynch pin is Paramount who last year went exclusive to HD-DVD (to Bay's disappointment). Rumors are now circulating that Paramount is planning to invoke a clause in their contract and jump ship to Blu-Ray. However, Paramount themselves have debunked the rumor "Current plan is to support the HD DVD format." So no rejoicing for those PS3 owners out there.

For now Paramount and Universal remain in the HD-DVD camp so the format wars are not yet decided. I say this mainly because hardware for HD-DVD are not below the $200 level, Blu-Ray remains at $400 and a ton of HD-DVD went on sale in the low $100s and below for the holidays. If that translates into disc sales then it could lead to studios jumping to HD-DVD because at the end of the day they are going to follow the money. Any case my plan is to sit on the sidelines and wait it out as I don't have an HD television anyway so neither format does me any good.(source)

Transformers #1 For DVD Sales in 2007

According to Reuters, Transformers was the number one selling DVD of 2007, despite only being out for three months. For the year, DVD sales where down 2% to $24 billion. (source)

#1 - Transformers - 13.7 million units
#2 - Happy Feet - 13.5 million units.
#3 - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - 13.2 million units
#4 - 300 - 12.9 million units
#5 - Shrek the Third - 12.2 million units
#6 - Ratatouille - 12 million units
#7 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - 10.1 million units
#8 - The Departed - 8.9 million units
#9 - Night at the Museum - 8.7 million units
#10- The Bourne Ultimatum - 7.4 million units

Michael Bay Comments on HD-DVD Again

Michael Bay has previously expressed his displeasure (before changing his mind) over Paramount's decision to go exclusive to HD-DVD (thanks to a $100 million payday from unknown source). He commented again on the issue on his official forums in a response to a poster blaming Bay for going to HD-DVD (even though he had no say on the matter).

What you don't understand is corporate politics. Microsoft wants both formats to fail so they can be heroes and make the world move to digital downloads. That is the dirty secret no one is talking about. That is why Microsoft is handing out $100 million dollar checks to studios just embrace the HD DVD and not the leading, and superior Blu Ray. They want confusion in the market until they perfect the digital downloads. Time will tell and you will see the truth.

Bay

Interesting theory. To a degree the theory is correct but Microsoft is just one player in the game and I don't think download services is the end game. Its way to early to declare a winner. In hardware sales, Blu-Ray is winning but only because the PS3 is included. Also, ironically because of Transformers, the HD-DVD has enjoyed sales that have proven it could be viable in the market, the same way 300 did that for Blu-Ray. Basically its way to early to call a winner in the format wars.

As for why there is a format war comes down to the usual reasons - money. Lots and lots of money. The studios and various tech companies have each chosen sides on the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray battle mostly because the winner will have a lead on the next format and the financial boom that could bring while the losers will experience a temporary loss in customer confidence and idle products while transitioning to the winning format.

A large part of the equation is patent ownership and related license fees. If you are one of the 17 patent owners for Blu-Ray (CyberLink; Dell; Hewlett-Packard; Hitachi; Koninklijke Philips Electronics; LG Electronics; Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic); Mitsubishi Electric; Pioneer; Samsung Electronics; Sanyo Electric; Sharp; Sony; TDK; Victor Company of Japan; and Warner Home Video) then that means you are not paying a license fee and anyone of those companies wants to use the technology must pay a fee and possibly percentage of their profits to those companies. All this means greater profits. Also why PS3 is Blu-Ray based. On the HD-DVD side, the patent owners are Toshiba and LG who in turn inked a deal with Microsoft to develop the technology. Which is why the XBox 360 supports HD-DVD.

As far as the downloading of movies, not so much. The United States is actually behind most of the westernized worlds in delivering of high speed Internet and getting further behind. The telecoms don't want to pay out to update the infrastructure (which would have to be fiber optics) preferring government pay for it. Not such a big deal accept the average file size of good old fashion DVD is around 6 gigabytes. The average Blu-Ray file size is around 27 gigs and HD-DVD its around 20 gigs. To download just one movie on the current infrastructure would take days. I don't see the average consumer willing to do that. It will probably be 5-10 years before downloading Blu-Ray/HD-DVD quality movies over the Internet has the possibility of becoming commonplace assuming that infrastructure gets built.

All the talk about formats, it all comes down to storage capacity which is what all the format talk is about. The max capacity of a CD is 700mb, DVD is 8.5GB, HD-DVD is 51GB and Blu-Ray is 50GB. As the tech gets tweaked more then likely the numbers will climb for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. The greater the storage capacity, the more detail per pixel and sound quality can provide. That was a reason why DVD's can only do so much, the simple lack of storage capacity to cram in all the data needed to give that high definition picture. Keep in mind, the technology is very new. That means that there is a learning curve to maximize the storage capacity for the greatest performance, something I don't think either format has achieved yet. A handy comparison chart is here that to me helps illustrate that to vaunted differences between the two formats is highly dubious at best and the race in quality is dead even.

Nope the grand conspiracy is simply about profit margins and patent ownership. Those that win the format wars stands to gain the most for the healthy lead it gives them. In my opinion, the format war will end a draw with the formats merging so that any player can play any format. The only real deciding factor on who wins will ultimately be sales of the discs and prices of the hardware which Blu-Ray is falling behind on.