Transformers DVD Sales Week 3

I skipped last week but here are the DVD sales for Transformers for week 3 after the DVD release. This time the direct competition was Spider-Man, which trounced the competition but didn't come close to Transformers first week sales.

Spider-Man 3 after week 1 sold 2.4 million units for a sales total of $42.4 million. Transformers week 3 sales was 613,732 for sales of $14.1 million. Grand total so far TF is sitting at 7.7 million units sold for sales of $178,259,747.

The 7.7 sold is still less then the 8.3 million advertised but I think the cause is either because the studios guard these number very carefully because of royalties (as demonstrated by the writer's strike) or because the 8.3 million number isn't based on in store sales but number ordered and shipped to retailers. In either case, it gives at least an idea of how TF is doing.

Transformers DVD Still #1

After two weeks, Transformers remains at the top of the DVD sales and rental charts. The sales dropped a minor 14% from the previous week to $8.6 million. I am sure the bean counters are pleased.

As for the first week of sales ending 10/21, The Numbers.com is reporting that Transformers moved 5,089,612 units for sales of $117,010,180. For comparison the number 2 move was Planet Terror which sold 424,474 ($9.7 million). This number is less then reported 8.3 million first week sales but at least its actualy numbers vs a standard press release from the studio that provides no numbers.

Transformers HD-DVD Overview

Thanks to Dan for this link to a YouTube post that covers the extra features that the Transformers HD-DVD has over regular DVDs. I especially like the picture in picture but sadly I don't have an LCD or plasma screen so buying HD-DVD right now seems a waste of money. The second video is a reprise of the Grimlock video from the Sector 7 website, also available via the HD-DVD version.

Bay: DVD Could Be Better

Michael Bay admitted to USA Today that the record breaking Trnasformers DVD is "not as good as it could have been." The 8.3 million first week in sales seems to indicate many didn't mind though.

The article:

Most directors diplomatically go to bat for DVDs of their films. Filmmaker Michael Bay (Armageddon, Bad Boys, The Rock) is just as likely to drop verbal bombs while talking about his DVDs as when he is directing.
Bay's take on the new Transformers DVD, which has sold 8.3 million copies since its release last week: "It's a good DVD. But not as good as it could have been," he says. That sales total made Transformers the year's fastest-selling DVD in North America, according to Paramount Home Entertainment.

Despite setting a record, Bay, 42, says a hectic studio schedule prevented him from being as personally involved in the DVD as he was back in the days of Pearl Harbor. His 2002 four-disc director's cut of that film set the standard for buffed-up special editions.

"I was traveling promoting (Transformers) while they were doing the DVD," he says. "You try to guide people as to what to do (in making it), but ultimately if you rush your date, you are not going to get the DVD as good as it could be. … Studios want to pump this stuff out, and my job is to care about it and try to put the right people on it. They just see it as a show they are selling, and I see it as a movie. That's how your movie lives on, in the DVD format."

An aspect of the DVD that Bay says he personally fought for was having the film be on a disc by itself, with just a commentary. He won that battle in the $20 single-disc version that hit shelves last week along with a deluxe, two-disc $40 version.

Its nice for Bay to acknowledge that the DVD extra features where not up to the high standards he has established in the past. The Pearl Harbor set is a good example. I own it and some issues with the movie aside (fantastic potential but...) the extra features are nearly as good a benchmark as the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions documentaries.

As my review indicates, the second disc just wasn't as good as it could have been, being only a surface skim of how the movie was done. The potential was there but not realized. The special effects could have been its own section that could have been hours long. What about all the design work? Almost no pre-production information was shared. How about the practical effects? Except for the bus effect, little was covered. And those poor sound guys. They created Oscar worthy sounds but nary a mention in the extra features.

Anyway, admitting room for improvement will hopefully lead to the sequel set creating new benchmarks in special edition features.

Transformers DVD 8.3 Million Sold

According the Hollywood Reporter, the sale of the Transformers DVD broke a few records during its week of sales for the year. It broke the first week DVD sales record with 8.3 million sold in six days. 4.5 million of those sales where from Tuesday alone. In the HD DVD front, it broke a few records there with 100000 sold on the first day and 190,000 in the first week. By comparison, I think the Blu-Ray record is 250,000 for 300 (after about 3 weeks).

Unfortunately I couldn't find a chart or archival information that would make for easy comparison I did find some numbers to help fuel bragging rights. 300 also sold 8.3 million copies, but took 10 weeks to do it. One of the top selling DVDs of the year, Happy Feet sold 9 million but took about 6 months to do that. Basically Transformers is a money mine for Dreamworks and Hasbro and will hopefully lead to a larger budget for the sequel.

Transformers Special Edition Extras Review

The DVD has arrived and the question isn't to buy or not to buy but which to buy, the 1 disc standard edition or the 2-disc Special Collector's Edition. Then its if buy the 2-disc edition, what exclusive to go for. I went with the steel case. I can't afford to buy all the exclusives so instead will just review the extras on the DVDs (not the HD-DVD).

The first disc for both versions are identical with commentary from Michael Bay. The second disc is the extra disc that gets into the details on how the movie was made and is what costs the extra $8-9 you may have to spend to get it. The question is one of worth. Is it worth that extra bit of money? That's subjective but it depends on how much you like about the process of filmmaker and the behind the scenes stuff. If you don't care then probably not worth the extra money. If you do though, it becomes a question of how good is the extras. After all, most of the time the extras are just recycled press material that was already but out on HBO, Extra, and so forth with everyone breaking an arm patting themselves and each other on the back for making such a great move with some deleted scenes thrown in. That's the normal scenario. The best behind the scenes material ever assembled was for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but that sadly didn't become the model for extras that is should have been. So the question is where does Transformers fall in this scale?

Disc One
Michael Bay Commentary
Informative commentary that covers some ground the disc two covers but most of it is new stories and behind the scenes information. Tells stories on the animators and how their styles helped with the Transformers, stories about the actors and working with ILM and Digital Domain to pull off the effects. There are silences during the commentary that had me wondering if it had cut off but they where mostly brief. Mostly didn't like the silences because get feeling their was gobs of information that could have been conveyed about the scene or what have you during that silence. Overall good director commentary.

Disc Two
Our World (49:20)
The Story Sparks (8:33)
Covers the origins of the storyline idea of the film with interviews from those involved in the movies production. Some of the information is repeat of the usual press stories told during the movie promotion such as why Bay decided to do the movie. This section is interspersed with Transformers images, input from Hasbro, and fantastic concept artwork for the film and from Hasbro. Lots of interviews, lots of set footage. The term "Bay-hem" gets coined. Bit about the intensity of Bay but apparently it effects the set in a good way not bad.

Human Allies (13:11)
Covers the actors in the human roles of the movies with interviews, set footage, and so forth. Also gets into the details of why some people where cast in various roles with audition footage. Don't know why but Megan Fox in the audition looked much better then post movie Megan Fox. Love Rachael Taylor's accent. Also shows some bits of the Air Force training that Josh Dumahel did to prepare for the role. Back patting occurred (contractually obligated I think when involves actors), but the deleted scenes, outtakes, and so forth work so not to bad.

I Fight Giant Robots (14:00)
The military's involvement in the film is covered here. Shows some of the military training the actors went through, equipment, and behind scenes footage when filming the military related scenes. Could call this the "Boys and their Toys" section of the extras. Also covers some of the practical shooting done for the Los Angeles sequence with the actors and things going boom from to be inserted later Transformers. Pretty informative and lots of booms and toys are on display.

Battleground (13:36)
Covers the locations chosen for the film, the logistics involved in on location shooting, and the work involved in prepping the sites for filming. Some of the set construction and use is also covered in this section. An element of danger is involved, especially when it comes to "man-piss". Another good section, dry at times, but to be expected.

Their War (65:11)
Rise of the Robots (13:40)
This section covers a lot of territory. Its a Transformers history 101, bit about the Transfans, screen tests for the Transformers, explanations on why changes where made from G1 to the movie design including voice casting decisions with Optimus and Megatron. The argument for why not Frank Welker is covered here (comes down the voice didn't fit with the design and tone). As a Transfan, this was a little walk down nostalgia lane, but this section can be appreciated by both new and old fans.

Autobots Roll Out (20:00)
The whys, whats, and hows of the Autobots for the movie. A profile on each car used for each character and the customizations (some extreme) that was done to each. This is the section that explains why the changes where made from the G1 model to the movie model, many of which made since from a technical perspective. Also get to see other vehicles built (and destroyed) for the film and the various vehicle related stunts that were performed. One of the better sections on this disc.

Decepticons Strike (14:33)
Like the previous section, this one covers all the Decepticons. Goes over each of the military vehicles used for the film, be it as Transformers or for other scenes. Also covers the filming of them and the technical details of shooting with the military. Nothing about shooting on the USS Shoup though (the navel vessel at the end). Decent but not as much information as would have liked.

Inside The Allspark (16:58)
This section is about inserting the Transformers in the film from the filming of them with pole place holders to building them in the computer, animating them and inserting them into the film photo-realistically. All this is covered with interviews, test footage and CGI work. This was my geek out section. I find it fascinating to see how the imagination is made real.

More Than Meets The Eye
From Script To Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack (8:52)
The title says it all. Takes the attack sequence and covers all aspects of the sequence from Skorponoks design, to locations, filming, CGI, and so forth. Its a good breakdown of a scene from concept to finished product.

Concepts (2:12)
A montage of images, concept designs, artwork, and ideas that where created for the film put together with the score for the film. This section is frankly genius. Most of the time this section is the picture section where you have to keep pumping the next button on your controller. Usually, because its such a pain, its a section I skip over. Here though, especially with nice edition of the score, makes for a short but enjoyable viewing of some excellent artwork. Other DVD creators need to copy this and make it a standard.

Trailers
Its the three theatrical trailers for the film, not the TV trailers.

Easter Egg info here.

The sections all do have a "Play All" option, something you don't appreciate until watch a DVD extras that don't have it. Why its not an automatic standard on all DVDs is beyond me. Also should mention that the menu animations are excellent.

Overall, the extra are entertaining and provide some decent information. The editing is good, the information conveyed clearly and well. Its a pretty much a by the books behind the scenes guide like most others seen on DVDs over the years. I would only spin the extra money if you are genuinely curious about the behind the scenes stuff. If you are looking for a film school detailed "how they do that" knowledge, your not going to find that here as just a surface skim on how Transformers was made. If it hadn't been Transformers I would have passed as rarely the extras provided worth the extra $10 or so the studios are now demanding (but use not to). As a Transfan though, the two hours of Transformers goodness made it worth the extra cost.

Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes Has Begun

I finally decided to go with the steel case for the Transformers Special Edition and got lucky and bought the last one FYE had (Autobot rather then the Decepticon one I would have preferred). Inside came a little flyer that promotes the Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes which offers a chance to win the 2009 Chevy Camaro customized to look like Bumblebee. The contest does not require the purchase of a DVD to enter. The contest ends on 1/15/2008 and limited to legal residents of the United States and Canada. Official rules here.

To enter click here. The entry form asks for name, address, and phone numbers.

Transformers 2-Disc Easter Eggs

From "Doc Brown" over at the TFW2005.com has posted instructions on the various Easter Eggs available on Disc 2 of the Special Edition Transformers DVD.

DVD Credits
- Main Menu
- Highlight setup
- Press left

Bay Bot
- Our World
- Highlight "I fight giant robots"
- Press down

Deleted Scene - Bay Cameo
- Their world
- Highlight "Inside the allspark"
- Press left

Casting Mojo
- More than meets the eye
- Highlight Script to sand
- Press up

Deleted Scene - Woman in Dress
- More than meets the eye - trailers
- Highlight trailer 4
- Press right

Transformers Out On DVD

Transformers should now be out in a seas of copies in retail stores near you. What exclusive version did you buy and what do you think of the DVD and any extras?

Transformers DVD Sales Exclusives

Transformers will be out in stores tomorrow in the US in a 2-Disc, 1-Disc and HD-DVD editions. On top of that, stores have their own exclusives to bump sales which I have tracked in various posts (Sunday ads, Suncoast/FYE, DVD tag). Below is the summary based on the info already collected and some additional stores provided by TFormers.com.

Best Buy
- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron. (pic)
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Blockbuster
- Free 128MB MP3 player with purchase (miminium of 4 per store).

Borders
- "Making of" booklet with the purchase of the two-disc Special Edition. Price unknown.

Circuit City
- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (pic)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

K-Mart
- Buy the "Transformers" DVD and movie action figure priced at $19.99 or more and get $10 off instantly (same as Best Buy but better selection I assume).
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Sears
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Suncoast and FYE
- For 2-Disc Special Edition, choose the Autobot or Decepticon insignia-themed steel case for $26.99

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99). (pic)
- DVD also comes with Transformers: The Movie Prequel #1 with exclusive cover and new story from Decepticons point of view.
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us
- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet (pic)
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Wal-Mart
- Two-disc gift set (pic) includes one-disc version of "Transformers" and "Transformers: The Beginnings," which is the Peter Cullen narrated animated version of "Transformers: The Movie Prequel" by IDW Publishing. (By animated, basically the comic panels cut up and motion effects and camera moves added to synch with the voiceover).
- Edition prices unknown.

If know any other deals, post to the comments and I will try to update the list accordingly.

Various Sunday Ads for Transformers DVD

The Sunday ads are out for the big three retailers and below are shots of each and details of the deals started with the release of Transformers on Tuesday October 16th. Pretty much across the board it just confirms previously released information. Sadly no mention of the Transformers Score.

Best Buy- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron.
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Circuit City- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (silver Autobot insignia)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99).
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet and TRU is only place I am aware of that has the Peter Cullen version, just read the box to make sure getting it.
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Suncoast / FYE DVD Exclusive The Steel Case?

Over at the TFW2005.com forums, an employee of Suncoast (and maybe FYE) says that their exclusive DVD extra for the 2-Disc set is the steel case similar to the international version. It appears though that the case is the choice to choose either the Autobot insignia or the Decepticon one rather then a case that has both. The sale price is $26.99 (MSRP: $29.99) and in limited numbers with pre-orders getting first dibs. With the average price (for the first week of release) of the 2-disc set probably being in the $23 range, its up to you decide if difficulty to get and extra $4 is worth the cost. I still can't decide what would be better, a transforming case or a steel case. Decisions decisions. Pics from "Halo" on the forum.

Borders DVD Exclusive

According to TFormers.com, Borders DVD Exclusive is a Making of Transformers booket that I guess comes with the 2-Disc special edition set since the MSRP is $39.99, $10.00 more then the other retailers (not including whatever special prices may occur the first week of release).

To read about other retailers exclusives click here.

Transformers US DVD Exclusives Info

From SuperHeroHype comes more information that verifies the exclusive content for Wal-Mart, Target, Circuit City, and Best Buy for the October 16th release of Transformers on DVD. Some of this is a repeat of already known information, just being summarized with pics all together.

Target (item not yet up on site)
This exclusive for the 2-disc special edition is a transforming DVD case that turns into Optimus Prime. It was previously leaked as coming to Australia but this is first time its comes out as a stateside exclusive. The one-disc edition comes with the first issue of the prequel comic. No MSRP but assuming its around $29.99.


Best Buy
As previously mentioned, this set for the 2-disc special edition will include two Robot Heroes figures made exclusively for Best Buy. The figures are movie Optimus Prime with strange arm and Cliffhanger (re-colored Bumblebee). MSRP is $29.99.

Wal-Mart
Their exclusive DVD is for the one disc set. Its labeled 2-Disc DVD set, but its not the same as the Special Edition version. The second disc in this set is an animated version of the IDW Transformers 4 part prequel comic for the movie that is narrated by Peter Cullen. The MSRP is $19.96 but might be on sale for less that first week. Thanks to Frank S. for the link.

Circuit City (no info yet on site)
Compared to the other stores, Circuit City's offering is rather anemic. Its a "Classified Digital Content Card" that provides free access to online content. I assume its for both editions but don't know for sure.


Sadly it doesn't look like the steel case is making a stateside appearance. Might be a good thing for me as I am not sure which to buy if given a choice between the steel case and the transforming case.

Transformers DVD Menu Screenshots

ComicsContinuum.com has scored the first look at the screen menus for the 2-disc edition of the upcoming Transformers DVD. Click the images below for the full size image. Thanks to Maximus for the link.

Transformers DVD Contests

Chevy and Hostess are both sponsoring contests for the upcoming October 16th release of Transformers on DVD.

The Chevy contest starts October 16th, because the TF DVD's comes with a special insert with a website address that will provide an opportunity to register to win one of the 3 production versions of the 2009 Camaro dressed as Bumblebee. (source)

The Hostess contest started on October 1st with specially marked Hostess products containing a game code. Use the game code at HostessTransformers.com to find out if win instantly. There are 60 prizes with the grand prize being a 50'' Plasma TV and Home Entertainment system. Also a $4 rebate towards the DVD purchase if buy 2 TF marketed family size packages of Hostess stuff. (source)

The chevy contest interests me. The hostess one not so much but can't hurt to try I guess. Pass on the rebate though as the products and the hassle of rebates doesn't make it worthwhile for such a small amount.

Best Buy Transformers DVD Gift Set

Best Buy has a tiny pic that is their exclusive Transformers DVD Gift Set for $29.99. The set contains the 2-disc edition of the Transformers DVD and Robot Heroes version of Cliffjumper and Optimus Prime. Oddly the release date is 11/4/07 rather then the 10/16. If you collect the Robot Heroes, it might be worth it but otherwise you might as well buy the 2-Disc solo on week one when it will probably retail in the $22 range.
(source)

Transformers DVD Clip

Amazon has posted a clip that features 3 minutes from I think the 2-Disc edition of Transformers called "Transformers: Inside the Allspark" which provides a look at how the visual effects for the film were created by ILM and Digital Domain.

The clip is here.

(source)

DVD Deleted Scenes and Easter Eggs

According to Transformers.net, there may be at least 10 deleted scenes and 3 Easter Eggs in the 2-Disc Special Edition DVD for Transformers...the United Kingdom region anyway. Its not confirmed if its the same for the US but don't see why not.

The article:

With Transformers on DVD only under 3 weeks away from the North American release, more confirmed details are coming on the length of the extra features.

The BBFC, who have to rate all DVD material released in the UK have recently reviewed the extras on disc 2 of Transformers and there seems to be more content than meets the eye (yes I said it). The total length of the extras is 148 minutes and 2 seconds.

Firstly, there are 3 easter eggs, titled "Michael Bay Cameo" (2m29s), "Girl in Dress" (1m57s) and "The Bay-Bot" (14s) and an extra feature not mentioned on the press releases, "Casting Mojo" (1m14s).

The most interesting thing is the possibility of DELETED SCENES on the disc. There are 10 listed and are summed up below:
Sam Picks Up Miles - 28 sec
Maggie and Glen Intro - 1 min 49 sec
Police Station Drug Video - 41 sec
Fig wounded - 48 sec
Fig Death - 1 min 14 sec
Suv - 2 min 22 sec
Big Rhonda - 1 min 17 sec
Hoover Dam - 1 min 9 sec
Proving Lab - 58 sec
Simmon's President Speech - 23 sec

It isn't confirmed whether these are on the disc but if Paramount have spent the money to get them rated there is a very good chance.

(source)

International Steel DVD Case

According to TFW2005, there will be a steel DVD case for Transformers to buyers in most countries in the world including UK and the Philippines. The United States isn't mentioned and if history is a guide probably will be left out as the studios tend to treat US customers as the idiot stepchild who will buy anything so extra effort not required. Hopefully I am wrong and it will be an exclusive for some store as of the known US exclusives, the steel case beats out a feebie comic book easily.