Transformers Linkfest

Transformers in Google Maps
Remember that ad in Las Vegas for Revenge of the Fallen that put a giant poster of Optimus Prime on the Luxor? It turns out it was good timing as Google apparently was updating its satellite view of the city at the time and now it’s a part of Google Maps. The street view shows a different advertisement. No idea how long it will be there but cool to see. I assume the same image is used for Google Earth but could be wrong. Thanks to NHLfan for the link.

Transformers: Generations Thrust & Drift Gallery
The link above has a gallery of images for two new Transformers based on G1 designs (sort of) that are part of the Transformers: Generations line that replaces the Transformers: Universe line from previous years. Thrust looks just like his G1 version and based on the Classics wave 1 Starscream mold. Drift is part of the G1 cast for the IDW line of Transformers comics but so far has not made an appearance in the ongoing comic series.

War for Cybertron Soundwave Figure Announced
Speaking of Transformers: Generations, its War for Cybertron sub-line is getting a third figure in the form of Soundwave. Optimus Prime, Megatron and Bumblebee were the previously known figures. The article also mentions Red Alert as joining Generations but I think this is a reference to the Classic version, not a W4C version.

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.

Bendy-Bus Prime, the 1st UK Transformer

As part of the promotion of the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in the United Kingdom, Paramount UK commissioned the creation of Bendy-Bus Prime. It is being called the "first British inspired" Transformer that is valued at 50,000 pounds. The robot is made of 100 bus parts, stands 13 feet high and took 650 man hours in 25 days to build. More interesting is The Sun is holding a contest for UK residents for a chance to win the robot.

Click here for a full gallery of pictures. Click here for a brief making of video and to enter the contest. (via TFormers)

Optimus Prime Sings Discovery Channel Commercial (Updated)

In a rather odd combination, Optimus Prime "sings" briefly (at :34 second point) of the commercial "The World Is Just Awesome" promoting the Discovery Channel while over a scene from the first movie. I try to never miss Mythbusters (which is shown just before Prime). (from TFFINO via TFormers)



Update: It turns out the reason Prime was probably part of the commercial is the recent business deal between Discovery Communications and Hasbro to launch a channel sometime next year. "The rebranded network is
scheduled to premiere in late 2010. The network will feature content from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties, and content from Discovery’s extensive library of award-winning children’s educational programming, as well as programming from third-party producers." Thanks to Katie for the link.

Prime Wants You To Buy ROTF

For those that might have missed it, here is the most recent commercial for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on DVD and Blu-ray with Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) offering an important message of buying "an object of tremendous value to all". Kind of hokey but I think it. For those still debating where to buy, click here for the price guide for the best deals for the first week of release. Thanks to NHLFan for the link.

Get A Call From a Transformer

The official website for the Transformers movies has added a new feature as part of the promotion for the upcoming release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen to home video.

The most recent update is the ability to send a (pre-recorded) call from Optimus Prime or Starscream to a friend. According to TFormers, the Optimus message is a warning about a Decepticon invasion and contact from Starscream. The image to the left shows what information you will be asked to provide.

ESPN's Transformers Contest

Paramount Home Video and ESPN have joined together for a promotion of the upcoming release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on DVD and Blu-ray. From the contest website:

Watch on October 17 as Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon take the battle of the Autobots and Decepticons to the racetrack in Charlotte live on ABC at 7:00pm ET!
With Newman in a specially designed Optimus Prime car and Gordon in his custom Megatron car, the Transformers adventure will be taken to a new level.

Choose your side and vote now on this site and during the race with your mobile phone! Plus, enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to THE Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway to meet Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon or a copy of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Single Disc DVD signed by Megan Fox.

You do have to register with ESPN to sign up. Click here to learn more. Thanks to Scorpio for the link.

Special Edition Camaro Official Announcement

A few months ago it was revealed that Chevrolet was going to release a special edition Camaro style like Bumblebee from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Chevy has now made that official with a press release that describes some of the Transformer specific flourishes they have added to the car. Sadly the one most probably want, large Autobot symbol in middle of the steering column, does not seem to be one of them. For more pictures of the special edition Camaro click here.

Chevrolet announces the 2010 Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition

DETROIT - Fans of the new Camaro and the blockbuster TRANSFORMERS movies can now combine their love of the car and the films with the Chevrolet Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition announced today at Comic-Con in San Diego.

"When the first TRANSFORMERS movie was setting box office records, we had countless customers asking to purchase the 'BUMBLEBEE' Camaro," said Karen Rafferty, product marketing director, Chevrolet. "Now, they can buy one with the new Camaro TRANSFORMERS Special Edition. Streets all over North America will be buzzing in no time."

Features such as an EPA-rated 29 highway mpg on the V6-powered Camaro, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB connectivity, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar combined with TRANSFORMERS design cues add to the car's status as a 21st century sports car.

Behind Scenes of M&Ms ROTF Commercials

It has been a while since revisted the M&M tie with Transformers. It turns out that Michael Bay actually directed the commercial and after the jump are three amusing behind the scenes videos of the shoot.




First use of the "Read More..." option, what do you think?

HBO First Look at ROTF June 25th

A reminder, via MichaelBay.com, that HBO will start airing a 15 minutes "First Look" at Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen starting on June 25th at 9:45pm on HBO2 - East.

Click here to view the full schedule on the many HBO channels with lots of repeat opportunities.

BK Kids Meals Transformers Twins

As mentioned before, the Burger King Transformers 2 promotion has started. So far the only commercial I have seen is a cooking appliance transforming and breaking through a wall. Below is a new one starring the Twins. Thanks to NightShade87 for the link.

Completed Luxor ROTF Advertisement

Last month I posted about the Luxor being fixed up as a giant billboard for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen but didn't really follow up on that. Thanks to Ben and his wife, they snapped some photos of the final product while in Las Vegas for their wedding (congratulations!). He points out "I did think it was odd that there was no promotion of the movie inside of the hotel itself and that the IMAX was closed. I thought it would have been cool to have the beam shining form the top of The Luxor, shine the Autobot logo in the sky like Bumblebee did in the first film."

Burger King Transformers 2 Promotion Begins

Burger King has officially launched its Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen tie in promotion today. As part of the campaign, the chain has a "Transform Your Way" contest for prizes including $1 million, new BBQ Double Stackticon Burger, new advertising spots (apparently directed by Michael Bay), and 8 BK Kids Meals Toys. Click here for the press release with more details. Thanks to Andrew for the link.

In addition, the Kids Club website has updated to show off the new toys (that don't transform), provide link to redeem code that comes with the toys and has a new "Free Mission City" game to pay. Thanks to Paco for the link.

Here are the details on what Burger King has planned for the sponsorship:

· The Transform Your Way Game: The game gives restaurant guests a one-in-two chance of winning one of thousands of prizes, including $1 million, an all new Chevy Camaro 1SS, BURGER KING food items and more. Each game piece offers a prize under one of the two scratch-off areas, making every game piece a possible winner.

· Visit www.bktransformers.com for a chance to win $10,000: Visitors who register and enter their game piece codes on the site can search on a virtual globe for “King Robot,” who disguises himself as a stainless steel BK broiler. Each day, from June 22 to July 19, visitors will have the chance to win at least $10,000.

· The BK BBQ DOUBLE STACKTICON Sandwich: Like the original BK Stacker sandwich, the Transformers-inspired burger allows guests to stack multiple burger patties, bacon, sauce and cheese. It available for a limited time only at the suggested retail price of $2.79. The BK BBQ TRIPLE STACKTICON burger will also be available for a suggested retail price of $3.49, and the BK BBQ QUAD STACKTICON burger will be available for a suggested retail price of $4.29.
· TV Advertising: The spots will feature the “King Robot” who awards unsuspecting customers with cash as part of the “Transform Your Way” game. The kids-focused advertising, directed by the film’s hit director Michael Bay, features a group of kids who are waiting in a BURGER KING restaurant parking lot when they’re approached by AUTOBOTS.
· Kids Meal Toys: Each BK Kids Meal will come with one of eight Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys that bring the movie’s characters and vehicles to life. Based on scenes from the movie, toys like the “Change Up Bumblebee” and “Constructin’ Devastation” are available at participating BURGER KING restaurants while supplies last.

USA Today Shows Off Combined Prime

In a new article from USA Today, we get the first look at the combined Jetfire, Optimus Prime mode. The result appears to Prime on steroids. The article itself is about Transformers 2 production at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands as they filmed the desert sequences that are the climax of the film. The long article is worth reading as I believe one parts describes the explosion put Bay in the Guiness World Record book. Snippets below, full article here. I get the feeling that being an observer on a Bay production for a few days would be a whole lot of fun. Thanks to Adrien and Chris for the link.

The filmmaker, then 43, is watching the action unfold on a bank of TV monitors. He's wearing an Autobot ball cap, pulled low to shade his eyes from the sun, and a Decepticon T-shirt, perhaps symbolic of which side of the robot battle is closest to his heart. Duhamel joins Bay to watch the replay. "This really is your sandbox," he tells the director. "And we are kinda like your toys."

Bay gives a smirk, but seems preoccupied by his screens. When the actor leaves, the filmmaker confides, in an uncharacteristically soft voice, a story from when he was a kid. "I made home movies that way," he says, still looking at the replays on the screen. "I'd do little firecrackers on the train set. … I actually set my bedroom on fire once." He smiles and rolls his eyes. "The fire department came. It was a little Super 8 movie where the aliens invaded."

After watching a scene in which Duhamel tries to rescue Fox from her hiding spot beneath a blown-out wall, Bay stops the action and runs out to coach the actor. "Take her hand this time. When you ran the last time, you ran away like a (expletive) girl and left her!" the director says. Duhamel sarcastically thanks Bay for the constructive criticism — in full view of a visiting reporter. Bay says to the journalist, in an even louder voice: "You'll be doing me a (expletive) favor if you print that!" Then laughs. Duhamel just shakes his head.

Mike Wever, the special-effects technician and bomb triggerman, surveys the explosive-planting. "Whatever Bay wants is what we try to give him," says Wever. "Sex is sex, dialogue is dialogue, but what people want is special effects. Bayhem, that's what it's called. That's what I like to call it. Whenever we do a Michael show, it's a new level of Bayhem."

Transformers 2 Talk Show Schedule

The U.S. promotional part of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen marketing machine has begun with Ramon Rodriguez appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night (thanks aunit2011). Ramon's is the first of five total stops for the cast on that show.

The schedule, subject to change:
Th 6/18: Ramon Rodriguez - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
Fr 6/19: Shia LaBeouf - The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (NBC)
Tu 6/23: Isabel Lucas - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
Tu 6/23: Tyrese Gibson - Chelsea Lately (E!)
We 6/24: Josh Duhamel - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
Th 6/25: Megan Fox - David Letterman (CBS)
Th 6/25: Shia LaBeouf - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
Th 6/25: Shia Labeouf - Live with Regis and Kelly (syndicated)
Fr 6/26: Megan Fox - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC)
Fr 6/26: Megan Fox - Live with Regis and Kelly (syndicated)
Mo 6/29: Josh Duhamel - Live with Regis and Kelly (syndicated)

Two Days In Review

It has been a busy day few days in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen news with 22 posts in two days so here is a link fest to make sure you’re up to date. As always though, don't forget to check out the archive section on the left side just in case you might have missed something.

TV Spots and Clips
TV Spots #17-19, New Clip - Three more spots and clip from BD-Live content.
Two Transformers I Deleted Scenes - Two scenes deleted from first movie
Transformers Sightings - Part of viral campaign, Transformers sightings around the world

Premiere Reports and Images
Russia Premiere Videos - Five videos of Bay and cast walking the carpet in Moscow
CGI Twins - Computer generated images of Mudflap and Skids
Movie Stills - Images from the movie, focused on the real stars - Transformers

Music
The Touch in TF2? - Shia Labeouf sings, says The Touch may be used in the movie

Interviews
Bay Quiting Franchise? No - There is no direct quote stating he is quitting. Bunch of baseless sensationalism.
Third ET Transformers Segment - Another segment from the TV shows where Tyrese talks nicknames
Writers On Writing Transformers 2 - Orci and Kurtzman talk about writing and working on the script post strike.
Film Weekly's Bay Interview - The director talks shop, budgets and expanding his horizons.

Video Games
Two Demo Clips - Two more clips showing off the game in action
Art Director, Producer Interviews - Supposed to be interview with two people that worked on the game

Toys
Alliance Bumblebee Review - Another take on the Alternator-like toy.

Various
Bay Makes Guiness Record Book - Bay talks filming the movie and made it in the book for largest explosion
Obama Mention - Bay mentions how he met Obama and incorporated him into the movie.
Transformers 2 Fun Facts - Bunch of info about the technical achievements of the CGI for the film.
Transformers 2 Outselling Star Trek - Movie is outperforming Trek in pre-sales, I expect it to blow by Treks worldwide total in 7 days.
Official Site Updated - Check it out for new games, wallpaper and other activities.
Transformers 2 Tickets Contest - Click the link for details on a contest to win Fandango tickets
Nascar No. 18 Transformers Paint Job - Gallery of images of the car painted in Revenge and M&Ms paint scheme.
GM's Transformers Relationship - Value in the companies relationship with Transformers

GM Provided 67 Vehicles for Transformers 2

In an article with USA Today, Bay and GM briefly discussed the relationship between the two as GM provided the production with 67 cars total that was a combination of prototype, concept and real cars.

"They were responsible for building the cars, and I was trying to get my check because we built the cars, fronted them the money, and they were late on paying us," Bay says. "I was like, 'We better get our check fast before they go bankrupt.'

Chevy won't reveal what it cost to provide cars, but spokesman Steve Janisse says 67 vehicles were used, and 52 of those were "non-salable," specially built prototypes used for testing, engineering and display.

While participating in a movie may seem counterintuitive given GM's hardships, the company says Transformers could be a big help. "Although we've significantly reduced spending around all promotions, and in this case we did not pay any placement fee, we still need to market and sell cars and trucks," Janisse says. "We know this is a good investment — that it interests people in Chevrolet and ultimately drives people to check out our vehicles."

Most of the 22,000 2010 Camaros put on the market last month were pre-sold, Janisse adds, with interest fueled by the design's use as Bumblebee in the 2007 film.

Bay says the cars themselves become like celebrities, something he witnessed while shooting in a remote part of the Middle East. "The money they spend is pennies for the amount of goodwill. Bumblebee is one of the most famous cars in the world," the director says. "Literally, we're in this poor little town in Jordan, and all these kids surrounded (the car). They all knew Bumblebee's name."

Viral: New Transformer Sightings

The Transformers 2 viral websites TheRealEffingDeal and GiantEffingRobots have added more Transformer sighting that have been caught on camera.

Robot in Egypt - As the image shows, the shadow of a robot indicates something is inspecting the top of the pyramids in the Valley of Kings, Egypt.
Beware Killer Toys - What was thought to be a remote controlled plane turns out to be something else.
Leo Goes to College - Leo records a going to college message (just in time to meet new roommate Sam).
Fireworks Sighting - A New Year’s celebration leads to a Starscream sighting?
Rooftop Spotting - Cute girl plus camera equals guy not looking where he should be.
When Is a Motorcycle Not a Cycle - How annoying would it be to have your paid for ride run off on its own?

No. 18 Wrapped in M&Ms Transformers Scheme

From JoeGibbsRacing.com is a gallery that shows off No. 18 Toyota being prepped in the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen M&M's paint scheme by the crew in North Carolina. Below area few images but you can find the full gallery here.

Transformers 2 Ticket Giveaway

Transformers2.net is starting a contest from now until midnight PST June 22nd for a chance to win two paired of tickets for any wired Fandango theatres. If your interested, click here to enter the contest.

Also don't forget I am running my own contest for Linkin Park CDs, details to enter is here. That contest expires Friday night.