Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Album Out Now

Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game wasn't the only tie-in product released today. Also hitting shelves is The Album in its three versions the 11 track CD regular version, 14 track iTunes exclusive, and 13 track GameStop version. The Score is coming out in two weeks on June 28th.

I was able to preview the regular version but decided to not write a review simply due to the fact that I am not a fan of most of the bands on the album so my indifference to it is expected and useless to base a purchase decision on. If it helps Artist Direct has a review but it is so over the top fawning that I have a hard time taking it seriously.

Stills from Dark of the Moon & Chicago Comparisons (Updated 2)

Yahoo! Movies has posted 8 new stills from Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Most focus on the human characters but not all. Sadly the image sizes are not that big but still some cool shots. Thanks to Brendon for the link.

Speaking of still images, Jeff of Pixel Rally has posted more images from the Chicago set from when a lot of those stills were filmed. He also put together a comparison shots from the trailers & TV spots with what his camera captured last year. One of his observations is the building that gets squashed by the 100% CGI glass building (it was "built" on the neighboring empty lot) was changed between trailers, "they've made it look like there's a patio table instead of a person, and changed the styling of the building itself." He also has an image of Shia attacking a blue head while in Chicago which thanks to the TV spots we now know is Starscream so Jeff did a little Photoshop to the image to make the case. The comparison images are below, the full larger sized gallery can be found here.

Update Two need comparison images added by Jeff. One shows the "Power Glove" which actually appears to be a safety contraption as he swings around so can be "caught" by Bumblebee. The other gives you an idea of how cardboard face can be come more with Michael Bay and ILM doing their magic.

Update 2: Jeff, who was on site at the time it was filmed, argues that the glove is not a safety device, but "I think it shoots some grappling hook that Sam uses to climb up on the Decepticon, rides on it's head as he attacks it, and falls off, at which point Bumblebee catches him. There's other shots where the Josh Duhamel stunt double is trying to cut Sam free from the cable, and maybe he succeeds, so that's when they fall and Bumblebee skids in, Transforms, runs up the wall and saves them." He then provided a college to show the sequence of events (last pic below).

Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game Launch Trailer

Tomorrow is the official release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game at retail (and midnight at select Gamespot locations). Gametrailers has posted the launch trailer. Most of the trailer is based on game video footage with a light dose of in game play. It is a prequel to the movie so no worries about spoilers. If wondering if want to buy, just ask yourself if you enjoyed War for Cybertron as it uses that game's graphics engine and game play design.

Dark of the Moon "Always Feared" TV Spot (Updated)

A new TV spot for Transformers: Dark of the Moon started airing over the weekend. I received reports of it but now a low-res version has been posted with an appropriate placeholder title of "New Enemies.“ Hopefully a HD version will be posted soon. Thanks to Winton, John and others for the heads-up.
Update: Swapped out video with a higher (but not HD) quality video from tonight's NBA Finals. Thanks to eanetdude for the link.
Update 2: MB.com has posted the HD version of the trailer officially called "Always Feared".

Dark of the Moon Coming Early to Cape Canaveral

Florida Today is reporting that randomly chosen visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida will get the chance to watch Transformers: Dark of the Moon a day before everyone else on June 28th. It is listed as three days early but that was before the premiere date was bumped up to June 29th. The movie had filmed there back in October. Thanks to Winton for the link.

"Visitor complex spokeswoman Andrea Farmer said 300 visitors to the complex on the morning of June 28 will be randomly picked to bring a guest to view either a 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. showing of the film there that day."

With roughly 4,100 people visiting the complex on a typical day, based on annual attendance figures of 1.5 million, there's about a 1-in-14 chance of winning. Additionally, 100 Commander's Club annual pass holders will be invited to view the movie.

Transformers Linkfest

Another catch-up news, reviews, and galleries on Transformers that doesn't involve the soon to be released movie. The info includes more hints on Transformers: The Ride, a new novel series, a comics related interview, amusing videos and reviews of most of the Botcon exclusive toys.

Transformers: The Ride Concept Art
Beyond the plans, there has been very little revealed about the attraction that is being built at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. Some new artwork, four images total, have been released that hints at a tiny bit of what the attraction may contain including a look at an Autobot cavern, the line area for customers, control room and All Spark containment area.

New Transformers: Classified Novel Series
A leak on Amazon Japan indicates that a new young adult novel series is in the works called Transformers: Classified. The first novel, called "Switching Gears", written by Ryder Windham is scheduled to be released on October 21, 2011. The description provides few details, "An original Transformers novel series! Secrets are uncovered in the Nevada desert when a boy witnesses two Transformers arrive on Earth." There is no indication which TF universe this takes place in by considering Hasbro is at least trying to create a single one, I assume it is the War for Cybertron one.

New Tranformers: DOTM TV Spot With Brains

A new 15 second TV spot has aired for Transformers: Dark of the Moon features the first look at Wheelie's BFF, Brains. What is he, what does he have to do with the plot of the story, and what is his alt mode remain a secret. Thanks to eanetdude for the video link. No HD version yet, will update once it is available.

CGI Wreckers Images

The international Facebook page for Transformers: Dark of the Moon has posted three new poster-like images that focus on The Wreckers - Roadbuster (green), Leadfoot (red), and Topspin (blue). Outside of the toy packaging, this is a the first real look at the robot modes for each. Mullet jokes aside, they look pretty awesome. The only thing I can't decide is are they wearing sunglasses or are their eyes designed to look like sunglasses? Thanks to everyone for the heads-up.

Possible Preview of DOTM Score

The official site for Transformers: Dark of the Moon has added what is probably chords from selected tracks from DOTM The Score album that is set for June 28th release. According to TFW2005, they were able to determine the possible titles as Conspiracy, Lost Signal, Sentinel, Glorious, and Battle. It seems like Hasbro did with their character bios, an effort has been made to make sure the score titles didn't give any spoilers. Click here to listen.

Shia Not Returning for Fourth Transformers Film

While at the MTV Movie Awards, Shia LaBeouf and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley briefly discussed Transformers: Dark of the Moon (videos below). Rosie spoke about Michael Bay, saying they have the same work ethic.

Shia spoke about how the film has "the best action" with "the most solid screenplay we've had since we started." More important, he made it clear he isn't returning for a fourth film. While Bay had suggested it in interviews, I do believe this is the first time Shia has gone on the record.

"I'm not coming back to do another one. I don't think Mike will either. It still is a hot property, I think, especially coming out of the third one. So I imagine they'll reboot it at some point with someone else."

I am not entirely sure why a reboot is needed but that is big in Hollywood right now so would not be surprised if that is what happens. Keep in mind so far there has been no discussion of a fourth film but look for that to change if this film does well, especially if it breaks the billion dollar barrier which could happen considering how well the last two films did.

Behind the Scenes of Iridescent Music Video

A new behind the scenes video has been posted on NoiseCreep for the Iridescent music video. Unlike the previous one, this one isn't trying to hide anything so its a longer, more detailed look at the filming process.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon IMAX is Not Longer

An error on the official IMAX website for Transformers: Dark of the Moon: An IMAX 3D Experience led to multiple Transformers sites reporting that the film had a 153 minute (2h 33min) running time which is 19 minutes longer than the reported non IMAX running time of an estimated 134 minutes (2h 14 min). The idea isn't entirely unprecedented as Revenge of the Fallen IMAX edition was a few minutes longer. Nelson, admin for MichaelBay.com, verified the running time error with a tweet. Thanks to Winton Ray for heads-up.

Imax print of #Transformers3 has no extra footage as being reported by some web sites. TF3 is 2hrs & 22mins plus 10min credit crawl.

More From Transformers 3 Chevy Road Show

Feris Othman has tweeted more pictures taken with his blackberry from the "Chevrolet Transformers 3" road show at 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya. Yesterday was about the large displays and cars while today focuses on the Transformers toy themselves. Chevy seems to know how to do displays right as they had three cases filled to the brim with Transformers from all eras (the pics are front and back of those cases). There was a display of just Bumblebee (cause of the Camaro) including a diorama that mimicked an Ultimate Bumblebee transforming. Even cooler, someone was on site creating custom paint jobs of move related toys including Shockwave, Megatron and Optimus Prime. If something like this was done stateside you would probably get the car, posters a rack of DOTM toys to buy (which this show also had) but not much else. To view Feris's full gallery click here.

Transformers 3 Chevy Road Show

As part of a Transformers: Dark of the Moon promotion, Chevy Malaysia with Naza Quest is doing the "Chevrolet Transformers 3" road show at 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya. The show includes a Chevy Camaro SS with Bumblebee related deco, a concept truck, and a 22" foot tall model of Optimus Prime. Thanks to Feris Othman, below are pictures from the road show that he tweeted.

Bay, Spielberg Transformers Hall of Fame Videos

Last Saturday, Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay were inducted in the 2nd Annual Transformers Hall of Fame ceremony at Botcon 2011. Below are the two videos that was shown with various producers and actors of the Transformers movie franchise commented on their impact on the TF universe. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Finished?

Nelson has tweeted a simple message "It is done." on the Shoot for the Edit twitter account.

Without any context that message makes little sense but since the account has been posting nothing but Transformers: Dark of the Moon related messages, it is safe to assume he is referring to the movie. This indicates the film has completed its visual effects, sound, voice work and all those many details that go into the final product in post-production. It is now ready for replication so can be distributed worldwide in time for its June 29th release that is just three short weeks away. Must be a relief to Michael Bay who was working on Revenge of the Fallen right up to its worldwide premiere in Japan. Thanks to Feris Othman for the heads-up.

DOTM The Game Prime Days and Interview

Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game is just a week away from release on all the major systems (except PC). As a result, the official website has ramped up the updates with new content, most of it the normal stuff like trailers, game details, bios and screenshots. The Game Facebook page is also getting new content with something called "Prime Days". For the next 47 days new content will be added such as concept art, wallpaper, quizzes and so forth. As a preview, concept art was released from the game, which you can find here.

Also Italian website ScreenWeek has an interview with High Moon Studios Game Director Sean Miller. Below is an English translation of the interview thanks to Filippo.

1- Could you tell us something about the plot of the game? Is it a prologue to the upcoming movie?
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a prologue companion to the film. We worked with Hasbro and Paramount to create a unique story that sets up characters and situations in the upcoming movie – that way we can tap into the broad history of Transformers without spoiling any of the big moments for the film.

Dark of the Moon Camaro and Double A Commercials

As is often the case with big blockbuster movies, there are commercial tie-ins and Transformers: Dark of the Moon is no exception. The Camaro commercial has been airing in theatres for a week or so but yesterday it finally aired on TV during the MTV Movie Awards right after the "Cover Up" TV spot. The commercial is called "Chevy Getaway" and now available in HD (below). In addition, an extended sequence involving Laserbeak transforming from a copier is part of a new ad (below but no HD) for Australian product Double A paper complete with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee ads. Thanks to Teddy83, Winston, and Carlos for the heads-up.

Movie Movie Awards' DOTM TV Spot (Updated)

A new TV spot aired during the MTV Movie Awards and Game 3 of the NBA Finals that has a few new scenes. Speaking of the awards, Bumblebee was on hand in both car and robot mode as part of the Movie Awards Exclusive props that included the Breaking Dawn invitations (pics 1-10), Captain America shield (11), Red Skull bike (12), and Green Lantern props (13-15). The cast of Transformers: Dark of the Moon was also on hand to present Best Fight Award which was won by The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Click here for recap of awards, here for list of winners. Hopefully MTV Movie Awards 2012 will be full of DOTM love.
Update: MB.com has posted the HD version of the trailer.

TV Spot #6 - "Cover Up"

Botcon 2011 Final Day Linkfest (Updated)

Today was the last day for Botcon 2011. As is often the case for conventions, not a whole lot of "new" left to report but below are links to reports from remaining panels, video and more galleries.

Update: Two new posts of interest. If interested in watching the IDW panel, Allspark has it posted here. If want to watch even more videos, Seibertron has posted 21 videos that cover all of Botcon from registration to all the toys displays and exclusives. Those can be found here.

Rage Over Cybertron 3-Pack
The new toy set was revealed that is three TFs from War for Cybertron line put sporting a new deco. If missed these Generations toys last year, this will be another chance to pick them up.

Hasbro Brand Panel
Hasbro panel that covers Transformers non-toy plans. Exiles, the sequel to novel Exodus, focuses on Optimus, involves rediscovery of lost TF colonies, more background on The 13, and introduce a new threat to the single continuity Hasbro is attempting to build. Mentioned Transformers: The Ride will be in 3D, based on the movies and one sequence will have riders go into Devastator's jaws. Hit the link for more.