Transformers Linkfest - Happy New Year

Happy New Year!
The years 2012 is looking pretty good on nearly all fronts for Transformers. Transformers: Prime starts season 2 in February, Transformers: The Ride opens in Hollywood in May, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game is coming in the fall and the Prime toy line is expected to hit store shelves very soon if recent reports of clearance prices are any indication. Third party makers are coming up with better and better homages to Transformers past with not Devastator, a Dinobot combiner, and more in the pipeline for this year and the comics are getting a soft relaunch that focuses on a post-civil war Cybertron for the first time in TF history. About the only area that is likely to remain slow is the live action movie front as most of the news will be focused on if Michael Bay is directing the 4th film and if not who will. I suspect that if the year ends with just a director and writer in place, consider it good news. Now on to the last link fest of the year which includes a DOTM/Little Mermaid mash-up.

Custom DOTM Masterpiece Optimus Prime
Hit the link for the gallery of a sweet custom job by DubCustomz. The figure uses leader class Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime as a base but then piles on a realistic paint job, custom built weapons and electronics to create a very sweet version of Prime.

Transformers: The Ride Grand Opening Date
Screamscape is reporting that the "Grand Opening" of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood will occur on May 25th, Memorial Day weekend (as predicted). Keep in mind there is a difference between the "grand opening" and the official open date as people have to get trained and problems ironed out so I would not be surprised if the ride becomes available to guests by the second week of May.

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.

Visual Effects Behind DOTM Chicago's Destruction

Below is another special effects behind the scenes video from Transformers: Dark of the Moon that focuses on how some of the effects were done for battle damaged Chicago. The video was actually released five months ago from The Daily (an iPad app) to help promote the movie but this is the first I have seen it. Thanks to Feris Othman for the find.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all
Below are three Transformers related Holiday messages thanks to Hasbro and The Hub. The last video is from voice actor David Kaye as the voice of Beast Wars Megatron. Feel free to post in the comments what loot you scored (or gave) this Christmas.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Set Extra Features List

Yesterday we are informed there will be an extra features disc for Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Combo and now thanks to Amazon UK we have the list. There are over 1 and half hours of extra features with some commentary on the previsualization from Michael Bay but doesn't seem the movie itself will have Bay commentary like the previous two movies. The 3D combo pack will be out January 31st in the States, don't know for other regions. (via TFW2005)

Blu-ray Special Features – over 1 ½ hours:
Above and Beyond: Exploring Dark of the Moon
- Rising from the Fallen: Development and Design
- Ready for Prime Time: Filming Across America
- Battle in the Heartland: Shooting in Chicago
- Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts
- Shadow of the Sentinel: Post-Production and Release

Uncharted Territory: NASA’s Future Then and Now

Deconstructing Chicago: Multi-Angle Sequences
- Previsualizations with optional commentary by director Michael Bay and previsualization supervisor Steve Yamamoto
- Previsualizations/Final Shot Comparison with optional commentary by director Michael Bay and previsualization supervisor Steve Yamamoto
- Visual Effects with optional commentary by visual effects supervisors Scott Farrar and Matthew Butler
- Visual Effects/Final Shot Comparison with optional commentary by visual effects supervisors Scott Farrar and Matthew Butler

The Art of CYBERTRON
- AUTOBOTS
- DECEPTICONS
- Environments
- Weapons and Gear
- Ships

The Dark of the Moon Archive
- 3D: A Transforming Visual Art
- Moscow World Premiere
- Birdmen Featurette
- Cody’s iPad
- The Sound of Transformers: Dark of the Moon

The Matrix of Marketing
- Trailers
- Marketing Gallery

ILM Behind the Magic - DOTM Transformations

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) have posted a brief video that explains the differences in the transformation designs between the Autobots and the Decepticons in Transformers: Dark of hte Moon.

More Details on DOTM 3D, Trilogy Sets with Extras

Two recent posts on the Shoot for the Edit forums from admin Nelson provides a few more details on the upcoming Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D set and Signature Edition Trilogy set that is currently scheduled for a January 31st release date in the States. According to Nelson, the "TF Signature Series will be $100." He also later posted a bit more on what the Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Blu-ray edition will have and number of discs. The main good news is the 3D set will have extra features, exactly what isn't specified.

Transformers Linkfest - Speaking Of

The holidays are near and that makes me think of fun holiday things like Transformers toy. Hasbro may have bigger plans in the works for the Transformers: Prime line at least judging by a single picture. Also making plans is various 3rd party transformer makers with more images of previously known figures like not Devastator, not Shockwave, and not The Fallen. There are links to an Autobot Ukulele, articles on re-issues, and a look at not Sixshot. In the video department, we have a Kre-O commercial, TF book commercial and two reviews of two more not Constructicons. On the not so merry side there is also a potential PR nightmare for Hasbro if the mainstream media gets bored and looks into a report on one of their Chinese Transformer factories but in the meantime they are suing Asus.

Transformers: Prime - Robots in Disguise Bumblebee
Based on the image above, it seems the successor to the Transformers: Prime First Edition mini-line is ready to go called "Robots in Disguise" line with red colored package (personally I like the First Edition blue more). The deluxe Bumblebee seems to be a new mold. At this point I am a bit confused about the whole Prime line as far as what is being released when with what type of package (blue or RID red) but I assume the goal is to have a strong prescense on the toy aisles in time for the second season launch in Feburary. A leaked list of potential RID figures include deluxe Skywarp and Ratchet.

Transformers: The Ride Universal Hollywood Teaser Trailer, Website

Universal Studios Hollywood has released their version of a teaser trailer for Transformers: The Ride 3D which just recently opened at Universal Singapore. As part of that they narrowed down the launch date to May 2012 but did not specify a specific date. I assume sometime around Memorial Day (5/28/12) to take advantage of that prime vacation/end of school period. In addition the official attraction website PrepareForBattle.com has been gone live.

Death of Optimus Prime Preview

Tomorrow will bring Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime that "celebrates" the 125th issue in IDW's continuity. It has been hinted for months now that this is the literal death of Prime which acts as an epilogue to previous IDW continuity and prologue to the new direction on Cybertron with the launch in January of Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye series. Of course being comics, death is rarely permanent and "death" is not always literal. Click here for the first 7 pages that due little to clear up where this story will go by issue's end.

Fall of Cybertron: Art of the Apocalypse Preview

Last week brought us the first trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron and now thanks to artwork from High Moon Studios, get a more detailed look at their designs. The "Art of the Apocalypse" preview includes a look at the concept art for Combaticon robot modes, the Dinobots, High Moon's goals with the game and more. There is also an updated Transformers Timeline (below) that suggests what the third game could be ("The Journey") with hints of other stories that Hasbro or High Moon may tell in the future. The full gallery provided to TFormers can be found here.

Update: It seems the artwork was part of the Fall of Cybertron "Survival Kit" (lunchbox) that was sent to various media outlets (sadly not me) that included a "Soundwave" energy drink, "Energon Bar", and artbooks. Click here and here for galleries.

Transformers: Prime Season Two Starts in February

A new promo that started airing during Transformers Rescue Bots reveals that The Hub has scheduled Transformers: Prime returning in February 2012. No exact date or time provided but at least narrows it down. (via Seibertron)

IDW March Transformers Comics; Costa Exit Interview

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for March that continues the post civil war era for Transformers. A total of two comics and three trades are being released that month including one that teaches you how to draw Transformers. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

On a related note, ex-Transformers (and current G.I. Joe) writer Mike Costa did a sorta of exit interview with The Underbase Podcast. The result is a very honest perspective on how difficult it is to write for characters with tens of million of years in lifespan but behave like humans with only decades of experience as well as his experiences with the more ...lets say "passionate" side of Transfandom. A summary of the discussion can be found here, a partial transcript is here, and the interview is here (mp3 file). Suffice it to say, his chances of returning to the franchise are slim.

Dark of the Moon Nominated for SAG Award

Today the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) nominations were announced and Transformers: Dark of the Moon received a nomination in the category of "Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture." My guess is this category (along with the TV equivilant) is a means for SAG to acknowledge the hard working stunt crews that make the actors look so good in action scenes. Members of SAG (pretty much any actor that ever had a speaking role and still pay their dues) will have until January 27th to vote. The winners will be announced at the January 29th, 2012 ceremony on TNT and TBS. Congrats to the crew of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
The Adjustment Bureau
Cowboys & Alients
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
X-Men: First Class

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: Fall of Cybertron Behind Scenes of Trailer

Sunday brought us the first trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron and now we have a behind the scenes video for it. The video (below) has Game Director Matt Tieger and Cinematic Directory Dave Cravens talk about their motivations and emotions they were trying to convey in the opening cinematic along with their favorites moments in the trailer. Information wise not much was added but Tieger did confirm that it is the Combaticons forming Bruticus. (via TFormers)

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron VGA Trailer

Tonight Spike's Video Game Awards were held with a bunch of world premieres for trailers for games coming out in 2012 including Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, the sequel to Transformers: War for Cybertron video game. The trailer (below) appears to be a portion of the game's opening cinematic with an interesting choice in music (The Humbling River by Puscifier). Many other game trailer also premiered including Hitman Absolution, Diablo III, and BioShock Infinte. Click here to view those. My guess is the combiner is Bruticus (Combaticons).

Transformers: Dark of the Moon on Shortlist for Visual Effects Oscar

Friday the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the 15 films that are on the shortlist for a potential nomination for Achievement in Visual Effects for the 84th Academy Awards with Transformers: Dark of the Moon being one of them. The way it works if from the 15 films (list below), 10 will be selected by members of the Academy's Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee. From those 10, all members of the VFX branch will have a chance to watch 10 minute excerpts from each film on January 19th. The members will then vote and choose the five finalists for the category that will be announced on January 24th, 2012. The last step is all members of the Academy (not just the VFX branch) will vote on who will win the award which will be announced on February 26th, 2012.

Transformers: Prime The Complete First Season Set Announced

Shout! Factory and Hasbro have announced that that the first season of Transformers: Prime will be released on March 6th on Blu-ray and DVD formats. The 26 episode season will come on 4-disc in either Blu-ray ($64.99 SRP) or DVD ($29.99 SRP) with a 96 page graphic novel from IDW. Currently Amazon has the Blu-ray set up for pre-order at $45.49. No mention is made of any extra features. Suffice it to say that anyone that has bought, but no opened, the TF: Prime Darkness Rising disc might want to wait as a full season set strikes me as the better deal. Press release below.

Transformers: The Japanese Collection Release Details

Shout! Factory has officially provided the details on the release of Transformers: The Japanese Collection. The 13 disc set, with Japanese audio tracks and English subtitles, will be released on January 2nd, 2012 and is currently priced at $90. The set is comprised of what was the continuation of the Transformers Generation One cartoon, acting as a kind of season 5-7 with Headmasters, Super-God Masterforce, and Victory seasons. Details at the below press release.

Transformers Linkfest - Generation One Past

Time that semi-weekly list of links and videos to various Transformers related topics. This week includes a heavy look back at Generation One with an entire case of G1 triple-changers up for auction, a series of blog posts from TFSource that is worth reading, a date set for Botcon 2012, and 3rd party toys inspired by those 25 year old toys. On the Dark of the Moon front, it appears that the Wheeljack and Soundwave toys are on the verge of release with galleries and videos. In addition, below are videos of a fan made Megatron voice changer helmet and two reviews.

TFC Toys Hercules in Color
More images of the combined "not" Devastator that is looking pretty sweet. The first two of six not Constructicons has been released with two more coming by year's end. The scale isn't bad with Hercules crushing deluxe Generations Prime's head. The final result will be about the size of Unicron.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Blu-ray Combo Cover

Blu-ray.com has revealed the cover for Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D combo pack that is due for release on January 31st, 2012. For some reason it is being called a "Limited Edition" on the cover, not sure what that means in this context. The pack has DOTM in 3D on Blu-ray disc, regular Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy. Not sure if that means 3 or four discs total. There is no mention of special features but I am willing to bet that this pack is identical to the previously released combo pack with just the extra 3D disc added. Theoretically there is still an "Ultimate" edition on the horizon but who knows what is going on at this point. In short, it seems if you had not bought the movie yet this does nothing to clear up if you should commit now or not and if you already bought it then you are not missing anything. (via Seibertron)

Bay: Not Decided on Transformers 4

Michael Bay has stopped by his Shoot for the Edit forums to provide an update on the recent rumor that he was on the verge of signing on for Transformers 4. As expected, the status quo has not changed. He writes:

Right now I'm not decided on Transformers 4
Studio's are passing rumors but I'm not sure what I'm doing? I know I'm going to do Pain and Gain early spring but that's it for right now. I'm leaving all my options on the table. I've got several Studio meetings in the next two weeks.

Michael Bay On Verge of Signing on for Transformers 4?

New York Magazine's Vulture blog is reporting that director Michael Bay is "in final negotiations" to direct Transformers 4. Transformers Executive Producer Steven Spielberg has said he wants Bay for the next entry in the franchise. Last week, while at the opening for Transformers: The Ride in Singapore, Bay admitted that "We're talking about it, but there's nothing right now. I'm going to do a tiny movie first, then we'll talk about it, if I potentially do it."

The "tiny movie" is Pain and Gain based on a real life story of torture victim hiring a private eye to hunt down the "Sun Gym gang" of Miami bodybuilders that kidnapped him. The current rumor is Dwayne Johnson is being approach as lead but Mark Wahlberg passed on offer. According to Vulture's source, Michael Bay has been wanting to do the film since at least 1999 when the story was published and using the film as "Paramount's leverage" to get him to commit to a fourth story.

Transformers #31 Preview, #80.5 Announced

Next week will bring the final Transformers issue of the current ongoing before the relaunch coming next month. Transformers #31 tells the aftermath of the end of the Chaos storyline leading to events that will mark the true end of the Cybertronian War. A cover and first seven pages of the issue, which will hit stores this Wednesday, can be found here.

In addition, IDW has announced they are releasing a prequel issue for the Marvel era Transformers comics relaunch with Transformers #80.5 that will be released for free on Free Comic Book Day that will be on May 5th, 2012. FCBD is a now annual event where various comic book publishers release free comics to give new and current comic readers a chance to sample their efforts and often tease plans for the summer. Series writer Simon Furman said, "the issue will be pretty balanced between stuff to bring readers up to speed and stuff that propels the new storyline onwards, so whether or not you read the original run, you can still easily jump onboard."

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: The Ride World Premiere with Michael Bay (Updated)

Friday was the grand opening of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore. On hand for the celebration was director Michael Bay as he literal rode in the Bumblebee Camaro and activated the ride. He also sat down for a Q&A with the media and talked about his part in creating the attraction. MichaelBay.com posted the pic to the left and an article talking about it. Below are two videos of the world premiere festivities. The first from R3Load.net is a 13 minute video that is a walkthrough of the ride from outside, during and after along with Bay's grand entrance while the second video from MSN has some of the Q&A with Bay and more opening footage. I am curious if the sweet Bumblebee and Prime costumes are going to be an ongoing thing at the studio with some poor soul having to walk around the park wearing them or if specific for this opening.

Update: I.Z. Reloaded informs me that the costumed Bumblebee and Optimus Prime "permanent attraction in park, greeting the theme park guests and welcoming them to the Ride." Bumblebee is 7.5 feet tall (2.3 m) while Optimus is 9.5 feet tall (2.9 m). Wearing those costumes are hard work so be kind to those inside.

Michael Bay on the Sounds of Dark of the Moon

In a brief article from The Hollywood Reporter, Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay discusses the sound effects of the movie citing how complex they are including how an orangutan played a part in the sound effects.

The Hollywood Reporter: You have quite a large below-the-line team.
Michael Bay: Roughly 3,000 people worked on this Transformers. Some have been with me since 1995's Bad Boys. The people I work with are animals. They're passionate. It irks me that VFX and VFX movies aren't considered art. It's a different type of art, but it's definitely art.

Transformers: The Ride Opens Early, Galleries, Full Ride Video

While tomorrow is the official grand opening of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore, that has stopped the ride from opening early. Below are links to two galleries that show off the attraction both outside and inside. After is a video from an enterprising person that managed to sneak a camera onto the attraction and hang on to it through the bumpy 4 and half minute ride. The video is blurry due to the 3D effect.
Theme Park Guy | Relax.com

Spielberg Hopes Bay Back for Transformers 4 (Updated)

In the current issue of Entertainment Weekly, their feature article is "The Secrets of Spielberg" where Steven Spielberg talks about a range of topics including Transformers. The interview, help promote The Adventures of TinTin (exec producer) and War Horses (director), is a retrospective of Spielberg's long career as he answers questions and provides stories about his many movies, especially those he directed. The Transformers part is brief but he mentions that playing with the toys inspired him to do a movie, that he wants Bay back and he did not ask for Megan Fox to get fire.

EW: I remember asking you once what interested you about Transformers
Spielberg: I used to buy my kids Transformers toys, and I'd wind up on the floor playing with them. I called up the head of Hasbro and I said, "Will you sell me the rights to Transformers? I think I have a way of turning this into a motion picture."

Will there be another Michael Bay Transformers?
I hope so, because I think he made the best of the three with the last one. I certainly can't imagine anybody other than Michael being equipped to make another Transformers. He's invented a genre, and he's got the secret formula.

He told GQ that when Megan Fox compared him to Hitler in an interview, you said that he should fire her.
[Shakes head] That's not true. That didn't happen.

Update: Speaking of Michael Bay, the director briefly commented on his potential return to franchise saying while in Singapore for the launch of Transformers: The Ride.

"How did I know someone's going to ask me this question today? We're talking about it, but there's nothing right now. I'm going to do a tiny movie first, then we'll talk about it, if I potentially do it."

Frank Welker, Peter Cullen Talk Transformers: Prime

The Transformers dynamic duo of Frank Welker and Peter Cullen spoke with MTV's Geek News to discuss Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising DVD (first five eps of the first season) that is coming out next week. The legendary pair have been working together for decades voicing tons of iconic characters besides Megatron and Optimus Prime. Below are a few highlights but its worth taking the time to read the entire interview here.

Transformers: The Ride Scene by Scene Preview

While various videos over the few weeks (including a fan description) has shown us snippets of Transformers: The Ride, the Los Angeles Times has now waded in with their own scene by scene breakdown of the attraction that will debut on December 3rd at Universal Studios Singapore.

Scene 1: A mechanical Decepticon tiger named Ravage grabs the AllSpark, leaps onto Evac's hood and claws at the passengers. Evac escapes by driving erratically.

Transformers: The Ride - Local News Coverage, Ride Facts

Transformers: the Ride will premiere in just a few days at Universal Studios Singapore. As a result regional news stations are airing reports (below, in English for some reason) from The Ride that shows off more of the footage from the attraction, including various areas and a nice long look at the Evac vehicle that people will be sitting in for the five minute simulation. What is amusing is how you have three different stations (but maybe owned by the same corporation) airing the same reports with the same reporter but edited in slightly different ways to make it seem different. Speaking of Evac, it turns out that the attraction has a life size statue of the character sitting outside, perfect for quick mementos of the visit. I assume the Hollywood version of The Ride will have the same thing. Thanks to Feris for finding the video.

The second video comes from Resorts World Sentosa that provides a few details about the attraction. They verified that Michael Bay did consult on the attraction and footage verified that Optimus, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Wheelie, Megatron, Ravage, Sideways, Grindor, Devastator, Bonecrusher, and Starscream all make appearances along with various voice actors reprising some of their roles.

Scott Farrar's BBC Interview

BBC has posted an interview with Transformers: Dark of the Moon Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar as he answered a few questions about the effects in the movie as part of promoting the home video release of the movie in the UK on Monday. He gave an overview of how complext executing some scenes in the movie were, his role in the movie planning and seeing the final outcome many months after all the initial work. The video can be found here.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Teaser

High Moon Studios has released a teaser trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that is a sequel to their War for Cybertron game. This teaser is just a glimpse at the full trailer that will debut on December 10th at the Spike TV Video Game Awards.

Transformers: The Ride - Before, During, and After Footage

Transformers: The Ride is now less than a week away from its official opening on December 3rd at Universal Studios Singapore. The ride there will be the same version that is currently being assembled at Universal Studios Hollywood for its Spring 2012 debut. The exact date remains unknown. The first video (below) shows off The Ride before and after for what visitors will see as they go through the line and what the cafe and store looks like after. The second video appears to be a television report/advertisement that includes a little behind the scenes footage mixed with a tease of the experience during the ride.

Release Date Set Transformers Trilogy Signature Edition

Nelson has provided a few more details on the Transformers Movie Trilogy Ultimate Collection Signature Edition set with a release date of January 31, 2012. Still no news on price. He makes sure to note that this is the usual stamp signatures but actually hand signed by Michael Bay. In the two posts he wrote:

More info:

The Signature series box set will available January 31, 2012.
It will include the DOTM 3D Blu-ray as an added bonus.

Price has still TBD.

Actually, they're being personally hand-signed by him as we speak. All 5,000. No two will be exactly the same.

(via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for link)

Transformers: The Ride - Audio Recording

The leaks, both official and not, continue as the start of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Singapore is just around the corner with its official December 3rd date. In the meantime, it seems the attraction is running now in some capacity since to the left is an audio only recording of the almost five minute long ride. I guess someone might eventually get a video but I assume the studio will be watching for such attempts. With all the jerking around it probably would be difficult to get a decent video recording. (via Seibertron)

Transformers: The Ride Video Preview

The Resorts World Sentosa has posted a brief video preview that shows off a little bit of Transformers: The Ride along with a glimpse at Megatron. The Ride officially premieres at Universal Studios Singapore on December 3rd.

Transformers Trilogy Signature Edition Set Details

Nelson, admin of Michael Bay's Shoot for the Edit forums, has posted a few details on a 5,000 run Transformers Trilogy Signature Edition set that will be released stateside from two online retailers. No price or release date yet. Click here for a few images of the trilogy set that comes it its own special triangle shaped case with a film cel depicting scenes from the movie.

A little update on the Signature Edition Transformers set:

• There will only be 5,000 made.
• They will be autographed by Bay.
• Will be sold on Amazon.com and another US retailer.
• They will contain the 3 TF Blu-ray movies + behind the scenes stuff.
• It will be out in December.
********
For those who reside outside the US who want in (since Amazon US doesn't ship internationally), I will buy a batch and ship them to you. Retail price + shipping & handling to be determined. You must have a Paypal account.

I will keep you posted.

IDW February Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for February that continues the post civil war era for Transformers. In addition, the Infestation storyline invades the Transformers: Heart of Steel universe set during the Industrial Revolution. A total of four comics and two trades are being released that month. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

On a related note, Andrew Wildman has reported that Transformers #81 has been completed after 20 years of waiting. TF #81 is a continuation of the Marvel Transformers comics that he was one of the artists for. On his blog he wrote "Just finished all the pencil art for Transformers #81. So strange to be doing this stuff again and to pick up from the old Marvel stuff. So it’s 20 years since issue 80 but actually it was just like old times and I got these 22 pages done in 15 days. Not bad eh? couldn’t have done that 20 years ago. And they say you slow down when you get older. PAH!!!" I assume it will be solicited soon.

Dark of the Moon Up for Two People's Choice Awards

Transformers: Dark of the Moon has been nominated for the 2012 People's Choice Awards that will January 11, 2012 on CBS. The categories are "Favorite Movie" and "Favorite Action Movie". The compeitition if fierce so make sure to take a second and click here to vote.

Favorite Movie - TF: DOTM, Bridesmaids, Harry Potter 7.2, The Help, Pirates 4
Favorite Action Movie - TF: DOTM, Fast Five, Harry Potter 7.2, Thor, X-Men: First Class

Transformers: The Ride First Impressions

While Transformers: The Ride has not officially opened at Universal Studios Singapore, it seems that some have had a turn on it. Yesterday some images and a commercial have been posted but thanks to 0JazzMeister0 from the TFW2005 forums, we know have first-hand description of his experience. He confirmed that The Ride is a simulator that has you sitting in Evac's car mode. It holds 12 passengers that are closed in with no roof. The vehicle moves in multiple directions to simulate the action on the 12 screens that surround the vehicle. I am not clear if it moves along a track but I suspect the careful layout of the screens help sell the feeling of movement. There are additional "4D" aspects like wind, heat, etc. to enhance the immersive experience.

The action starts with Bumblebee jumping on roof with Evac trying to shake him. Bumblebee stops Ravage, when he is attacked by Barricade. Evac leaves, crashing through walls and dodging traffic until attacked by Megatron. Optimus Prime runs interference but Megatron ends up chasing Evac who does a lot of moves to get a way. The chase continues with Evac dodging Blackout and going through the maw of Devastator before being grappled by Starscream and flung into buildings. Sideswipe rescues Evac and co. and runs interference on another chase through the streets while avoiding Bonecrusher. It ends with a fight between Megatron and Optimus with a timely assist from Evac and one last midair rescue from Bumblebee. Over all it sounds like a fun, but probably 3-5 minute right that will probably be quite popular when it eventually opens at Universal Studios Hollywood sometime in early spring. To read 0JazzMeister0's detailed description, click here.

Transformers: The Ride - Pictures, Commercial and VFX

Transformers: The Ride is just a few weeks away from officially opening at Universal Studios Singapore. Some spies there were able to score a bunch of pics from The Ride including a few details about its setup. Below is the first ad for the attraction that shows some of the CGI footage that has been created. The full gallery and details can be found here.

Speaking of special effects, The Ride blog has posted a brief Q&A with visual effects supervisor Jeff White who spoke about the work ILM put into creating the effects for the ride. It turns out a total of 30 seconds of "ride media" was created using designs from same team that worked on Dark of the Moon. The effects where rendered at 8k, 4x the resolution normally rendered at due to the needs of The Ride.

Linkfest - Combiners and Transformers Prime

More toy news for your entertainment. Below are links to galleries for upcoming 3rd party toys including two combiners, GameInformer covers, WST Astrotrain and Transformers: The Ride tease. For videos there is a look at Sideswipe at recent Hub event, latest Kre-O commercial, and video reviews of Heavy Labor & five Transformers: Prime toys.

Not Dinobots CombinerHit the link to view a small gallery that shows off a closer to production design of the not Dinobot combiner that 3rd party TFC Toys is working on. The sucker has a whole lot of grey going on so hoping further tweaks are coming. Over all though it’s a pretty authentic creation of the 5 Dinobots but with the added combiner mode.

GameInformer Covers
Hit the link for two of special covers created for GameInformer's special Transformers: Fall of Cybertron issue that should be hitting newsstands pretty soon.

Transformers: The Ride - Introducing Evac

Next month brings the debut of Transformers: The Ride to Universal Studios Singapore. As part of that, below is a brief video that introduces a new character to the cast with Evac. The character was created specifically for the new attraction. The character's alt mode is a vehicle that audiences will sit in for the 3D ride. As some of the footage below teases, it is pretty clear that Michael Bay filmed some of the Ride's footage while in Chicago.

EVAC is a new recruit to the AUTOBOT team stationed on Earth and has never been in combat with DECEPTICONS before -- a bond he shares with the latest human recruits of NEST, right here at Universal Studios Singapore.

The Autobot Schism in New Transformers Comics

The end is coming for the Transformers Chaos storyline and with it is the relaunch of the Transformers comics in a post-civil war universe. The war is over; being an Autobot or Decepticon is just a term to a returning civilian population. If you have been fighting for millions of years, the next question seems to be "what now?" for each warrior and how they will play a part in the future of Cybertron. The two news series coming in January, called Transformers: More than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Robots in Disguise will explore the future of the Transformer race. In an interview with Comic Book Resources, the writers John Barber (MTMTE) and James Roberts (RID) spoke about what each series will focus on and the dynamics that are name in play for a victorious but fractured Autobot army. Below are highlights, the full article is here.

Highlights:

No Transformers 4 News From Hasbro Investor Day

Despite hope and rumors, today's Hasbro Investor Day passed without any updates on Transformers 4. The day, essentially a cheerleading session (see video below), was led by CEO Brian Goldner and other company executives. Basically the company is strong; The Hub network is on track and growing. Toy sales are expected to go above $300 million in part due to The Hub related toy lines (Transformers: Prime, My Little Pony, etc).

Visual Effects Details for Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Scott Farrar, Visual Effects Supervisor on Transformers: Dark of the Moon, continues to make the rounds in the Europe market to promote the upcoming November 28th release of the movie there. In the latest from WhatCulture.com, he continues to talk about the challenges of creating visual effects for Transformers. Below are highlights with the full article here.

Highlights:

Transformers Linkfest - Art and Memory

Another week, more news related to Transformers. Oddly there have been an uptick in Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff with a concept art gallery and a new USB product. In addition, Transformers: Prime toys images are popping up and more teases of upcoming 3rd party toys. Last are a few videos with a video review, Ironhide tribute and Transformers in 1-D.

Ryan Church Concept Art
Hit the link to look at the latest concept art from Ryan Church for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The main focus of the artwork is Shockwave both in his design and how might look during Chicago battle.

Transformers: Prime Galleries - Megatron | Arcee & Starscream | Cliffjumper
Hit the links to view galleries that show off the robot and vehicle modes of four figures from the Transformers: Prime toy line that should start hitting stores in time for Christmas.

5 Answers About Transformers Effects from Scott Farrar

In three videos below, Transformers: Dark of the Moon Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar answers questions about creating the visual effects of the movie. The video is for Italian site Badtaste but Scott talks in English so pretty easy to infer what the 5 questions are. Most of the information isn't new but Scott did say that Paramount has approached him to do another movie and he is willing. He also reconfirmed the talks with Michael Bay.

Fall of Cybertron: Design, Q & A

GameInformer has posted what appears to be their final two pieces about Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. "Larger Than Life" looks into the approach that High Moon Studios took in designing the game with a brief commentary video that shows off one of the maps being built. The last article is a roundtable discussion of the game with game director Matt Tieger and lead programmer Andrew Zaferakis as they discuss the game and answered various questions including providing details on multi-player Transformer creation. The 35 minute long video most covers ground from the previous articles. It can be found here. Fall of Cybertron is rumored for Fall 2012 release but it seems far enough along that it could be sooner than that.

Highlights:

Transformers 4 Announcement on Hasbro's Investor Day?

Hasbro has announced via press release that they are holding their annual Investor Day on November 9th. The day has the top level executives provide presentations and answer questions from the press and investors about the status of the company and future plans. Plans that likely will include an announcement about the status of Transformers 4. Last we heard from Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner, they were in talks with Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay about the movie.

According to an anonymous source, and various web rumors, the event will be used to confirm that a second trilogy is planned with Transformers 4 and 5 being shot back to back. The extent of Bay's involvement was still not determined. This remains speculation but I have no doubts Hasbro wants to move forward on another movie. Will be interesting to see how much they reveal on the day as such an announcement will likely help Hasbro's stock prices.

Transformers #29 Preview

This Wednesday brings another issue of Transformers to comic book store. Still two months out before the the comics get relaunched with stories set on Cybertron but there is one last story set on Earth to finish. The covers and first 8 pages of Transformers #29 can be found here.

Mike Costa (w) • Brendan Cahill (a) • Marcelo Matere, Cahill (c)
“The Last Story On Earth” ends here! When Prowl makes a breakthrough in his investigation, he assumes that he has the answers to all his questions… until a shadowy adversary brings some shocking revelations to the Autobot's attention. Could this be the end of the human/Autobot truce? Mike Costa and Brendan Cahill bring this tale to its unexpected conclusion!

Fall of Cybertron: Jazz, TF Timeline and License

GameInformer is winding down its month long coverage of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that comes out late next year. The three latest articles provide a look at Jazz; provide a Hasbro approved Timeline and a look at how High Moon Studios is protecting the Transformers license.

The image to the left is a timeline (if stretch classical use of the term) of High Moon's video game story and hints at what the third game may focus on. The main takeaway is this is Hasbro's official canon for the Transformers. In theory you could have a line from Earth to details about Transformers: Prime and possibly Transformers: Universe. Hopefully High Moon releases that awesome art Cybertron as standalone wallpaper.

Transformers: The Ride Singapore Premiere Set

The official date that Transformers: The Ride opens at Universal Studios Singapore has been announced and Michael Bay will be on hand for the festivities. The debut date is set for December 3rd with a launch party on December 2nd. The Universal Studios Hollywood version of the ride remains set for some time in Spring 2012. Press release below.

TRANSFORMERS The Ride Premieres at Universal Studios Singapore® on 3 December 2011
Director Michael Bay to headline launch party on 2 December

AUTOBOTS, roll out! Come 3 December, Universal Studios Singapore will launch the world’s first theme park attraction based on Hasbro’s iconic TRANSFORMERS brand. Taking the TRANSFORMERS movie franchise from reel to reality, this motion thrill ride will showcase the most advanced evolution of immersive theme park entertainment.

TRANSFORMERS The Ride will celebrate its world premiere at an exclusive evening event on 2 December. Michael Bay, director and executive producer of the immensely popular TRANSFORMERS blockbuster movies who also served as the attraction’s creative consultant, will be in attendance to help commemorate the occasion.

Mr. Michael Bay said: “I am very excited about the debut of this attraction at Universal Studios Singapore. Finally, TRANSFORMERS fans will not only have the chance to watch the AUTOBOTS battle the DECEPTICONS on screen; they will actually be part of the action. ”

Linkfest - Generation One

This week's link fest is almost a walk down memory lane for long time Transformers fans. Takara is releasing a Transformers: The Movie inspired version of Starscream, a bunch of 3rd party toys based on the G1 line, a look at Takara's G1 toys, G1 storyboards and a look at the Dinobot combiner. It has been 25 years but G1 is alive and well.

New Masterpiece Coronation Starscream - Set 1 | Set 2
Takara just recently released a new mold of Optimus Prime that was more cartoon accurate and now is doing the same for Starscream. MP-11 is new mold for the famed Decepticon, mimicking his look in Transformers: The Movie complete with his cape and crown just before he was destroyed by Galvatron. The figure is scheduled for around March 2012 and is being priced in the $140 range.

3rd Party Galleries, Videos - Cherry Bomb Toy Show | Victoria Toy Fair | Videos | Hercules
A couple of weeks ago two toy shows were held that provided a look up in development "not" Transformers toys that various 3rd party makers are putting together. First two links are galleries. The third one is recent pics of the near completed prototype of the not Devastator. The last is a video link is teasers for Maketoy's not Devastator, Generations Laser Optimus Prime trailer, and IDW version of The Fallen.

Rosie: Shia Would Do Transformers 4

It seems that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley isn't convinced that Shia LaBeouf is done with Transformers. When asked by the LA Times (video below) about her wiliness to do Transformers 4, she said "I hope so, that is a question for Michael Bay." The interviewer then commented about Shia being done and she said "We'll see about that. We'll see about that."

She isn't really wrong, at least in Hollywood terms since all things come down to money. At this moment in time, Shia is done with Transformers. However, if Paramount decided to pay him say $20 million to do the next film, would that remain the case? Maybe not. As of right now, I think you should take any guesses about the casting, story with a grain of salt. Until Hasbro and Paramount in consultation with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg decide where they want to take Transformers movies next, speculation like this is pointless.

Fall of Cybertron: Enemies, AI, and Dinobots

Two new articles from GameInformer provide yet more insight into High Moon Studios plans for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game that is coming out in Fall 2012. The latest articles get into how High Moon is improving the enemy design, game AI and more details on the Dinobots. Highlights below, hit the links for complete details and lots of screenshots.
Enemies and AI | Resurrecting the Dinobots (2 videos)

IDW January Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for January that has the launch of two new Transformers series that chronicle the Transformers now that the Cybertronian civil war is over. In addition, another round of the Infestation storyline begins with the Transformers side of it set in Transformers: Hearts of Steel alt-verse. Total of three comics and one trade are being released that month. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

IDW Details Transformers Book Split

IDW held their October press conference today providing more details on the two new Transformers ongoing series that will spin off from Chaos and Death of Optimus Prime stories. IDW had revealed these plans at Botcon but did not provide details on what the split books would focus on until now. Starting in January the current ongoing Transformers series will be replaced with Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye and Transformers: Robots in Disguise. MTMTE will be written by James Roberts with art from Nick Roche. RID will be written by John Barber and art from Andrew Griffith. Each series focus on one side of a philosophical divide that arises within the Autobots after they finally achieve victory in the Cybertronian civil war.

Animating Fall of Cybertron's Transformations

Thanks to GameInformer, there is more behind the scenes video from High Moon Studios as they work on Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. The "spirtual successor" to Transformers: War for Cybertron is scheduled for release in Fall of 2012 as it tells the story of the exodus from the dying planet. The four videos show the work involved in creating the transformation sequences for Optimus, Jazz, and Grimlock while Jason Diaz, lead animator on FoC, explains the goals and the challenges faced in creating the animation. Click here to view. For Grimlock fans, the third video gives you a Maya black and gray look at his robot mode and transformation sequence to dinosaur.

Fall of Cybertron: Matt Tieger Interview

GameInformer has posted their latest update to their coverage of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that is dated for release in Fall 2012. In a two part video interview with Matt Tieger, Game Director of FoC, discusses his background, goals for game, changes that make this game a "spiritual successor" to War for Cybertron.
The interview can be found here.

The highlights:

Transformers News from New York Comic-Con

The 2011 New York Comic-Con was held this weekend providing some info and look at upcoming plans for Transformers for Dark of the Moon, Transformers: Prime, Fall of Cybertron, and Transformers: The Ride. Below are the news highlights with links to galleries and panel videos.

Hasbro Panel
• DOTM - Repaints of Bumblebee, Wheeljack (G1 style), Ratchet (G1 style), and Soundwave are coming
• DOTM - Deluxe Optimus with trailer is coming (think same as the Takara release)
• TF: Prime - Calling 2012 "All Prime All The Time"
• TF: Prime - Deluxe Wave 1 toys will be Cliffjumper, Bumblebee, Wheeljack, and Soundwave
• TF: Prime - Legion wave 1 toys will be Vehicon, Ratchet, Arcee, Bumblebee and Cliffjumper

Variety's Transformers Linkbait Debunked

Michael Bay and Jason Statham personally debunked Variety's story about Transformers 4 and 5. The website "reported" that Paramount was working on a plan to film the films back to back using ideas from Ehren Kruger with Jason Statham as the lead actor and in negotiations with Michael Bay to direct. As I pointed out, all this was made up nonsense that was designed as link bait by Variety. In a post to his Shoot for the Edit forums, Michael Bay posted:

I am currently not talking to Paramount on T4 and T5 despite reports. I'm looking at a lot of possibilities coming my way right now weighing options. Most likely going to be doing the low budget Pain and Gain, a true story crime thriller. It's a very quick shoot and quite funny. Also just finishing the 3 disc set of the Transformer trilogy.

Michael

Meanwhile, in an interview with MTV Jason Statham shot down his involvement with the franchise. He said ""You know, I don't know how those things start. You read them. Someone told me about it. The internet is a dangerous place."

Transformers #28 Preview

Transformers #28 will be hitting comic stores tomorrow, continuing the Cybertron based "Chaos" storyline. While I have find the Earth side story interesting, the Cybertron story went from an interesting peak at the Optimus Prime and Megatron relationship into a disjointed mess that is bouncing all over the place while moving nowhere. Doesn't help that the artwork is ugly mess. I would have to see the original pencils to know if it’s the artist or the inker at fault. The team strikes me as best suited for cover art but not sequential art. Any case the covers and first 8 pages of the issue can be found here.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D Blu-ray Dated

Blu-ray.com has posted that the 3D version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be released in the United States on December 6th, 2011. As Seibertron compiled, Japan will get this version on January 20th, 2012 and the UK on December 12, 2011. I imagine other territories will be in that same ballpark. The disc will be a Blu-ray + Blu-ray 3D + DVD + Digital Copy "Ultimate Pack". There are no details on what, if any, special features that might be released with the film but I can't help but think that the only difference between this release and the one from last month is the additional 3D disc. No idea on price either but if the Tron 2 and Green Lantern 3D combo packs are any indication it will be in the $25-$30 range.