Transformers: Dark of the Moon Official Blu-Ray, DVD Release Date

Mark your calendars as Friday, September 30th is the day that Transformers: Dark of the Moon will be released on Blu-ray and DVD. The information is direct from the official website for Transformers: Dark of the Moon, assuming you are looking at it on a mobile device when it redirects you to a page that says "Own It Friday 9/30 on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital Download." If date sounds familiar that was the date that DVDWorldUSA posted a little over a week ago. The reported editions are "Triple Play" pack of DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Copy, single disc DVD, probably a single disc Blu-ray, and a Transforming Trilogy Case. Hopefully Paramount will issue a press release soon providing specifics on pricing and extras. Thanks to StarscreamDOTM for the heads-up.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Official Photos

Transformers: Dark of the Moon set photographer Robert Zuckerman has posted a large gallery of images from the filming of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. His role is to gather the still images used for help in advertising the movie, for press and related products such as posters, toys and the like. The full gallery of images can be found at Zuckerman's website or at MichaelBay.com.

Transformers Trilogy Transforming Case

Amazon France has posted the first look at the Transformers Trilogy Transforming Blu-ray Case that is in the shape of the Autobot logo and comes with Blu-ray editions of all three movies. The listed release date is currently November 2nd, yet another day to add to the theorized listed of release dates for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Still nothing official from Paramount on when Dark of the Moon is coming to home video. The listed price is EUR 67.19 or around $97.00 US but I expect the first week sale price to be in the $60 to $70 range. (via Seibertron)

Transformers' Scott Farrar To Recieve Award

The Hollywood Film Festival has announced that Transformers: Dark of the Moon Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar will receive The Hollywood Visual Effects Award when the 15th annual ceremony is held on October 24th. He has been in the visual effects industry for 30 years starting with ILM in 1981. His recent work is all three Transformers films, received Oscar nominations for his work on Cocoon, Chronicles of Narnia, Backdraft and the first Transformers film.

Linkfest - TFC Toys

More Transformers toys links, most of them focusing on TFC toys. This 3rd party not Transformers creator is quickly becoming the best around with a product line that any G1 fan would love. Other links include a look at Alternity figures, a review of the first TFC toy, and more.

Hercules Combined Mode Sneak PeekSpeaking of Hercules, TFC Toys has already revealed a sneak peek at the combined mode of the not Devastator figure. The final result looks very impressive. Enough so that I am seriously considering committing the estimated $600 to buy the six robots needed to create this combined figure.

Unicron Comparison Gallery
A more G1 accurate Unicron with Kranix is now exclusively from Amazon. The figure has "sold out" several times (or Amazon just doesn't know how much stock they have). At the link are images that compare the Takara, Amazon, and Hasbro original version. Once you seem them all together, I can see why people are getting the Amazon version.

Hercules Heavy Labor Images
The next figure in the Hercules (not Devastator) line from TFC Toys has been revealed. Heavy Labor (not Long Haul) forms the right torso of the combined robot. The current price of the figure is around $100.

Beast Wars II DVD Box Set
While the US just recently received a new box set for Beast Wars, Japan can look forward to the first time ever DVD release of Beast Wars II on October 20th. The cartoon series continued the Beast Wars story but in traditional cartoon, not CGI, format. No idea if there are plans to bring a subtitled version to the states.

G1 Transformers Slipcase
For those that bought the individual season sets of Generation One Transformers cartoons, Shout! Factory has released a slipcase for them that is priced $6.99.

TFC Toys Future Plans
TFC Toys provided a sneak peak at their upcoming DSLR team (not Reflector) and custom Headmasters based on Ultra Magnus, Megatron and Blaster. Also the third Hercules figure was shown off, Neck Breaker (not Bonecrusher).

Nominus Prime Sketches & Alex Milne's Deviant Art Page
If you have been keeping up with the comics, another Prime was introduced called Nominus Prime. He was the Prime in charge of Cybertron before Megatron ignited the Great War. A war essentially caused by his corrupt, near dictatorship government (something to be explored in the upcoming Autocracy mini-series). While the succession of Prime varies depending on which universe (cartoons, Marvel, etc) you adhere too, the IDW/Hasbro current continuity seems to be Nova Prime (lost in Darkness dimension, becomes Nemesis Prime), Nominus Prime (vacates office to avoid assassination), Sentinel Prime (leader during some of the war that ignites under him, killed by Megatron), Zeta Prime (killed by Megatron), Optimus Prime (killed by ?), and next is likely Rodimus Prime.

Alternity Goldbug and Dai Atlas Images
Robot Kingdom has revealed the latest repaints for the Alternity series from Takara. This Japan exclusive line started a few years ago based on the Binal-Tech/Alternator line but with a smaller deluxe size scale. The potential was pretty good except it devolved into a repaint fest of about three to four releases per mold. In this case I think Goldbug is the third repaint of the 'Bee mold and Dai Atlas is the fourth (or fifth) from the Prime mold. If you have the money for import prices, I do recommend the line but not necessarily for getting all the repaints.

Exgraver Video Review
A Peaugh review of the Exgraver (not Scavenger) that shows off the expensive but pretty sweet looking figure. He shows off the robot mode, vehicle mode and arm mode. Real tempted to start my set.

Close-Up With Special Edition Transformers Camaro

Transformers fans with the money will have an opportunity to own Bumblebee starting this September. Available for purchase now for sale next month, the package lets you own a tricked out 2012 Chevrolet Camaro with Transformers: Dark of the Moon inspired touches. A new article and video (below) from GM breaks down all the details from Adam Berry, Senior Creative Manager at GM who helped work on the special edition. Images of the car can be found at Camaro5.

Transformers: The Ride Singapore Sneak Peek

Below is a video that provides a sneak peak at Transformers: The Ride that will open at Universal Studios Singapore on December 2011. The Universal Studios Hollywood version of the attraction is expected to open Spring 2011. The "sneak peek" is actually less footage then was teased at the San Diego Comic-Con last month. The video is part of the first blog post for the official blog for the Singapore attraction.


From the blog:

Transformers 3 Returns to IMAX on Friday

Yesterday Michael Bay said that Paramount was working on bringing Transformers: Dark of the Moon back to IMAX theatres and today that has now been officially confirmed. The Hollywood Reporter writes that DOTM will have a limited two week run in 246 North America IMAX theaters from August 26th to September 8th. However, it seems show times might be limited at "the film will play simultaneously with other movies already booked by IMAX." It is an interesting decision that makes me wonder what Paramount is hoping to accomplish with the re-release. My thinking is they are hoping to earn the relatively small $23 million to climb up the all-time box office ladder. If the release had come a month or so later I would have thought it would be a useful way to promote the home video release but this early makes that a non-factor.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Home Video Coming September 30th?

If DVDWorldUSA is to be believed, the home video release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon will occur on Friday September 30th, 2011. The date is kind of odd because with few exceptions most new releases for movies and music occur on Tuesdays. Previous reports had set the release date of the Blu-ray/DVD release of the movie on Tuesday November 15th, 2011. Also the previous movies had an October release. Transformers 1 was released on October 16th and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on October 20th. Keep in mind that Paramount has not yet released any official information on when the movie will be released for home video sale so for now all this is unconfirmed speculation. Thanks to Wynton for the heads-up.

Transformers 3 Returning to IMAX?

It seems that Transformers: Dark of the Moon may return to theatres or at least to IMAX again according to a post in the Shoot for the Edit forums by Michael Bay. He wrote, "I think they are really considering re-releasing Transformers on IMAX again. From what I heard from Paramount."

I am not exactly sure when Paramount would squeeze into the IMAX schedule as the year seems locked up with Contagion (released date 9/9), Real Steel (10/7), Puss in Boots (11/4), Happy Feet Two (11/18), and Mission Impossible 4 (12/21) on the schedule. Often the studios will have contractually set date run for their IMAX releases in part to lock out the competition and also because the conversion to IMAX format has its own cost they want to make sure to recoup. A return to IMAX theatres might just be enough to overcome the $23.6 million deficit (likely around $10 million by time international run finishes) to become 4th on the all-time box office list. As of now it does seem to be a long shot.

Transformers 3 Box Office

Another weekend draws to a close with more added to Transformers: Dark of the Moon coffers. The US total added an estimated $585 thousand for US total of $348.5 million. International sales added $6.1 million for a total of $747 million. The worldwide box office is now $1095.5 million. To move into fourth place on the all time box office total, it will need to earn another $23.6 million to tie Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

IDW November Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for November that continues the Chaos storyline that will run through the books through the end of the year. Two comics, one hardcover and one trade is being released this month. A teaser slug includes "Cybertron No More!" 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, and more click here.

Transformers #29
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!
• 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio • FC • 32 pages • $3.99
• Variant covers: Black & White Brendan Cahill cover!
• The truth comes out!

Dark of the Moon Linkfest

While Transformers: Dark of the Moon is winding down its theatrical run, a little of toy related news continues to pop up now and then. Below is the latest, most of it about repaints and the like.

FDR Bay-ized
This tongue in cheek poster is an amusing take on what a Michael Bay version of President Roosevelt may be like. At the link is more images (not really Bay related) that places other Presidents in classic movie type settings like George Washington vs. Zombies and Andrew Jackson vs. aliens.

More Warren Manser Concept Art
Hit the link to look at more images of concept art from Transformers 3 posted by Warren Manser. It seems he may continue to add to the set but it’s still worth looking at all the cool artwork created for the movie.

Transformers #24 - Chaos Part One Preview

IDW with Issuu has posted the the covers and first five pages of the Transformers #24 which launches the main Chaos storyline. The last few issues that provided a look into the origins of the Cybertronian Civil War with an Autobot government that birthed Megatron and his Decepticons. The result is some of the best Transformers comics created in a long time. Hopefully the Chaos story can live up to that new standard. I think the main thrust of the Chaos storyline is Galvatron's attempt to unite the Transformers to face off against the threat of D-Void from another dimension.

Transformers 3 Moves to Fifth All-Time

Transformers: Dark of the Moon's domestic run is coming to a close as it drops out of the US top ten but not before hitting another milestone. The movie, with a $1071.2 million total, is now fifth in the worldwide all-time box office moving past Pirates 4 ($1066.2M) and Toy Story 3 ($1063.2M). The next movie on the list is The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King at $1119.1 million but it is unlikely to pass that total.

As for the weekend box office, US side an estimated $1.35M was added for domestic total of $347 million. International sales added another $12.5 million, most of it from Japan ($4.6M) and China ($4.7M) who were last in getting the movie for an international total of $724 million. I am guessing the movie is about 2 weeks away from ending its primary run and moving into the cheap seat theatres.

Transformers Linkfest

Time for another linkfest of Transformers news. It remains heavy on third party Transformers with a mix of G1 past and a new teaser for the Transformers Universe MMORPG coming next year.

Fansproject Heavylabor Teaser
The next vehicle in the Hercules (Devastator) set has been teased. The dump truck Heavylabor (aka Long Haul) will be the torso and hips once all the figures are out later in 2012. The estimated release date for the $100 figure is September 2011.

SDCC 2011 Transformers Panels

Below are links to the various Transformers related panels held during the San Diego Comic Con. The panels include a look at upcoming toys, IDW's comic plans, Shout Factory on their various DVD sets and cast and creators of Transformers: Prime. If you are interested in viewing even more SDCC panels, links to more than two dozen panels from movies, TV, comics, toys, and video games have been collected here.

Hasbro Transformers Toy - Part 1 | Part 2
IDW Transformers Comics - Part 1 | Part 2
Shout Factory (DVDs) - Part 1 | Part 2
Transformers: Prime - Part 1 | Part 2
Transformers: Prime Roundtable - Part 1 | Part 2

Transformers: The Movie Turns 25 Today

Today is the 25th Anniversary of the release date of Transformers: The Movie, the true first movie for the one of the most successful toy and now movie franchises in the world. While the movie didn't do so hot in theatres, it seems it did just fine in home video sales since the movie keeps getting re-issued. This movie is why most Generation One fans bring up Unicron, proof that Optimus Prime is a bad@$#, and Hot Rod is an idiot among other now iconic aspects of Transformers.

TF3 Weekend Box Office Report

It seems the theatrical run of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon is soon to end as the movie is on the verge of dropping out of the top 10 after this week but not before passing Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as 7th on the all-time box office list. The US box office
added $3.0 million (for $344.1M) while international sales added another $17.5 million (for $693.5M). This puts DOTM's worldwide total at $1038 million. Assuming international sales continue at a decent pace, Dark could pass Toy Story 3 ($1063.2M) and Pirates 3 ($1066.2M) for 5th place on the all-time list in about two weeks.

Frank Welker Highest Grossing Movie Star Ever? (Updated)

Update: It seems UK's The Guardian became aware of Frank Welker's unofficial status as Hollywood's top earner. Also The Numbers site has a new chart that breaks down the totals but oddly most are half the size they use to be so not really sure what changed from the chart below to the new one. Still Welker remains top dog at $6.2 billion followed by Samuel L Jackson ($5.2B), Tom Hanks ($4.4B), John Ratzenberger ($3.9B) and Harrison Ford ($3.7B).

Flickering Myth discovered an interesting stat on The Numbers.com. Transformers' Frank Welker is the highest grossing movie star ever with a total gross of about $12.5 billion. This is based on the total movie worldwide box office gross of movie actors, regardless of the size of their role in a film. This large total is despite most of his voice work being for television with the Transformers movie franchise (as Megatron) accounting for about 40% of that total. The next four top actors are Samuel Jackson ($10.15B, thanks to Marvel movies), Warwick Davis ($9.7B, mostly due to Harry Potter), Tom Hanks ($9.16B due to his legendary film career), and John Ratzenberger ($8.3B, mostly due to all the Pixar love).

Mr. Welker's other movie voice credits include Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (Dumbo, others), Caddyshack II (the Gopher), All Dogs Go To Heaven (Devil Dog), Gremlins 2 (Mohawk), A Bug's Life (Thumper), Toy Story 2 (Bullseye), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Max the Dog), and many more. If you have never read his credits you really should give them a pass at it is truly amazing just how many childhood favorite shows and characters he has lent his voice too over his 40+ years long career. He probably has had more of impact on people's childhood then most people are even aware and really is deserving of more credit than the Hollywood establishment gives him and other voice actors.

Transformers #23 Preview

The next issue of the Chaos saga hits comic book stores next Wednesday with Transformers #23. Below is the covers and first five issues of the story. The last issue explored the millions of year long relationship that has developed between Megatron and Optimus Prime revealing that Megatron has started out as a peaceful protestor against the Autobot leadership of the time. After being arrested, unintended encouragment from Prime led him to continue the fight. I assume this issue will explore how Megatron went from nonviolent to deciding that absolute control by any means necessary was the only solution.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Joins $1 Billionaire Club

Transformers: Dark of the Moon has officially crossed the $1 billion threshold. The movie is the 10th movie ever to cross the threshold and the first movie in Paramount Picture's 99 year existence. The movie crossed the mark Tuesday after international numbers came in. The total breaks down to $338 million from US, $663 million from international sales.

DOTM helped add a few other feathers to Paramount's cap. Its $180.7M opening weekend aiding in the studio beating other studios to $1 billion in ticket sales for the year. In addition the studio is also the first to reach $2 billion in worldwide ticket sales, obviously thanks to DOTM providing literally half of that total. At this pace 2011 will be the studio's most successful year ever.

Brad Grey, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures [said,] “We are grateful for the extraordinary work of Michael Bay and his film-making team, executive producer Steven Spielberg, and everyone at Paramount around the globe who played a part in helping make this latest TRANSFORMERS one of the 10 highest grossing films worldwide of all time."

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Transformers: Dark of the Moon for achieving this significant entertainment milestone.

Dark of the Moon VFX From Digital Domain

The Society of Digital Artists website has posted an interesting article with key members of the Digital Domain crew that helped created the visual effects used in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Digital Domain was bought by Michael Bay after the first movie but has a long history working in Hollywood. Much like with Revenge of the Fallen, the company focused on certain characters and scenes while ILM focused on the key Transformers and larger scale effects.

The crew help created Brains, Laserbeak and the cannon fodder Decepticon protoforms. Key scenes the crew worked on include "Bird Men" (the Chicago skydiving sequence) and the Space Bridge jump from the Moon to Washington, DC. Below are a few highlights but best to read the details in the full article here. Note that references to "stereo" is referring not to sound but creating everything in 3D.

Transformers 3 Joins Worldwide Box Office Top 10

It is a good news/bad news weekend for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The good news is the movie joined the Top 10 of All Time Worldwide Grosses at the box office. The bad news is Harry Potter 7.2 beat it to the $1 billion club by $20 million. On the brighter side, the movie is practically guaranteed to cross the threshold in just a few short days.

The current tally for DOTM stands at $337.9M domestic and $645M from international ticket sales. That number includes $9.5 million from the movie's first weekend in Japan with 82% of those sales coming from IMAX. The international ticket sales this weekend added an additional $42M to the total. On the U.S. side the movie slipped to 8th place with $6M for the weekend.

As of now, Dark of the Moon rests as the top movie of the year in the US with its $337.9M ahead Harry Potter 7.2 ($318.5M) and Pirates 4 ($238.2M). However it’s $982.9M in worldwide sales places it behind Pirates 4 ($1032.8M) and Potter ($1008.5) for the year. Still a touch soon to know for sure but chances are DOTM will be the top movie of 2011 in the US (something that matters a great deal to studios) and may land at number 2 in worldwide sales (another important studio stat). All this means that not only did the movie hold its own against stiff competition like Potter 7.2 but makes a heck of an argument on why the franchise needs to continue sooner rather than later.