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.

Variety Speculation on Transformers 5, Casting

In the quest for link bait, Variety has posted the theory claiming that Paramount and Hasbro are looking to shoot Transformers 4 and 5 back to back (like the Hobbit films) to save on production costs. They also resurrected the rumor that Jason Statham is being considered for the lead role. They cite sources close to planning but no specifics on why the sources are credible.

It is equally plausible for me to cite imaginary sources claiming the next movie will be all CGI on the planet Cybertron, using filming techniques and technology pioneered by Avatar. I have nothing to back this up, but it is just as plausible a scenario with the complete lack of information currently available. The speculation itself doesn't bother me. It is the framing of the article that fails to make this clear while citing various reasons why this manufactured theory is possible to give it credibility.

Hasbro Ready to Move Forward on Transformers 4

Today Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner held the third-quarter earnings conference call revealing that the toy maker is hoping to be able to make an announcement about Transformers 4 sometime next year. They are currently speaking with Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay about the movie. No indication on the extent of Bay's involvement but I would not be surprised if Bay goes for a consultant/executive producer credit and turns the director reigns over to someone else. I guess they could make a money offer so high he would be foolish to refuse it but at this point in his career Bay frankly doesn't need the money anymore.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Teaser Trailer

Recent articles from GameInformer has provided insight into next year's Transoformers: Fall of Cybertron. However, nothing like a little teaser trailer to really get you excited.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Updates

Two new updates from GameInformer have provides more information about what High Moon Studios plans for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, the sequel to last year's War for Cybertron game.

It seems one of the changes that are planned for Fall of Cybertron is an increased focus on the weapon systems. Players will have access to a primary and secondary weapon. A wider variety of weapons types will be available to both factions along with "a conscious choice to make every upgrade a significant improvement, so one upgrade might increase your firing speed by 75%." The upgrades will be player purchased and available to all characters so don't have buy it more than once. Additional details include artwork and description of the new weapons such as the A4 Pulsar Cannon, Dimensional Decimator and more. The article and screenshots from the game can be found here.

Transformers: Universe Teaser Trailer, New Info

As part of its participation at the 2011 New York Comic-Con, Jagex, and the makers of Transformers: Universe released a new teaser trailer (below), provided artwork and participated in a panel. They also have a chance for fans to vote (or suggest) a class name for the Autobots and Decepticons. Voting closes at 6pm EST today. Site to vote is here.

On the information front, a few details were revealed during the panel about the multiplayer online game. The game will be browser based (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc), using Java programming language and be available for free. No indication of how money will be made but sure ads and micro-transactions (paying for some equipment, upgrades, etc) will play a part. Since Java based, this could mean that tablets (iPad, etc) and smartphones will be able run the game but that could depend on how character and menu controls are handled in game. Not entirely sure but I think that consoles (PS3, Wii, 360) and handheld games (PSP, Gameboy) could also run the game if Jagex chooses to go in that direction.

Transformers: Prime Season Finale Clip

Tomorrow brings the season finale of Transformers: Prime with "One Shall Rise" part 3. Unicron is slowly waking at Earth's core while the Autobots (with Megatron assisting) attempt to stop him before he achieves full power and destroys the planet. Meanwhile, the Decepticons are clueless about events on the ground.

TF Linkfest - Exiles and Mockups

Time for another linkfest. This one covers a wider variety from the Transformers world of accessories. This go around includes more 3rd party toys, Masterpiece improvements, news of upcoming releases, computer accessories, new TF book, and an interesting toy related video.

TFC Dinobots Prototype Image
ACToys posted a single image look at the TFC next wave of toys inspired by the Generation One Dinobots. The image shows a prototype look at not Swoop and not Grimlock. There is a rumor of a not Dinobot combiner but not sure if this is part of that or not.

Alex Irvine, writer of Transformers: Exiles, InterviewThe next novel set in the War for Cybertron universe is out now. The writer, Alex Irvine, spoke with Suvudu about the novel. It seems, at least from the interview, that things are drifting away from the movies and now moving these prequel stories so the align more with the Transformers: Prime universe. The movies may continue to inspire ideas (the Allspark, original Primes, etc) but it seems that for the purposes of Hasbro's current TF continuity, the Autobot experience on Earth will those depicted in TF: Prime. The Exiles story will explore Cybertronian colonies like Junkion, more about the Thirteen, and more about the Optimus and Prime conflict that is the heart of the civil war.

Fall of Cybertron: New Optimus Prime Model

GameInformer continues their coverage of Transformers: Fall of Cybertron coverage by providing a look at the new model design of Optimus Prime. The design is inspired by Prime's War for Cybertron look but with greater bulk and detail. It seems High Moon is taking full advantage of what they learned in creating War for Cybertron and Dark of the Moon to pull every detail they can out of the game engine due around Christmas 2012. The Optimus Prime video with commentary can be found here.

As the most iconic Transformer to ever roll out, High Moon Studios spent a lot of time rebuilding Optimus Prime from the ground up for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. The war on Cybertron is coming to a dramatic climax, and Optimus has proven himself both a leader and a mighty warrior. His new look is battle-scarred, powered up, and ready for action. Check out the video to see the in-game model for Optimus Prime, complete with commentary from the High Moon team on creating a new look for the leader of the Autobots. Keep in mind that this footage is pre-alpha and was shot in a test area for the new game, so it does not represent the final appearance of the character.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Bruticus, Release Date, Tour

Gamestop has posted a pre-order pages for the sequel to Transformers: War for Cybertron. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron takes place at an unknown time after the events of the first game but almost seems like a prequel to the events that lead the war continuing on Earth. Gamestop currently listes the game as costing $59.99 with a release date of 12/1/2-12 but this could change. Of note is their description of the game which suggests that the Combaticons and their combined form of Bruticus will be a playable character. I would not commit to any pre-orders as probably there will be retailer specific character skins much like with the first game. Might as well keep your options open since the game is a year+ out.

Transformers Pinball Clips and Images

Stern has posted new images and video clips showing off their latest creation, the Transformers Pinball machine. The game is based on the Transformers movies with various character specific gags. Details can be found here, images here, and videos below.

   

Transformers: Prime One Shall Rise Part 2 Clips - Autobots vs Unicrons

Tomorrow is part two (of 3) of "One Shall Rise" season finale story arc for Transformers: Prime. The fight continues as the Autobots battle Unicron to save the planet. In part one it was revealed that after the Primus created 13 Primes defeated Unicron, he went in stasis mode becoming the core of what over millions of years became the planet Earth.

Click here for video clip of Prime versus bunch if earth mini-Unicrons and then below is aonther video as the rest of the Autobots join the battle.

Transformers: War for Cybertron Sequel Announced

Thanks to GameInformer Magazine, the sequel to Transformers: War for Cybertron has officially been revealed. Called Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, the story continues to follow the Cybertronian civil war between the Autobots and Decepticons moving along later in the time line to events that lead to the trek that eventually brings the battle to Earth. The website has currently only offered teaser images of the two covers of the issue that is hitting newsstands on October 14th, 2011. The game is currently penciled in for a Fall 2012 release but that is subject to change. GameInformer has a Fall for Cybertron page to reveal information over the next month here.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Tops Home Video List

To no surprise, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is king of home video in both retails sales and rental charts after its first week of release. The film knocked Bridesmaid off the top spot in sales and Thor from the rental charts. The release also had the benefit of boosting the previous movies as Revenge of the Fallen is number 10 and Transformers One is number 13 on the sales chart. 64% of the sales were from Blu-ray but considering that all of them came with the DVD disc for just a few bucks more, not sure you can draw any meaningful conclusions from that number.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon 4th All Time

It seems that between the brief two week IMAX re-release and the cheap seats release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon was enough to bump the film past The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on the all time worldwide box office gross (not account for inflation). The film has made $1119.112 million compared to LOTR's $1119.110 million. The third film in the list, Harry Potter 7.2, is at $1326.4 million so unlikely to pass that film in the all-time list. As expected, international sales account most of the films total with $766.9 million (68.5%) of the total.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

Transformers #27 Preview

IDW has posted covers and first 8 pages of their books coming out tomorrow. One of them is for Transformers #27 that continues the "Chaos" storyline. This issue returns events to Earth as the Autobots investigate Spike as events lead to the Autobots abandoning the planet. The previews can be found here.

Written by Mike Costa, art by Brendan Cahill, covers by Marcelo Matere, Cahill
"The Last Story On Earth" continues with shocking revelations into what the humans have done to Cybertronians and what they plan to do! Alliances between the two races are on the brink--can Jazz, an Autobot who killed a human, possibly bring both sides back before utter destruction occurs? Here's a hint: Not bloody likely! CHAOS continues right here! 32 pages, $3.99.

Peter Cullen On Doing Dark of the Moon and Optimus

To help promote the home video release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon the voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, briefly spoke with MovieWeb about working on the film.

I know how the process of voicing an animated character works, but how does it work on a live-action movie like this? How early in the process are you coming in to do the voice? Can you talk about how that process works?
Peter Cullen: Well, the difference between the animated version, going back to Generation One, and the action version, the human involvement is highlighted and Optimus finds himself communicating on a human level more than ever before. Not that he didn't before, but it's much more obvious now. Certainly in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, he begins to show more human emotions than he ever did before, including anger. These are all factors that create new challenges.