Optimus Prime: Awakening Score

The full score for Optimus Prime: Awakening has been posted online. The score by Bobby Krlic (aka The Haxon Cloak) is for the 12 minute short that screened for the 40th Anniversary of Transformers: The Movie. Krlic also provided the score for The Wrecking Crew, Invasion, Snowpiercer (TV series), and Blue Beetle. The short is the last time Peter Cullen voices Optimus Prime. The short is expected to be part of the home video release of the movie

Happy Transformers Day

Friendly reminder that today is Transformers Day as it is the day that the cartoon series first premiered on September 17, 1984. This is also the day that Transformers: The Movie returns to theaters for its 40th anniversary. Don't forget after the credits there is a 12 minute short that is the final time the late, great Peter Cullen voices Optimus Prime. I think the movie will be in US theaters until September 22nd but dates vary by region so check your local theater.

Clip From Optimus Prime Awakening Short

Below is a clip from Optimus Prime: Awakening that will premiere after the credits of Transformers: The Movie when it starts in theaters starting September 17. This will also be the last time the late great Peter Cullen voiced the character. The 12 minute short will also be part of the 40th anniversary home video release of the movie.

Details on Final Performance of Peter Cullen for Transformers 40th Anniversary

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have provided more details on the end credits sequence that has been teased for the last few months for the re-release of Transformers: The Movie to theaters from September 17 to 22 (but varies by region). Tickets can found found at Fathom Entertainment. It has been confirmed this is the final performance of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime.

From the short writer Ryan Parrott on Twitter saying "I can confirm that I wrote "OPTIMUS PRIME AWAKENING," the upcoming 12 minute short following the 40th anniversary celebration of "THE TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE" and the final performance of the iconic PETER CULLEN as Optimus Prime. It was a dream come true and I hope you enjoy it."

In relation to this there is a new 40th Anniversary 40th 4K UHD Steelbook set for release on November 17. Referenced as "Animated Coda", confirming it will be included with the release. Full details on the special edition is here. Pre-orders are up too. 

Press release:

Transformers: The Movie Upper Deck Sets Announced, Future Hasbro Sets Planned (Updated)

If you are into card collecting, keep an eye out in September for a new Upper Deck set featuring the 40th Anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie. The set is part of a merchandising agreement that Upper Deck signed with Hasbro to bring their various properties to trading cards and games. Future plans will including Power Rangers, G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K. and more. 

Upper Deck has been a long time producer of sports related trading cards for decades as I know I have their cards from long ago sitting in storage somewhere but they frequently spread out to other areas like comic related cards. I think this is the first heard of toy franchise related sets. I am interpreting the press release as two Transformers related sets are coming out. One with Upper Deck branding and another with Fleer (owned by Upper Deck). Details like price and release date were not revealed.

Press release:

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Ticket Now on Sale, DVD for Pre-Order (Update)

The tickets for the September 17 to 21st run of Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary theatrical release are now on sale. Fathom Entertainment is release the film using the 4K release of the film which will include a "brand new post-credits cinematic chapter created exclusively for this release." Head over to Fathom Events if interested in buying tickets. 

Along with the tickets, the 40th anniversary home video release of the film will come out on October 13 November 17, 2026. It is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Information is light on special features so no idea if that post credits sequence will be part of the release. Nor are there indicates of a Blu-ray or 4K 40th anniversary release. Keep in mind that the 30th and 35th anniversary releases are still available so can get whatever format suits you.

Update: The Blu-ray version has now been announced with The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD Steelbook with the Apology Tour cover. It is set for release in November with current MSRP of $50.

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Trailer

Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have release the below trailer for their 40th anniversary theatrical release of Transformers: The Movie. The re-release will use the 4k version of the film release to disc I think for the 30th anniversary with the movie in theaters from September 17 to 21.

Transformers: The Movie: The Soundtrack Reformatted Edition Available for Pre-Order

As part of the 40th anniversary "Apology Tour", Transformers: The Movie soundtrack is getting a brand new release from Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM). The album has been re-recorded with new artists bringing their own take to the tracks from the original release from 1986.

The Reformatted Edition is getting released on vinyl, CD and cassette along with a t-shirt. There are 5 different vinyl colors exclusive to various online retailers.

The colors are Quintesson Green (USA,UK RPM), Energon Pink (UK RPM), Energon Purple (Target), Hot Rod Red (BBTS), and Energon Blue (Amazon). The release date for most versions is July 24, 2026, the Target exclusive is September 4, 2026.

The full list of retailers can be found at https://linktr.ee/Reformatted with average price of the vinyl around $30, CD around $16 and cassette around $17.

Track List:

1. The Touch – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
2. Instruments of Destruction – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Francesco Cavalieri (originally recorded by N.R.G.)
3. Death of Optimus Prime – Vince DiCola
4. Dare – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Stan Bush and Vince DiCola (originally recorded by Stan Bush)
5. Nothin’s Gonna Stand in Our Way – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Sebastian Bach (originally recorded by Spectre General)
6. The Transformers (Theme) – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Brittney Slayes (originally recorded by Lion)
7. Escape – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
8. Hunger – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Mark Osegueda (originally recorded by Spectre General)
9. Autobot/ Decepticon Battle – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON (originally recorded by Vince DiCola)
10. Dare To Be Stupid – KNIGHTS OF UNICRON ft. Torch (originally recorded by “Weird Al” Yankovic)

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Screenings

All remains quiet on the Transformers live action movie front. In the meantime, this year is the 40th anniversary of Transformers: The Movie which will return to theaters via Fathom Events from September 17 to 21, 2026 using the 4k version of the film that was released for the 35th anniversary. This is part of Hasbro's "Apology Tour" for killing Optimus Prime which includes releasing a lot of excellent toys related to the movie throughout the year.

Press release:

Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary Apology Tour

After 40 years, Hasbro has decided to apologize for the trauma of killing Optimus Prime in Transformers: The Movie via various celebrations of the movie. The plans are not much different than done for 35th and 30th anniversary but like the angle of approach.

In addition, Skybound has announced a deluxe hardcover edition graphic novel/trade that collects Marvel's The Transformers: The Movie three-issue comic series from 1986 and IDW's 20th anniversary four issue version in 2006. It will release on August 12, 2026 for MSRP of $34.99 but various online and physical comic stores usually provide discounts if pre-order.

Trailer and press release below.

Transformers Gets Another Shot at Toy Hall of Fame

Transformers is once again nominated for the fan vote for National Toy Hall of Fame to join the short list. The competition is tough with historic toys such as balloons, choose your own adventure books, My Little Pony, Pokémon, the Trampoline and others also up for the fan vote. Top vote doesn't guarantee entry in the hall of fame but definitely helps. More details and to vote for your choice here. Voting ends on September 25, 2024.

Transformers 40th Anniversary Tribute By StudioTrigger

For Transformers 40th, below is an interesting video created by Studio Trigger and Bump of Chicken. Honestly no clue what those two are but since coming from Japan, assume something anime related. This was done with Japanese based fans so while may see references to US Transformers cartoons, keep in mind its really a look at 40 years of Transformers from the Japanese perspective which often continued years after the US had cancelled series. <b>Update</b>: Added a second video that notates all the references made in the video. Thanks to Feris O. for the links.

The Voices of Transformers Interview Series

As a run up to Transformers 40th birthday on September 17, Hasbro has been posting a series of interviews with the original voice cast of the various Transformers series over the years. In the series the various voice actors discuss their inspirations behind the voices, how they got the roles and other stories as they walk down memory lane.

Music from The Original Animated Series Available for Transformers Day

Transformers Day was September 17 and the official 40th birthday of Transformers. Based on the first airing of the cartoon series on September 17, 1984. As part of the day, Hasbro has posted the full album for Transformers: Music from the Original Animated Series. You can also purchase it on Amazon in Vinyl or MP3. If really want to take a walk down memory lane, they have posted a six hour long video of the complete first season of The Transformers from 1984.

G1 Transformers 40th Anniversary Theatrical Event

Transformers will return to theaters this May with a table read of many of the original voice actors including Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron). This is part of the 40th Anniversary celebration of franchise. From the details it looks like they will read from the script for "More Than Meets the Eye" three part premiere episodes for the original series. Ticket will begin going on sale April 10th for screenings on May 15, 18 and 19. You can sign up for updates here. Below is the full press release.

40 YEARS. ONE LEGACY.

HASBRO ANNOUNCES TILL ALL ARE ONE: TRANSFORMERS 40^th ANNIVERSARY EVENT FEATURING EPISODES FROM THE TRANSFORMERS CLASSIC TV SHOW

Relive the Magic of the 1984 Animated Series Featuring an Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Table Read with Peter Cullen, Frank Welker and Other Original TRANSFORMERS Voice Actors – Only in Theaters Starting May 15

PAWTUCKET, RI — April 3, 2024 — Hasbro Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced today a special cinema experience to celebrate four decades of the TRANSFORMERS franchise with TILL ALL ARE ONE: TRANSFORMERS 40^th ANNIVERSARY EVENT. Honoring the brand’s legacy in bringing continuous action and adventure to fans of all ages, the theatrical event will provide limited screenings of episodes from the classic 1984 animated series “THE TRANSFORMERS.” Screenings will be available in select cinemas across the US, UK and Mexico, along with select territories in Europe, Latin America and Asia starting on Wednesday, May 15. Tickets for the TRANSFORMERS 40th Anniversary Event will go on sale at Transformers40thCinemaEvent.com on Wednesday, April 10 at 9.30am Local Time.

This special cinema experience will take fans back to the very beginning as some of the TRANSFORMERS original voice-over talent, including Peter Cullen (original voice of Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (original voice of Megatron), team up for the first time in decades to revisit their characters and recreate the enduring magic of the classic 1984 animated series. An exclusive behind-the-scenes table read appears on a split screen for the pilot episode, More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1, followed by a traditional screening of the next three episodes of the series. Fans can experience the original Saturday morning cartoon on the big screen and get a glimpse of its evolution with a sneak peek of the new season of the original animated kids’ series TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate 40 years of TRANSFORMERS action, humor and legacy at an anniversary event that is truly… More Than Meets the Eye!

“For decades, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, comic books, innovative toys, live experiences and digital media, elevating the TRANSFORMERS brand to a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. To celebrate 40 years, we’re bringing fans back to where it all started,” said Alyse D’Antuono, Vice President, Global Franchise Strategy & Management, Action Brands at Hasbro. “THE TRANSFORMERS animated series captured the imagination of fans of all ages when it premiered in 1984, introducing a timeless battle between good and evil fueled by action and adventure. Ask any longtime fan, and they can probably tell you where they were when they first heard Optimus Prime’s iconic phrase ‘Autobots, roll out’ or what it felt like when they first converted a bot character into its alt mode. With exclusive content featuring the series’ original voice actors, this theatrical event is truly for our fans and invites audiences to experience the fun that started it all.”

Entire 1984's Transformers Seasons Available for Free on Youtube

The first season of the cartoon series that started it all those 35 years ago is now available on YouTube.  Now called Transformers: Generation 1 (to denote the original cartoon and related toys, etc.) is an interesting look at how cartoons were made in the 80s to help sell toys.  The stakes were non-existent, the character development mostly accidental, and the stories simple for the intended audience.  

Despite that, it makes for a good walk down memory lane for old fans and a look at how the Transformers we know today came to be as Generation 1 continues to have a strong influence on everything that is created be it today's toys, movies and cartoons. And yep, final season was only 3 episodes.

Season 1 Playlist | Season 2 Playlist | Season 3 Playlist | Season 4 Playlist

Transformers: The Movie 35th Anniversary Steelbook Out Now

 Friendly reminder that The Transformers: The Movie 35th Anniversary Steelbook is is out now for purchase.  Not sure about overseas but in the states can find it on Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Wal Mart and probably other stores. The regular non-steelbook edition will be out on September 28. You can pre-order that here.  A look at the contents is in video below.

Transformers: The Movie 35th Anniversary 4K Restoration Blu-Ray Announced

Hard to believe it but its already been 5 years since the last release of Transformers: The Movie on home video. The 30th anniversary version was the first time the movie was released for blu-ray and digital.  This time its for a full 4K restoration using original film elements.  The release includes most of the special features from the 25th and 30th release but also adds a few new ones. It includes a featurette that was added to a one day Fathom Events theatrical showing of the film five years ago and additional storyboards. Release date is August 3rd, 2021.

The limited edition steelbook case version of the film is now available for pre-order on ShoutFactory. I assume the steelbook cover (which includes lithograph of the cover) will be exclusive to ShoutFactory since they are the ones releasing the 4K disc but could be wrong. The regular, non-steelbook case version will be announced during the summer. Thanks to Feris O. for the link.

Press release details:

The year is 2005 …

For millennia, the heroic Autobots, led by Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen), have been at war with the evil Megatron (Frank Welker) and his Decepticons over control of their home planet of Cybertron. However, an even greater threat – Unicron (Orson Welles, Citizen Kane), a colossal converting planet that devours everything in its path – is heading right for Cybertron. The only hope is the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. Will the Autobots be able to save themselves and their home world in time?

An all-star cast, including Judd Nelson (The Breakfast Club), Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek), Eric Idle (the Monty Python films) and Robert Stack (The Untouchables), brings this inimitable, explosively entertaining Autobot adventure to life.

Includes The Widescreen (1.85:1) Version in 4K And Full Frame (1.33:1) Version In 1080p

Exclusive Lithograph With Purchase From ShoutFactory.com While Supplies Last

Bonus Features

• NEW 4K Transfer Of Original Film Elements
• NEW Feature-Length Storyboards, Including Deleted, Alternate And Extended Sequences
• NEW Fathom Events 30th Anniversary Featurette, Including Stan Bush’s Acoustic Performances Of “The Touch” And “Dare”
• ‘Til All Are One – A Comprehensive Documentary Looking Back At The Transformers: The Movie With Members Of The Cast And Crew, Including Story Consultant Flint Dille, Cast Members Gregg Berger, Susan Blu, Neil Ross, Dan Gilvezan, Singer/Songwriter Stan Bush, Composer Vince DiCola And Others!
• Audio Commentary With Director Nelson Shin, Story Consultant Flint Dille And Star Susan Blu
• Archival Featurettes – “The Death Of Optimus Prime,” “The Cast & Characters,” And “Transformers Q&A”
• Animated Storyboards
• Original Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots

"How We Made Transformers" in 1984

The Guardian article "How we made Transformers", is worth reading for Transformers fan. It isn't a definitive history or anything but just a little insider look at the beginning of the franchise with comic writer Bob Budiansky, basically the "father" of Transformers, and TV series editor Bryce Malek.

The full article is here, few highlights below.

Bob Budiansky:

One name I’m proud of is Megatron. Back in 1983, the threat of nuclear war felt very real – and destructive force was talked about in megatons. At first, Hasbro rejected it for sounding too scary. Gently I said to them: “Well, he’s the main bad guy. He’s supposed to be scary.” Luckily, they changed their minds.

A Hasbro executive told me that any toy that lasts two Christmases is considered a success – that was their barometer. Transformers lasted six or seven years before they started dying out. It seemed like a good run. I don’t think anybody had a clue that they would come back as a multibillion-dollar movie franchise. I certainly didn’t.

Bryce Malek:

Some writers pitched really inappropriate stuff for a kids’ show, such as the Transformers meeting space prostitutes. Oddly enough, no one ever provided us with any of the toys – we worked from photocopies of designs. I actually went out and bought a few but I never got Optimus Prime. He was too popular. You could never find one.

I really wanted to emphasise the human characters in the show, to give the audience something to identify with. But in retrospect, I think the kids just really liked the robots. We were working so fast, the plots were full of holes. But I know from fan letters that kids would simply fill in any gaps with their own stories.

New Clip for Transformers: The Movie 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Transfer

Below is a new clip via AV Club from Transformers: The Movie (1986) that shows of the improved look of the 30 year old cartoon movie (sheesh that makes me feel old) as it has gone under a 4K transfer for the transition from DVD to Blu-ray. From what I can tell it does seem the colors and line work is the crispest I have seen, maybe to how it looked when say it in theaters so long ago (yep actually did see it in theaters first week was out). When viewing just make sure the hit the gear icon and verify the display quality is at least 720p or higher. The Transformers: The Movie 30th Anniversary Edition will be released on September 13 and now available for pre-order: Standard | Limited Edition