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

Transformers: The Movie Remastered 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Announced

The last time Transformers: The Movie (1986) was released for home video was the 20th Anniversary of the movie in 2006. Today Hasbro and Shout Factory have announced that the 30th Anniversary edition is coming to Blu-ray and "will be newly remastered and transferred in HD from the original 35mm elements". I am not sure if that means they are spending the effort to clean up and fix any errors in the print or not. The full list of bonus content has not yet been determined. The movie is set for release on September 13, 2016. If a Transformers fan, if you have never seen this movie, I do highly recommend at least watching this movie once. It may both explain and utterly confuse you about older G1 fans (like myself).

Linkfest - Christmas Time Is Here

Hopefully just in time for Christmas wish lists and gift giving (to fellow TF fans or yourself), here is a ton of reveals on Hasbro's Combiner Wars figures, Takara Masterpiece figures and a bunch of 3rd party figures with the year long emphasis on combiners. The 3rd party output remains painfully high for wallets with the combiners contining unabated (and most looking amazing) but now there is a more heathly mix of other, often Masterpiece scaled, figures. In addition to the reviews there are galleries to upcoming 3rd party toys, licensed statues, and action figures. To start though is some fan-art including a custom paint job, transforming Lego, and more. On a side note for Transformers: Robots in Disguise fans it has been confirmed the second season is also the final season with only 16 episodes and will end with a "movie" that is equal to 3 episodes. Exactly when it will start airing has not been revealed. On to the info dump.

Fan Art
Custom IDW Optimus Prime and Shockwave - Sadly this version of Optimus Prime and Shockwave isn't available. This custom paint job from LEK Custom Toys was inspired by the artwook from Transformers: Devastation IDW comic book from a few years ago that added a shiny sheen to all the TFs as a kind of hybrid of metal and cartoon look. The result is pretty fantastic looking. Even more images can be found at their Facebook page.

SDCC 2015 Day One Transformers News

I had planned to wait until the end of the weekend and just sum up all of the Transformers news from the San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) but it seems just do to the panel schedules that most of the news has already been released. Hasbro had their Transformers Brand Panel where they showed off the Victorion combiner (yep all repaints) and few other sets that are planned for release sometime in the fall. They also revealed a new cartoon web series with Machinima and another trailer for the Transformers: Devastation video game. At this point all that seems left in the news department will be from IDW's panel and usually they just tease the same material already released in the 3 month advance comic book solicitations. On the movie front I seriously doubt there will be any info. Below are the highlights with links to pictures from Thursday's first official day of SDCC.

Generations Devastator Available for Pre-Order

If, like me, you are looking to get hold of Transformers Generations Combiner Wars Devastator, then Amazon might have you covered. The retail site has a pre-order listing for the 18" toy that combines from six Voyager sized Constructicons. The release date is currently set for August 1, 2015 for a price of $150 with free shipping. and you can find a picture review here. As for its retail store release, so far this is all we have but I assume at some point it might hit Walmart, Target, etc in the states at least.

You can pre-order Devastator by clicking here.

Botcon 2015

Botcon 2015 completed its annual TF love fest this weekend in Chicago, Illinois. Since it is a non-movie year the focus was mostly on Combiner Wars and Robots in Disguise with Hasbro on hand to present some of their late 2015 to early 2016 plans which to no surprise includes more Combiners and a whole lot of repaints for both lines. On the Transformers: Hall of Fame front, Frank Welker (voice of Megatron), Prowl, Predaking, and Vince DiCola (composer for Transformers: The Movie) were inducted. No movie news or anything major to report. Since Botcon bans 3rd Party toys (per Hasbro directive), nothing to report there either. Hit the links below for summaries of all the various panels and galleries to upcoming Transformers releases.

G1 Based Transformers: Devastation Coming to Consoles (Updated)

Pure XBox has posted multiple screenshots for Transformers: Devastation, a new video game from Activision. Currently the only thing that is known is from the screenshots which shows that the game focus on the Generation One version of Transformers with the classic look of Devastator, Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Bumblebee. Even more interesting is the cel-shaded graphical style looks like it was lifted directly from Transformers: The Movie with all the shiny gleam on the everyone. Hasbro doesn't really do exclusives. Since the site reports they have confirmed it is hitting the 360, it is safe to assume it is going to PS4, PS4, and XBox One. The Wii U is iffy as it tends to force studios to practically rebuild the game from scratch and with its lackluster sales many studios decide its not worth the expense. Hopefully the full details will be revealed at next week's E3. Any case you check check out the screenshots here.

Update: A leak on Best Buy Canada has confirmed the game is set for release on October 6 for the PS3, PS4, XBox 360 and XBox One with Platinum Games as the developer. The game looks like it uses the same graphics engine the company developed for The Legend of Korra video game which wasn't exactly critically acclaimed but they have an over all good track record so hopefully they learned from Korra. From the listing:

Overview
Face off against Megatron and battle it out with the Decepticons in Transformers Devestation. Equipped with fast action capabilities, this game allows for instant robot to vehicle attacks, slam downs, counterattacks, and infinite combos for a unique master combat system. Five difficulty levels also deliver hours of intense gameplay.

More Information
- Autobots face off against the Decepticons when Megatron discovers a way to harness the enormous power of plasma energy to cyberform Earth
- PlatinumGames signature fast action allows instant robot to vehicle attacks, slam downs, counterattacks, and infinite combos for a unique master combat system
- Features 5 playable Autobots including Optimus Prime, Bubblebee, Sideswipe, Wheeljack, and Grimlock
- A deep customization system and 5 difficulty levels with overhauls in enemy composition deliver hours of intense gameplay
- Actors from the original TV series reprising their roles include Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Dan Gilvezan (Bubblebee), Frank Welker (Megatron and Soundwave), and more