Linkfest - Fall of Cybertron

It turns out this week’s unintended theme for the link fest is Fall of Cybertron as collected multiple links on the subject including video reviews of Jazz & Shockwave, Achievements, Bruticus release month, and Metroplex screenshots. In addition, another look at the next three Masterpiece toys from Takara-Tomy, Scott Barga gets Academy invite, violin remix of Transformers I Arrival to Earth score and video reviews of upcoming TF Prime toys.

Next Three Masterpiece Transformers Images -
All Three | Hi-Re Gallery
A few weeks ago we got a look at the non-colored prototype of Masterpiece Sideswipe (MP-12) that Takara is releasing in a few months. Now we can get a leak at him in his fully painted glory along with a look at the Soundwave with Laserbeak (MP-13) and Red Alert (MP-14) prototypes that will clearly stick as close as possible to look of the Generation One characters. Of note is it seems Takara isn't going to try to come up with a modern alt mode for Soundwave, choosing to stick with the classic cassette boom box.

Transformers' Scott Benza Joins the Academy
Transformers trilogy animation supervisor Scott Benza was recently invited to join the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Members of the organization are those that vote for the Oscar winners each year and considered a huge honor in Hollywood. 176 members total were given invites this year, most of them either past winners or nominees including Benza who received multiple nominations for the effects work on the Transformers’ films. Congrats to him for the honor.

Jazz Up For Auction

Jalopnik is reporting that GM, in an effort to raise some cash, is putting cars from the companies Heritage museum up for sale, including the Pontiac Solstice "Jazz Transformer Movie Vehicle." I assume this is the "hero" model used in the first movie for the best shots of the car. Considering the car is up for auction and no other Transformer vehicle, is this the final nail in the coffin for all those hoping for Jazz's resurrection? If you have the money, the Barrett-Jackson auction of the vehicles will run January 13-18 in Scottsdale, AZ. Car collectors (ah to have that kind of money) must be salivating right now.

Jazz Returning?

From TFW2005.com comes news that the Pontiac Solstice vehicle prop for Jazz has arrived in Bethlehem, PA. In addition the voice of Jazz, Darius McCrary is there to. This news contradicts Bay's own statements that "No Jazz is dead. We have way more cool robots to come." Of course that could have just been part of his disinformation campaign. Possible flashback perhaps?

Bay: Jazz is Dead

Just for those that where holding out hope that Jazz might make an appearance in Transformers 2, Bay posted on his forums "No Jazz is dead. We have way more cool robots to come." (source)

Jazz Returns for Sequel?

Could Jazz, the Transformers ripped in half and declared dead by Ratchet, return? That is suggested in an article on BlackAmericaWeb.com with Darious McCrary who voiced Jazz.

Last summer, McCrary starred as Autobot Jazz in the 4th of July blockbuster "Transformers" and is currently in talks to return for the sequel.

"That was something I grew up watching, so to be a part of that was exciting," said McCrary.

McCrary says he was honored to be chosen as the first voice actor to take over the role of Jazz since the original voice, venerable actor Scatman Crothers, died in 1986.

"It was kind of cool because -- I know this may sound crazy -- when I was actually filming, I really did feel Scatman's presence," he said.

I suspect its more a bit of miscommunication. Not because I wouldn't mind the return of Jazz but with all the characters that are available to tap, why bother wasting story time to bring the character back. (source)

Jazz Pics From Maxim

MaximOnline apparently had some pics of Jazz, probably due to their in magazine advertising campaign for the Pontiac Solstice. TFW2005 mirrored the images and now so have I below.
As you probably noticed some of those pictures have a website logo on them. That is Killer3, which redirects to MaximOnline, which is a promotion between Maxim, Transformers and Pontiac. The site is has a contest with grand prize being a trip to Hollywood for premiere of Transformers, meet Megan Fox and get a Pontiac Solstice.

The site also provides access to pics and the like including some very hot pics of Megan Fox who is quite photogenic. The site requires registration, including email, phone number and address so just be aware you are signing up for junk mail and spam from Maxim and Pontiac.

Hi-Res Transformers Pictures

New Hi-Res pics have hit the web that show various movie Transformers with some fantastic details. Blackout remains my favorite design while Starscream continues to be the ugliest. The pics are from a the Lunchables website that has a promotional partnership with the movie. Those images where then reproduced via the Michael Bay blog. I grabbed the images from the Serve with Chips blog. Thanks to Mitchell Z, Lucas C and Maximus for the info. Oops mislabeled Ironhide, added Jazz, now corrected.

BlackoutOptimus PrimeMegatronBumblebeeIronhideFrenzyJazzStarscream

Close-Up of Jazz's Face

From TFW2005, images of Jazz's face, taken from a toy store display. So far, design wise, I am really likely Jazz. The toy is a buy for me and the CGI version is slick looking to.

Pics of CGI Version of Jazz

Superherohype.com has posted images of a series of "I Can Read!" books that show an image of Jazz including one with his famed visor. The pictures are oddly over-posed to the point of silly but at least gives an idea of what Jazz is going to look like.

Jazz Robot Designs

The news drought, for now, has ended. TFW2005.com has posted a pic of a potential design for the robot mode of Jazz. White is apparently his favorite color. Actually I am liking the design, its not bad at all. Now if only tfw2005 would stop with the enormous watermarks that mess up the actual picture visuals. The images are not theirs anyway (technically they are Dreamworks) so to mark them up to ruin is overkill. Use a watermark, just stick it somewhere it doesn't cover a chunk of the pic visuals.

Two Video of Transformers Set Footage Released

Two new videos have hit the web showing some of the filming for Transformers being done in Los Angeles. One piece of footage from TMZ.com (found by AICN.com) mostly shows the vehicles for Jazz and Ratchet being driven around and prepped for a scene. The other video,found by TFormers.com shows a little filming being done as a caravan of cars go down the street with Bumblebee.

The videos are here and here.

On Set Video and Pictures including Jazz and Ratchet

LatinoReview.com has posted some new pictures and video from the on location shoot for Transformers in downtown Los Angeles. The pictures including shots of the set, cast, extras and the vehicles being used including a nice shot of Ratchet and Jazz.

The pics are here and the video here.