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.

Concept Art for Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Updated)

Transformers: Dark of the Moon concept artists Josh Nizzi, Joel Chang and Warren Manser have each posted concept art from the movie on their websites. Among the interesting tidbits it reveals is the near use of Steeljaw (called Warpath) and that Shockwave and Soundwave probably had other Decepticon codenames to prevent the leaking of details about the characters assuming the art didn't leak. Shockwave was being called Blitzwing while Soundwave was being called Breakdown but the artwork makes it very clear who they were going to be. Driller was being called Colossus but I am betting Marvel owns that name so couldn't get it cleared. Of the group, I think Nizzi's art is my favorite. If a Transformers 4 (reboot or continuation) is made and only one of this team can be brought back, I hope it is Josh Nizzi as he has shown the most command of Transformers design over the years. Below are sample of my more favorite pieces but make sure to hit the links for much more art.
Update: Aaron Sims, another DOTM concept artist, has now posted his TF3 work online.

NY Times Profile on DOTM Chicago Filming, Shockwave

New York Times has posted an article that discusses Shockwave and the scenes that were filmed in Chicago last summer with Transformers: Dark of the Moon director Michael Bay and Visual Effects Supervisor Scott Farrar. Among the highlights I found interesting is the middle base jumpers in the scenes we have seen is computer generated "since he has to land on Shockwave's shoulder." At the time I figured that scene would be 3D post-converted but it turns out the camera man that trailed the base jumpers had a small 3-D camera on his head.

Some filming occurred at 35 East Wacker Drive, specifically the Jeweler's Building which is described as playing "a significant role in the last part" of the film. The articles mentioned that in its first few years of existence (circa 1881) it had car sized elevators at street level for security reasons. After all leaving your car then made you more vulnerable. The article just drops in this historical anecdote for some reason so figure it might become useful once see the film.

More From Transformers 3 Chevy Road Show

Feris Othman has tweeted more pictures taken with his blackberry from the "Chevrolet Transformers 3" road show at 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya. Yesterday was about the large displays and cars while today focuses on the Transformers toy themselves. Chevy seems to know how to do displays right as they had three cases filled to the brim with Transformers from all eras (the pics are front and back of those cases). There was a display of just Bumblebee (cause of the Camaro) including a diorama that mimicked an Ultimate Bumblebee transforming. Even cooler, someone was on site creating custom paint jobs of move related toys including Shockwave, Megatron and Optimus Prime. If something like this was done stateside you would probably get the car, posters a rack of DOTM toys to buy (which this show also had) but not much else. To view Feris's full gallery click here.

Botcon 2011 Day 3 Linkfest

Day 3 of Botcon 2011 has concluded in Pasadena, California and it seems to have been a good day with panels from Hasbro and Activision among others. The Hall of Fame ceremony was held with Beast War's Waspinator revealed to be the fan choice for inductee. Also lots more Transformers toy pictures from all eras and upcoming exclusives. As was with Day 1 & 2 post, if you see a link, probably worth clicking.

Hall of Fame Goodie Bag
A look at the freebies given to those that attended the Hall of Fame ceremony. Nothing major, just advertisements and the like but worth a moment to click through.

Hasbro Panel
Lots of info on the next six months or so of toy releases that Hasbro has in the pipeline. Hit the link for specifics but a few highlights include Ironhide getting a G1 inspired red repaint, a Cyberverse Battle Pack with Bumblebee and Barricade that was inspired by the D.C. police accident with Bumblebee, and Generations line will continue. As for as Kre-0, will be 28 "Kreons" at launch which is sometime this Summer. Transformers: Prime will be released on 12/1/11 with Deluxe Cliffjumper, Voyager Optimus Prime, Voyager Bulkhead, and others.

USA Today Article on Shockwave

It seems we know have an explanation on why Linkin Park's Iridescent music video was pulled. USA Today has posted an article that "reveals" the villain of Transformers: Dark of the Moon as Shockwave. While this is common knowledge to most Transformers fan, keep in mind it isn't to the average movie goer, press, or reader of USA Today. The key thing of note is the posted image is identical to the segment that LP used in their music video. I suspect that USA Today was given the "exclusive" on Shockwave and the posting of the video violated that promise from Paramount forcing it to be pulled down until this article went life and had time to circulate. As far as the article goes, one paragraph below could be a spoiler. Thanks to Brendan for the link.

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

Countdown To Trailer Shockwave Images

The trailer is set to premiere this Thursday at 7:00PM EST. As a kind of countdown to the date, Apple Trailers is premiering an image from the movie each day according to Paramount’s Marketing director Tamar Teifeld. The first one is Shockwave with a great look at his Cyclops head.

As a bonus, I have added 2 other Shockwave images being used to promote a DOTM Facebook page. The first image is the same as the one on DOTM kids books but shows more of the body while the second one is a promotional image from DOTM: The Game. I don't think it is the official FB page for the movie mostly because it is using fan provided images including bootleg Hasbro toy pics, posters created by fans (including images created for this site) along with cast and crew notes that seem incorrect. Mostly posting them because cool images. Thanks to Karimpie and Winston for Apple link and LordBerti for FB stuff.

More DOTM Toy Galleries and Reviews

Another "linkfest" for Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys and related merchandise. This edition is heavy on toy images and bios which sadly reveal little about the movie but do have two new video reviews including one for leader class Ironhide. Most of the toys are expected to hit shevles on May 16th.

2000 Pound Bumblebee Cake
Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey created a massive cake for a General Motors display at the Javits Center. The cake will be featured on TLC's "Cake Boss" program on June 20th. The cake has the Bumblebee astride his Camaro alt mode. The 2000 pound creation is made of vanilla pound cake with butter-cream frosting and Rice Krispies treats to "bind the cake at critical flex points." (via AllSpark)

DOTM Mobile Game Coming (5x)
Electronic Arts is working on a mobile game around Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The leaked screenshots (at link) show a game that seems to be part side scroller with a bit of overhead "Spyhunter" type play style. On description says "“While Megatron is hiding after the disgraceful defeat, Decepticons Shockwave, the ruler of Cybertron, is preparing to visit the planet with absolutely no good intentions. The game takes place not only on Earth, but the dynamics Moon, a dark side which holds no less dark secrets." There is no indication on price or release date. Thanks to Sahara for the link.

DOTM Shockwave Banner (Updated)

A third banner has been posted on Yahoo! Movies for Transformers: Dark of the Moon that features Shockwave. To my knowledge this is the first official look at the character even though leaked images posted for kids books and the video game had already gave it away.. Previous banners were for Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. All three have the same devastated Chicago background but with certain elements moved around like the spaceships and smoke effects. I am betting that Megatron is probably next. Thanks to Scott C. for the link.

Update: Nelson has posted all three banners in Hi-Res here. Thanks to NHLfan for the link.

Even More DOTM Toy Galleries

All remains basically dead on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie front. Sadly nothing either to verify if the trailer is coming next week either. In the meantime here is more toy stuff. Hit links below to view galleries of Optimus Prime with trailer, more Shockwave, Roadbuster and Jolt along with hints possible new additions to the DOTM toy line like Takara’s version of the combined Prime w/ trailer mode, human alliance Bumblebee and more.

Voyager Optimus Prime with Trailer (3x) A Japan Yahoo Auction provides a look at a version of Optimus Prime that currently has not been confirmed for American or European release. This version has voyager Optimus Prime with his trailer that currently is just a shell. Knowing Takara, it wouldn't surprise me if they have plans for that shell.

Voyager Sentinel Prime and Other Sets Speaking of the Japan market, while no pictures are provided Kapow Toys reports three new toys are joining the DOTM line there. Sentinel Prime is getting a voyager class release and two sets of around $100 each are planned - "#430254 T/F G1CONVOY & Movie OPTIMUS w/TRAILER" and "#430261 T/F G1MEGATRON & Movie MEGATRON". The details beyond that are unknown so no telling if looking at new molds, re-releases, DOTM molds are what that the sets will contain.

CGI Shockwave Images & Product Line Galleries

Another link fest to a bunch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys, accessories and books. The main highlight is a look at Shockwave in his ILM created CGI glory. I think this is the first time his look has been revealed as will appear in the movie. Previous looks were via the toy and the video game. Other items include leader Ironhide, plush toys, and more Sentinel Prime voice clips.

DOTM Junior Novelizations (4x)
Much like was done with Revenge of the Fallen; a wave of 4 children's books is being prepped around Dark of the Moon. Of note is the covers provide the first real look of Shockwave in his CGI glory. The books revealed on Amazon Japan are "Colour and Create", an Activity Book, junior novel based on the movie, and The Ultimate Guide which is info on all three movies. The planned release date is 6/9/11. Thanks to Sahara for the link.


Kre-O Figures
ACToys has revealed a little bit more details about the Kre-O Transformers line that was revealed a few months ago at the New York Toy Fair. The line is another attempt by Hasbro to enter the building blocks business that is ruled by Lego. The Lego like mini-figs alone just might make this line worthwhile. Hasbro might want to take a page from Lego and offer the mini-figs separately. (via AllSpark)

DOTM Toys: More Laserbeak, Shockwave, Sentinel Prime and Contest

The Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy images keep coming. The latest galleries are yet more pictures of voyager Shockwave, leader Sentinel Prime, deluxe Laserbeak and deluxe Mudflap. Also Hasbro and Nickelodeon have kicked off a contest to win a chance to walk the red carpet as the US premiere of the movie.

Voyager Shockwave
Hit the link for another look at the big bad of DOTM.

Leader Sentinel Prime
A new gallery that gives you a look at the new addition to the Autobot cause in package and out. (via AllSpark)

Deluxe Laserbeak
New images have been posted and once again they do not show what the alt mode might be.

Deluxe Mudflap
Thanks to ACToys, we know get a look at the robot mode of the Twin. Same ugly mug for a new paint scheme in a new mold. Still reportedly on the cutting room floor and not in the movie. (via TFW2005)

16 Weeks of Cyber Sweeps Contest
Hasbro and Nickelodeon have joined together for a new contest that offers a grand prize of a trip for four to the US premiere of Dark on the Moon to "walk the red carpet with movie talent." Other prizes include a 3D TV, TF customized flip video camera, private screening of the movie, money, DOTM bike, movie posters, soundtrack, toys and video games. Hit link above to enter. (via TFW2005, thanks to Sahara for the link.)

DOTM Toys Linkfest with Wheelie

A bunch of galleries and news relating to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. New auctions have revealed a look at Shockwave, a test shot of Sentinel Prime, and Sideswipe. There are also galleries that show off the in package look at various characters and a close look at the Stealth Force line including possibly the first look at the new orange version of Wheelie. In the video department below is a review of the first figure released at retail from DOTM along with a look at part of Hasbro’s marketing campaign for the toy line.

Shockwave in Package
The images above of Shockwave comes from a Yahoo Japan auction who is the big bad of DOTM (besides Megatron). Still not sold on the tank mode but do like the robot mode.

Stealth Force Line Images
Hit the link to check out images of the new DOTM Stealth Force line. The line seems to be about a weapon mode for the TFs as panels and the like fold back to reveals a bunch of fire power. I don't think any of these have a robot mode. I have no idea if the orange buggy below is Wheelie but the orange color is very close to his Generation One counterpart.

DOTM Game Shockwave Full Body Render

It seems while High Moon Studios was updating their Facebook page with a tease of Shockwave, they also went ahead and updated their Transformers Video Game YouTube page with a full body image of the big bad. The image is from Transformers: Dark of the Moon The Game but if previous games are any indication, the design is from Industrial Light & Magic's files on the character so really for the first time we now have a solid approximation of what the one-eyed wonder will look like in the movie. Thanks to FFN and NHLfan for the link and image.

Dark of the Moon Video Game Teaser Image

Today Activision released a press release making official the information (and trailer) from this weekend regarding the Transformers: Dark of the Moon video game that will serve as a prequel to the upcoming movie. Along with the release was an update to their Facebook page that shows a render of Shockwave that I assume is from the game but likely derived from ILM's movie model. It would not surprise me if the image is part of the 3DS Decepticon cover. Also of note is the release makes no mention of a PC version of the game. The Press Release:

Transformers™: Dark of the Moon™ Video Game Sets the Stage in the Ultimate Battle for Earth

New Game to Feature an Original Prologue Storyline to Upcoming Film and Debut In-Game 'Stealth Force' Conversion Mode

The next colossal entry in the TRANSFORMERS saga on Earth is on the way as Activision Publishing, Inc. ATVI announced today that Transformers: Dark of the Moon is in development by the critically acclaimed developers at High Moon Studios. Based on Hasbro's legendary TRANSFORMERS property and featuring a brand-new 'Stealth Force' conversion mode, the game thrusts players directly into an original prologue storyline to experience the ultimate battle between the AUTOBOTS™ and DECEPTICONS™ that leads into the summer's most anticipated blockbuster film and reveals another face of evil, SHOCKWAVE.

Eight Dark of the Moon Toy Reviews

It seems that Transformers reviewer Peaugh has scored the mother lode of leaked toys from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line as he has posted eight video reviews for the upcoming line. The reviews include a look at the Voyager Optimus Prime, Megatron and Shockwave along with reviews of the new Human Alliance "basic" class and three deluxe toys. It seems the H.A. basic class is a scout sized toy with tiny action figure that are sort of triple changers with a weapon mode that some voyager class figures can hold. For those wondering why Shockwave has a hose, it is likely a homage to the Generation One figure as he had a hose too but then it was for the practical purpose of getting power to the lights. Below are embeds or hit the links for all the reviews.

Deluxe Skids | Deluxe Crankcase/Dread | Deluxe Green Wrecker | H.A. Sandstorm | H.A. Whirl |
Voy. Optimus Prime | Voy. Shockwave | Voy. Megatron

DOTM Shockwave Preview and Skids Review Videos

More videos for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys for your enjoyment. The first video is a preview of voyager Shockwave as the camera gets nice and close at at the big bad of the movie. The next two videos after that is a review of deluxe Skids broken down by checking out the vehicle mode and then the robot mode. (via Seibertron, TFW2005)

Better DOTM Shockwave Images (Updated)

A few days ago our first look at the voyager Shockwave toy for Transformers: Dark of the Moon and now we get an even better look. ACToys has a new gallery of pictures that really show off the color and look of the Voyager class toy and therefore a close approximation of how he will look in the movie. While I am not completely sold his tank mode, the robot mode is pretty sweet and I like the homage to the classic Generation One design. The full gallery can be found here. (via Seibertron)



Update:ACToys has a group photo of DOTM leaked toys. According to TFW2005 the identified toys from bottom left are:
- Legends Crankcase/Dread
- Legends Nascar Blue Wrecker
- Deluxe Ratchet
- Deluxe Class Skids
- Voyager Shockwave
- Deluxe Nascar Green Wrecker
- Deluxe Crankcase/Dread
- Deluxe Starscream
- Voyager Ironhide
- Voyager Optimus Prime
- Voyager Megatron

First Look at DOTM Shockwave Toys

With all the toy leaks it was just a matter of time. Thanks to members of ACToys (via Collecticon) we now have our first look at the robot and alt mode of Shockwave, the big bad of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The character is designed as homage to his Generations One look with Cyclops head and horn along with a purple color scheme now with an alt mode of a Cybertronian tank rather than his G1 alt mode of a Cybertronian gun. The switch to a tank alt mode is expected as that has been his most common alt mode since Transformers: Energon cartoon series. As a bonus, hit the links below for more images of deluxe Barricade, various DOTM legends class figures, Crankcase (possible other name of Dread Suburban) and more.

Shockwave | Barricade | Crankcase, other Legends | Voyager Prime | Buggy, Starscream | Skids Comparison