Transformers Animated: Season Two (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I really like Transformers, a lot! I was there at the dawn of the G1 Series, and have seen almost every other (Japanese) Transformer series that followed, including the very bad attempts at adapting a few of these series for the U.S. Though none of these series were on par with even the slowest/silliest G1 Episodes! Beast Wars, & Transformers: Armada were fun, for the most part and had some of the "spirit" of the G1 series, but weren't quite there. Now we have the newest series: Transformers Animated. I saw some of the early designs for the "new" versions of the classic characters at the San Diego ComicCon a few years ago, and thought that they might be a little too cartoony, but they still looked kind of cool. Although, I still cannot stand Optimus Prime with a mouth!!! Anyway, I started watching this series with my nephews, and found myself really enjoying the stories (simple as they are), and the animation as well. The first season is good, and the second season is a bit better. So, if you haven't watched any of this series, please give it a try. You might enjoy it more than you think you would!

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Transformers Season 3 Part 2/Season 4 Boxed Set (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)Hopefully, you see this before paying the rip-off prices that third party sellers are posting. Yes, this DVD set is out of print, BUT Sony WILL BE RELEASING THEM IN THE FUTURE. I asked Rhino Video what happened through their Q&A person, Dr. Rhino. Here is the response:
A message from the Rhino Video Deptartment:
Rhino's deal with Sunbow, the licensor of Transformers, GI Joe and Jem, has expired. Sony Music has acquired them and will reissue these titles at some point.
Dr. Rhino
So, if you can wait then you will save yourself at least 50 bucks. I can't believe these sellers are trying to sell the items for more than they are worth.

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Transformers: Season One (Collector's Edition) (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought about ordering this DVD set for some time but had held off. I thought it was rather pricey. Along came by birthday, though, and I decided to buy myself a little something....
I forgot how good this show really was. It was incredibly loyal to the each of the characters and everything at this point. The voice actors are an all star cast as well.
The remastering job was very good when you consider what they had to work with to start. They cleaned up a lot of noise and dirt off of the film and made the colors a lot more vivid and clear. There are some occasional sound effects added, but they are not intrustive and not that frequent, really. A couple of scenes in "Heavy Metal War", the last episode on the disc, turned out pretty poor, but otherwise they did an awesome job restoring this first season run, even including the original opening of the show and the commercial bumpers.
I am still annoyed by the constant coloring mistakes made by the original animators of the show. I guess it's part of the charm, and it's probably best that Rhino left them like they were. I remember these coloring mistakes in the original series just as well, and it even bothered me back then in 1984-85 that Sunbow couldn't seem to tell the difference between Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp most of the time (though as the series goes on past the first 5 or 6, they DO get better about it...save for the part in Heavy Metal War where there are two Starscreams side by side, one of which was supposed to be Skywarp).
I wish Rhino would take out the stupid cartoon openings on their videos and DVDs, though. While I know they are mostly a children's video company, with things like Transformers and GI Joe, they are mostly catering to adults...adults who don't want to sit through a cartoon rhino dressed like Elvis at the start of each disc while we wait for the menu to appear.
Overall, if you grew up with this original series of Transformers, as I did, you will very much enjoy this set. I enjoyed every minute of it, and can hardly wait until late November now, where Rhino releases the first half of Season 2 in a box set. The second half of Season 2 follows in the Spring.
So if you are waiting like I did, stop waiting now. After watching this, I felt like a kid again, and you will too.

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Beast Wars Transformers - The Complete First Season Review

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(More customer reviews)After haphazzardly releasing the first 12 episodes on two individual volumes, Rhino has decided to go with their G1 Transformers formula by releasing the complete first season of Beast Wars in a nice box set. Quite frankly, I'm delighted. Hopefully they'll include some new special features in this set, with some commentaries perhaps (but I doubt that one). A little "making of" or more 3D animation tests would be cool.
But anyway, Beast Wars came on the scene in 1996 as a totally new 3D-animated Transformers show. Despite mis-givings and apprehensions of die-hard G1 Transformers fans, Beast Wars picked up a cult following of former fans and new alike. One thing to attract this old school Trans-fan was the upscaled fight scenes. The brutality of the fight scenes really gave me a sense that Mainframe Entertainment made this series for aging G1 fans. Gone were the days where robots would shoot at one another and no damage would occur. In Beast Wars robots would literally be blown apart. Fortunately the writers of the show got around this by including a automated repair unit in each of the factions' ship bases.
But where Beast Wars shined was the various homages paid back to the G1 story and time line. This series was sort of a sequal or in essence a prequel to G1 due to that whacky time travel paradox. (Season 2 spoiler - The Maximals find the original Autobot Ark in prehistoric Earth). Another homage to G1 was the 2nd season appearance of Ravage. And then of course numerous dialogue references to G1.
The CGI animation was good for its day, (being made in 1996), and surprisingly looks excellent on DVD. Bright colors with shimmering metallic appearance. Shame the environment was a bit bland. But nonetheless, the series had excellent animation over its 3 season run.
The thing that set Beast Wars apart from its predecessor G1, was the accuracy (or similated accuracy) in robot transformations. Meaning that because this was a 3D animated series, the robot modes had to match the beast modes in size and form. The transformations had to appear as if they were the actual toys being transformed by a child.
After Season 1 is released, I'm betting Rhino will release the shorter second and third seasons (13 episodes each) as one set. And then both 13 episode seasons of Beast Machines in another set.

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Transformers Cybertron - Robots in Disguise, A New Beginning (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This dvd set, "New Beginning" is anything but the beginning of the series. It's episodes 2-5. Why they would do this, I have no idea. It makes no logical sense to me. I ordered it because Cartoon Network Started with Episode 3. Which also makes no sense because the first 2 setup the entire series.

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The duality of human nature is explored through the fists of steel and purity of heart of the TRANSFORMERS. The Autobot warriors, led by Optimus Prime, are good, strong, and true, and provide an intergalactic shield of defense against the evil Megatron and his Decepticon forces. No matter where the TRANSFORMERS land, or which mode they are in when they engage in battle, the conflict remains the same. Good vs. evil, More than meets the eye. DVD Includes 4 Episodes VHS Includes 2 Episodes (Eps. 01/02 & 03): Ep. 03: "Haven" With the help of their human friends, the Autobots construct a new headquarters on Earth, but will Megatron discover their secret base before it's even finished? Ep. 04: "Hidden" Coby, Lori, and Bud try to help the Autobots maintain their disguises during their stay on Earth, but soon find that concealing their new friends is harder than they think. The real danger comes when an encounter with the Decepticons threatens to expose the Autobots! Ep. 05: "Landmine" Optimus sends Hot Shot and Red Alert to the Speed Planet to search for the first Cyber Planet Key, while Bud finds the Autobots' first clue to the location of the Omega Lock. In the battle for the ancient artifact, the veteran Landmine pushes himself to the limit and beyond. Will he be able to hold off the Decepticons long enough to recover the Omega Lock? Ep. 06: "Space" On the Speed Planet, Hot Shot has no choice but to disobey Optimus when Decepticon thugs attack the innocent. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Bud cajoles Scattorshot into taking him on a trip into space, but adventure turns to terror when a stray missile sends them hurtling to the Earth!

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Transformers Season 3 Part 1 Boxed Set (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)Season 3 -
01. Five Face of Darkness (Part 1)
02. Five Face of Darkness (Part 2)
03. Five Face of Darkness (Part 3)
04. Five Face of Darkness (Part 4)
05. Five Face of Darkness (Part 5)
06. The Killing Jar
07. Chaos
08. Dark Awakening
09. Forever is a Long Time coming
10. Starscream's Ghost
11. Thief in the Night
12. Surprise Party
13. Madman's Paradise
14. Nightmare Planet
15. Ghost in the Machine
16. Webworld
(they MAY also have another episode to this first part, and that would be:)
17. Carnage in C-Minor
Here is what Season 3 Part 2's will have:
18. The Quintesson Journal
19. The Ultimate Weapon
20. The Big Broadcast of 2006
21. Fight or Flee
22. The Dweller in the Depths
23. Only Human
24. Money is Everything
25. Grimlock's New Brain (One of my Favorites!)
26. Call of the Primitives
27. Face of the Nijika
28. The Burden Hardest to Bear
Now... Will Rhino add the following two ending episodes even though they have released these on VHS and DVD already? They better! They are part of season 3! :)
29. The Return of Optimus Prime (Part 1)
30. The Return of Optimus Prime (Part 2)
And Here is the 'Sometimes called' VERY short 'Season 4.
(also known as the Headmasters Series)
01 The Re-Birth (Part 1)
02 The Re-Birth (Part 2)
03 The Re-Birth (Part 3)
I wonder how they will/IF they will even release these last 3. Since these were the actual LAST episodes.. Time will tell!

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Transformers: Seasons Three & Four (25th Anniversary Edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I really never used to care for the final 3rd and 4th season all that much when I was younger, boy what was I smokin' back then?! I preffered Optimus Prime and Megatron at that time and still do for the most part. I just purchased this set to finish off my entire collection and its awesome. Watching these again they are much better now IMOP. These episodes are, at times a little more on the bizzare side in contrast to seasons 1 and 2. What I like the most now is the whole spiritual nature to these 2 final seasons. It's like a whole " Transformers horror spoof series " in a lot of ways for me. I really think it's unique. I also like the whole outerspace thing, the Autobots and Decepticons traveling and fighting each other on different, distant worlds and the interaction with diverse alien species besides just humans. With that said, if youre a hard core G1 Transformers fan then you owe it to yourself to complete the collection with this set. Thank you so very much "SHOUT!" productions you have made the Transformers child in me come out again. I never thought that I would see these final last 2 seasons ever again. G1 TRANSFORMERS FOREVER!!!!

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Following the defeat of the planet eater known as Unicron and the end of the great Cybertronian War, the victorious Autobots, led by Rodimus Prime, finally reclaim their home world. But when Galvatron is returned to the ranks of power by his exiled Decepticons, his war against the Autobots is revived, and this time it is fueled by vengeance! Opening with the five part fan favorite miniseries The Five Faces Of Darkness, The Transformers explosive third season follows the valiant Autobots as they are targeted for destruction by not only their old foes, the Decepticons, but also the mysterious and deadly creators known as the Quintessons! This final four-disc set of the megapopular animated series concludes with the rarely seen three episode fourth season of The Transformers that introduces you to the amazing world of the Headmasters!

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Transformers: The Complete First Season (25th Anniversary Edition) (1984) Review

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(More customer reviews)A lot of us grew up on the Generation One or G1 Transformer's long before a live action film about giant transforming robots could have been thought possible. Now to tie in with this summer's live action sequel, Transformer's 2: Revenge Of The Fallen, comes this 3-Disc DVD set containing all sixteen episodes of the first season of this beloved eighties classic. Those sixteen episodes, originally airing September 17th to December 29th 1984, are:
1: More Than Meets the Eye (1)
2: More Than Meets the Eye (2)
3: More Than Meets the Eye (3)
4: Transport to Oblivion
5: Roll for It
6: Divide and Conquer
7: S.O.S. Dinobots
8: The Ultimate Doom: Brainwash (1)
9: The Ultimate Doom: Search (2)
10: The Ultimate Doom: Revival (3)
11: War of the Dinobots
12: Countdown to Extinction
13: Fire in the Sky
14: Heavy Metal War
15: Fire on the Mountain
16: A Plague of Insecticons
Special Features Are So Far Said To Include:
Original Concept Artwork
Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials
Rare Public Service Announcements
"Triplechanger: From Toy To Comic To Screen: The Origins Of The Transformers" Featurette
A Printable Script For The Episode "Transport To Oblivion"
& A Limited Edition Autobot Magnet
The animation may not have been the best on this series but in the eighties it's all we needed and our active imaginations filled in the rest. Despite the older less impressive animation these episodes are still classics to those who remember them and will be more enjoyable for most of us than the many spinoffs that followed the G1 series. There was something innocent about the series here, maybe because it was so early before the fact that each episode was really just a half hour commercial became common knowledge, maybe because here they actually looked like robots in disguise, but maybe just because they are the ones most of us grew up on and where the whole lasting franchise found it's niche.
Fans should be very excited to own these episodes in a new more affordable set. The set is being put out by Shout! Factory and they have always done an excellent job of providing fans with a lot of well done special features on long awaited sets. This set was originally announced as having a few special features included with more possibly in the works but I'm very glad to see the amount that they have now announced for it and have updated this review to include them. Alot of people who didn't buy the more expensive original sets are going to be excited at the chance to get this one and I know that I can't wait. I originally gave this set 5 stars just for the opportunity to own these classic episodes in a proper DVD set, but after hearing that they will in fact be restored to original broadcast versions with a new stereo soundtrack created from the original audio I'm more excited than ever.
Some may say that this series was just the next step in a great advertising campaign for children's toys but those of us who grew up being entertained by it know that there truly is more to this series than meets the eye. Thanks For Your Time.
*Rather than clutter up the review page I have posted a list of episode descriptions in my comments section for those who are curious.
*It now appears that Shout! will also be releasing Transformer's G1 in a complete series set this summer. While I think this first season set is still great for some I personally am more excited for the complete series.

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Where it all began! This 25th anniversary DVD set includes the complete first season from the Generation One animated series. Packed with Generation One extras including a new look at the Transformers, rare PSAs, original toy commercials, and more.Four million years after crash landing on an unfamiliar planet, sentient robots with the ability to disguise themselves as common vehicles awaken on present day Earth. Engaged in a crucial race to find a new energy source for their home planet of Cybertron, Optimus Prime and the heroic Autobots must defend the innocent people of Earth against their archnemeses, Megatron and the power-hungry Decepticons.For 25 years the war between the peace loving Autobots and the villainous Decepticons has captivated children and adults alike, launching countless collectible toys, comic books, animated series and feature films beloved by loyal fans. Now you can return to where the phenomenon began with the original The Transformers: The Complete First Season.

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Transformers Animated: Season One (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This boxset will include the remaining 13 episodes out of 16. You must buy the "Transform and Roll Out" dvd if you want the pilot.
Included episodes are:
Episode 4: Home is Where the Spark is
Episode 5: Total Meltdown
Episode 6: Blast From the Past
Episode 7: Thrill of the Hunt
Episode 8: Nanosec
Episode 9: Along Came a Spider
Episode 10: Sound & Fury
Episode 11: Lost & Found
Episode 12: Survival of the Fittest
Episode 13: Headmaster
Episode 14: Nature Calls
Episode 15: Megatron Rising, Part One
Episode 16: Megatron Rising, Part Two
I did not include any synopsis in case you did not get the chance to watch all the episodes and wanted to be surprised.
This is a fantastic series and great for both kids and adult fans. Season 2 just ended, and it just keeps getting more and more exciting.
From what I gather, it will be in full screen, and Dolby Digital Audio with a total run time of 286 minutes.
I highly recommend new and old fans alike to buy this!

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Studio: Paramount Home VideoRelease Date: 08/19/2008Run time: 286 minutesRating: Nr

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Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out Review

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(More customer reviews)This only contains the first 3 episodes of the series. Season 1 boxset is coming out on August 19 2008 for about $20, which will include the remaining 13 episodes (episodes 4-16). These episodes, from what I hear on TFW2005 site says will not be included in the season 1 boxset.
This is a fantastic series, and being a fan of the original, you will notice a lot of references to G1 that casual viewers would miss. I will not post any of those here as it might be spoilers to those who have not yet seen the series.
I highly recommend viewers to give this series a chance, you will be surprised at how cleaver and entertaining it is.
My 3 star ranking is based on the fact that they are not including extras, and separating the first season into 2 packages instead of releasing them all at once. The show gets 5 stars.

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A ragtag group of AUTOBOTS led by OPTIMUS PRIME are in a remote sector of CYBERTRON cleaning space bridges when they stumble upon the most import artifact in TRANSFORMERS history; the ALLSPARK! The DECEPTICONS who are only scary myths for many AUTOBOTS are in hot pursuit of the ALLSPARK; now this new band of AUTOBOTS must fight for their lives and the future of CYBERTRON. The AUTOBOTS are able to escape the DECEPTICONS and crash land on an unknown planet called Earth. They land in Lake Erie and remain in stasis for 50 years. Meanwhile, MEGATRON, sabotaged by STARSCREAM lost the ALLSPARK and fell to Earth in scattered pieces. A young scientist named Isaac Sumdac discovers him and uses his technology to create the modern robotics industry in Detroit. The AUTOBOTS awaken from stasis, during an emergency. Deciding to help the new organic life forms, they convert into emergency vehicles and fight off a scary creature. Unable to stay in disguise they change into their robot forms able to save the day! In doing so, they become new celebrities and heroes to the humans. OPTIMUS PRIME and his band of AUTOBOTS make Detroit their adopted home and vow to protect the ALLSPARK and Earth from the DECEPTICONS and anyone else who try and cause chaos. MEGATRON comes online during all of the commotion and discovers his headless body in Isaac’s lab! AUTOBOTS hold the key to his rise and eventual rule of the universe!

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