New Years Message From Bay

Michael Bay has posted a New Years message for Transfans on his blog:

I want to thank Nelson for running such a good site!

For the millions of viewers that logged on this year I want to thank you for the support. Transformers 2 will be coming soon. The new robots are really really unique and there are a lot of them this time.

I WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A GREAT HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR.

Your friend,

Michael

More robots the merrier I always say. "Nelson" is site admin for Bay so good for "offical" confirmation of news and leaks.

On that note:
Happy New Years to all!

Transformers 2 Unslotted?

According to a Hollywood Reporter article, supposedly Transformers 2 is "as-yet-unslotted" film for Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks, counter to official statements from the companies and Michael Bay of June 24, 2009 being the intended release date for the film. This comes from an article about the success Paramount has had this year (in part thanks to Transformers) and year long rumors that Steven Spielberg (executive producers of Transformers) may be leaving Paramount owned Dreamworks.

So this article leaves the question, is the 6/24/09 date still a go? I say yes. The author (nor his editor) of the article was simply not up to date on the film and wasn't aware that a date had been announced. The current Writers' Strike and possible future actor or director strike may throw the film off schedule but its still too early yet for that to have occured. (source)

Transformers Animated Premieres Tonight

Just a reminder that Transformers Animated premieres tonight at 8:00PM EST on Cartoon Network in the US. I think the start date in Canada on YTV is January 5th or 6th on YTV but not 100% sure on that.

Transformers Bee-otch Lawsuit

With success comes lawsuits. At this point you can't call yourself a success until someone attempts to sue you for a piece of the pie. Now Transformers (the movie) can official call itself a success as the first lawsuit has come.

The lawsuit filed in Brooklyn federal court by Alia Madden claims copyright infringement for the use of a modified Bee-otch air freshener in the movie is somehow costing her business. She claims that people are refusing to buy her product because they think she stole the idea from Transformers. Her idea was from 2002. The lawsuit is asking for $850,000 in damages.

As far as a lawsuits go that is probably the most reasonable value heard in a while. Usually its millions and millions someone asks for. Also kind of annoying that something as simple as taking the Be-otch phrase, adding a "e", can make someone a ton of money. Anyway, I find it hard to believe that people are refusing to buy her product because they think she is ripping off Transformers. One, I doubt people memorize background dressing quite that well and also do people really "fact-check" product like that and then refuse to purchase something just because it might be used in a movie? I also find it amusing she accuses them of deleting her copyright notice. Because you can see those type of things in a movie. I don't know about you but I hit that pause button and zoom in anytime a product grabs my interest just to very its legit.

Anyway, the whole thing smells funky to me. On the other hand I am so sick of the MPAA/RIAA heavy handed tactics of late that I do get a little giggle out of one of their representatives being sued for copyright infringement. (source) (image)

Merry Christmas!

Just a post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or simply have a good and safe day. Below is video of Charlie Brown Christmas as performed by the cast of Scrubs. Because I like both.

Peter Jackson's The Hobbit Greenlit

Its not Transformers news but figured site readers wouldn't mind knowing.

Its official, Peter Jackson and New Line has worked out their disagreements and are now moving forward on The Hobbit, the prequel to Lord of the Rings. Actually the agreement is two Hobbit movies. The first based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien and the second serving as a bridge between the end of the Hobbit and the first Lord of the Rings based on the ancillary material in Tolkien's novels.

Jackson hasn't agreed to direct yet but I find it hard to believe he will not but the plan is to make both movies at the same time (similar to how the trilogy was done) starting in 2009 with release in 2010 and 2011.

The press release that makes it all official.

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.

* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.

* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”

Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”

“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”

The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit http://community.thehobbitsite.com.

Transformers Short-Listed for Oscar Noms

Oscar's are coming next year and Transformers is already on the short lists for two categories for Visual Special Effects and Best Song.

According to Variety Transformers joins 14 other movies on a short list which will be reduced to 7 and then further reduced to the final 3. The whittling down process is that voting members have time to see the films before casting a vote, which is typically a problem for the Oscars where the voters don't really know anything about what they are voting for and so make choices either based on popularity or advertisments (hmm that sounds familiar). Visual effects specifically refers to computer generated or model work that is used in film. So for the Transformers, that work would be, well most of the film. For Die Hard 4, it might be the jet sequences which was a combo of real, CGI, and model work.

I guess the hope is that this will lead to a more solid line up of contenders rather then head-scratchers but then that doesn't explain some of the choices below. They all use VFX but to me the category should be about those that really use visual effects effectivily and move the quality bar a little further and of the list that is Transformers.

The entire list of 15 for Special Effects, in alphabetical order, is: “Beowulf,” “The Bourne Ultimatum,” “Evan Almighty,” “The Golden Compass,” “Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix,” “I Am Legend,” “Live Free Or Die Hard,” “National Treasure: Book Of Secrets,” “Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End,” “Ratatouille,” “Spider-Man 3,” “Sunshine,” “300,” “Transformers,” and “The Water Horse.”

For Best Song, the "short-list" is made up of 59 songs, one of which is "Before It’s Too Late (Sam and Mikaela’s Theme)” from “Transformers” by the Goo Goo Dolls. The complete list is here. From this list the final 3-5 songs will be chosen for Oscar contention. Hate to say it, but I don't think the song stands a snow balls chance. It was barely used in the movie (chords where used during the film) and it wasn't really all that impressive a song. Also its a big summer box office movie. Best Song nomonees rarely come from those.

Now remember this is just a short-list of possible Oscar contenders, not a finalized list of nomoniees for only those two categories. There are many other categories that its can still be nominated for. Usually the Oscars snub summer big boom movies for the main categories (those that air on TV) but they tend to get nominated in the technical rewards (effects, etc) so I wouldn't be surprised if Transformers gets a few more nominations in mid-January. (source)

Spielberg Out At Dreamworks?

The rumors continue that Spielberg may be outed from Dreamworks. The back and forth on this has been on going since Paramount bought the studio. It could become true as I am a bit surprised he is still around as usually when a corporation buys another they usually eliminate the top management, something not yet done by Paramount for Dreamworks.

"He's gone, and he's not going to be missed," one knowledgeable insider tells Radar. Word is, Viacom chief Sumner Redstone—who made headlines in 2006 for canning Tom Cruise after his off-screen antics became a liability—has struck again.

Later an update: Marvin Levy, spokesman for Spielberg returned Radar's call this morning and later got back to us to say: "This story is incorrect. Everybody who knows the DreamWorks deal and the Spielberg deal at Viacom knows that he is fireproof." Radar stands by its source.

If this rumor becomes fact, and when rumors like this stick around as long as this one has, there must be something fueling it, then the impact on Transformers is negligiable. He remain as executive producer, Bay and any other deals would remain in place and the movie would continue. I think the only real impact would be the loss of a buffer between the studio suits and production. Without Spielberg in that role and considering how important Transformers the franchise has become for paramount, the studio suits would be happily lining up to offer their (probably useless) input on the movie so can take credit for any success. So really the impact would be more headaches for Bay.

Thanks to Chris P. for the link.

Transformers: Animated Character Profiles

TFormers updated with more info on Transformers Animated, this time character profiles on many of the characters in the series.

AUTOBOTS
Bulkhead
Designed for demolition, Bulkhead is a one-bot wrecking crew. He's great in battle, but sometimes Bulkhead doesn't know his own strength. He may look like one mean machine, but he's really a softy at heart.

Bumblebee
Bumblebee is the youngest and least mature of the Autobots. He's a bit of a showoff and always acts on impulse. The fastest of the Autobots, Bumblebee is always rushing into situations without thinking.

Optimus Prime
Optimus is a young commander of the Autobots. He's a born leader who is humble, fearless, and friendly. Armed with a rocket-powered laser axe, Prime knows how to handle himself in battle.

Prowl
Silent and stealthy, Prowl prefers to let his actions do the talking. He's a natural spy that can infiltrate any location unseen and unheard. Prowl's jump jets allow him short bursts of flight.

Ratchet
He's short-tempered, grizzled and seemingly older than the AllSpark itself. Ratchet is the team's medic. He may be an expert healer, but his bedside manner is a bit rusty.

Sari
She's the outspoken daughter of the brilliant scientist Isaac Sumdac. Sari has a mysterious key that came from the AllSpark. The key gives her a special bond with the Autobots.

DECEPTICONS
Megatron
Megatron is the ruthless leader of the Decepticons. He demands unquestioning loyalty from those who serve him. Armed with a destructive fusion cannon, Megatron takes pleasure in the suffering of the Autobots.

Starscream
Megatron's scheming second-in-command would like nothing better than to take control of the Decepticons. Starscream's powerful nullray cannons and incredible speed make him a dangerous opponent.

Transformers Animated Episode Synopisis

From TFormers, below is the episode synopsis for the first season of Transformers: Animated. The season debuts in the US on December 26, 2007 at 8PM EST.

Episodes 1-3: Transform & Roll Out!
Optimus Prime & his small crew of Autobots come into possession of the AllSpark, a powerful Cybertronian artifact that attracts the attention of their long-forgotten enemies the Decepticons and sends them crashing to a strange & distant planet known as Earth. A three minute sneak peek can be found here.

Episode 4: Home is Where the Spark is
The Autobots settle into their new home base - an abandoned automobile manufacturing plant but the ancient assembly line machinery seems to have developed a mind of its own.

Episode 5: Total Meltdown
A bio-engineering genius experiments with some of Bumblebee's hydraulic fluid & accidentally transformers himself into Meltdown, whose corrosive touch can melt anything - including Autobots!

Episode 6: Blast From the Past
Professor Sumdac Upgrades a trio of animatronic dinosaurs from a local theme park, but the creatures develop minds of their own & become rampaging Dinobots, bent on destroying the Autobots.

Episode 7: Thrill of the Hunt
While Autobots encounter a mysterious muscle car creating havoc in Detroit, Ratchet keeps flashing back to his "tour of duty" in the Great Autobot-Decepticon Wars.

Episode 8: Nanosec
Bumblebee's self-proclaimed title as "fastest thing on wheels" is threatened by Nanosec, a super speedster crook on a deadly mission that could destroy all of Detroit.

Episode 9: Along Came a Spider
Bumblebee & Bulkhead's first Halloween turns even spookier when they encounter a giant spider that turns out to be the deadly Decepticon Blackarachnia.

Episode 10: Sound & Fury
Sari's new toy musical robot seems to have an evil streak - and the ability to control other machines - but Bulkhead is the only on who sees it.

Episode 11: Lost & Found
The Autobots clash with Decepticons Lugnut & Blitzwing, who come to Earth searching for their missing leader Megatron.

Episode 12: Survival of the Fittest
Sari is kidnapped & the evidence points to the Dinotbots. So Prowl & Bulkhead head to a mysterious island to investigate - with a highly suspicious Captain Fanzone on their tail.

Episode 13: Headmaster
A disgruntled Sumda employee seeks revenge & profit by taking control of one of the Autobots & sending him on a rampage.

Episode 14: Nature Calls
Prowl, Bumblebee and Sari get more than they bargained for when they head out to the remote woods to investigate a mysterious energy signal.

Episode 15: Megatron Rising, Part One
Prime begins to doubt his leadership abilities as the Decepticons mobilize for a big invasion of Earth.

Episode 16: Megatron Rising, Part Two
The Autobots are decimated by the Decepticon invasion, but still must rally to prevent the AllSpark from falling into their clutches.

Episode 17: The Elite Guard
The Cybertron Elite Guard arrives on Earth to retrieve the AllSpark & relieve Prime & his crew of their post, but they prove less than adept at blending in with the human world.

Episode 18: Return of the Headmaster
Optimus Prime is forced to team up with his rival Sentinel Prime after Sentinel has a humiliating - & potentially fatal - encounter with the Headmaster.

Episode 19: Mission Accomplished
Convince there are no Decepticons left on Earth, the Elite Guard prepares to take Optimus Prime & his crew back to Cybertron - unaware of the increasing Decepticon activity taking place under their very noses.

Episode 20: Garbage In, Garbage Out
AllSpark energy turns junk pile into a sentient robot who tries to help the Autobots, but ends up doing more harm than good.

Episode 21: Velocity
Investigating a mysterious race car, Bumblebee gets involved with an illegal underground street racing circuit, which also captures the attention of the Decepticons.

Episode 22: Rise of the Constructicons
Bulkhead befriends a pair of construction vehicles brought to life by AllSpark energy. But the Decepticons have their scanners set on the duo for their latest construction project.

Episode 23: A Fistfull of Energon
Prowl goes off on his own to capture the fugitive Starscream, but finds some competitions in the form of a Decepticon bounty hunter. Aided by a mysterious benefactor, Detroit's B-level villains team up to take down the Autobots once & for all.

Episode 25: Autobot Camp
On the trail of an escaped Autobot traitor, Bumblebee flashes back to a previous encounter with the traitor when he first met Bulkhead in Autobot Boot Camp.

Episode 26: Black Friday
Blackarachnia enlists Prometheus Black - aka Meltdown - to aid her with a dangerous experiment, while Prime & Dinobot Grimlock are force to team up to stop them.

Episode 27: Sari, No One's Home
Left along in the Autobots' home base, Sari must defend it against an intrusion by the Constructicons.

Episode 28: A Bridge Too Close, Part One
The Decepticons kidnap Bulkhead to aid in Megatron's ultimate plan to take over Cybertron.

Episode 29: A Bridge Too Close, Part Two
The fates of Cybertron & Earth lie in the balance as Optimus Prime & his Autobots battle Megatron & his Decepticons in a fight to the finish.

Transformers 2 On Schedule

Nelson, the site admin for Michael Bay's site, responded to Roberto Orci comments about Transformers 2 and the strike, "BTW, Bay just indicated to me that Transformers is still on schedule. The movie is still in heavy prep and 'will be released JUNE 24th 2009.'"

That is true, the strike is entering its 6th week and still plenty of time left. However, if the strike goes on to long and the actors and directors strike in June, all that changes. So hope things get sorted out before that happens.

Orci Comments on Strike, Transformers 2

Roberto Orci, one of the writers for Transformers 2, commented on Don Murphy's Message Boards about the strike and possible it may have on sequel.

An Apology (Strike Talk)

How are you?

As you know, all screenwriters are engaged in a labor dispute with the major studios and media conglomerates that subsidize much, but not all of the media content that we consume. It may go on for a very long time. All the other writers I've talked to on every level are ready to hold out FOREVER, all the while figuring out ways to make a living out of the internet without studios.

So now the hard part for me and Alex and Ehren and all fans of Transformers is that the movie may suffer (unless of course you hate the first one so much that you feel our inattention is a bonus). It may be pushed back or a host of other thing may happen to it. For that we apologize truly.

will keep you posted...

Later, in reference to a comment about scribbling down the occasional idea Orci said:

Even if we were doing that, we are contractually prohibited by the guild from handing those ideas in before the designated contract period of the initial deal. So if we signed the deal the day the strike started, we can't just hand everything in the day the strike ends. We HAVE TO WAIT the 14 weeks specified in the contract.

I have already analyzed the potential impacts the current and future strikes might have on Transformers here and here. Currently though its too soon to say if the strike will impact the release date or not. If an agreement between the studios and the guild isn't reached soon (say February to March) more then a few dominoes both related and unrelated to the movie may start to fall.

Michael Bay Comments on HD-DVD Again

Michael Bay has previously expressed his displeasure (before changing his mind) over Paramount's decision to go exclusive to HD-DVD (thanks to a $100 million payday from unknown source). He commented again on the issue on his official forums in a response to a poster blaming Bay for going to HD-DVD (even though he had no say on the matter).

What you don't understand is corporate politics. Microsoft wants both formats to fail so they can be heroes and make the world move to digital downloads. That is the dirty secret no one is talking about. That is why Microsoft is handing out $100 million dollar checks to studios just embrace the HD DVD and not the leading, and superior Blu Ray. They want confusion in the market until they perfect the digital downloads. Time will tell and you will see the truth.

Bay

Interesting theory. To a degree the theory is correct but Microsoft is just one player in the game and I don't think download services is the end game. Its way to early to declare a winner. In hardware sales, Blu-Ray is winning but only because the PS3 is included. Also, ironically because of Transformers, the HD-DVD has enjoyed sales that have proven it could be viable in the market, the same way 300 did that for Blu-Ray. Basically its way to early to call a winner in the format wars.

As for why there is a format war comes down to the usual reasons - money. Lots and lots of money. The studios and various tech companies have each chosen sides on the HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray battle mostly because the winner will have a lead on the next format and the financial boom that could bring while the losers will experience a temporary loss in customer confidence and idle products while transitioning to the winning format.

A large part of the equation is patent ownership and related license fees. If you are one of the 17 patent owners for Blu-Ray (CyberLink; Dell; Hewlett-Packard; Hitachi; Koninklijke Philips Electronics; LG Electronics; Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic); Mitsubishi Electric; Pioneer; Samsung Electronics; Sanyo Electric; Sharp; Sony; TDK; Victor Company of Japan; and Warner Home Video) then that means you are not paying a license fee and anyone of those companies wants to use the technology must pay a fee and possibly percentage of their profits to those companies. All this means greater profits. Also why PS3 is Blu-Ray based. On the HD-DVD side, the patent owners are Toshiba and LG who in turn inked a deal with Microsoft to develop the technology. Which is why the XBox 360 supports HD-DVD.

As far as the downloading of movies, not so much. The United States is actually behind most of the westernized worlds in delivering of high speed Internet and getting further behind. The telecoms don't want to pay out to update the infrastructure (which would have to be fiber optics) preferring government pay for it. Not such a big deal accept the average file size of good old fashion DVD is around 6 gigabytes. The average Blu-Ray file size is around 27 gigs and HD-DVD its around 20 gigs. To download just one movie on the current infrastructure would take days. I don't see the average consumer willing to do that. It will probably be 5-10 years before downloading Blu-Ray/HD-DVD quality movies over the Internet has the possibility of becoming commonplace assuming that infrastructure gets built.

All the talk about formats, it all comes down to storage capacity which is what all the format talk is about. The max capacity of a CD is 700mb, DVD is 8.5GB, HD-DVD is 51GB and Blu-Ray is 50GB. As the tech gets tweaked more then likely the numbers will climb for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. The greater the storage capacity, the more detail per pixel and sound quality can provide. That was a reason why DVD's can only do so much, the simple lack of storage capacity to cram in all the data needed to give that high definition picture. Keep in mind, the technology is very new. That means that there is a learning curve to maximize the storage capacity for the greatest performance, something I don't think either format has achieved yet. A handy comparison chart is here that to me helps illustrate that to vaunted differences between the two formats is highly dubious at best and the race in quality is dead even.

Nope the grand conspiracy is simply about profit margins and patent ownership. Those that win the format wars stands to gain the most for the healthy lead it gives them. In my opinion, the format war will end a draw with the formats merging so that any player can play any format. The only real deciding factor on who wins will ultimately be sales of the discs and prices of the hardware which Blu-Ray is falling behind on.

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)

Optimus in Assassin's Creed

Yep, its been slow in the Transformers movie news front. Nothing to report with the writer's strike still ongoing and Bay probably working on pre-production stuff and determined to keep his secrets.

So here you go to break up the monotony, a little Optimus Prime cameo in Assassin's Creed for the XBox 360. Maybe its not an accidental homage but its too close to the Transformer we all know and love to not be intentional in my opinion, especially since the game takes place in 1191. Not sure what level or location the homage shows up as the site doesn't indicate. (source)

G1 Transformers Available on Joost

Thanks to an email from a PR place (I am guessing), just found out that Joost will have the second season of the original Generation 1 Transformers cartoon available with a new one premiering each week. Good for those that want to take a walk down memory lane but not pay for the privilege as the service is free but requires you download and install a player for the site.

I haven't used the service yet but the wiki article on it and what information I heard here and there is pretty good. I think the site is done in partnership with Viacom (and its many networks), CBS, and others so many different programs are available from decades of television.

The player download is here.
The Transformers portion of the site is here.

Transformers Animated Premiere Date Announced

The Cartoon Network has announced that Transformers Animated will premiere on Wednesday, Dec. 26th at 8:00 PM (ET/PT) according to Comics Continuum.

The premiere "movie" will be "Transform and Roll!":

"Optimus Prime and his small crew of Autobots come into possession of the AllSpark, a powerful Cybertronian artifact that attracts the attention of their long-forgotten enemies the Decepticons and sends them crashing to a strange and distant planet known as Earth.

"Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien Transformers are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the Transformers -- Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead and Rathcet-- work in the human world, interacting with the Œnatives¹ in exciting and humorous ways. Transformers Animaed has been created to showcase the heroic Autobots working together to battle the evil Decepticons and save Earth with kid-relatable plot lines filled with humor, distinctive character personalities, and dynamic action."

GM Feels Some Love For Transformers

According to a survey, paid for by GM one assumes, apparently Transformers helped boost GM's public profile favorably. The Hollywood Reporter said Bumblebee emerged as the film's favorite character followed by Optimus Prime (91%), Shia LaBeouf (83%, Megan Fox (82%), and and the rest at 69%.

To GM though, probably the most important bit was 70%-90% of the respondents indicated they would more likely buy a GM car featured in the movie. "Moviegoers' opinions of the GM vehicles also shot up drastically, with a 144% improvement in their opinions of the Solstice -- which has only been on the market since 2005 -- and a 72% improvement in audience views of the Camaro. Opinions of the Hummer H2 and the GMC Topkick improved by 65% or greater."

From the article, "92% of moviegoers said the Camaro was the right fit for the role of Bumblebee, 80% said the Hummer H2 was a good fit for Ratchet and 76% thought the Solstice and Topkick were the right choice for Jazz and Ironhide. Bernacchi said that regarding automotive integrations in films over the past five years, typically only 46%-62% of moviegoers have rated the vehicles as the right fit for the roles."

However, despite the improved profile for GM due to Transformers, it apparently has not resulted in an increase on sales or web traffic that they can determine. Still, considering how unfavorably American made cars are viewed compared to Japanese, any improvement is a good thing. It was also indicated that GM is hoping to participate in the upcoming sequel. (source)

Transformers DVD Sales Week 3

I skipped last week but here are the DVD sales for Transformers for week 3 after the DVD release. This time the direct competition was Spider-Man, which trounced the competition but didn't come close to Transformers first week sales.

Spider-Man 3 after week 1 sold 2.4 million units for a sales total of $42.4 million. Transformers week 3 sales was 613,732 for sales of $14.1 million. Grand total so far TF is sitting at 7.7 million units sold for sales of $178,259,747.

The 7.7 sold is still less then the 8.3 million advertised but I think the cause is either because the studios guard these number very carefully because of royalties (as demonstrated by the writer's strike) or because the 8.3 million number isn't based on in store sales but number ordered and shipped to retailers. In either case, it gives at least an idea of how TF is doing.

Transformers People Choice Awards Nominations

The People's Choice Awards nominations where announced and Transformers is up in a few categories. The award show will air on CBS on January 8th and is basically a popularity contest to show what stuff the voters liked most in the last year across TV, movies, and music.

Transformers is up for "Favorite Action Movie", and "Favorite Movie." Also Linkin Park is nominated in "Favorite Song From A Soundtrack" for "What I've Done". Did that song even come up during the movie?

To vote, click here.

Bay: Fake Information Leaks Planned

Bay has indicatated that after his experience with Transformers with information getting leaked and just the general ire of fandom that he plans on leaking false information just to screw things up.

From Rotten Tomatoes, "One thing I do know is I know how to screw them up more," said Bay. "We're going to leak a lot of false information all over the place. I now know their game. They're going to get a lot of script treatments that they think are going to be the script. They will never see the script. We've got scripts and treatments written up that we're going to leak. No one's going to know."

Scoopers who currently think they're sitting on a hot one, here's a head's up. "There's one out that's fake right now. There are going to be many others."

Suffice it to say, all the real and fake information will continue to be posted here. As is often the case when it comes to in production movie info, its all "fake" until its officially confirmed anyway.

TFII Shooting Start in June?

In an article about the problems that the current Writer's Strike will cause for studios, Variety let loose with this little bit of info on Transformers production schedule. "DreamWorks/Par's "Transformers 2" is far enough along to proceed with pre-production, location scouting and advance VFX work, but will face serious issues if the strike continues for several months. Michael Bay's megabudget sequel isn't set to start filming until June."

Wow, if true, this is mighty optimistic of the studios when most experts are predicting the strike could last into next year and then in June is when the actors and directors could go on strike. (source)

TF2 Production Designer Hired

The writers strike may be going on but appears that pre-production on Transformers 2 continues with the hiring of Nigel Phelps as production designer. He previousily worked with Bay on The Island and Pearl Harbor. No clue what that title is so a quick lookup on Wikipedia says production designer "refer to the person responsible for the overall look of a filmed event such as films, TV programs, music videos or adverts. Production Designers have one of the key creative roles in the creation of motion pictures and television. Working directly with the director and producer, they must select the settings and style to visually tell the story."

WGA On Strike

As of 12:01 AM the Writer's Guild of America is on strike until an agreement is reached to get a larger piece of the Internet and DVD sales profits. What this means for Transformers is up in the air. I think the strike will have to go 4 or so months before it might have a serious effect on the intended June 09 TF2 release date. That is mostly going to depend on progress of pre-production vs post-production.

Just as a very rough estimate for TF 1, pre went more or less a year, production went about 4 months and then post was 6 months. So really as long as have a shooting script is ready by next June, the sequel should be fine. It will not give Bay much breathing room, but its doable. All this assumes no actor or directors strike occurs next June.

As far as impact over other forms of entertainment, it varies. Theatrical releases will not be impacted until after Summer '08 since most of the movies for that period are script ready. A side effect though is the script doctors will not be on set so that could lead to more shoddy storytelling then normal, only time will tell.

For TV, the impact will be immediate. The Daily Show, Colbert Report, and multiple nighttime talk shows will go into re-runs for the duration. Current season shows probably have scripts that might take them through the year (in general TV shows are five eps ahead). South Park tends to be done the week its due so its 50/50 on whether there will be a new episode this week and probably none next week. Oddly some shows may even end their seasons early as its rumored that Heroes may call it as season with the end of the "Generations" arc and Heroes: Origins has already been cancelled.

December and January tend to be repeat heavy anyway so that buys the studios a little more time. For mid-season replacements (24, Lost, etc) more episodes are in the can so a delaying their start to February (rather then January) could get them through April. As for any gaps that do form, its probable that the networks will fill it in with reality programming. For example, CBS is apparently considering a spring edition of Big Brother. All in all, after the first week of December, the viewing choices should start getting interesting.

Its not mentioned in news reports, but all this could repeat again in June 08 as the actors and directors agreements expire. I think the WGA made a huge mistake striking now as the studios can hold out fairly easily for six months. The real pinch comes in June when the actors and directors strike which grinds everything to an immediate halt. Whatever concessions the writers get, those groups will demand the same and more. As a result, for the studios, giving into one guild is conceding the same to all 3 guilds. With that future threat looming, its really in the best interest of the studios to make an example of the Writers Guild by holding out as long as possible and giving up as little as possible. If the studio can last longer then the writers, this will help create a stronger bargaining position when dealing with the Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild.

So to sum, Writers on strike, impact on Transformers (for now) minimal and your TV viewing starting in December may become repeat heavy. If your not a TV watcher, then all this is pretty irrelevant.

For me, outside looking in, I am rooting for the studios. They are the ones that take on the risk by spending millions on new movies and TV shows so it only makes sense they reap the rewards. The writers, directors, and actors don't take the financial risk, so I don't see why they should get any extra rewards in perpetuity for doing the jobs they are paid very well to do.

Trnasformers: Animated Teaser Clip

Below is a teaser clip for Transformers: Animated that give a little insight on the Transformers and Megatron (Corey Burton). I am just not a fan of this anime, kids style that has taken over cartoons of late. As a result just not that excited about the series. I miss the Batman: Animated Adventure and Justice League days. Based on the clip, with mentions of the "Allspark" and the like, it appears the cartoon is based more on the TF movie universe then the G1 TF universe.

Transformers DVD Still #1

After two weeks, Transformers remains at the top of the DVD sales and rental charts. The sales dropped a minor 14% from the previous week to $8.6 million. I am sure the bean counters are pleased.

As for the first week of sales ending 10/21, The Numbers.com is reporting that Transformers moved 5,089,612 units for sales of $117,010,180. For comparison the number 2 move was Planet Terror which sold 424,474 ($9.7 million). This number is less then reported 8.3 million first week sales but at least its actualy numbers vs a standard press release from the studio that provides no numbers.

Viacom Feeling Transformers Love

Viacom, parent company of Paramount and Dreamworks, has reported an 80% boost in revenue from the previous quarter, most of it credited to the success of Transformers. The profit margin for the film side (ie after payouts and whatnot) was $72 million (seems small for such a huge company). The previous quarter they lost $7.8 million. CEO Philippe Dauman touted the “phenomenal success with our new global franchise ‘Transformers,’ ” which buoyed theatrical revenue, led by Paramount Pictures, to $490 million from $278 million. Hopefully that love and boost will lead to a significant budget increase for the sequels.

Transformers Prequel Animated Comic Online

For those that bought your copy of Transformers from somewhere other then Wal-Mart missed out on Transformers: Beginning which covered how Megatron, Bumblebee and others arrived on Earth. Its uses the comic series, digital animation, and voice over to tell the story. Voice work is supplied by Peter Cullen (Optimus), Frank Welker (Megatron) and Mark Ryan (Bumblebee) and even Kevin Dunn (Sam's dad) among others. Overall not bad at all. Lot better then was expecting to be honest. Nice to hear the orginial voice of Megatron once again in new material. Thanks to Dan for the links.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Transformers HD-DVD Overview

Thanks to Dan for this link to a YouTube post that covers the extra features that the Transformers HD-DVD has over regular DVDs. I especially like the picture in picture but sadly I don't have an LCD or plasma screen so buying HD-DVD right now seems a waste of money. The second video is a reprise of the Grimlock video from the Sector 7 website, also available via the HD-DVD version.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Anyone go as a Transformer? Post a comment about your day. The pic is not me but grabbed from Gizmondo.

Transformers 2 Misses Strike Deadline

According to a Variety, Transformers 2 did not make the writer's strike deadline. This deadline refers to a writer's strike that may or may not start tomorrow. If a final script had been submitted, production on Transformers 2 could have been scheduled and started regardless of if the strike started or how long it lasted. Without a finalized script, only so much pre-production work can be completed.

For something as CGI heavy as Transformers the extra time probably will be a relief pre-production wise as gives them time to work on models and the like but if the strike goes to long (or the actors and directors strike next June) AND the studio sticks to its June 2009 release date then the time has to be eaten from somewhere and that means post-production could experience a time crunch to complete the film. Realistically, the only way for the film to meet its release deadline is either no strikes occur or if they do, they last only a month or so. Anything longer and I don't see how it couldn't effect the proposed release date. A more detailed analysis from me is here.

TF Sound and Visual Effects Show

For those that live near Hollywood, CA that like the behind the scenes stuff comes news of a one night show that covers the sound and visual effects for Transformers.

From TFormers:

The MPSE Sound Show returns to Hollywood to reveal the sound effects of this summer’s DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures blockbuster “Transformers.”

Join award winning supervising sound editor/sound designer Ethan Van der Ryn (King Kong; the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and sound designer Erik Aadahl (Superman Returns; I, Robot) for an exploration of the sonic world of the action-packed Science Fiction film directed by Michael Bay. Clips from the movie will be screened with special “pre-dub” soundtracks showing off the variety of audio effects created for the motion picture. As an extra attraction, all sound will be played through a state-of-the-art audio system developed by Meyer Sound Laboratories so that you can hear every subtle and bonecrushing sound effect.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Scott Benza from Industrial Light & Magic will be our special guest to present how their computer animators recreated the Autobots and Decepticons for the 21st Century live action film.

By the end of the evening you will experience how the craft of movie making is "more than meets the eye."

One night only: Monday, November 5, 2007,at 8 p.m., at the Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre in the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, California, 6712 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Highland Avenue.

General admission is $10. Seniors and students with valid ID are $8. Members of the MPSE and American Cinematheque are $7. Tickets can be bought on Fandango.com and at the Egyptian box office.

A co-presentation of the Motion Picture Sound Editors and the American Cinematheque made possible with support from DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, Meyer Sound, and Absolute Rentals. More information can be found at www.MPSE.org or www.AmericanCinematheque.com.

Wal-Mart Masterpiece Starscream

Based on a few Internet reports, it appears that the Wal-Mart exclusive Masterpiece Starscream is starting to hit stores with a retail price of $48.87. This is similar to Masterpiece Optimus Prime that was out last year (only all plastic) that is a faithful re-creation of Starscream. Its also a very complicated transformation, more difficult then the Alternator line, so patience is recorded. If you love Generation 1 Starscream though, this is a must have toy for the collection. The pic is from "Redline" over at the TFW2005.com boards.

Battlefield 1942 Transformers Mod

If you play the PC game Battlefield 1942, you might be interested in Beta testing a mod of the game that is desiged around Transformers including a re-creating of Autobot City. I don't know enough about the game to know if the mod is any good or not but below is a video of some of the built environments.

Can download and read more about the mod here.

Transformers Brags About Money

Paramount bought an ad in Variety point out the success of Transformers in theatres with its $700 million worldwide haul and its 8.3 million first week DVD sales. From the ad, about the only question I have is what is fastest selling DVD of all time. (source)



As a reader pointed out, the pic shows 700 billion but re-reading the Defamer article, and how the text lines up, its safe to say that the extra zeroes where added on by them. I guess I could remove them but don't feel like it besides it might encourage the studio execs to greenlight a larger budget so even more transforming fun.

Mini Interview With Bay About TF2

E! Online posted a quickie interview with Michael Bay after some awards ceremony in Hollywood, where he briefly commented about Transformers 2.

So...the next Transformers. Does Shia LaBeouf have creative input?
He has zero creative input.

Yeah, but he's like the man now—Mr. Indiana Jones—so he's totally gonna show up and be all, "I know what works!"
No, but I'm friends with Shia. I really love working with him.

So, where do you go with it? How do you up the stakes?
It's not about upping it. It's about still keeping the heart.

Any new characters coming in?
Oh, yeah…a lot of fun stuff. I keep telling the writers, remember the heart and the magic, remember the heart and the magic. It's not about being bigger.

Speaking of bigger, the DVD is doing great. Did you watch the American League Championship series? It's the smartest advertising for Transformers.
No, but we're number one. Go figure!

I am all for remembering the heart (whatever that means) and the magic but I wouldn't mind a little escalation and upping of things. Transformers can be epic in storytelling. Something the cartoons and especially comics have utterly failed to capture. Cartoons don't have the budget to do epic (even though Beast Wars came darn close) but comics don't have that excuse. Instead they have a glacier story pace that could give Lost pointers on how to move things along as slowly as possibly. The movies, with today's technology, can possibly finally give us the wide-screen epic story that Transformers have desperately needed. (source)

Bay: DVD Could Be Better

Michael Bay admitted to USA Today that the record breaking Trnasformers DVD is "not as good as it could have been." The 8.3 million first week in sales seems to indicate many didn't mind though.

The article:

Most directors diplomatically go to bat for DVDs of their films. Filmmaker Michael Bay (Armageddon, Bad Boys, The Rock) is just as likely to drop verbal bombs while talking about his DVDs as when he is directing.
Bay's take on the new Transformers DVD, which has sold 8.3 million copies since its release last week: "It's a good DVD. But not as good as it could have been," he says. That sales total made Transformers the year's fastest-selling DVD in North America, according to Paramount Home Entertainment.

Despite setting a record, Bay, 42, says a hectic studio schedule prevented him from being as personally involved in the DVD as he was back in the days of Pearl Harbor. His 2002 four-disc director's cut of that film set the standard for buffed-up special editions.

"I was traveling promoting (Transformers) while they were doing the DVD," he says. "You try to guide people as to what to do (in making it), but ultimately if you rush your date, you are not going to get the DVD as good as it could be. … Studios want to pump this stuff out, and my job is to care about it and try to put the right people on it. They just see it as a show they are selling, and I see it as a movie. That's how your movie lives on, in the DVD format."

An aspect of the DVD that Bay says he personally fought for was having the film be on a disc by itself, with just a commentary. He won that battle in the $20 single-disc version that hit shelves last week along with a deluxe, two-disc $40 version.

Its nice for Bay to acknowledge that the DVD extra features where not up to the high standards he has established in the past. The Pearl Harbor set is a good example. I own it and some issues with the movie aside (fantastic potential but...) the extra features are nearly as good a benchmark as the Lord of the Rings Extended Editions documentaries.

As my review indicates, the second disc just wasn't as good as it could have been, being only a surface skim of how the movie was done. The potential was there but not realized. The special effects could have been its own section that could have been hours long. What about all the design work? Almost no pre-production information was shared. How about the practical effects? Except for the bus effect, little was covered. And those poor sound guys. They created Oscar worthy sounds but nary a mention in the extra features.

Anyway, admitting room for improvement will hopefully lead to the sequel set creating new benchmarks in special edition features.

Transformers DVD 8.3 Million Sold

According the Hollywood Reporter, the sale of the Transformers DVD broke a few records during its week of sales for the year. It broke the first week DVD sales record with 8.3 million sold in six days. 4.5 million of those sales where from Tuesday alone. In the HD DVD front, it broke a few records there with 100000 sold on the first day and 190,000 in the first week. By comparison, I think the Blu-Ray record is 250,000 for 300 (after about 3 weeks).

Unfortunately I couldn't find a chart or archival information that would make for easy comparison I did find some numbers to help fuel bragging rights. 300 also sold 8.3 million copies, but took 10 weeks to do it. One of the top selling DVDs of the year, Happy Feet sold 9 million but took about 6 months to do that. Basically Transformers is a money mine for Dreamworks and Hasbro and will hopefully lead to a larger budget for the sequel.

Transformers Wins at SCREAM Awards

Spike TV recorded the Scream Awards at the Greek Theatre in LA on October 20th to air on Spike on October 23rd (10-midnight EST) and Transformers came away with multiple awards. The award show doesn't really matter much other then an excuse for the participants to party and get laid on Spike TV's dime and maybe help push some DVD sales (being Spike TV, I doubt even that).

Transformers won for Best Science Fiction Movie, Scene of the Year (Optimus vs Megatron), and Best F/X.
Shia LaBeouf won "Scream King" for Disturbia and "Sci-Fi Star" for Transformers
Megan Fox won for "Sci-Fi Siren" for Transformers.

Full list of winners here.

If you have Spike TV, it might be worth watching if your bored. Based on the Spike TV Video Game Awards, the production tends overdone and mostly groan worthy but it gave Harrison Ford the "Hero Award" for his body of work and did a 25th Anniversary thing for Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan so I plan on recording it for fast forwarding through the stupid bits (of which there will probably be many). (source)

Optimus Prime Peterbilt

A fan built replica of the Peterbilt Optimus Prime is for sale on eBay. At the time of this writing the bid was at $55,400. Sadly the builder wasn't able to develop transformation technology for the truck but based on the below list of accessories, apparently threw in lots of features to make up for it.

Accessories include:
-Voice activated alarm, with the voice of Optimus Prime on lock and unlock mode.
-17 inch LCD TV/DVD
-JVC JAVX33 Stereo CD/DVD player with Bluetooth and Satelite Radio ready
-Infinity Sound system, speakers and subwoofer
-New Memory Foam mattress in sleeper
-Custom 2 tone(red and blue) gear shift with flames
-Legacy Low profile leather bucket air Seats
- All pedals are chrome with rubber flames
- Custom interior with two tone (blue/red) flames
- Wood floors
- Chrome wheels with new virgin tires 285/75R22.5.
- All switches, buttons light covers, speaker covers, arm rests and steering in chrome
- Chrome columns and wood steering wheels with flames
- Dual Chrome 7 inch stacks
- Chrome Sunvisor
- Brand new accessories and new, top of the line, custom Sherwin-Williams automotive paint Base coat/Clear coat.
- Too many features to list, the only thing it can't do is transform!!

The auction and tons of additional pictures can be found here.
(source)

Transformers Score on Billboard Charts

The Transformers Score by Steve steve Jablonsky has been out for a little over a week and sadly the sales don't seem that impressive. Out of the top 200 albums, it ranks at #172, soundtrack wise its #13, and according to MTV.com it only sold 4300 copies in the first week.

Hopefully those sales are more a result of the lack of availability rather then lack of interset as pretty much the only way to get the score is from online stores. If its at brick and mortar stores, I have not read a post yet about it. Hopefully it will start showing up there and drive sales up. (source)

Transformers Special Edition Extras Review

The DVD has arrived and the question isn't to buy or not to buy but which to buy, the 1 disc standard edition or the 2-disc Special Collector's Edition. Then its if buy the 2-disc edition, what exclusive to go for. I went with the steel case. I can't afford to buy all the exclusives so instead will just review the extras on the DVDs (not the HD-DVD).

The first disc for both versions are identical with commentary from Michael Bay. The second disc is the extra disc that gets into the details on how the movie was made and is what costs the extra $8-9 you may have to spend to get it. The question is one of worth. Is it worth that extra bit of money? That's subjective but it depends on how much you like about the process of filmmaker and the behind the scenes stuff. If you don't care then probably not worth the extra money. If you do though, it becomes a question of how good is the extras. After all, most of the time the extras are just recycled press material that was already but out on HBO, Extra, and so forth with everyone breaking an arm patting themselves and each other on the back for making such a great move with some deleted scenes thrown in. That's the normal scenario. The best behind the scenes material ever assembled was for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but that sadly didn't become the model for extras that is should have been. So the question is where does Transformers fall in this scale?

Disc One
Michael Bay Commentary
Informative commentary that covers some ground the disc two covers but most of it is new stories and behind the scenes information. Tells stories on the animators and how their styles helped with the Transformers, stories about the actors and working with ILM and Digital Domain to pull off the effects. There are silences during the commentary that had me wondering if it had cut off but they where mostly brief. Mostly didn't like the silences because get feeling their was gobs of information that could have been conveyed about the scene or what have you during that silence. Overall good director commentary.

Disc Two
Our World (49:20)
The Story Sparks (8:33)
Covers the origins of the storyline idea of the film with interviews from those involved in the movies production. Some of the information is repeat of the usual press stories told during the movie promotion such as why Bay decided to do the movie. This section is interspersed with Transformers images, input from Hasbro, and fantastic concept artwork for the film and from Hasbro. Lots of interviews, lots of set footage. The term "Bay-hem" gets coined. Bit about the intensity of Bay but apparently it effects the set in a good way not bad.

Human Allies (13:11)
Covers the actors in the human roles of the movies with interviews, set footage, and so forth. Also gets into the details of why some people where cast in various roles with audition footage. Don't know why but Megan Fox in the audition looked much better then post movie Megan Fox. Love Rachael Taylor's accent. Also shows some bits of the Air Force training that Josh Dumahel did to prepare for the role. Back patting occurred (contractually obligated I think when involves actors), but the deleted scenes, outtakes, and so forth work so not to bad.

I Fight Giant Robots (14:00)
The military's involvement in the film is covered here. Shows some of the military training the actors went through, equipment, and behind scenes footage when filming the military related scenes. Could call this the "Boys and their Toys" section of the extras. Also covers some of the practical shooting done for the Los Angeles sequence with the actors and things going boom from to be inserted later Transformers. Pretty informative and lots of booms and toys are on display.

Battleground (13:36)
Covers the locations chosen for the film, the logistics involved in on location shooting, and the work involved in prepping the sites for filming. Some of the set construction and use is also covered in this section. An element of danger is involved, especially when it comes to "man-piss". Another good section, dry at times, but to be expected.

Their War (65:11)
Rise of the Robots (13:40)
This section covers a lot of territory. Its a Transformers history 101, bit about the Transfans, screen tests for the Transformers, explanations on why changes where made from G1 to the movie design including voice casting decisions with Optimus and Megatron. The argument for why not Frank Welker is covered here (comes down the voice didn't fit with the design and tone). As a Transfan, this was a little walk down nostalgia lane, but this section can be appreciated by both new and old fans.

Autobots Roll Out (20:00)
The whys, whats, and hows of the Autobots for the movie. A profile on each car used for each character and the customizations (some extreme) that was done to each. This is the section that explains why the changes where made from the G1 model to the movie model, many of which made since from a technical perspective. Also get to see other vehicles built (and destroyed) for the film and the various vehicle related stunts that were performed. One of the better sections on this disc.

Decepticons Strike (14:33)
Like the previous section, this one covers all the Decepticons. Goes over each of the military vehicles used for the film, be it as Transformers or for other scenes. Also covers the filming of them and the technical details of shooting with the military. Nothing about shooting on the USS Shoup though (the navel vessel at the end). Decent but not as much information as would have liked.

Inside The Allspark (16:58)
This section is about inserting the Transformers in the film from the filming of them with pole place holders to building them in the computer, animating them and inserting them into the film photo-realistically. All this is covered with interviews, test footage and CGI work. This was my geek out section. I find it fascinating to see how the imagination is made real.

More Than Meets The Eye
From Script To Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack (8:52)
The title says it all. Takes the attack sequence and covers all aspects of the sequence from Skorponoks design, to locations, filming, CGI, and so forth. Its a good breakdown of a scene from concept to finished product.

Concepts (2:12)
A montage of images, concept designs, artwork, and ideas that where created for the film put together with the score for the film. This section is frankly genius. Most of the time this section is the picture section where you have to keep pumping the next button on your controller. Usually, because its such a pain, its a section I skip over. Here though, especially with nice edition of the score, makes for a short but enjoyable viewing of some excellent artwork. Other DVD creators need to copy this and make it a standard.

Trailers
Its the three theatrical trailers for the film, not the TV trailers.

Easter Egg info here.

The sections all do have a "Play All" option, something you don't appreciate until watch a DVD extras that don't have it. Why its not an automatic standard on all DVDs is beyond me. Also should mention that the menu animations are excellent.

Overall, the extra are entertaining and provide some decent information. The editing is good, the information conveyed clearly and well. Its a pretty much a by the books behind the scenes guide like most others seen on DVDs over the years. I would only spin the extra money if you are genuinely curious about the behind the scenes stuff. If you are looking for a film school detailed "how they do that" knowledge, your not going to find that here as just a surface skim on how Transformers was made. If it hadn't been Transformers I would have passed as rarely the extras provided worth the extra $10 or so the studios are now demanding (but use not to). As a Transfan though, the two hours of Transformers goodness made it worth the extra cost.

Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes Has Begun

I finally decided to go with the steel case for the Transformers Special Edition and got lucky and bought the last one FYE had (Autobot rather then the Decepticon one I would have preferred). Inside came a little flyer that promotes the Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes which offers a chance to win the 2009 Chevy Camaro customized to look like Bumblebee. The contest does not require the purchase of a DVD to enter. The contest ends on 1/15/2008 and limited to legal residents of the United States and Canada. Official rules here.

To enter click here. The entry form asks for name, address, and phone numbers.

Transformers 2-Disc Easter Eggs

From "Doc Brown" over at the TFW2005.com has posted instructions on the various Easter Eggs available on Disc 2 of the Special Edition Transformers DVD.

DVD Credits
- Main Menu
- Highlight setup
- Press left

Bay Bot
- Our World
- Highlight "I fight giant robots"
- Press down

Deleted Scene - Bay Cameo
- Their world
- Highlight "Inside the allspark"
- Press left

Casting Mojo
- More than meets the eye
- Highlight Script to sand
- Press up

Deleted Scene - Woman in Dress
- More than meets the eye - trailers
- Highlight trailer 4
- Press right

Transformers Out On DVD

Transformers should now be out in a seas of copies in retail stores near you. What exclusive version did you buy and what do you think of the DVD and any extras?

Transformers DVD Sales Exclusives

Transformers will be out in stores tomorrow in the US in a 2-Disc, 1-Disc and HD-DVD editions. On top of that, stores have their own exclusives to bump sales which I have tracked in various posts (Sunday ads, Suncoast/FYE, DVD tag). Below is the summary based on the info already collected and some additional stores provided by TFormers.com.

Best Buy
- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron. (pic)
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Blockbuster
- Free 128MB MP3 player with purchase (miminium of 4 per store).

Borders
- "Making of" booklet with the purchase of the two-disc Special Edition. Price unknown.

Circuit City
- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (pic)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

K-Mart
- Buy the "Transformers" DVD and movie action figure priced at $19.99 or more and get $10 off instantly (same as Best Buy but better selection I assume).
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Sears
- Free key chain light with purchase (not sure if edition specific)
- Edition prices unknown

Suncoast and FYE
- For 2-Disc Special Edition, choose the Autobot or Decepticon insignia-themed steel case for $26.99

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99). (pic)
- DVD also comes with Transformers: The Movie Prequel #1 with exclusive cover and new story from Decepticons point of view.
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us
- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet (pic)
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Wal-Mart
- Two-disc gift set (pic) includes one-disc version of "Transformers" and "Transformers: The Beginnings," which is the Peter Cullen narrated animated version of "Transformers: The Movie Prequel" by IDW Publishing. (By animated, basically the comic panels cut up and motion effects and camera moves added to synch with the voiceover).
- Edition prices unknown.

If know any other deals, post to the comments and I will try to update the list accordingly.

Transformers Crosses $700 Million Mark

On the eve of the US DVD release of Transformers, it seemed like a good time to check out the mostly final box office numbers for theatrical release. The numbers have really changed dramtically since last checked. The main thing is the movie crossed the $700 million worldwide gross mark. Impressive considering that the other films in the top five are all sequels and most viewers probably didn't really know what Transformers where until the movie. I don't think the numbers include IMAX sales, but could be wrong. If it doesn't then more then likely the additional sales would bump Transformers include the number 2 spot in sales for the US.

Top 5 Movies US for 2007:
1. Spider-Man 3 - 336.5 million
2. Shrek 3 - 321.0 million
3. Transformers - 317.6 million
4. Pirates 3 - 309.4 million
5. Harry Potter 5 - 291.0 million

Top 5 Movies Worldwide for 2007:
1. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Budget: 300 million
Opening Weekend: 114.7 million
Total Domestic: 309.4 million
Total Foreign: 651.6 million
Worldwide Total: 961.0 million

2. Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix:
Budget: 150 million
Opening Weekend: 77.4 million
Total Domestic: 291.0 million
Total Foreign: 645.2 million
Worldwide Total: 936.2 million

3. Spider-Man 3:
Budget: 258 million
Opening Weekend: 151.1million
Total Domestic: 336.5 million
Total Foreign: 554.0 million
Worldwide Total: 890.5 million

4. Shrek 3:
Budget: 160 million
Opening Weekend: 121.6 million
Total Domestic: 321.0 million
Total Foreign: 470.7 million
Worldwide Total: 791.7 million

5. Transformers:
Budget: 150 million
Opening Weekend: 70.5 million
Total Domestic: 317.6 million
Total Foreign: 383.2 million
Worldwide Total: 700.8 million

Various Sunday Ads for Transformers DVD

The Sunday ads are out for the big three retailers and below are shots of each and details of the deals started with the release of Transformers on Tuesday October 16th. Pretty much across the board it just confirms previously released information. Sadly no mention of the Transformers Score.

Best Buy- Free Lithograph with purchase (while supplies last) that looks like the design sheet for Megatron.
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $23.99
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price but going by history its probably $15.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Best Buy Gift Set has 2 Disc Special Edition with Robot Heroes Cliffjumper and Optimus for $29.99
- Best Buy exclusive Metallic Voyager Megatron and Ratchet are $19.99 each or save $5 off purchase if buy a toy and Transformers.
- $10 Best Buy Gift Card if buy the Transformers movie and Transformers The Game (not sure if limited to 360 version or any).

Circuit City- Free Transformers digital download card with purchase of Transformers
- 2 Disc Special Edition is $22.99
- First 20 customers gets free Transformers hat (silver Autobot insignia)
- 1 Disc Standard Edition has no price, history suggests either $13.99 - $14.99
- HD-DVD edition is $29.99
- Transformers The Game is priced at $29.99 (essentially same price as Best Buy but don't require a combo purchase, don't know if limited to PS2 version or any).

Target
- 2 disc Exclusive transforming DVD case is $24.99
- 1 disc standard edition is $15.99.
- HD-DVD is $29.99
- Bumblebee Deluxe 2-Car Set for $15.99 (1976 and 2007 Camaro, normally $19.99).
- Other toys on sale but no prices in the ad.
- $5 Target Giftcard (assumes you would want the Optimus Prime version) with purchase of Bumblebee set and Transformers "regular" DVD.
- Target version of Transformers The Game for PC is $14.99

Toys R Us- 1 disc standard edition, no price, history says around $15.99
- 2-Disc Special Edition and HD-DVD not listed in ad.
- $5 TRU gift card with $30 or more on Transformers related stuff.
- $24.99 for Optimus Prime voice changer helmet and TRU is only place I am aware of that has the Peter Cullen version, just read the box to make sure getting it.
- Buy 2 get 1 free on all video games, so if have a list good deal all around whether getting Transformers games or not.

Peter Cullen DVD Related Interview

Superherohype has posted an interview with Peter Cullen from Friday when he hosted a press conference about the special features of the HD-DVD version of Transformers.

The full interview is here.

Some highlights:
- Not comfortable with celebrity, likes the anonymity that voice over work brings.
- Slight changes where made to his Optimus voice to "justify its size relative to the actors on screen." (Personally I can't tell if a change was made or not. So it one was made compliments to the sound crew for making it near invisible).
- Wasn't really aware of the popularity of Transformers until his first convention in 98 or 99 (probably Botcon which is held annually in various locations) after being encouraged by his daughter to go.
- Did audition with Bay for the role of Optimus for the movie.
- HD-DVD features: Picture in picture during the commentary so can see Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers. Disc 2 allows zoom and 350 view of the robots.

Suncoast / FYE DVD Exclusive The Steel Case?

Over at the TFW2005.com forums, an employee of Suncoast (and maybe FYE) says that their exclusive DVD extra for the 2-Disc set is the steel case similar to the international version. It appears though that the case is the choice to choose either the Autobot insignia or the Decepticon one rather then a case that has both. The sale price is $26.99 (MSRP: $29.99) and in limited numbers with pre-orders getting first dibs. With the average price (for the first week of release) of the 2-disc set probably being in the $23 range, its up to you decide if difficulty to get and extra $4 is worth the cost. I still can't decide what would be better, a transforming case or a steel case. Decisions decisions. Pics from "Halo" on the forum.

Leaked Treatment Origin?

IESB.net received an email from the writers' of the leaked treatment for Transformers. The names where withheld but basically they are saying they wrote it hoping to get the sequel writing job and they while flattered by the positive reaction it was never in contention and apologize for any problems it caused. This backs up statements by Bay's admin in regards to the treatment and my guess on its origins.

The email:

We are two unrepresented writers with links to [edited]. While we did intend to have Bay's people read the treatment, in no way is our treatment officially linked with the studios or either camp. Prior to this whole debacle, no one associated with the movie had read our treatment. They signed off on a writer before we could get it in the hands of our contacts. Not to mention, the legal tape we would have had to get through was an additional issue as unrepresented writers.

As best we can figure, someone took the pdf file of the original treatment from [edited], doctored it, then tried to pass it off as some kind of scoop, posting it either on Saturday or Sunday (when the leaked treatment first appeared, apparently). Though we initially posted the treatment in what we thought was an obscure corner of the internet, it's obvious to us now that there is no such thing. [edited] is a forum I post on quite regularly ([edited] is where I went to school), writing reviews and sometimes posting about my experiences in LA.

While we are flattered by the overwhelmingly positive reaction the treatment itself has garnered, again, it was by no means ever considered by the powers that be as a viable option, nor read by them either. We just want that made clear to as many people as IESB can reach. The rights of the studio need to be protected, and the production deserves to progress without false perceptions of their actual plot/story. In addition, we ask that it be made clear that we are not only agitated, but dumbfounded by this whole phenomenon and apologize for any inconvenience it must have caused not only the fans, but those involved with the project as well (especially for Don Murphy...wow).

So there you go. Sure all this could be smoke and mirrors down the road (I liked the script so wouldn't mind that at all) but for now, based on the various denials from various sources, it safe to say this isn't the official treatment for the sequel.

I think the takeaway from this for production is that this treatment was very well received, even more so then then the real leaked script for the first film. I rarely read anywhere where it wasn't liked. The question the writers and Bay should ask themselves is what about it got such fan attention and enjoyment considering how difficult that is to achieve.

I have an opinion on that (being a blog and all). The treatment provided Transformers with epic scale storytelling, something the franchise in all its forms has lacked. It also filled in gaps from the first movie's such as the Allspark apparently creating only Decepticons...until the Matrix gives them a soul. The new Transformers were well chosen fan favorites, and often introduced into the film well. It lacks overall character development but I personally don't think that is entirely necessary. With so many human characters and Transformers, the attempt is doomed to fail no matter what. When it comes to the Transformers, you want to watch them transform and do heroic or evil things. Not have a sit down and unleash some angst ridden misery they are or had experienced. Basically the character development should be done via actions rather then words. Preferably actions that have things going boom. The end was actually pretty genius as it made a promise of even grander things to come. The story simply didn't quit. There wasn't a slow moment in the script. A smart approach to any action movie. Peddle to the floor, no braking allowed.