Based on the Hasbro toy line that initially captivated kids in the 1980s, director Michael Bay's TRANSFORMERS finds two warring bands of shape-shifting alien robots renewing their intergalactic conflict on Earth. While the Decepticons, followers of the malevolent Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving), strive to take over the planet, the Autobots, led by the valiant Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen), are intent on protecting humanity. When young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) discovers that his new car is really the Autobot Bumblebee (voiced by Mark Ryan), it sets the stage for a massive giant-robot showdown.
A shining example of the Hollywood summer blockbuster at its best, TRANSFORMERS combines stunning CGI effects and thrilling action sequences with drama, humor, and a touch of romance. Featuring a large cast that includes Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, John Turturro, Anthony Anderson, and Rachael Taylor, the film is anchored by LaBeouf, who always displays an engaging Everyman charm, whether he's running from colossal robots, interacting with his well-meaning parents (hilariously played by Kevin Dunn and Julie White), or pining for his gorgeous classmate (Megan Fox). While some TRANSFORMERS purists may be dismayed by certain aspects of this bold big-screen adaptation (Bumblebee is a Camaro instead of a Volkswagen), the movie balances its spectacle with an admirable amount of substance, giving it an appeal far beyond pre-teen boys and their nostalgic Autobot-loving elders.
Blu-ray Features:
Region 1
Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English, French, Spanish
Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
Additonal Release Material:
Audio Commentary - 1. Michael Bay - Director
Featurettes - OUR WORLD:
1. "The Story Sparks" - Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film.
2. "Human Allies" - A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set.
3. "I Fight Giant Robots"
4. "Battleground"
THEIR WAR:
5. "Rise of the Robots" - Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life.
6. "AUTOBOTS Roll Out" - Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film.
7. "DECEPTICONS Strike" - The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow
8. "Inside the AllSpark"
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE:
9. "From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack" - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects.
Trailers (4)
Interactive Features:
Easter Eggs: 1. "Michael Bay Cameo"
2. "Girl in Dress"
3. "Bay Bot"
4. "Casting Mojo"
Stars
Shia LaBeouf: Actor, HOLES (2003)
Megan Fox: Actor, CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE DRAMA QUEEN (2004)
Josh Duhamel: Actor, LAS VEGAS
Rachel Taylor: Actor, SEE NO EVIL (2006)
Jon Voight: Oscar-winning actor, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, COMING HOME
Bernie Mac: American comedian/actor, THE BERNIE MAC SHOW
John Turturro: American Actor/Director, BARTON FINK (1991)
Tyrese Gibson: Actor, LOVE SONG/BABY BOY
Brian Stepanek: American actor, THE ISLAND, SUITE LIFE OF ZACK AND CODY
Director
Michael Bay: Director/"Bad Boys"
Producer
Tom De Santo: Producer, TRANSFORMERS (2007)
Lorenzo Di Bonaventura: Producer, FOUR BROTHERS (2005)
Screenwriter
Roberto Orci: Screenwriter, THE ISLAND (2005)
Alex Kurtzman: Screenwriter, TRANSFORMERS (2007)
Director of Photography
C. Mitchell Amundsen: Director of Photography, THE COUNTRY BEARS (2002)
Voice
Hugo Weaving: Australian Actor/ Agent Smith in THE MATRIX
Voice
Peter Cullen: Voice, A VERY MERRY POOH YEAR (2002)
Music
Steve Jablonsky: Music, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003)
Review 1:
"[I]t's a kiddie dream come true to groove on the heavy-duty sci-fi transformations." -- Grade: B-
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.48 07/13/2007
Review 2:
4 stars out of 5 -- "[I]t will be remembered as 2007's jaw-dropper. Special effects have brought your childhood to life, humour and humanity bonuses amid the metallic carnage."
Source: Total Film
p.38 07/01/2007
Review 3:
"[T]he ideal summer blockbuster with its simple good guys-vs.-bad guys plot, cheeky humor and flawless special effects."
Source: USA Today
p.6D 07/06/2007
Review 4:
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he evil Decepticons, led by the mighty Megatron -- are beautifully rendered, their interaction a masterclass in CGI technology."
Source: Ultimate DVD
p.78 08/01/2007
Review 5:
"[The] effects work is mindblowing."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.81 09/01/2007