Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + Digital Copy) [2012]

This is a film about giant robots smacking each other up. If you like to watch giant robots smacking each other up, and the carnage which ensues, you will like this film. Thise seeking something along the lines of The King's Speech, should look elsewhere.

You all know what this is about, so I'll make more mention of the technical aspects of the disc. The Blu Ray looks phenomenal on both 2D & 3D (depth of field is staggering on the latter), and special mention should also go to the 7.1 DTS HD Master audio track (something usually overlooked in reviews). It's utterly stunning; crystal clear; separation is perfect. It's every bit as 3D as the picture itself. This entire package is reference quality stuff.

Most places are charging £25 for this. At this price - and considering the fact it's limited edition - it's a bargain. If you bought the 2D version prior to this (I didn't), and you have a 3D capable TV, sell it - or use it as a beer coaster - and get this one.

Isn't it time people stopped bitching about these movies? Not subtle? Its about giant robots for Bob's sake. If Spielberg had made this (rather than say, just having his name in the small print) then the entire world would be kissing its ass and proclaiming it heaven sent AND prepping the 20th anniversary edition... Awesome animation, near faultless photo-realism and Nimoy (in his 2nd transformers outing) self-mockingly reinventing the famous 'needs of the many' speech, and hell, his character even looks like him. Yes, its Bay not Malick, but not every film can be The Tree of Life (given that every other film made is equally guilty if we follow that line of argument). Bay destroys the world before your eyes, the skyscraper sequence is jaw-dropping, and I, for one, cheered like a loon when Optimus kicks everyone's arse at the end. Oh, yes, the blonde girl is (a) slightly attractive and (b) woefully miscast. Buts its a movie about giant robots! Its hardly realism (and thats hardly a fault). Good movie, loved the lot, hope they make more. Which they will as this made buckets of money.

The Film:-

The first Transformers film was a brilliant live action representation of the franchise which I grew up with and loved, sure it wasn't as good as the original transformers movie but it had huge explosions and robots kicking seven shades out of each other. Then we had Revenge of the Fallen, which although had really good action scenes dropped the ball, too much over the top comedy and the overly human aspect to the stories never sat right.

This on the other hand has the balance about right in my opinion and some of the most amazing action scenes I've seen. We have lost the comedy side kicks (the twins) and robots with testicles, and of course Megan Fox. The first half does seem to drag a bit and could of been cut down to around 30 mins with no real loss to the 'story' however the last hour more than makes up for this as the full on Decepticon assault begins in Chicago.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who replaced Fox is certainly a beautiful woman but to me feels a little out of her depth in a full out action movie like this. Patrick Dempsey also makes an appearance and does a good job of going against his seeming good guy typecasting. Shia LeBeouf again plays the bumbling idiot really well although it has started to wear thin by now and I think going forward a new type of human 'hero' would be a good move for the franchise.

The soundtrack is brilliant and definitely suits the movie. Linkin Park provide the lead single for the film and don't go far wrong with the tone.
A few emotional punches and twists make this a thoroughly enjoyable film, just turn of your brain and enjoy it for the popcorn movie that its meant to be.

Blu-ray:-
The transfer is flawless, definitely reference quality with perfect picture and sound throughout. I would really recommend this flim, and probably the other 2 transformer movies for showing off your hardware. It comes in the standard amaray casing with no slip cover.

Extras:-
There are none. Which is unusual for a Michael Bay film as he loves his extra material. However, the 3D version of this movie is due to be released early next year and it is rumoured to include a shed load of extras. To me this seems unfair on the consumer who has paid their hard earned cash on buying a vanilla release. A clever marketing ploy by Paramount means that they will have to double dip to get any extras as the studios continue to push 3D onto the public.

Summary:-
A 4 Star movie, stunningly transferred onto a reference quality Blu-ray let down by a vanilla release and therefore only allowing for a 3 star review.