Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ULTIMATE edition? Unquestionably yes!, 10 Aug 2007
Here we have a timeless classic. Transformers: The Movie was unquestionably a milestone and turning point in the history of the Robots in Disguise. It's failure at the box office doesn't mean a thing these days, as it has since gone on to become one of the most memorable cult classics of all time.
The critics who panned it as being `one, giant toy commercial' didn't know what they were on about. It changed everything about Transformers, introducing such radical, yet awe-inspiring concepts that inspired and fuelled the success of Transformers comics and future shows. The movie also showcased deeper and darker storytelling than that usually seen in the first two seasons of the TV show, boasted a phenomenal soundtrack and all-star voice cast, and had animation beyond anything else from Generation 1.
For those who don't know the plot of the film, it goes like this. It's set in the year 2005 (God, does that feel weird now or what?). Twenty years have passed since the end of Season 2, and things have gone very bad for the Autobots. The Decepticons now rule Cybertron, and whilst the Autobots are planning their uprising, the Decepticons attack Autobot City: Earth to wipe out their arch-enemies once and for all. But whilst all this is going on, a new threat arrives which makes the civil war pale in comparison. Unicron, a monster planet that is intent on destroying the Transformer race.
Now, there're have been so many DVD releases of this film. Starting in 2001 when Maverick released a long-awaited Region 2 copy of this film. Then we've had versions of the film that can be purchased for a fiver and come without any extras. And when Metrodome took up the rights to produce Transformers DVDs, as well as releasing box sets of the G1 show, they naturally released their `Reconstructed' version of the movie. And now, to coincide with the release of the new live-action Transformers film, we have the Ultimate Edition of the cult classic, this time spread onto 2 discs.
Regardless of how it's released on DVD, I will always give the FILM five stars. The issue here is whether or not the extras make this edition the DVD release of Transformers: The Movie the one we've REALLY been waiting for after all this time.
Surprisingly, there are TWO versions of the film released here, but there's a reason for this. On disc one, you have an extensively remastered version of the original cinematic release from the US, presented here in 16:9 widescreen format and complete with a 5.1 surround sound option. This version of the film is absolutely gorgeous. It is so crisp and colourful and the audio is truly of cinematic levels, which will please any widescreen/surround sound fan. However, because this is the original US version, you will notice changes in this that may take you by surprise, such as the inclusion of Spike's infamous expletive and changes that I had never even heard of, like Superman-style opening credits and the absence of narrations here and there by Victor Caroli.
On disc two, you have the original 4.3 full screen version of the film. And it's still a real treat to see. The visual here is more darker and thus suits the tone of the film more, regardless of the superior mastering on the widescreen version. It's also more pleasing to see the familiar UK moments, such as the Star Wars-style intro at the beginning and the narrations that are missing from the widescreen release. Both versions have their pros and cons over the other, but either way, it's all good to see. The choice of full screen or widescreen is refreshing and one of the greatest strengths of this Ultimate Edition.
Moving on to the extras, there are absolutely loads here, again spread onto the two discs. These include the alternate US and UK scenes (highlighting the differences between the cinematic releases), trailers, TV spots, character bios, animation tests, storyboards, DVD-ROM original script and the Paramount trailer for the latest live-action film.
All these are brilliant and earn their keep on the two-disc set, but there're extras that truly stand out above the rest. Such as the audio commentary on disc one provided by Transformers expert, Chris McFeely. Five minutes into listening to the commentary made me realise that McFeely knows what he's talking about. He provides such a fascinating insight into not just the film, but Transformers as a whole, talking about the origin of the concept, certain characters, voice actors, later incarnations of Transformers etc. I was absolutely amazed to discover things even I didn't know about Transformers. It really is so enjoyable and enlightening to listen to McFeely's narrative. It stays away from being boring and will interest all fans.
There's also an exclusive booklet written by McFeely, uncovering more interesting facts about the movie and the whole Generation 1 saga (as released on Metrodome's box sets). A great interview with Flint Dille, who acted as a story consultant for the movie and wrote numerous episodes of the TV series. An exclusive Q & A with the legendary Peter Cullen (the voice of Optimus Prime in the original cartoon series), which is a real treat to watch. And finally, the long awaited release of Scramble City, the Japanese-exclusive episode that took place instead of the movie (which Japan didn't get till 1990). This is subtitled and also features commentary from Chris McFeely. It's a great piece of animation, filled with everything that makes Transformers so great.
So...is this the ULTIMATE edition of Transformers: The Movie? I would definitely say YES. It has all the extras it needs to flatter a great, great film. And the collector's tin that comes with it is so beautiful. Metrodome have really delivered here. This is the best release ever of TF:TM. Get rid of your old versions and replace it with this one. You WON'T regret it.
|
|
|
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remember the 80s? If 'yes' then you'll love it., 9 Aug 2007
THE STORY:
The evil Decepticons launch and all out attack against Earth which leaves the heroic Autobots grieving for their dead and fleeing into the stars. Meanwhile, the planet-eating Unicron advances towards the Transformers' homeworld.
WHAT'S GOOD:
This film is carried to lofty heights on a wave of nostalgia. I used to love Transformers as a kid (what boy wouldn't love a toy which was both a tank and a robot?) and then rewatched this film after nearly a decade... and still loved it! Corny 80s soundtrack (you can almost see a guy with Def Leppard hair clenching his fists and yelling "You've got the touch!"), cool sound effects, funny dialogue and big robots fighting each other; what more could you want? How about the vocal talents of Eric Idle, Leonard Nimoy and (get this) Orson Welles.
WHAT'S BAD:
Well, there's lots of criticisms that you could make if you decided to take the film seriously, but if you did that you'd be missing the point.
Get the beers in, turn the telly on and pretend you're ten again!
|
|
|
12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Hmmm... Not convinced, 16 Aug 2007
I own this version of the movie in various guises both on VHS and a couple other versions on DVD. The thing that attracted me to this version was the promise of the 16:9 cinema full screen aspect and the fact that it has been remastered...
Now... the film has had a full revamp, however, there has been some changes that some people might not like. The start with the starwars-esque text scroll explaining the state in which you find the Tranformers has been removed. Not sure why, just has... and for some reason I found it annoying purely because this is supposed to be the "Ultimate" version of the movie.
Perhaps the most annoying thing I found about it was that the promised 16:6 aspect ratio was only delivered at a cost!! Done in a most blasphematic way. It seems (and trust me on this) that they have enlarged the 4:3 aspect screen to fit the 16:9 then chopped the top and bottom slightly to give the impression of the 16:9... so actually your getting a cut down and not a sideway extension! I have checked this along side my trusty 4:3 version... "Ultimate"?!
Yes the movie does sound and look very impressive in comparison to the older versions but people wanting to see the true '86 version might want to consider other versions out there... dare I even suggest VHS?! Either way it's one for your collection and cheap enough to buy without feeling too swizzed.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
![Transformers The Movie - The Ultimate Edition (2 discs) [1986] Limited Edition Slip Case [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Gdisss5AL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
![Transformers Season 1 - Re-Release [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Ks5y7o9oL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
![Transformers The Movie [1986] [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51V71EN8KRL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
![Transformers Season 2.1 - Re-Release [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OuBX1blmL._SL75_SS50_.jpg)
![Transformers Season 3 & 4 - Re-Release [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MRFMA%2BLtL._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
DVD ~ Frank Welker
![Transformers Season 2.2 - Re-Release [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZUMMmOnpL._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
DVD ~ Frank Welker
![Transformers Season 2.1 - Re-Release [DVD] [1984]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51OuBX1blmL._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
DVD ~ Frank Welker
![Transformers - The Complete Generation One Collection [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51kI3LthM1L._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
![Transformers - Takara - The Complete Collection [DVD]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51IwgavPt0L._SL500_SS90_.jpg)
DVD ~ Transformers Takara
