Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

A Transformers-themed pub is in the running to be crowned Britain’s Best Home Bar, in a competition being run by Liberty Games. The winning bar, chosen… [more]

Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

This last weekend saw yet another Transformers convention take over the Metropole Hilton, in Birmingham. These weekends have become a staple of my summer… [more]

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Every year, since 2011, the nerds from TheTF.Net forum (now a Facebook group, because running a forum proved too much like hard work) have met for a weekend… [more]

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

This weekend saw our annual forum meet being held in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Each year we meet in a different town or city in the UK, alternating… [more]

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001

Almost 18 years ago (crikey, has it been that long?) we wrote a review of our visit to Transforce in August 2001. It was a seriously hot day, but a great… [more]

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001 Video Footage from Transforce in 2001
 

Transformers Prime First Edition Toys Hard to Find?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 31, 2012 | Transformers Prime |

According to a recent post on the Allspark, the lack of first edition Prime toys at Toys R Us is no coincidence.

Collectors of all kinds of things enthuse about first editions. In their view, there is something special about owning the first edition of a book, a comic or whatever it may be. However, they generally pay a hefty price for a product which might not be all that different from subsequent editions. As Transformers fans, some of us find the idea of a first edition toy exciting – which is why we look for first editions when we can.

Some in the Transformers fan base have responded to the news that there may be no further Transformer Prime First Edition products in a disappointed fashion. However, such a reaction may be premature. The official reply to a query from the Allspark did suggest that the decision could be reversed if it was apparent that consumer demand was there, which we believe it is

If the first edition toys were available on a significant scale at a price which was not prohibitive, it may be worth getting a bit excited. However, some collectors would prefer a more limited release because it would make the goods more valuable in the years to come. It may be the case that non-fans would buy some of the products with an eye to simply selling them on at a profit in due time.

Robert Redford doesn’t get Transformers

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 28, 2012 | Transformers movie (2007),Transformers: Dark of the Moon,Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen |

Veteran actor Robert Redford has had an incredible career, despite his tendency to speak his mind. He has played a wide range of roles down the years, in films such as ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’ (1969), ‘The Sting’ (1973) and ‘All the President’s Men’ (1976). However, his off-screen opinions have not always been expressed as well as his lines. A recent jibe at Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney smacked of elitism.

transformers-DOTM-Shia-and-RosieWhile Transformers fans have mixed opinions in relation to the films, many of us don’t think potential admiration for them should be an obstacle to public office. Redford recently suggested that appreciating Transformers films rather than independent movies was indicative of stupidity. He then grudgingly allowed Romney to choose what he wanted to watch.

Transformers fans come from around the world and from all sides of the political spectrum. We don’t all enjoy the films because of their limited characterisation, among other shortcomings. Nonetheless, we do know that it is possible to enjoy a cultural mix. It is possible to enjoy an action movie in the afternoon and a classical concert at night. In other words, we are not snobbish by nature. Redford’s comments might suggest he is in danger of becoming a boring snob.

It’s commonplace among fans to flame each other on the Internet for liking the movies (particularly from the biggest detractors to the ‘Bayformers’) but to bring up a liking of Transformers in a political discussion? Come on Redford, they’re only movies. You sound more aggrieved than we do!

New Facebook Page for TheTransformers.Net

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 27, 2012 | Site Updates |

If you’re a Facebook user (and who isn’t these days?) then you might to look at our newly designed Facebook Page for TheTransformers.Net. We’ve taken advantage of the cool features available on Facebook to build a wickedly stylish new page that features our latest news updates and tweets. You can see the design below, or you can visit the page itself here (note, if you’re already a fan of the page and you’re logged into Facebook, you’ll need to log out to see the new design as it’s only for people who haven’t already liked it – or you can see it direct here on its own tab URL).

thetransformers.net Facebook Page

Transformers Prime Blu-Ray and DVD Release

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 25, 2012 | DVD,Transformers Prime |

We just received this press release about the American release for Transformers Prime on Blu-Ray and DVD.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME:
THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
Featuring Over 10 Hours of Non-Stop Action, Special Bonus Content and More!

THE COLLECTIBLE 4-DVD SET & LIMITED EDITION 4-DISC BLU-RAY™ COLLECTION – PACKED WITH A 96-PAGE GRAPHIC NOVEL

OWN IT ON MARCH 6, 2012 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY

Transformers-PrimePrepare to experience the world of TRANSFORMERS PRIME like never before with perfect picture visuals and the purest digital sound available when the entire first season of the award-winning CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME arrives in stores everywhere in North America on March 6, 2012 in a deluxe 4-DVD set and a Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray™ collection from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios.

Both the DVD and Blu-ray collections of TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON boast all 26 action-packed episodes (including the 5-part miniseries Darkness Rising) and special bonus content. For a limited time only, TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray contains a 96-page IDW graphic novel based on this hit series.

Delivering a new level of heavy metal action and family entertainment for all ages, the limited edition Blu-ray collection is priced to own at $64.99 SRP. The deluxe 4-DVD set is sold separately and has a suggested retail price of $ 29.93 SRP.

The TRANSFORMERS saga starts a new chapter as old foes return, legendary heroes rise, and new ones are found in unlikely places. The new EMMY Award winning series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, A Hasbro Studios production, currently airs on The HUB television network in the U.S. and Teletoons in Canada, deepens the epic mythology of both the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS, while starting a new chapter for a new generation of fans.

In early 2011, loyal TRANSFORMERS fans, as well as families and kids, were introduced to this visually stunning five-part miniseries on The HUB. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Arcee, AUTOBOT Ratchet, Bulkhead, and many others are back to “roll out” against Megatron’s latest attempt to conquer Earth. And Megatron proves to be more powerful than ever, having acquired a rare element that allows him mastery over life itself. OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTBOTS may be few against the Decepticon hordes, but they find increased strength through bonds forged with three human teenagers.

Season One of TRANSFORMERS PRIME boasts an all-star voice cast, including Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Steve Blum, Jeffrey Combs, Adam Baldwin, Markie Post, Ernie Hudson, among other notables. TRANSFORMERS PRIME is produced by Hasbro Studios, with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Kline serving as executive producers. Kurtzman and Orci served as writers for the feature films TRANSFORMERS and TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen. 

TRANSFORMERS PRIME recently garnered two Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation and six Emmy nominations.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON

Bonus Content

  • Original Making of Special
  • 15 Audio Commentaries with the Creative Team and Voice Cast
  • Toy Featurette
  • Season Two Teaser Debuted at New York Comic-Con 2011

Technical Information

TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Blu-ray Collection
Limited Edition 4-Disc Blu-ray is packed with transformers prime graphic novel and bonus content
Street Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: +/- 10 hours
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic widescreen
Audio: English, Audio 5.1 Surround

TRANSFORMERS PRIME: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON DVD Set
4-DVD Set and bonus content
Street Date: March 6, 2012
Running Time: +/- 10 hours
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic widescreen
Audio: English, Audio 5.1 Surround

Transformers DOTM snubbed by the Cinema Audio Society – Can expert opinion be trusted?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on | Transformers: Dark of the Moon |

In recent times, detailed research has pointed out that experts are not always as expert as we tend to believe. A new survey of musical experts found that most of them were unable to tell a Stradivarius from other violins, while fresh work on the decisions of ice-skating judges found them to be inconsistent. Although, as Transformers fans, we are not scientific researchers as such, we believe that we have unearthed another example of expert inadequacy, this time affecting Transformers.

topspinThe Cinema Audio Society has failed to acknowledge ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ in the sound mixing category. The preceding movies in the franchise were recognised for their superb sound mixing. We do not believe there is much wrong with our ears and we were somewhat surprised to hear about the Cinema Audio Society’s choices. A critic went even further than us and maintained that they had been shocked by the omission of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ from the nomination list.

If ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ was excluded from a list of nominations for psychological insight or plot, we would not be surprised. Had it been snubbed for character development, then fair enough. However, for it to be overlooked for its sound mixing is downright odd. Perhaps the Cinema Audio Society has been tempted by the notion of getting their choices talked about. Many judges in different fields have felt that making unusual selections for prizes attracts a higher degree of publicity for their big nights than they would otherwise receive.

It would be foolish to criticise expert opinion in too sweeping terms. Nonetheless, the makers of Transformers films deserve recognition for the things they do get right, just as they deserve the criticism for the many things they get wrong.

More than meets the eye in Transformers box set?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 22, 2012 | Transformers movie (2007),Transformers: Dark of the Moon,Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen |

It is clear that there are a great many views on what constitutes good taste. However, a new package for the boxed set of the Transformer films arguably takes the boundaries of taste in a fresh new direction. Some might claim that the most fervent fans of the films are not the most discriminating target audience in the world, but this cynicism will be tested in the balance sheets of the future.

Transformers box setTo be fair, the package does have to contain a lot of stuff. Admirers of the movies who make the purchase will not just get seven discs of the films and additional material, they will also obtain a plaque with Michael Bay’s signature on it. Now who doesn’t want that? OK, so it’s likely that ONLY Michael Bay would actually want to own this, but then he has been making the films for himself anyway, rather than for the fans.

The packaging may look a little on the absurd side, but some critics have made similar comments about the films themselves.

The Transformers films have always inspired a degree of controversy. Hence it is no real surprise to see a boxed set of them causing similar fuss. The big question is perhaps whether or not all publicity is good publicity.

Savcon Transformers Convention: an inclusive experience?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 18, 2012 | Conventions |

Not everyone has attended a Transformers Convention, but they are becoming an essential part of the calendar for many Transformers fans. There is a big one happening in Savannah in Georgia in the United States later this year, called Savcon. It is taking place over the course of several summer days and will be held from the evening of Friday 22 June until a session at 5:00 pm on Sunday 24 June. The schedule is quite a busy one and there will be plenty of things to do for Transformers fans.

As with any Transformers convention, early registration is a must if you are to participate properly in the event. For example, there is a music show on the Friday night, which those who have not registered prior to May 1st will be excluded from. Attendance on the Friday night is probably the best way of getting to know other people before the con starts in earnest.

A diverse range of activities should make the Transformers convention one to remember for fans. Autograph sessions will permit fans to meet stars, get quotes and find out the insider stories on the many series. Charity events will permit fundraising for a good cause too, as is the case with most Transformers conventions. The art competitions sound fun, for those with a penchant for art (and a hankering to become comic artists themselves). There may be some fans who find the whole thing a bit expensive, but it seems that most of those lucky enough to go for the three days are in for a good time.

For UK fans, don’t forget we have our own convention here in Blighty in Birmingham. Find out more about Auto Assembly here.

Will Takara’s social games take off?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 16, 2012 | Video Games |

Takara is planning to take Transformers to a new frontier. It has decided to launch a new product that could interest a lot of fans. In combination with a company called Inter-Media, the makers of Transformers are behind a fresh development called ‘Transformers for GREE’. This will mean that users will be given the capacity to play social games and watch cartoons online using their mobile devices.

If you own a smartphone, the new opportunities may be just what you want. However, until more details of the games emerge it is hard to estimate how popular they will prove. Of course, the amount of advertising will have an impact on uptake. Nonetheless, it will ultimately be playability that decides what happens. If the games are good, their positive qualities will be mentioned via word-of-mouth and on relevant forums – and if they’re not so good, word will also spread.

It is possible to pre-register at this early date. However, it is best to think about whether or not the games and cartoons are likely to appeal to you first. When it comes to the games, combat with cards seems to be the general concept. The designers of the game believe that the high grade images will mean that we older fans are kept happy.

It is not clear how exciting the new games will prove. Nor is it obvious how loyal to the original characters the games will be. The games might do well even if old fans are somewhat disgruntled. However, it is good to know that Takara has been thinking about how to keep loyal fans as well as trying to reach out to new audiences.

A crunch day for Hasbro Studios as Transformers Rescue Bots debuts

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 13, 2012 | Transformers Prime,Transformers Rescue Bots |

Hasbro is a company which has often divided the Transformers fan community (especially with the recent reports of conditions in its factories).

There is something about Transformers fans which makes for some interesting arguments. Some of us love the toys, but are appalled by the movies. Others enjoy the toys and the films. There are more shades of opinion among us than colours in the rainbow. Whenever something fresh happens in the transformers saga, nobody can predict what our strong reactions will be… least of all Hasbro.

transformers-rescue-bots-optimus-prime

On February the 18th, Hasbro is launching a new show called ‘Transformers Rescue Bots’. On the very same day, Hasbro will also be starting the second series of ‘Transformers Prime’. It will be fascinating to hear feedback from what we know can be a choosy audience. Hasbro has a chance to win back support from some disillusioned fans, but if they get it wrong another segment of their audience might voice dissatisfaction on the forums of various TF websites, including ours.

In some ways, we can see that Hasbro has a difficult balancing act. It has to attract new people to Transformers in order to keep the franchise alive. At the same time, it has to keep old fans pleased (and we’re rarely pleased). However, as a fan it is hard to see it in such a neutral fashion. Some fans who have followed Transformers for years often feel that their loyalty has counted for little in the wake of recent decisions, especially the way in which Shockwave was wasted in DOTM.

Predicting the reception of anything is very difficult. However, Hasbro has taken the step of using the experienced Jeff Kline as the executive producer of ‘Transformer Rescue Bots’. Transformer fans may or may not love the voices of Steve Blum (Heatwave) and LeVar Burton (Doc Greene), but only time will tell.

Countdown to the Visual Effects Society Awards 2012

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on January 10, 2012 | Transformers: Dark of the Moon |

On the evening of the 7th of February 2012, the Visual Effects Society will hand out its prestigious awards. Just being nominated is a great honour, as can be seen from the list of contenders for prizes. This event has been held for approaching a decade and it matters a lot to those in the industry. Films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Inception’ have been previous winners; these films went on to further success at the Academy Awards.

You might guess that a Transformers movie is a contender this time. Transformers: Dark of Moon finds itself going head to head with a range of visually impressive feature films. To be specific, the stiff competition in the category of ‘Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects-Driven Motion Picture’ (catchy category eh?) includes ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two’, ‘Captain America: the First Avenger’ and ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’.

transformers-dark-of-the-moon-ps3

If Transformers: Dark of Moon does not win this award it could still pick up a gong in other categories. For example, it might beat off challengers to win ‘Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture’, ‘Outstanding Created Environment in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture,’ ‘Outstanding Virtual Cinematography in a Live Action Feature Motion Picture’ or ‘Outstanding Models in a Feature Motion Picture.’

While it may be unrealistic to suggest that Transformers: Dark of Moon will win very heavily on the night, the chances of it picking something up appear to be positive. While not everyone loved the film (critics and fans alike), it would be great if those responsible for the final skyscraper scenes got the recognition they deserve.

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