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
 

New HASBRO Toys Based on Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on February 13, 2012 | Toys,Video Games |

We received this news on Saturday from our contact at Activision, but as I was personally away for the weekend nobody was here to put it up 🙁

Still, I’m here now and here’s the news about new Transformers toys based on Transformers Fall of Cybertron!

New HASBRO Toys Based on Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

We wanted to let you know about some exciting new Hasbro toys based on Activision’s highly anticipated Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game.

Part of the TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS DELUXE line launching this fall, Hasbro will be releasing five new action figures in their Cybertronian form based on the characters in the video game.  These include BLAST-OFF, VORTEX, DECEPTICON BRAWL, SWINDLE, and ONSLAUGHTcharacters that can combine into one fearsome Decepticon, BRUTICUS, just as they do in the game.

Each figure within the assortment has three modes: robot, vehicle and a third ‘combiner’ mode to link together and form the colossal BRUTICUS figure.  Each will be sold separately.

The successor to acclaimed developer High Moon Studios’ highest-rated Transformers game of all time, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron allows players to experience the darkest hours of the war between the Autobots and Decepticons as they vie for control of their dying home world, playing through both sides of the TRANSFORMERS’ most epic battles that culminate in their legendary exodus from Cybertron.  With the stakes higher and scale bigger than ever, fans will control an unprecedented assortment of TRANSFORMERS characters armed with authentic transformation designed around their unique abilities, including GRIMLOCK’s nearly indestructible T-Rex form and the legendary COMBATICONS forming into the colossal BRUTICUS.  Taking the franchise’s competitive multiplayer to all-new heights, Transformers: Fall of Cybertronfans will go head-to-head in blistering Autobot vs. Decepticon matches after creating their own unique characters with the most in-depth, advanced customization ever before seen in a Transformers game.

For more information about the game, fans can visit www.facebook.com/transformersgame or the official game site at www.transformersgame.com.

Hasbro toy fair shows it’s hard to please everyone

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on | Hasbro,Toys / Action Figures |

There was a lot going on at the recent Hasbro Toy Fair Collector’s Event in New York. Many people were very impressed by the wide range of interesting toys. Some fans can barely wait for the release dates to arrive. However, there were some observers who were less easy to win over. They noticed that Hasbro has not pushed ahead on the American front, with all the Transformers figures associated with the movie ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon.’

To their credit, Hasbro was open about this development. They stated to the media that unfortunately Wheeljack, Ratchet and Bumblebee Deluxe models would not be made available in the United States. More positively, they will be obtainable in Canada and Asia. As long as they are available somewhere in the world, dedicated fans will track them down.

However, it is apparent that there was not as much US demand for these items as one might have thought and hoped. Indeed, some unreleased toys such as Human Alliance Soundwave have been cancelled. It might be that the American market is being adversely affected by the tendency for people to desire online games.

Perhaps Hasbro has found it hard to shift some toys when they have had smallish roles in a big movie. However, it is hard to be pessimistic after what was ultimately an entertaining and interesting toy fair. Transformers fans have a lot to look forward to and here in Britain we will certainly not get too downhearted over a glitch on the other side of the pond.

Transformers Dark of the Moon Ultimate Blu-Ray Edition Out Monday

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

tfdotm

Paramount has just sent out an email reminding people of the Blu-Ray release on Monday of Transformers Dark of the Moon, Ultimate Edition.

You can get a sneak peak of the Blu-Ray on the Facebook Page here.

‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ defies critics with Oscar nominations

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on February 8, 2012 | Transformers: Dark of the Moon |

‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ has been a surprising film. While many of us may share a common hostility to the movie and its explosion loving director, there is no question that most people ignore our opinions. They don’t seem to share our appreciation of the toys or heed the reviews from film critics. It may stick in the throat, but we have to say that the production with the silly title has proved a good many of us wrong.

A learned film critic once pointed out that the ‘Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon’ might have been a better title. However, it would have led people to compare it (unfavourably) with the (more…)

Singapore Transformers conference to be graced by Hideaki Yoke

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on February 6, 2012 | Conventions |

Transformers fans in South-east Asia will finally get a significant conference at which they can celebrate their affection for all things Transformers. The countdown to the Resorts World Sentosa Singapore Transformers Cybertron Conference is well underway. It is all set to commence on the 11th of March and will last for four days in total. Those fans who choose to attend for the whole period until the 14th of March look set to witness quite a spectacle.

Pricing is variable, but the prices excluding accommodation superficially appear reasonable. A one day ticket can be purchased for just $12. While a ticket for four days costs $68, this is a special offer that involves a different set of stuff. There was a conference in Shanghai two years ago, but for fans based in or visiting the region the event appears to be an interesting opportunity.

The event will be graced by a very, very tall statue of Optimus Prime, but many fans will also be pleased by some of the guests. Hideaki Yoke of Takara Tomy is going to be in attendance and, for those appreciative of the toys, the presence of the designer will be just brilliant. For some of them it will be much more exciting than a meeting with Michael Bay (well, we at TheTransformers.Net have already met Michael Bay).

Singapore is a great place for British people to visit. If they book flights, accommodation and tickets quickly they might be able to attend the conference. However, we do have our own conventions in the UK too, including Auto Assembly in Birmingham this summer.

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 | News,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.

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