Anyone who played the Transformers War or Fall of Cybertron games will be in for a treat in the opening act of Bumblebee. I heard about the buzz and still had a bit of trepidation with the designs. I’m glad I was wrong and when I found time to see this film, not only did it take on familiar tones from How to Train Your Dragon in the relationship of a troubled young girl and her “pet” car but also, the nostalgia play was bang on. Anyone who saw Transformers: The Movie (1984) will know what I am talking about.
Updated to include an announcement made June 24, 2016
A new blu-ray release of Transformers the Movie is coming courtesy of Shout! Factory and Hasbro, and if the high definition transfer is not enough to wet fans appetites, a special steel book edition (now available for pre-order on Amazon) is coming! This film will soon be celebrating its 30th anniversary and this company has “The Touch” to churn out quality releases. Stan Bush may well enjoy a bit of a resurgence with his iconic tune when this product arrives on video. His song defined two key moments in this film, namely when Hot Rod becomes Rodimus Prime.
This film was originally released August 8th, 1986 and when I went to see it on opening day, I remember seeing Starscream giving the finger and hearing a few swear words on the big screen. There was an outcry by parents and the print was quickly changed. My big question is if any of those the moments will get put back in. If this title is being released under this company’s Shout! Kids label, it will not. Those pre-ordering through Shout! Factory’s website will find an offer to receive a mini-poster of this release’s cover art while supplies last.
This new release is boasting a new transfer from the prints. For collectors wanting to know what the changes are in store, a full announcement as to what the extra material will be made during San Diego Comic Convention 2016. One confirmed detail is that this release is for region 1 (USA and Canada).
Both editions (regular and steel book) will roll out September 13, 2016. It will also be available across other delivery platforms.
By Ed Sum
By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)