Rating: 
Summary: Finally, Transformers as it was meant to be seen.
Review: After 15 years of bootleg and censored VHS formats, we finally will get a chance to see Transformers: The Movie as it was orignally released. This film stands out for many reasons. The highest note would probably be that Orson Welles led an all-star cast as the voice of Unicron, unfortunately he died before the film was finished, so Leonard Nimoy had to finish the voice-overs for Unicron. Few will remember Transformers as a film in Welles' career, but it stands as the last film he made. Secondly is the all-star cast which includes Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, John Moschitta, and Lionel Stander. The film is a non-stop action epic, which only stops for the death of Optimus Prime, and speeds right past the death of other major characters like Iron Hide and Jazz. If you liked Transformers when you were a kid, this film will only bring back great memories.
Rating: 
Summary: Probably the most sober review here- a worthwhile film
Review: 'The Transformers' were, as the reader will no doubt already be aware, a brand of toy, comic and television show. A big success with children, as such things normally are, a film was produced. That is a little bit of background to what you are looking at. To try and be helpful, the Movie is anime style- the Japanese animation style (the animation was all completed in Japan) which many people rate as the best for action cartoons- it provides fluid motion and relatively high quality animation without going into over-detail in specific scenes. It has many famous voices, who have been cast as new characters not before seen in the television show, but does not lose any of the old voices; keeping Frank Welker as the lead bad-guy and Peter Cullen as the heroic leader of the good-guys. The film also combines what I would define as a heavy metal soundtrack, although most people refer to it as being rock. That is very much a question of opinion- but the soundtrack would appeal to people who like maybe Pink Floyd, or other mainly synthesised music tracks. In my opinion the music is very good, and very well matches the fluid motion of the animation. The plot is often referred to as being a direct take-off of 'Return of the Jedi'. To this I can only say that I have seen both films more than a couple of times, and I honestly could not say I noticed more than a very very generic similarity- to put it bluntly if the Transformers Movie is similar to Return of the Jedi, then one should also say that 'The Thin Red Line' is a direct rip-off of 'Apocalypse Now'. If it were otherwise, I would tell you. Like many films, the plot has elements which are similar to other films, but it mainly comprises features all of its own. The plot is centred around the waging warrior factions of Autobots and Decepticons, led respectively by Optimus Prime and Megatron. After millions of years fighting on their home world, these gigantic robotic behemoths crash land on Earth. The movie picks up in the year 2005, when the evil Decepticons have control of the Transformer homeworld, Cybertron, but the brave Autobots continue to protect both Earth and Cybertron's moon system. From there on in the film makes sense, but it is only fair to give the reader this little grounding or the film will not make much sense to begin with. Yes it is fair to say that the film's dialogue is somewhat loose- but one can make that criticism of films which are much more acclaimed than 'The Transformers Movie'- including Snow White and Star Wars to name but two. However, there are some great lines delivered well by numerous characters. The film succeeds in making the viewer attach his or herself to at least one of the characters. As the major purpose of the entire Transformers spectrum was to encourage toy sales there are many characters, however only about ten are given any noticeable airtime in this film. In that respect it works like most other films- giving the viewer a 'crew' of good-guys and bad guys. The characters are given all well developed personalities, a difference between the toy crazes of then and now, and the viewer will soon identify with at least a few of the characters. It is very much a 'boys' stereotype film, with lots of shooting and explosions- but that should not deter the reader from giving the film a try. Before you buy it,maybe borrow it from someone. Do try to bear in mind when you watch it that you are watching a kid's film (a somewhat violent kids film, but still a kids film) so do not expect what kid's films do not deliver. Try to watch it with an open mind and remember that it is a film and that it is just a bit of entertainment- if you sit there tearing the film into little pieces saying to yourself 'how can a robot X size change into something which is Z size?' you have very much lost the plot. Just enjoy it- the film is a fast moving roller-coaster of anime, the best style for the forte of the film with appropriate music and a world-beating plot. If you grew up with the Transformers, you do not really need to read this, if you did not then give the film a go- what's the worst that could happen? In either case do remember that it is a kiddies film and don't take it too seriously, but bear that in mind and there is no reason why this film should not entertain you as it has done millions of others over the world. Characters of note: Orson Welles ('Citizen Kane'): Unicron, Eric Idle ('Monty Python'): Wreck-Garr, Lionel Stander ('Heart to Heart'): Kup, Judd Nelson: Hot Rod, Leonard Nimoy ('Star Trek'): Galvatron, Robert Stack ('The Untouchables'): Ultra Magnus, Peter Cullen: Optimus Prime, Ironhide, Frank Welker ('The X-Files', cartoons and much more): Megatron, Soundwave. NB- Apparently the DVD version does not contain widescreen (according to the produces, Rhino) but as a piece of advice, possibly wait until a review is written AFTER the release of the DVD, you never know; perhaps Rhino are secretly making it widescreen after all. The DVD does contain, however Dolby 5.1 cjnema surround audio, uncut scenes and storyboards, an interview with the incidental music writer, Vince DiCola and possibly other features.
Rating:
Summary: Thats a question you should ask yourself....
Review: From the time I first watched this Movie in the theater as a little boy, to the time I watched it as I grew up over and over until the tape broke and I had to buy a new copy. Until now in my manhood, I have loved this Movie, the pinical turning point in the transformers G1 history. I remember jumping up durring Prime's and Megatron's battle, and then feeling my heart lurch out of my body as Megatron shot Prime repeatedly, then fall down speachless when Prime died.... So why only for stars, that answer is simple... Prime died.
Rating:
Summary: Transformers-DVD
Review: I own transformers the movie on video and I got to say it really is outstanding. I heard that it will be out on DVD soon. Can't wait to see what extras they will throw in with the DVD. Hopefully it will be popular enough to bring out the series (from the 80's) also on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: Every male from the age of 20 to 25 should love this movie. I remember watching this when I was in kindergarten, and have wanted it ever since. I am so excited that the DVD is finally coming out. I think this movie will make an excellent gift. It also sheads some light on the new transformers that is out now and provides background for that series.
Rating:
Summary: 1 of my favorite movies.
Review: There's no other movie like that, even though it's merchandising at its best. Action, excitement, adventures, awesome soundtrack... this movie has it all!
Rating:
Summary: Transformers The Movie is so rad!
Review: I saw this movie when I was 9 and the animation just blew me away. It's been missing for almost ten years now and when I saw it again it still had the same effect. For any one who can't quite let go of the 1980's two hours of after school cartoons this is the movie to own! This is for anyone who was the cool kid on the block for owning the Optimus Prime action figure (the first one not the remake) this is the movie for you.
Rating:
Summary: DVD may be a disgrace
Review: Transformers is my favorite animated movie ever. Ever. I have multiple copies of the VHS, including a worn version of the old 1980s release. Since DVDs became popular, I have wished for this film on disc, but now that it is finally almost here, I am shocked that Rhino is not treating it well at all! First of all, as I type this, the DVD is NOT planned to include the WIDESCREEN version! Then what's the point! DVD was made for widescreen, yet now we will get the same old pan-n-scan version that we have been watching on tape for a decade! There is no logical explanation why they would not include the WIDESCREEN version. NONE. Once again we will not see the ENTIRE movie. Secondly, as of right now we are only hearing that Rhino is "trying" to get some extra material for the DVD, perhaps some artwork. That's ALL? What about director commentary, behind-the-scene, trailers, TV spots, biographies, and the REST? Rhino is treating this as "just another DVD". Is this just another DVD to you? At least they plan on including Dolby 5.1. AT LEAST. But the inexcusable fact that the WIDESCREEN version is missing and that no thought seems to being put into this movie irritates me. Does it irritate you? I think those who agree with my comments should tell Rhino that we won't accept anything less than an UNCENSORED, 5.1 Dolby, WIDESCREEN anamorphic complete version of the movie with all the extras it deserves. Anything less would be uncivilized. Even after all this disappointment I STILL give this DVD 4 stars. Because it is Transformers, and even a blurry SLP mode VHS of Transformers is STILL GOOD. But still, I wanted more. Why is Rhino making an inferior DVD? As Hot Rod once said, "That's what we're gonna find out!".
Rating:
Summary: More than meets the eye, baby!
Review: Today, my best friend Mike brought over Transformers: The Movie. I was excited to see it since I watched the cartoon when I was a kid, and had two action figures of my own. They were Decepticons (I had the original Megatron, but every time I wanted an Autobot, toy stores were always sold out). The whole movie has an 80s look and feel about it. The animation shows its age and the soundtrack is totally power rock 80s (Not that I'm complaining). The storyline was interesting enough to hold my interest, and I liked the one-liners in the movie. This one really took me back to my simplier childhood. The times of when you could come home after school and watch Heathcliff, Inspector Gadget, or Transformers. I really liked the time warp back to the 80s that this film gave. Eric Idle's character was extremely funny as well. The ending was somewhat of a letdown though. I wanted to see more, but I was satisfied with what I watched. A nice rainy day flick.
Rating:
Summary: Old School is BACK
Review: I dont know how long I have waited for this movie to come onto DVD, but its about time. I remember when it first came out on the series. Watching this movie brings back my childhood. Everything about this movie is one of a kind, plot, characters, and soundtrack. I have never again seen a movie that takes me as much as this one. I hope kids today who missed out watching it back in nthe 80's get a chance to see it and love it as I do.
| 
