Transformers the Movie Limited Edition, 30th Anniversary Steelbook
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: PG
Running Time: 84 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: Out Now!
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
Classic 80s and 90s animation has had a resurgence lately, and no less with Transformers as it was every kid's dream to watch the series. Here the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS are fighting it out for supremacy, while another enemy is coming to take over, UNICRON.
Considered a piece of classic 80s animation, this movie was based on the popular TV series, directed by Nelson Shin and starring the voice acting talents of the late Leonard Nimoy, Monty Python’s Eric Idle, War of the Worlds narrator Orson Welles, Judd Nelson and Lionel Stander. The 80s release was thought of as a way of selling the Transformers toys to kids, also the general story would not have meant anything to those who hadn't watched the TV series. This could have gone on to explain why the movie at the time wasn't popular with adults, yet the kids loved it as this was released at the heart of the Transformers craze.
Like Pokémon, as it is based on the series, it would be ultimately popular, yet many believe it would have been better off with a straight to video release. For those who are avid collectors of old videos (and there are collectors out there) the Transformers the Movie video is a rarity to try and find, so this would be the next best thing - plus there's all the bonus material to consider. As Manga Entertainment suggest, this is a must-own for every fan of the series.
Also bear in mind that when this movie was out, animation from Japan was minimal and when anyone thought of animation, they immediately thought Disney. The story aside, the characters were memorable for being similar to Star Wars, it has the sort of soundtrack you would associate with early anime animations, Fist of the North Star and Bubblegum Crisis and as such increased the anime popularity, opposing Disney's saccharine cuteness.
As this is a Blu-ray release, Shout! Factory has organised a 4K scan and clean-up for the movie along with a documentary that explains what was done to improve the overall look of the animation. The improvements are there for all to see, the colours are no longer the muddy looking ones we have been used to seeing on old videos and every step has been taken to create something older viewers would be thrilled to see and have in their collection. Not all of the grainy parts have been removed though, as a complete change to the look would take away the 80s feel of the animation, making it look too modern. In all honesty, this release has left the best bits in, and taken out what was noticeable as being problematic to the viewer's appreciation of the movie.
Bonus Material:
• ‘Til All Are One – A brand-new, comprehensive documentary looking back at TRANSFORMERS: The Movie with members of the cast and crew, including story consultant Flint Dille, cast members Gregg Berger, Neil Ross, Dan Gilvezan, singer/songwriter Stan Bush, composer Vince Dicola and others!
•Audio Commentary with Director Nelson Shin, story consultant Flint Dille and star Susan Blu
• Featurettes
• Animated Storyboards
• Trailers and TV Spots
For the ultimate fans and collectors, The TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE Limited Edition, 30th Anniversary Steelbook comes with highly collectible Steelbook packaging, 2 Blu-ray set of the newly remastered movie (Both aspect ratios), immersive bonus content including brand-new featurettes, plus many more. This is a must-own collection to every fan's library!
Summary: Get ready for the 80s resurgence of anime you never thought would be updated and rereleased in Blu-ray - Transformers the Movie has never looked so good!
