In 1984, a new action figure was introduced into the world of toys. Transformers were robots that could change shapes but most often turned into vehicles. They became so popular that an animated television series and a comic book were eventually released. Then in 2007 the first of six live-action Transformers movies was released in theaters and grossed over $700 million worldwide. Four more films followed with varying degrees of success and in 2018 the franchise got a much-needed jump start with Bumblebee. As fans eagerly await the theatrical release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, Paramount Pictures home entertainment has put together the ultimate 4K Steelbook box set of the first six films.
Beginning with Transformers, we learn the story of an alien race hiding on Earth disguised as vehicles. We meet the Witwicky family whose ancestor was aware of the aliens and even had some artifacts that were passed down to the current generation. Two years later came Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen followed by number three, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. All were commercially successful while panned by critics.
With casting changes for the next two movies came different, and exceedingly absurd plots that lacked continuity with the first three films. Transformers: Age of Extinction saw the replacement of Shia LaBeouf (Honey Boy) with Mark Wahlberg (Ted) and the absence of Josh Duhamel (Safe Haven). Movie number six, called Bumblebee, was a prelude to the other films and sort of Bumblebee's origin story. Starring Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 3), it was sappy and heartwarming, and occasionally funny. Movie 7, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, promises to introduce audiences to a whole new type of Autobot. It premieres in theaters on June 9, 2023.
While I understand Paramount Pictures wanting to capitalize on the release of Rise of the Beasts, I think they also probably could have released this set later in the year for holiday shopping (who knows, perhaps they will). The packaging includes a specially designed cardboard outer box that includes the Transformers logo and a magnetic flap to keep the box closed. Each movie comes in individual Steelbook cases specially designed for this release. The cases include the 4K and Blu-ray copies of the film and inside each case are screenshots from the movie it houses. Besides the packaging, there is nothing new about any of the discs and if you had already bought them separately, you own all the material already.
Since the collection spans a decade, the video and audio transfers occurred with varying degrees of success. While all of the 4K discs are presented in Dolby Vision, the resolution gets better with each movie. Overall, colors pop, and details are sharp making for an enjoyable visual experience.
Conversely, the Dolby Atmos audio is consistently strong and even over all the films. The dialogue is clean and ambient sounds make use of the full array of speakers. The soundtrack for each movie pounds as the drumbeats pulsate under the action sequences.
Each disc has previously released extras but they are typically worth watching. The set also comes with a Digital HD download for each movie (though the codes are not compatible with Movies Anywhere) and an Autobot metal decal.
Transformers have become so much more than some shape-shifting toys. It is a franchise that spans decades and tells a story that has been shared over many generations of family. The movies were a natural offshoot of the toys and later the animated series. The fact that they are beloved by fans all over the world is a testament to the cast and crews that made the films and Paramount Pictures' commitment to their enduring legacy.
Grade: B+
