Blu-Ray Review: TF The Movie (1986) 30th Anniversary

This was originally published on October 17, 2016.
Brought back with a little extra, my Blu-Ray review for the 30th Anniversary release of Transformers the Movie!
Intro Music by Tony Bacala of www.tfw2005.com
Background Music: www.incompetech.com
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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[@DominusTecum316]

It is good to see you spending time with your children while recording these videos. I think your two girls will really appreciate it as they get older. They can never say you and your wife did not spend enough time with them. Nice close knit family you have. God bless you all.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thanks. It's actually one daughter. This was recorded back in October last year. The video announcement yesterday was recorded yesterday, She's growing so quickly!

[@natek4488]

@@RodimusPrimal Hello, Rodimus. I've been meaning to ask you this for a while. If you had full creative control over a live action transformers movie, actors, characters, scripts, etc. How would you make your movie? Who would be in it, what would the story be, and would you have it tied to a pre existing universe, or your own separate continuity?

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Awe you have an adorable minicon right by you to watch this masterpiece! I actually miss the scramble city extras and such, but hey GREAT REVIEW!

[@RodimusPrimal]

Yeah. She's certainly a doll. I recorded this back in October last year. You can see how much she's grown from yesterday's video!

[@sscrystal10]

Great vid Rodimus, you've got the touch!

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thanks!

[@zetaandnazboojunkie]

Great review. I have the VHS and 20th anniversary version in addition to this one. It is one of my all time favourite movies. The soundtrack album for it is awesome too, which have the CD for.

[@RodimusPrimal]

WhittanyBrittanyBskt I have the CD too and the tracks are on my phone as well! I have the Rhino DVD and the 20th Anniversary DVD as well. The Blu-ray is the best version of the film so far.

[@kyledamron]

Even years later I rewatch your videos.

[@askbam]

I still find it hilarious that the extras includes a dust removal expert confidently swivelling in his chair as he talks about the clean up job he did... judging by the what still remains it looks like he took the rest of the day off after lunch. Yes, it is the best version to date hands down, just wish more time and effort was placed on the clean up, than was stated by the production staff.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Yeah I agree. That's why I pointed those two errors out.

[@TigerNightmare]

I can't justify buying Hot Pink Rod. I get that his coloring is inconsistent, but he's red. I think they commited to magenta because it would be easier to fix.

[@TigerNightmare]

@David Hinkle According to Shout Factory and literally nobody else, you're correct. The fact that the film needed restoration means the film negatives were not stored properly, and color shifting is a common thing to happen with age, with magenta especially showing up. Hot Rod/Rodimus is red in season 3 of the G1 cartoon, the comics, and the toys. He's red. They fucked up.

[@TigerNightmare]

@David Hinkle I'm not blaming them for the storage, I'm blaming them for their shoddy color remastering, which is their fault. They looked at all the scenes and thought since he was magenta in _most_ of them, magenta is _probably_ right, so even in scenes where he was still red, they made him magenta for the sake of consistency. They didn't bother to look up a base point for coloring (like the comics, toys, TV show), they looked at the negative with nothing to compare it to. They could have given him the proper coloring if they made any effort to contact the director, producers, anyone directly involved.

[@TigerNightmare]

@David Hinkle Look, if you're happy with it, that's great, be happy with it. But don't shoot the messenger. Don't ignore my points for the sake of staying on the offensive; either address all of them or live with being labeled as a Shout Factory apologist. At this point, you're just repeating yourself. I watched the "restoration" footage on their official channel that's supposed to function as a selling point for the blu-ray, but seeing pink Hot Rod is disappointing. I've owned the FHE and Canadian Malofilm VHS versions of the film, and he is pink in neither. Look at the oldest KZbin videos for Transformers: The Movie on KZbin. This one, for example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5K5h4Gcgsholck or this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYmqkK19Z7h4l9k While Hot Rod has more of a magenta shade than, say, Optimus or Perceptor, it is more of a darker red, and decidedly not pink. You will never convince me that he's supposed to be pink, no matter how hard or how often you voice your approval.

[@edwardlambert3246]

Loved your review. I just came across your channel, and subscribed. I saw this movie back in 1986 in theater. One of my favorite memories to this day.

[@vxrdrummer]

It looks phenomenal. Its like a new film in 4k. The scan was in 6k though. It makes it feel really special compared to the series as it looks incredible!!!!

[@Wannagobackto1980]

I bought 2 and still have one sealed and brand new. They are going up in value from what I can tell.

[@dangeroustoys5668]

i think i mentioned in another tf the movie reviews y did, that back when it came out in theatres, i went to 10 different theatres to see it. i like it that much👍

[@MichaelAlexKawa]

I have loved this movie since the first time I saw it on the big screen way back in 1986. I got this version too even though I already had it on DVD twice and VHS, and I was not disappointed it looks fantastic on Blu-Ray. Awesome review. :)

[@braydenmoodie9269]

I just plane love this movie

[@brycestencel6505]

Brayden Moodie plain***********************

[@Noaher256]

I bought it and watched it on my Xbox It was good One thing that kinda bothered me is that a lot of the movie itself is just a montage or fight scene with a song playing loudly in the background But other than that I loved it

[@notsoalex]

Awesome review man! I picked up this version. I always loved this movie!

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thanks!

[@ComicBookHangover]

I still need to get this. I will before my little man and I finish season 2

[@RodimusPrimal]

Cool! It's really worth it!

[@dreamlandnightmare]

1.33:1 is the original aspect ratio for any movie, animated or live action, presented in the cropped 1.85:1 "widescreen" ratio. Panoramic presentations such as 2.35:1 are actual widescreen, shot with special cameras and lenses.

[@RodimusPrimal]

While true, after a 1.85:1 is released that way though, movies that were once released in "Full Screen" suffer from additional Pan & Scan cropping. Thank goodness they don't do that any more.

[@michaelzoran]

Wow. I didn't know the reason it is "Widescreen" is because they cut from the top and bottom. That really defeats the purpose. In the one scene it looks like Springer's head is chopped off and looks dumb. It is better to just watch this in Fullscreen so then you see everything. It is good they gave us a choice, though.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I agree. The 20th Anniversary version doesn't look as good in Full Frame.

[@PepsiDeadpool]

one thing that catches me up is the fact that peeps complain about the bay films that they killoff every one to bring new ones wich then get killed for the toys, EVEN THO ON THE 90´S MOVIE THEY DID THE SAME THING BUT WITH MORE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

[@RodimusPrimal]

DAVIDTORNADO characters deaths in the Bay films aren't the issue. The problem is they dont know how to handle characters at all.

[@belakor931]

You always make me smile especially when I'm Sick

[@RodimusPrimal]

Matt McGarvey thanks! Hope you feel better soon!

[@belakor931]

RodimusPrimal I am but I might have been hit with a case of food poisoning

[@kyledamron]

I can't believe this movie is 35 years old

[@taqresu5865]

I want to pick it up myself, since the 20th Anniversary edition is the only copy of this film that I own and grew up with.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I think you might still be able to find it. Its a LOT cleaner on Blu Ray and I still have the Rhino DVD and the 20th Anniversary one too.

[@taqresu5865]

@@RodimusPrimal I'd like too, especially since I've noticed an interesting series of releases. I found the original Voltron (both Lion and Vehicle Force) in a complete series box set. I saw both He-Man and She-Ra as complete series box sets (as well as new merchandise based on the original shows). I've had no luck in finding physical copies of G1 Transformers or Beast Wars however. As for figures I have half of the Studio Series Devastator, I saw new Netflix figures in Walmart (including Bumblebee, Wheeljack, and Elita One), but I didn't see Soundwave (easily my favorite Decepticon but I don't own any Soundwaves with a proper Tape deck alt modes). Once at an Antique store I found a G1 Optimus Prime for ~$60 (who didn't have a trailer or hands). I've been trying to keep my eye out for cool Transformers merch.

[@kyledamron]

Its one of my favorite movies if all time too

[@Thunderwing88]

I've held off because I wasn't sure if the new content was enough to buy it again. I do have two VHS copies, the 2000 DVD release, and the 20th anniversary release.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Thunderwing88 to me it's the quality of the film vs previous releases. If you watch my unboxing video, you'll see that I have the Rhino DVD and the 20th Anniversary DVD too. The special features are also easier to navigate than the 20th DVD, which seemed to like hiding things in the menu.

[@WriterisCooper]

Question Rodimus primal, can you do a retrospective on the triple changers, like springer, sandstorm, broadside, blitzwing, astrotrain and octane

[@WriterisCooper]

Also good job man

[@RodimusPrimal]

I have a long list of videos to make, but yeah triple changers are on there.

[@CannonFodder93]

Although I may have misgivings about the movie, it can't be denied that the music and animation is wonderful. I must admit, the story does feel a bit weak and the characters are pretty one-note, whereas I always felt in season three, the newly introduced characters, except Springer (who was always my least favorite of the movie introduced characters), get a lot more to do and better voice performances (and yes, that includes Orson Welles... I like the guy's work a lot, but I really feel Unicron is one of his weakest roles and I really feel Roger C. Carmel sounded much more natural and unsettling in the role). I think the only ones that left an impression on me in this movie are Arcee, Blurr and Wheelie. All the others were meh. Hot Rod/Rodimus... I love the character a whole lot, and he's actually my favorite Autobot ever, but I feel the movie really didn't do him justice like season three did (in fact, it's mainly thanks to seasons three and four of G1 as well as the Marvel comics that he became my favorite 'bot). He feels a bit too Mary Sueish in this movie and Judd Nelson's performance is just pretty bland to me. It really pales compared to Dick Gautier's more emotional and intense portrayal (and again, the writing really helped Dick a whole lot, too). I know it's unpopular, but I honestly prefer the G.I. Joe movie over the Transformers one (Don Johnson and Burgess Meredith deliver much more passionate performances and I really felt the writing in the G.I. Joe movie was much more creative and bolder). Nevertheless, I can't deny that the movie does bring a lot of nostalgia to many people and it did leave an impact on many fans. Whenever I go back to it, I always do it for Vince DiCola's amazing music score, the wonderful animation and the strong voice performances of the non-celebrity cast members, who really are as good as they are on the TV show. I don't have the movie Blu-Ray (I have the 20th anniversary edition), but it looks so pretty. Shout seems to have taken what Sony BMG started with and basically improved on it. I really love how it all looks and I really hope to get at least a DVD copy of the Shout edition if I find it cheap. Once again, a good video and really nice overview on all the stuff the Blu-Ray brings (just the bonus featurettes and the even better restoration are enough to make me want it). :)

[@HeavyMetalSonicRM]

No mention of how they screwed up the contrast so that what is supposed to be black is milky grey. They need to issue replacement discs, but that'll never happen.

[@rickyamato1447]

I'm trying to figure out what the best release is of this movie and it's so confusing

[@naejin]

Hey dude, if you haven't seen MovieBob's recent, "Really That Good - Transformers: The Movie (1986)", you might be enjoy watching it. (warning: you might not appreciate the Hot Rod references in his video, although you must know that your personal favortism of Hot Rod is held by a minority of Transformer fans.) I thought it was very interesting.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I've seen it and commented on it too. He brings up a lot of good points but after a while it becomes a rant that doesn't feel like it's getting anywhere. I mean he takes 4 whole minutes to talk about Wall Street and their statues before even starting to talk about Transformers. I can't say I'm not entirely guilty (like in my Dion video), and his points made a lot of sense (sans the over the top Hot Rod bashing) but that video could have been half the length.

[@naejin]

I see your comments now. Did you make it to the end of his video? (maybe not, since his repeated mocking of Hot Rod might have ticked you off, perhaps?) I was also confused and a bit bored by the first 4 minutes of his video, but by the end of the video, the point of the first 4 minutes are explained like a well written literary essay. I feel that you may have mistaken some of his criticisms of the movie. In the end, regardless of the toy marketing intentions of the production company, he basically made an existential explanation of why it's still really good, which you two seem to basically agree on. The only disagreement between you two which I expected is your views on Hot Rod. Although there are many fans of Hot Rod, personally, I think such Transformer fans with high opinions of Hot Rod are probably in the minority. I expect you must realize that majority of Transformer fans pick Optimus Prime over Rodimus Prime (some probably have a grudge on Hot Rod for interfering in Optimus's duel with Megatron & blame Hot Rod for Optimus's death). Although I don't feel the same way about Hot Rod as you, I respect your view, but MovieBob is also entitled to his own view. Unless his view threatens your view or offends you (which I suspect might be the case), there is no need to contest his (and IMO probably majority's) criticism of Hot Rod. If you did not finish the video, and think you are able to grit through his Hot Rod mockings, then although I cannot force you to, I recommend finish watching his entire video.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I commented to it there. I'm not offended by the hatred for Hot Rod and I do understand the opinion. In fact, it's many of the flaws the character has that made me enjoy and grow to love him as much as I do. I think what bothers me is the absolute childish manner people express it.

[@TP3_5]

I know that I am late, but I just got my copy!

[@talentvalentin3832]

hey my fellow transformers bro. I have my 40th bday coming up and i putting a bunch of transformer stuff on my wish list i have the 20 edition but i dont have this one thank u for the review.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Definitely get it. The transfer looks a lot better!

[@talentvalentin3832]

@@RodimusPrimal i was looking at the collectors copy that comes in the metal tin but its 45 bucks over the one you have that is now 18 bucks do you kno if that 45 metal tin case is worth it???

[@RodimusPrimal]

@@talentvalentin3832 it's just a metal tin. Just make sure the version you get is Blu-ray. They also released it on DVD too.

[@talentvalentin3832]

@@RodimusPrimal ok thank you i was about to spend 45 bucks on it!! Or one of my family members were lol thank u rodimus!! Till All Are One!!!

[@diegos7337]

I got it too!!! Love this movie!!!!

[@BrotherApexx]

Love the shirt, man. Where can I get one?

[@RodimusPrimal]

BrotherApexx I'll ask my wife. She got it for me a while back.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

It is so hard to find a Blu-ray copy of this TF animated movie...

[@RodimusPrimal]

www.amazon.com/Transformers-Limited-Anniversary-Steelbook-Blu-ray/dp/B01HHGAIHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506383522&sr=8-1&keywords=transformers+the+movie

[@snake-eyes211]

I love this movie

[@zacksreviews2001]

The one thing, the only thing I don't like about this blu ray is the commentary. Susan blu and the other guy (his name escapes me at the moment) really didn't want to be there and it was really awkward the whole time but other than that I have no complaints.

[@animebuff86]

I really didn't like how the Blu-ray picture/contrast was much much brighter than previous versions. Unicron's natural orange tusks look almost yellowish at times. Especially, when he's in robot form attacking Cybertron.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Some of the colors are brighter in some places than they should be. It looks great in outside scenes but I agree with you on darker scenes like with Unicron. I have 3 copies of the movie (Rhino, Sony, and Shout Factory) so it's cool to compare.

[@animebuff86]

Funny, I do too. I guess my mistake is that I immediately assume that because rereleases or higher transfers of even older animation will always be superior in overall quality to previous ones. That's obviously not the case here. Regardless, this will always be my favorite animated movie of the 80s. I love Vince DiCola's score and the rock music in it too.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I think it might have something to do with the animation cells fading over time.

[@bumblebeeflemister4419]

Oh hello there

[@turtleshock7513]

Do you think they should do a crossover officially between the transformers and the Justice League considering that that was never published but should it be published what are your thoughts rodimus primal?

[@shanoo2746]

Tim Studt it would be good but then JL are human and transformers to them are meaningless robots, it would just be a massacre for them. Kinda like gi joe where they all died and gi joe continued there happy life. To that screw tf crossovers

[@shanoo2746]

Well the justice league does have alien but you get my point

[@RodimusPrimal]

They did connect with Marvel and their roots are grounded in it, but I think it would be cool. Imagine if one sector of space has a Cybertronian as a Green Lantern.

[@terrybogard977]

Ok i know that this a very late question but on the 30th or 35th anniversary does it has the scene where spike says "awe sh*t what do we do now!" Cause i want to get the real version not the censored version and would like to know does the 30th or 35th anniversary have the uncensored version?

[@RodimusPrimal]

The main difference between the versions is how much has the film been remastered. The only version that was censored for home video was the original VHS release. Ever since the Rhino DVD, every version has the swear word.

[@terrybogard977]

@@RodimusPrimal oh ok ty i just wanted to clarify that it did since i know this generation they like to take out things here and there. Btw i kinda had a idea that i think would be a new idea for transformers for future series. Such as what if they introduce galvatron as megatron's more powerful brother instead of a recolouring or remade version of megatron?

[@robledoeugene1975]

This movie has a special place in my heart and I am loving this new version. Don't have a 4k tv does anyone know if it makes a difference.

[@RodimusPrimal]

I'm not sure. It looks great on HDTVs though.

[@VieTRaVeR]

create a video on my favorite decepticon soundwave.. Also more info on Lock Down..

[@optimoosejones9493]

I have this but the 20th anniversary edition

[@dadeleemurphy85]

where can you find the original toy commericals? on the 20th anniversary?

[@RodimusPrimal]

Yes but they are edited. The kids faces are blurred out.

[@jayisokay._]

nice

[@Seanatonin]

I got the 20th Anniversary edition from Sony

[@RodimusPrimal]

Sean Bateman so do I. In fact I have the Rhino DVD as well. My VHS copy wore out years ago. The Blu-ray version is well worth it though.

[@fletch5587]

How old is your kid? She's so cute!

[@RodimusPrimal]

vonsscout currently she is 20 months old. This video was made back in October last year so she as 9 months old at the time. You can see her in my announcement video I made on Friday.

[@TatsuChi]

Other than having two versions of the movie does this improve on the previous Blu-Ray release??

[@RodimusPrimal]

I think so. It may not have all of the features of previous versions but it looks and sounds the best IMO.

[@TatsuChi]

thanks for the reply dude heres to many more Transformers Anniversaries ;)

[@vxrdrummer]

Yes it does massivley improve on the other versions. It was scanned in 6k and presented in 4k.

[@abdullahshaker17]

Which one is better in your opinion, Widescreen or Full Frame ?

[@RodimusPrimal]

Full Frame for this and other animated films at the time because you see everything as animated. Widescreen isn't bad though.

[@cliptrashbin2389]

I'm the 5 comment and 64 view yeah

[@nickcadwell1094]

I like full screen better then wide screen.

[@RodimusPrimal]

Nick Cadwell same here. I'm a stickler for original aspect ratio.

[@acusticsunri4255]

It would be cool if shout out would release the movie song/montage "free" for those who can't appreciate 80's rock n roll song on a transformers movie... Imagine the touch instrumental version during prime n megatron's final battle....

[@nick-yt1099]

Hi. What happened to hound and sunstreaker

[@RodimusPrimal]

They remained on Earth while the new cast went into space. They became background characters if seen at all during Season 3. They were definitely seen in the Headmasters anime.

[@jianxiongRaven]

Is it good to watch if I don't watch g1 ?

[@RodimusPrimal]

Kian Siong it's an awesome movie especially if you are a Transformers fan. Watching the first 2 seasons or at least parts of it will put it in perspective though. It takes place 20 years in the future after season 2. Season 3 picked up where the movie leaves off. You can easily find the series on DVD now.

[@prince_dogboy]

Hey Rodimus, do you play the mobile game Transformers Earth Wars? Its really entertaining. Does anyone else play TF Earth Wars?

[@RodimusPrimal]

I stopped playing about a month ago. It was taking TOO much of my free time.

[@prince_dogboy]

RodimusPrimal I know what you mean!! Lol. So do you know that they have the dinobot combiner and Predaking now? Btw, I love your TF videos, keep them coming! You should cover some of the IDW comics. Btw, Hot Rod is awesome, and has been one of my favorites since his first appearance!

[@RodimusPrimal]

Yeah, Volcanicus. Is he playable now? Only one of the Dinobots the game refused to give me was Grimlock. I even spent $30 for Grimlock bundles and nothing but duplicates! I'm trying to get up to date on IDW comics so I can cover them better. I still get chills when watching the 86 movie hearing "Arise Rodimus Prime!"

[@prince_dogboy]

RodimusPrimal September 26th is the official release ate, but you can play a demo as him as part of a promo. So yeah, good luck not logging in to check that out! I haven't been able to obtain Grimlock yet either. I dropped some money trying to get Rodimus and a 3 or 4 star Prime. Were you in one of those top alliances? Some of those top alliances are insane! I'm gettimy tired of pulling dupes from the crystals, but its so fun to play!