Transformers - The Movie
Movie Soundtrack Review
NO... NOOO !!! NOOOO! It's not *that* movie.. It's NOT that live action movie currently in theaters. It's the soundtrack to the good one, the REAL transformers movie, before Optimus Prime had lips. Here's why this soundtrack rocks and the other one doesn't — for starters, for a live action movie that claims to be really big and really, really LOUD, there's about zero memorable music in that sorry flick. By contrast, this OST has really, really good fast-driving car-audio tunes that you want to crank up.
And this re-edition has what the earlier releases of this soundtrack were missing... THE UNICRON THEME!!! Unicron's music was the most awesome thing I remember from that movie and finally, finally, I can turn my amp up to eleven and really enjoy shattering my car windows.
Seriously though, the new movie isn't horrible, but it's missing a vital component of a kick-ass movie by not having a kicking soundtrack. Watch the new movie, but run this sucker through your iPod while watching it.
Audio Review by Brian Cirulnick
The Transformers - The Movie (20th Anniversary Edition)
Anime DVD Review
Let's be clear. The upcoming Transformers "live action" movie will never equal the hype that surrounded this awesome flick. From a technical standpoint alone, this Transformers movie was the highlight of the year 1986. It had a loud, brash soundtrack (which included Weird Al, still relevant today with his new hit White and Nerdy), featured some famous guest-star voices (including Orson Welles, in his last role, as a PLANET!), introduced a new character that was animated entirely in dissolves, and set an animation high-point BEFORE computers made churning out high-quality anime as easy as pushing a button.
 The fight between Optimus and Megatron... 'nuff said. And StarScream's realization of who Galvatron really is (before being blown to tiny pieces)... There are so many priceless moments in this film it will bring tears to the eyes of any Transformers fan.
It's a THREE DISC DVD set for less than $17, making it incredible bang-for-the-buck, with three different cuts of the film, loads of extras, easter eggs and even a bunch of the original toy commercials (which often had awesome animated bits never seen in any of the TV shows). There's also a Japanese episode of Transformers never seen in the USA, and even deleted scenes from the movie.
Of course, there are omissions. No release is ever perfect (particularly to nitpicky fanboys); but this package is top-notch in just about every detail and certainly warrants your attention. And for this reviewer, it brings me back to the halcyon days of my youth, when Transformers was what it was all about. This movie kicks some very serious booty and remains a classic — Michael Bay, eat your heart out. Autobots! Roll Out!
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, December 2006
Transformers -
Complete Season 1 Boxed Set
Anime DVD Review
There are robots ... and then there are ROBOTS IN DISGUISE! When the Transformers was introduced nearly 20 years ago, it popularized a unique concept - vehicles that kids can change to robots and back again. For a generation of fans this show served as an introduction to anime, so we are pleased to see the series come out on DVD.
At its heart, the tale of the Transformers is a simple one: living mechanical beings from the planet Cybertron are engaged in a civil war, with heroic Autobots warring against the evil Decepticons. In cartoons, comic books, and – most importantly – the imaginations of the fans, the battles are told with action, drama, comedy, pathos, cunning, tragedy, betrayal, and high-flying adventure. This special set features all 16 episodes are in chronological order digitally remastered from original 35mm negative on 3 discs, plus a special 4th disc which features everything from Japanese bumpers to highlights from a 2001 Transformers Convention.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, March 2002
Transformers Season Two
Box Set, Part 1
Anime DVD Review
For those of you who thought the Season 1 Box Set was to die for comes the Season Two Set - Part 1. The second season of the Transformers had some of the most memorable episodes, with many new characters introduced with quite a few making appearances on the third and fourth discs. It's great to see Devastator/Constructicons and the Dinobots on a regular basis as well as newer Autobot characters such as Grapple, Hoist, Tracks, Beachcomber, Warpath, Red Alert, Inferno, Cosmos, Smokescreen, Perceptor and Warpath. New Decepticon characters that turn up include Ramjet, Dirge, Thrust, Blitzwing, Astrotrain, Frenzy and Buzzsaw.
 All time classic characters such as Ironhide, Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Starscream, Brawn and Ratchet are given a good run which is terrific. It's great to see more of Skyfire and Shockwave as well (& Swoop is very cool). 24 Episodes are squeezed onto a 4-disc set, along with some extras including interviews from the voice talent when they were part of 'Botcon 2002'. It's a super-cool must-have for all of us regardless of whether we consider ourselves to be an Autobot or Decepticon.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, February 2003
Transformers for Playstation2
Anime Video Game Review
You will believe Transformers are REAL when you look at this game. The graphics are so AWESOME that you'll want to have someone else play just so you can concentrate on just looking at the screen! Like the best-seller HALO, this game has wide-open levels where you can essentially do anything. It's a live-action looking cartoon where you're in complete control of what happens on screen. Make your own episodes of transformers by connecting a VCR and dubbing in some dialog!
With astoundingly open-ended gameplay and intuitive control, the game is way more fun that you'd expect. Blow stuff up and transform into your vehicle and run 'em over for good measure. It's like having the best elements of Halo, Gundam and Grand Theft Auto all in one.
Reviewed by Brian Cirulnick, June 2004
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