Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-12-03
• Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Formats: Surround Sound, Widescreen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 143 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
As sci-fi action blockbusters go, they don't come much bigger than Transformers. Maybe it's because of the subject matter: it's based on a toy line from the 1980s, concerning giant robots from outer space engaged in a civil war that pits the heroic Autobots against the evil Decepticons. They have the ability to disguise themselves as vehicles and other mechanical objects, transforming back into robots when it's time to stomp each other senseless. As a premise, it's rather silly. But it's also very simple, and that's why it works.

The heroes are truly heroic: the noble and powerful Autobot leader Optimus Prime is one of the most iconic characters of the 1980s, and getting the original voice actor (Peter Cullen) to give him life was a stroke of genius. The villains, meanwhile, are just plain evil: Decepticon leader Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving) is motivated by absolute power, and his soldiers are not above a bit of wanton destruction to achieve their goals. Mix in a bit of mysticism in the form of the Allspark, the source of life for all Transformers, and the result is pure cinematic magic.

It's not a perfect film: there are some characters and sub-plots that are unnecessary and which go nowhere, and at almost three hours, it's a lot of movie. But the Transformers themselves, rendered in CGI, have a very realistic size and weight on screen, and look particularly good as they switch from one mode to the other. Moreover, director Michael Bay is smart enough to realise that appealing to kids doesn't mean pandering to them--the cutest robot on screen is a manic little psychotic killer with the apt name Frenzy. The humans in the film, meanwhile, keep the film grounded, whilst never detracting from the real robot stars. Unlike The Matrix trilogy, which tried to be too clever, or The Lord of the Rings films, which were too clever, Transformers is probably the best science fiction epic since the original Star Wars trilogy. --Robert Burrow

Synopsis
Based on the Hasbro toy line that initially captivated kids in the 1980s, director Michael Bay's TRANSFORMERS finds two warring bands of shape-shifting alien robots renewing their intergalactic conflict on Earth. While the Decepticons, followers of the malevolent Megatron (voiced by Hugo Weaving), strive to take over the planet, the Autobots, led by the valiant Optimus Prime (voiced by Peter Cullen), are intent on protecting humanity. When young Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) discovers that his new car is really the Autobot Bumblebee (voiced by Mark Ryan), it sets the stage for a massive giant-robot showdown. A shining example of the Hollywood summer blockbuster at its best, TRANSFORMERS combines stunning CGI effects and thrilling action sequences with drama, humor, and a touch of romance. Featuring a large cast that includes Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Jon Voight, John Turturro, Anthony Anderson, and Rachael Taylor, the film is anchored by LaBeouf, who always displays an engaging Everyman charm, whether he’s running from colossal robots, interacting with his well-meaning parents (hilariously played by Kevin Dunn and Julie White), or pining for his gorgeous classmate (Megan Fox). While some TRANSFORMERS purists may be dismayed by certain aspects of this bold big-screen adaptation (Bumblebee is a Camaro instead of a Volkswagen), the movie balances its spectacle with an admirable amount of substance, giving it an appeal far beyond pre-teen boys and their nostalgic Autobot-loving elders.

Customer Reviews

We thought it was fun!
I think you have to judge this film on its entertainment value. It's not a classic, it's not deeply 'meaningful' - after all, it's about a range of Hasbro toys - but the special effects are good, the robots themselves aren't simply killing machines, but have 'real' emotions, and - more importantly - you want to know what happens. My eleven-year-old twins loved it, and I enjoyed it, too. Oh, and my nephew says I need to add that the 'new' transformers are a huge improvement on the 'old' because they look less 'blocky' and more as though they might be real and could actually transform.

Y'gotta love those Autobots!
I was highly sceptical of Transformers when i was told it was to be made. I loved the series as a kid and didn't want my youth to be ruined by the man who made Pearl Harbour.

Fortunately it is ace, the dialogue is a little sappy and cliched in places but if anyone goes into this film expecting shakespeare then they will be very disappointed. Shia LaBeouf is really good as Sam and delivers some lines with really comedy value, plus Mikaela is gorgeous which makes a good film even better.

Employing the original cartoon voices for the movie was a real stroke of genius and anyone who was around for the original tv series will appreciate the nostalgic value. The special effects are really good and the action sequences spectacular if not a little OTT in places, and finally the soundtrack is one of the best of recent years featuring Linkin Park, The Used, HIM, Goo Goo Dolls, Taking Back Sunday and Disturbed.

8.5/10

great fun
Transformers is the perfect family film!!! Lots of fun suspense keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the film. the speacial effects are fantastic and there are lots of funny moments to watch with a splash of romance. nice to see Shia LaBeouf play a more serious role than his role in even stevns. perfect for a movie night in with the family.