It's been forty years since Hasbro Toys and Takara Tomy introduced the world to the "Transformers," a franchise centered on the intergalactic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons for the fate of their home planet, Cybertron. Since its inception, the "Transformers" franchise has expanded into a cultural phenomenon, producing toys, animated series, comic books, and feature films that have collectively generated over $25 billion in revenue. Now, the latest installment, "Transformers One," is available on a 4K UHD Blu-ray Steelbook.
"Transformers One" dives into the backstory of two iconic characters, Orion Pax (voiced by Chris Hemsworth; Thor) and D-16 (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry; Bullet Train), who were once close friends but eventually became sworn enemies known as Optimus Prime and Megatron. The story is set on Cybertron, where the two work as miners extracting Energon, a vital resource buried deep below the planet's surface. The movie explores how the paths of Orion and D-16 diverge amidst Cybertron's political and resource-driven conflicts.
Sentinel Prime (voiced by Jon Hamm; Mad Men) leads a desperate search for the Matrix of Leadership, a relic that could restore Cybertron's dwindling Energon supply. When Orion, D-16, and their ally Elita-1 (voiced by Scarlett Johansson; Black Widow) accidentally uncover long-buried truths about the war and Sentinel Prime's motives, their relationships are tested, leading to a fateful confrontation that sets the stage for the Autobots-Decepticons rivalry.
The voice cast of "Transformers One" is a standout feature, with Hemsworth lending his voice to Orion Pax, showcasing the idealism and inner turmoil of the character. Tyree Henry masterfully conveys D-16's transformation from a hopeful ally to a resentful antagonist. Johansson's Elita-1 provides a strong emotional anchor, while Keegan-Michael Key (B-127/Bumblebee; Keanu), Steve Buscemi (Fargo), and Laurence Fishburne (John Wick) round out the star-studded cast, bringing depth and personality to their roles.
The film is visually stunning, showcasing Industrial Light & Magic's artistry. Every frame bursts with immaculate details and vibrant hues. The world-building on Cybertron is particularly impressive, from the dark, mechanical mines to the colorful, expansive surface. The creativity extends to the film's action sequences, such as the Iacon 5000 race, which adds excitement and showcases the Autobots' ingenuity.
The film's audio design, particularly in Dolby Atmos, immerses viewers in the world of Cybertron. The soundscape captures every detail, from the rumble of mine collapses to the soaring intensity of battle scenes. Coupled with the 4K UHD visuals, the film's presentation is nothing short of stunning.
Special Features
- In The Beginning - Dive into the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, exploring their journey from close allies to bitter adversaries.
- World Building On Cybertron - Join director Josh Cooley and the production team to see how Cybertron was brought to life.
- Together As One - Meet the star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, and Scarlett Johansson.
- The Iacon 5000 - Go behind the scenes of the thrilling Iacon race.
- The Battle For Cybertron - Follow the climactic showdown that cements the fate of Cybertron.
"Transformers One" definitely gives you the old-school Saturday morning cartoon vibe while being fresh enough to introduce the franchise to a new generation. The film maintains a steady pace with well-placed moments of humor providing lighthearted breaks from the story's more serious themes. This is a definite must-watch for family movie night.
