Transformers: The Movie has arrived on DVD. This is what we have been waiting for. Do you already own all of the versions on VHS, and are wondering why you should shell out more money for the DVD version? Looking at buying your very first copy of TF:TM? Read on. (Oh, and for those that are wondering if this is the same version that Kid Rhino re-released on VHS, it ISN'T! This is the same version that was available in Canada with the words "Oh shit" quoted by Spike. It is also the version with the US Intro/Outro.)
* 5.1 Surround Sound
* Story Boards
* Animated Scene Index
* Exclusive Interview with composer Vince DiCola
The cover of TF:TM DVD is the exact same one that Kid Rhino used for the VHS re-release of the film. The DVD case is the type with the push button in the center. These cases are extremely nice, because when you push the button, the DVD pops up on its own, so you don't have to worry about breaking the DVD trying to pry it out of the case.
This is a picture of the actual DVD graphic. As you can see, it is a great pic of Optimus Prime. (I am glad Kid Rhino decided to go with another graphic besides the movie cover on the DVD itself.)
When you place the DVD into your player and turn it on, you are greeted with the usual FBI warning, and an ad for Kid Rhino. From here, the space scene from the opening credits comes on, and a menu comes on to the screen. A cylindrical object appears in the middle, moves to the left of the screen, opens up and reveals the DVD menu. Optimus Prime appears on the right corner of the screen, and an Autobot symbol appears on the bottom right of the screen. Meanwhile, the Transformers Theme Song plays and loops in the background.
If you go to the Features, the menu transforms and rearranges itself and displays 2 new features. Here you can choose the Storyboards or the Interview with Vince DiCola. The Storyboards are nice, but I really liked the Interview with Vince DiCola. The interview happened just recently, because he makes mention to BotCon 2000.
If you go back to the main menu, and go to the Scene Index, the menu transforms again and displays the Scene Index. The Index is animated, so it shows the actual scenes playing out in the Index. (Not sure what I am talking about, look at The Matrix or The Mask of Zorro for the same animated Indexes). This is a REALLY nice touch.
The DVD case says "Completely Remastered Unedited Version". Man, was the DVD case right on. This video is almost crystal clear. I say almost, because there are a few scenes where you see a scratch in the film, mostly visible in the space scenes, but they don't degrade the movie at all. (You have to realize that this film is from the 80s, so you can't get it perfect, but Kid Rhino comes close.) The colors are vibrant and really stand out. There are a couple of scenes in the movie where I see colors, that I have NEVER seen in ANY VHS versions. Thats how good the video is.
The audio in this movie is top notch. With the entire movie in 5.1 Surround Sound, you can hear everything going on clearly. Just like the video, there were a few instances where the sound was SO clear, that I heard background music that I have NEVER heard on ANY VHS version.
GRAB YOUR WALLET, RUN TO THE STORE (OR DRIVE) AND BUY THIS MOVIE! DO IT NOW! DON'T WAIT! DO IT NOW! Seriously, this is the absolute best version of Transformers: The Movie you can buy. I payed $16.99 + tax, so it isn't as expensive as most DVDs. This is a MUST OWN for any and all TransFans out there. Get it now!