REVIEW: Transformers on HD DVD
You would have had to have been living in a cave for the last year to not know Transformers (yes the kids cartoon from the 80’s) was turned into a live action film this summer. Love it or hate it, it has made all parties involved a lot of money so of course they got it to DVD and HD DVD as quickly as possible. Judging by the half empty displays I kept seeing at local retailers it’s doing just fine in home video sales as well.
So odds are pretty good you don’t need me to rehash the plot or give a general review for the film. If you do or just want to read my thought about it at the time it came out you can click here. In a nutshell, I enjoyed it tremendously and I think it joins the company of the other great adventure films like Star Wars, The Matrix and Lord of the Rings, ect. ect.
So having just made the step into the High Definition arena my first HD DVD purchase was Transformers. It features all of the special features of the 2 disc version of the film but with several HD only additions. All of the bonus features on the second disc are presented in High Definition.
The set comes on 2 discs. Disc 1 includes the feature in High Definition with audio commentary from Michael Bay, Heads Up Display and Paramount HD Connect.
Disc 2 features the same features as the 2 disc DVD; Our World, Their War, Transformers Tech Inspector and More Than Meets The Eye. Basically it’s a set compressive set of documentaries following the entire production from concept to release.
The film transfer looks spectacular and the audio mix is very aggressive making for a great home viewing experience. There are no complaints on a technical front. It’s all good, the set delivers in aces.
The commentary by Michael bay is excellent with him explaining the choices he made and addressing his toughest criticisms head on. I must say he handles it all very well. It is popular to bash Michael Bay films, though I have found most enjoyable but I do think with this release I am calling myself a fan. He seems like a class act that knows what he wants to do before he does it and sticks to that vision. The guy knows how to spin an action yarn, no if’s, ands, or buts about it.
The heads up display is cool, but nothing new. I have seen this feature before on DVD’s in the past. Basically showing making of scenes or interviews in a picture in picture window or with pop up text at the bottom of the screen.
The Paramount HD Connect adds other extra features to the disc. Unlike “web enabled” features of DVD that you put into your computers DVD drive to access a web sight, with HD your player actually downloads new content and extra features after the disc is out. So far they have made several other interactive viewing modes and the 6 of the Sector 7 videos featuring classic Transformers available. While the viewing modes are nice they don’t really impart much in the way of new information. If your the type that re watches a movie several times to take in all the extras then it’s worth a look but otherwise it’s probably a pass. The Sector 7 videos (which where featured on the Transformers web sight this summer) are worth the download, especially if your a classic Transformers. Video’s include live action footage of Classic Bumblebee, Grimlock, Insecticons and Laserbeak/Buzzsaw.
The documentaries are comprehensive and if you enjoy behind the scenes and making of stuff the set doesn’t disappoint. My only criticism is the tech viewer. It’s pretty clunky and doesn’t really give that much of a better look at the robots. It’s a nit pick I know but other than that it’s a fantastic set that is well worth picking up. Get copy for your collection today.
