Transformers DVD and HD DVD Announced Way more than meets the eye!
by IGN DVD
September 5, 2007 - Listen up, you cybernetic collective of Autobots and Decepticons - DreamWorks and Paramount pictures have just announced the release date of the robotic summer blockbuster Transformers to DVD and HD DVD as October 16, 2007. As expected, Michael Bay's FX-laden take on the classic property will come jam-packed bonus material and exclusive high-def extras. In fact, the DVD case alone will transform into a six-foot tall sentient mechanism capable of destroying your entire living room.
The Special Edition DVD will be presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. Total runtime clocks in at 143 minutes. Extras for the Special Edition standard-definition release will include:
Disc 1:
* Feature film
* Commentary by Michael Bay
Disc 2:
"Our World"
* The Story Sparks: Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film. Explores how the writers adapted the cartoon into a live-action movie and why Michael Bay is the perfect director for the film.
* Human Allies: A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set.
* I Fight Giant Robots: An exploration of the military training that Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson underwent for their roles and the various stunts that the actors were asked to perform.
* Battleground: A piece on the senior officials from the Department of Defense and Air Force who consulted on the film to give it authenticity and the key locations that the U.S. government provided access to.
"Their War"
* Rise of the Robots: Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life.
* Autobots Roll Out: Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film.
* Decepticons Strike: The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow: F-22 Raptors, Ospreys and A-10 Warthogs.
* Inside the AllSpark: ILM's digital artists discuss the challenges of bringing the Transformers to life.
"More Than Meets The Eye"
* From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects.
* Early sketch concepts of the robots.
* Trailers
The Transformers HD DVD will be presented in 1080p High Definition with English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus and English, English SDH+, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. In addition to the above features that will be presented in high definition, the HD DVD will also offer the following exclusive content:
Disc 1:
TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display): In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences.
Transformers Intelligence Mode web-enabled features consist of:
* Transformation Mode
* Health Meter
* Weapon Mode
* Robot Bio
* In Scene Indicator
* Text Ticker
* GPS
Disc 2:
Transformers Tech Inspector: Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the Transformers robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models.
Readers may remember the Transformers DVD Wish List that we put together back in July. CLICK HERE to see how much of what we wanted made the cut!
No word yet on pricing for the two versions, but check back with IGN DVD for more as it develops!
