Transformers Blu-ray
By Samantha Clark -- Video Business, 8/25/2008
PARAMOUNTStreet: Sept. 2
Prebook: now
> Michael Bay’s Transformers shine on Blu-ray.
Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Megatron are all the more shiny and intimidating in the Blu-ray version of Michael Bay’s adaptation of the ’80s cartoon franchise. The explosions and sound of metal on metal as the Transformers battle us and then each other give sub-woofers a good workout. The special features package is the same as on the earlier HD DVD version of the film, the most interesting of which is the picture-in-picture mode, which offers interviews, B-roll footage and pop-up trivia as the movie plays behind. Ten featurettes, which also are on the previously released standard-definition two-disc special edition of the film, explore behind-the-scenes of the production with footage and interviews of various players, including the cast, Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg.
Shelf Talk: Director Bay was very vocal about his disapproval of Paramount’s decision to exclusively release movies on HD DVD when Transformers made its home entertainment debut. So, fans could be interested to see the movie on the filmmaker’s chosen high-def format, Blu-ray.
Adventure, color, PG-13 (violence, brief sexual humor, language), 143 min., BD $39.99, reviewed on PlayStation 3 with Sony Bravia 46-inch HDTV and HDMI connectionExtras: 10 featurettes, concept art, picture-in-picture, pop-up trivia, BD Live
Director: Michael Bay
First Run: W, Nov. 2007, $319 mil.