Personally I’m not a big fan of the Transformers relaunch (the 1986 movie has yet to be surpassed), but these tie-ins seem tasteful enough.

That said, here are Mimobot’s latest novelity flash drives: Optimus Prime and Megatron. They’re available in 2GB to 16GB with pricing starting out at $22.95 and come preloaded with themed wallpaper, icons, and screensavers.

The next, and supposedly final, Transformers movie is due for release on July 1, but how can you have a popcorn movie without the popcorn? In this case “the popcorn” is Transformers themed 3D glasses. Hmm.

Hasbro partnered with Real-D to produce the glasses, which will retail for $9.99 when they’re released in May. Hasbro refers to them as “role-playing” masks, which is probably code for “cosplay.”

They’re plain ol’ Real-D glasses, meaning you should be able to wear them at any other 3D movie, though you’d probably look out of place attending an Avatar screening dressed as Optimus Prime.

Two masks are currently scheduled for release: the aforementioned Optimus Prime as well as Bumble Bee. Apparently Starscream, who’s clearly the star of the Transformers universe, didn’t make the cut.

Oh, China. When it’s not trying to pass off Top Gun footage as anything other than a horrible movie it’s building the world’s biggest statue of Optimus Prime. Nothing wrong with that.

The statue, located in Shenyang, measures 36-feet tall and weighs 11 tons. It’s made of 20 “wrecked” vehicles.

To put that into perspective, the State of Liberty, made famous in Grand Theft Auto IV, measures 151 feet from the base of the statue itself to the top of the torch. It weighs 450,000 pounds, or 225 tons. I know this because I read it here.

Transformers 3 (full title: Transformers: Dark Of The Moon) is scheduled to hit theaters in the US on July 1, 2011, but Paramount Pictures just released a first teaser trailer for the movie. It runs 2.20 min and doesn’t really show much, but it’s somehow pretty interesting nevertheless.

This is a high-quality clip by the way, not some bootleg version. Paramount also updated the official website of the movie.

Here’s the trailer (go to Apple Trailers for more options to view it):

Optimus Prime stands 40 feet tall and weighs in at 6 tons. He’s fittingly constructed of recycled car parts such as engines, bodies, and tires. He’s more than ready to protect the Beijing’s “Bird Nest” stadium located near by.

The 60-foot RX-78-2 was just reconstructed in part of Gundam’s 30th anniversary bash. This time he stands guard with a massive 1:1 scale beam saber.

All we can hope for as here in the states is that the Thundercats will protect us in case the two massive robots form an unholy robot alliance under the banner of robocalypse. [Topless Robot via technabob

I imagine you’d be surprised, especially if the video your friend shot (the friend standing next to you, shooting the exact same video which you see above) didn’t get taken down. I know YouTube has to be on the lookout for copyright violations, but really now.

Here’s a screenshot, in case that one up top goes down too. Does this look like official footage from Transformers 3 — a movie which is still in production, by the way, thus making duplication impossible?

More details and analysis at TechDirt.

Last week, T-Mobile teased us all with a little jab on Twitter about the HTC HD2 that it will be shipping soon. It was exciting and, to be frank, it made me a little antsy. As promised, T-Mobile announced new features for the HD2 at Mobile World Congress today and I’ve gotta say, it isn’t all that thrilling.

If you’ve ever held the HD2 in your hands as I have (jealous much?), you’ll notice that the screen is unusually huge and vivid. The 4.3-inch WVGA display is perfect for games and movies. Coupled with Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon processor, this phone has a lot of multimedia potential. So that’s exactly what T-Mobile is doing — pumping up the media and fun.

The HD2 will come with Blockbuster On Demand so you can download videos wherever you are, and you’ll also be able to view that content on your TV, Blu-ray player and PC with Blockbuster software. To get the ball rolling, the HD2 will come pre-loaded with “Transformers” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” right on the 16GB memory card.

Goodies thrown into the package are MobiTV, free Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi for up to six months, and Barnes & Noble’s e-Reader app. Did I say this device wasn’t that thrilling? I take that back. The only reason not to get one of these bad boys is if you have a serious aversion to Windows Mobile, especially with Windows Phone 7 coming later this year. Otherwise, if you find yourself drooling over this phone’s features, you’ll be waiting in anticipation until an official release date is announced.

[via CNet]

Luckily for Transformers fans out there, Activision is coming out with Transformers: War For Cybertron, developed by High Moon Studios, and the teaser trailer (embedded below) while short, may bring hope to the die-hards desperately in need of something good from the franchise to latch on to. The Trailer shows clips from a war-torn Cybertron and ends with an image of what looks to be Omega Supreme. Awesome, we know.

We’ll keep you posted on any updates we receive regarding the game. Until then, enjoy the trailer.

It’s only a 2GB drive, and it’s pretty expensive at $45, but they certainly are cool. There are two models to choose from, Jaguar on the Decepticon side, and Tigerton from the Autobots.

So is it just me, or were Transformers cooler in the 80′s? I was looking at one at the store the other day, and it just seemed cheap compared to how I remember them.

So why by all that’s holy, is “Transformers 2″ the best selling DVD/Blu-ray (in first week sales) of 2009? I think the issue is that this year has been somewhat dry as far as good movies go. “Transformers 2″ does appeal to a wider audience, and that’s why Paramount has sold 7.5 million copies in the first week that it’s been available. “Transformers 2″ did fall short of the 8.3 million discs sold in the first week by the original Transformers film.

Sorry for the delay, kids. It’s been a little busy around CG HQ. Without further ado, here are the winners of the Target exclusive Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Superion action figure. Check your inbox! Thanks to everyone for entering and we’ll be sure to team up with Target and Hasbro again in the future to give away more Transformers.

maddoghoek100
Laurie
jillybean
OP
Trae Dorn

Autobots, roll out!

The first batch of DLC for Activision and Luxoflux’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is slated for an August 27 launch for the Xbox 360 (800 MS points) and PS3 ($9.99). The entire DLC list is detailed below but the quick and dirty version is as follows: eight new playable characters, three new character skins, three new multiplayer maps and a “Expert” level for single-player campaign.

Character Info:

• G1 Optimus Prime
• Primary Weapon: Laser Rifle – This weapons functions the same as Movie Optimus’ Dual Laser Rifles, however it has increased damage and slightly increased ROF since there is only one cannon.
• Secondary Weapon: Shell Cannon – Functions the same as Movie Optimus’ Dual Shell Cannons, again with increased damage and ROF to compensate for not dual wielding.
• Melee Weapon: Energy Axe – Just as it was in the original series, Optimus deploys an energy axe to melee his enemies.
• Special Ability: Valiant Leader – Same as Movie Optimus (Damage reduction, retain at least a sliver of health, increased melee damage), but now turns G1 Optimus Gold (a la “The Golden Lagoon”)
• G1 Megatron
• PW: Lightning Gun – Works the same as Movie Megatron.
• SW: Dark Matter Beam – Works the same as Movie Megatron.
• MW: Energy Ball and Chain – Melee weapon from the original G1 series. Crackles with energy.
• SA: Fusion Arm Cannon – Works the same as Movie Megatron.
• G1 Starscream
• PW: Dual Null Rays – Rapid fire weapon with G1 inspired FX and sounds.
• Dual Homing Missiles – Similar to Movie Starscream’s missiles, except you fire two bursts of three at the same time. Damage is lower to compensate for increased missile barrage.
• MW: Fists
• SA: Megatron Blast – A single shot, high damage blast similar to Megatron’s fusion arm cannon. When performed, a transformed G1 Megatron in gun form will pop out of Starscream’s back and charge up, then fire a massive laser blast.
• G1 Sunstorm
• PW: Dual Null Rays –Same as G1 Starscream’s PW.
• SW: Flamethrowers – Dual Flamethrowers. Will cause sustained damage on enemies as well as overheat their weapons, but you must be very close to be effective with these.
• MW: Fists
• SA: Thermal Wave – Will do a radial blast that will overheat the weapons of any nearby enemies. Great to use in hit and run situations, leaving your enemies overheated and subject to the incoming fire from teammates.
• Jazz
• PW: Slug Repeater – Fast firing machine gun type weapon. Good accuracy and decent range.
• SW: Plasma Crescent Launcher – Boomerang shaped energy missile that will aggressively track to locked on enemies (automatically locks on like the Seeker missiles). Great for taking down air targets.
• MW: Fists – Jazz works with what he’s got.
• SA: Super Speed – Increases Jazz’s movement speed in all forms, allowing for faster travel on foot or in vehicle, and faster melee attacks.
• Sideswipe
• PW: Pulse Pistols – Rapid fire weapon that shoots big bolts of energy. Not as fast as Jazz’s repeater, but does more damage per shot.
• SW: Proximity Mines – Can plant multiple mines on any surface that will automatically explode when an enemy comes within range. These can be shot directly at enemies so they explode on contact, or can be used to booby trap control points or main areas of combat. Will explode on their own after a certain amount of time or if more mines (above the deployable limit) are fired.
• MW: Arm Blades – Sideways makes use of the dual forearm blades he possess.
• SA: Blade Strike – Single strike, homing melee attack that does high damage. Not a 1 hit kill like Megatron’s Fusion Arm Cannon, but brutally effective none the less.
• Soundwave
• PW: Charged Pulse Blast – Charged cannon that does high damage and charges to full power very quickly. Requires skill to use properly, but rewards good aim.
• SW: Sonic Disruptor Waves – Rapid fire sonic energy blasts that do minimal damage, but slow the target down when they are hit continually with this weapon.
• MW: Fists
• SA: Dual Deployables – Depending on his form, SW can deploy one of two different deployables. When his special is used in vehicle form, he will deploy the Jammer Pod which will fly up over the battlefield, and fire down on enemies below, while also cloaking all allies from the enemy’s radar. When his special is used in robot or weapon form, he will deploy the AOE Pod, which will continually smash the ground and damage any enemies who try close in (excellent for defending a control point).
• Jetfire (MP Only)
• PW: Ancient Cybetronian Pistol – Energy weapon that fires at a relatively decent rate, but does good damage with each shot.

• SW: Energon Wave Cannon – Similar to Grindor’s Energon wave. When fired a slow moving projectile will impact the nearest object in its path, then turn into a energy shockwave that will travel for a set distance. Anyone caught in the shockwave will take a small amount of damage, but also be stunned until a few seconds pass or they take damage from an enemy. Great for immobilizing large enemy groups on control points.
• MW: Fists
• SA: Radar Scanner – When activated will reveal all nearby enemies on radar for a limited time.
• Stealth Bumblebee
• All weapons and abilities same as Movie Character
• G1 Colors Ratchet
• All weapons and abilities same as Movie Character
• G1 Colors Sideswipe
• All weapons and abilities same as DLC Sideswipe
• Aerialbot (SP Only)
• All weapons and abilities same as Movie Character (this character is now selectable in certain SP missions)

Map Info:

Courtyard – Fast paced East Coast map that focuses on a heavily contested center action point. This key strategic area allows for views of the entire map as well as control of the high ground surrounding the middle courtyard and its perimeter. Flying characters are able to utilize the open skies and tall skyscrapers to quickly get to advantageous positions, but ground based characters can make use of numerous back alleys to flank around the sides of the map and attack from unprotected angles.

Hillside – A tiered map in a dense urban area of Cairo. Varied height sections on the map make for multiple small arenas of combat, while allowing sneaky players to move throughout the level virtually un-noticed under the cover the surrounding buildings. A central marketplace provides a high point to get views of almost the entire level, but the maze like street layout and numerous buildings mean that you will have to hunt your enemies down in the alleys of this ruined city.

Sandstorm – A very fast paced map that takes place in a smaller section of Cairo. Mostly populated with low level buildings and an open central area, combat on this map is fast and frenetic, with near instantaneous action as there is almost no place to hide. Flying characters can quickly hover above the map for near un-obstructed views of almost the entire map, but this also leaves them vulnerable to ground fire from almost every angle.


]]> http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-dlc-classic/feed/ 0 peter-ha dlc_poster_g_02_notitle http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/video-excellent-transforming-bumblebee-costume/ http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/video-excellent-transforming-bumblebee-costume/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:30:19 +0000 Devin Coldewey http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=107973
My brother made a great car-based Transformer costume back in the day that he could actually roll in (pictures, brother?), but this is perhaps even more impressive. It’s apparently being used at a car dealership as some sort of promotion. If they could but guarantee any car I bought there would transform into a friendly robot, I would happily pay top dollar.

And if it came with a free Megan Fox? Well, sir, you’ve got a deal.

[via Geekologie]


]]> http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/video-excellent-transforming-bumblebee-costume/feed/ 0 devin http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/contest-reminder-five-superion-transformers-action-figures-up-for-grabs/ http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/contest-reminder-five-superion-transformers-action-figures-up-for-grabs/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:00:38 +0000 Peter Ha http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=107828

Don’t forget to enter our contest to win one of five Target exclusive Hasbro Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Superion badasses. Go here and enter. Now. Do it. Contest ends tomorrow.


]]> http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/contest-reminder-five-superion-transformers-action-figures-up-for-grabs/feed/ 0 peter-ha http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/dvdblu-ray-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-confirmed-for-october-20-augmented-reality-included/ http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/dvdblu-ray-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-confirmed-for-october-20-augmented-reality-included/#comments Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:42:37 +0000 Peter Ha http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=107827 confirming the October 20 street date for both the DVD and Blu-ray of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Both the DVD and Blu-ray versions will come in a two-disc variety (single disc DVD will be available as well). The two-disc packages will include “augmented reality technology” that give owners a chance to rebuild a broken down Prime using their webcam and a “special website.” A gaggle of other extras are available. Check those out after the jump.]]>

Big, bad Bay just pushed out the press release confirming the October 20 street date for both the DVD and Blu-ray of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Both the DVD and Blu-ray versions will come in a two-disc variety (single disc DVD will be available as well). The two-disc packages will include “augmented reality technology” that give owners a chance to rebuild a broken down Prime using their webcam and a “special website.”

As an added bonus, the Blu-ray will include an exclusive interactive feature that gives viewers the ability to customize their own robot characters and get a glimpse at a rogue robot. Out of all the available permutations, one will unlock an exclusive interview with Michael Bay about his plans for the next adventure.

Two-Disc Special Edition DVD & Blu-ray:

The TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen two-disc Special Edition DVD is 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. The Blu-ray will be presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. The disc breakdown is as follows:

Disc 1:

Commentary by Michael Bay, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

Disc 2:

* The Human Factor: Exacting Revenge of the Fallen–This multi-chapter documentary chronicles the entire creation of the film and includes interviews with the cast and crew:
* Seeds of Vengeance – Development and Design – After the overwhelming success of 2007′s Transformers, how do the filmmakers top themselves for the sequel?
* Domestic Destruction – Production: United States – Michael Bay believes in going big: Big action and big explosions. Cast and crew are pushed to the limit as they traverse the U.S. from New Mexico to Pennsylvania.
* Joint Operations – Production: Military – No other filmmaker in the world enjoys the kind of military access and cooperation Michael Bay has. Here we see just how efficient our armed forces are and the awe and respect shown by the cast.
* Wonders of the World – Production: Middle East – You can’t really reproduce Egypt anywhere but Egypt so off we go to Giza and Luxor.
* Start Making Sense – Editing – In order to turn over the massive amount of film as quickly as possible to VFX, four editors work tirelessly in a unique tag-team approach to shape the film.
* Under the Gun – Visual Effects – Revenge of the Fallen features the most complicated VFX in film history. So complicated in fact that the filmmakers were unsure they would make the deadline. The DEVASTATOR VFX alone required 83% of ILM’s total render farm capacity.
* Running the Gauntlet – Post-Production and Release – Working seven days a week, Michael Bay and company usher the film through sound design, Digital Intermediate color-timing and a globe-trotting whirlwind of premieres.
* A Day with Bay: Tokyo–An intimate and fun all-access journey with Michael Bay as he travels to Tokyo, Japan for the world premiere of the biggest film of the year.
* 25 Years of TRANSFORMERS–Access an all-new featurette celebrating a monumental milestone for one of Hasbro’s most successful and popular franchises.
* NEST: Transformer Data-Hub–Explore conceptual artwork created by the production for 12 of the most popular AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS from the film.
* Deconstructing Visual Bayhem with Commentary by Pre-Vis Supervisor Steve Yamamoto– A series of multi-angle pre-visualization sequences allowing viewers to learn how some of the film’s most spectacular scenes were created with an introduction by Michael Bay.
* Extended Scenes
* Music Video: Linkin Park’s “New Divide”

BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE:

The ALLSPARK Experiment–Viewers get their chance to unleash the power of the recently recovered ALLSPARK shard on Earth vehicles. Begin by selecting and customizing a vehicle with a selection of parts and accessories. Then apply the ALLSPARK to this creation and watch what happens. Applying the ALLSPARK to certain custom combinations enables four new robot characters with special powers. If viewers discover all four, they unlock a fifth vehicle, which reveals a top secret message about the future of the TRANSFORMERS movie franchise.

* NEST: Transformer Data-Hub–A database of some of the TRANSFORMERS characters that appear in the new film, offering users access to each robot’s confidential file including:
* Innovative 3D spin galleries of each robot
* A timeline for each TRANSFORMERS character charting its origins, back story and design evolution from toys to animated series to comics and finally feature films
* Giant Effing Movie – A very personal look at the making of the movie.
* The Matrix of Marketing–An archive of the film’s promotional media including trailers, posters and television spots.


]]> http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/20/dvdblu-ray-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-confirmed-for-october-20-augmented-reality-included/feed/ 0 peter-ha megfoxtf2 bdrtf2 http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/19/bay-hates-dinobots-probably-wont-be-included-in-transformers-3/ http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/19/bay-hates-dinobots-probably-wont-be-included-in-transformers-3/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:53 +0000 Peter Ha http://www.crunchgear.com/?p=107542

I liked the Dinobots as a kid and wouldn’t mind seeing them in the third Transformers movie, but who am I kidding? I’m still unhappy with Prime’s moving lips. And for the record, I thought Revenge of the Fallen was entertaining even though Sam ends up in Prime heaven.

Anyway, comicbookmovie.com is reporting that Bay was quoted in Empire’s September issue with the following:

“They’ve never been discussed [for inclusion]” stated Bay. “I don’t like them. Actually, I hate them.”

Don’t forget to enter our Transformers contest to win the Target exclusive Superion.


]]> http://techcrunch.com/2009/08/19/bay-hates-dinobots-probably-wont-be-included-in-transformers-3/feed/ 0 peter-ha