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Category:    Home > Reviews > Animation > Action > Robots > Transformers Cybertron: The Ultimate Collection + Transformers Animated: Season One (Hasbro/Paramount DVD)

Transformers Cybertron: The Ultimate Collection + Transformers Animated: Season One (Hasbro/Paramount DVD)

 

Picture: B-     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Episodes: C+/C

 

 

There is no disguising it, the Transformers brand is picking up more steam than ever and with a new slue of films and animated series arriving everywhere fans have a lot to delve into.  New to DVD is Transformers Cybertron: The Ultimate Collection, the 2005-2006 follow-up series to Transformers Energon and Transformers Armada.  The series is a fun blend of computer and classic animation styles that only furthers the already established Transformers storyline (and toy line for that matter).

 

Transformers Cybertron follows the transformers as they attempt to save their planet’s race (both Autobots and Decepticons) from an every growing black hole that was created when the planet engulfing robot Unicron was destroyed.  The Autobots and the Decepticons both fled to earth and live amongst the humans disguised as ordinary, everyday machines and vehicles.  The leader of the Autobots is still Optimus Prime and Megatron still leads the evil Decepticons.  A new ancient (guardian) robot steps forward named Vector Prime and informs the Autobots of devices known as Cyber Planet Keys that can stop the black hole from growing and in turn save their home planet.  The 52 episode series follows the Autobots and the Decepticons (and some annoying humans) as they race to obtain the 4 Cyber Planet Keys.  The powerful race to the finish spans the entire universe and brings about many unique and great battles.  An overall good series, though this reviewer still enjoys the depth of the original 1980’s series the best.

 

The series on the whole is more focused on the animation stylings (i.e. - fancy computer graphics) and not so much consistent and deep storylines, which in turn detracts from the feel of the series and makes it very repetitive.  The human element of the series is also drab and annoying at times, only distracting from the true stars of the series, The Transformers.  Cybertron is another transformers series with a great premise (mostly because it is a taste of the past), but does not follow through with all the elements that would take it to the next level.

 

Transformers Animated: Season One was more or less already reviewed on this site with Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out.  The full review can be found at this link below:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/7159/Transformers+Animated:+Transform

 

 

As this reviewer previously stated, the series is bright and fun and seemingly appeals to a younger audience.  The streamline animation style lacks almost as much depth as the light and fluffy storylines; on the whole disappointing hardcore transformer fans across the board.  The series may give transformer fans a small fix, but in the end it crashes and burns due to its lack of originality.

 

The technical features on Transformers Cybertron are decent and get the job done in one way, shape, or form.  The picture is presented in its original 1.33 X 1 aspect ratio that for the most part looks excellent with bright, fluid colors and strong black levels.  The audio is a weaker feature presented in its simple Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track and whereas there is no distortion to complain about here, it does project a little light at times for such an action centric series.

 

The extras on Transformers Cybertron are nil, zip, nada and a sad disappoint for fans who were expecting the ‘ultimate collection.’

 

The technical features on the new season set release of Transformers Animated are exactly the same as the recently released (single disc) Transform and Roll Out, remaining adequate for a less than stellar series, but nothing spectacular.  The picture again is presented in a disappointing 1.33 X 1 full screen that is crisp, bright and colorful but most definitely would have looked better in an anamorphic widescreen.  The sound quality again is also well balanced in its Dolby Digital Stereo but lacks a certain degree of ‘pop’ that is necessary for a mega-charged robot such as this.  A Spanish track is also available.  The extras are lackluster at best offering fans only a Season 2 Photo Gallery that is a BIG yawn.

 

Both series are a great addition to any fans Transformers library, but nothing compares to the original.

 

For a look back at the Transformers Armada series, follow the link below:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4512/Transformers+Armada:+Season+One

 

 

-   Michael P. Dougherty II


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