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
