Transformers One (4K UHD Blue-ray) Steelbook review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Paramount
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Rating: PG
Film: 4/5
 
 
Plot
TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON.  Better known as sworn enemies, they were once friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of CYBERTRON forever. The first-ever fully CG-animated TRANSFORMERS movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm.
 
 My Thoughts
 I’ve never been a huge fan of Transformers movies. I consider them to be mostly mediocre  with pedestrian (at best) storytelling and are usually awed by the wiz-bang special effects and stellar A/V quality. The exception to this was Bumblebee, which is my favorite in the franchise. So, when I first received the press release for this film my initial thoughts were to skip it, but then I did a quick Google search and saw how well the film was received. How well? How about 89% on Rottentomatoes.com and 98% from viewers. Given that feedback, I decided to give it a try and here we are.
 
After dedicating a little over two hours to the film and special features, I have to say that this is by far the best Transformers film to date. It starts as a buddy movie before overloading your senses with action sequences—which fit in with the story and move the narrative along. While I really never gave thought to how Optimus Prime and Megatron became mortal enemies, I have to say that their origin stories may make rewatching the live-action films a bit more enjoyable knowing their back story.  
 
From an A/V perspective, the film certainly shines. The animation is best-in-class and shines in 4K. Colors are vivid and bright, depth of image is outstanding, and the level of detail is off the charts. This is certainly a disc that can be used to highlight the capabilities of your display. The Atmos audio track is great as well, but doesn’t quite meet the level of a perfect score. The LFE is a bit tame compared to other action films which impacts the overall dynamic range of the presentation. While not a bad mix by any stretch, it just doesn’t quite reach the heights it could have.

 Video 10/10 (AVC)
 
Audio 9/10 (Dolby Atmos)

 
 Special Features:
·       In the Beginning
·       World Building On CYBERTRON
·       Together as One
·       Ihe Iacon 5000
·       The Battle for CYBERTRON
·       Steelbook Packaging
·       Blu-ray + Digital Code
 
 

 
 
 Conclusion
I was 15 when the Transformers burst on the scene so I’m a bit too old to have any nostalgic feelings towards the Hasbro toys. The movie franchise has been fun to follow, but I wouldn’t consider myself a big fan. Regardless, I really enjoyed this film a lot and put it on the same level as Bumblebee due to the superior storytelling. They address the fact that this is the first CG-animated film in the supplements because to make this story live-action would have swallowed up the GDP of many third-word countries and there’s no way the studio could have made a profit. Frankly, the animation was a plus in my book. Highly recommended.
 
Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
 (Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
 Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
 Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
 ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
 ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
 System Controller: URC MX-990
 M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
 M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
 Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
 Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
 Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
 Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
 PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

I thought it was good not great. But did enjoy it. 

Transformers were by fr my favorite toys as a kid