Film fans with a penchant for the Transformers franchise are in for an unexpected treat this month, with the return of the highly influential animated feature, The Transformers: The Movie to cinemas on 17th September!
40 years on from its original theatrical release, Hasbro and Fathom Entertainment have joined forces for this beautifully restored 4K theatrical release, which you can also enjoy as an immersive 4DX release in the US and UK, in cinemas starting on 17th September.
But that’s not all! If you’re planning to catch the film, don’t rush for the exit when the credits roll, as afterwards there will be the premiere of a brand-new 12-minute animated short, “Optimus Prime: Awakening.” Not only does this offer fans a new chapter in the saga, it also features the final original voice performance by Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) as Optimus Prime, alongside a new performance by Frank Welker (Megatron/Soundwave).
Beautifully, prior to his sad passing earlier this year, Cullen shared that this chance to return to the role had meant a great deal to him, seeing the project as a homecoming to a character he had crafted and evolved over decades. Welker echoed this sentiment, sharing that “Peter’s portrayal of Prime was born of his own personal beliefs; honesty, loyalty, and always insisting on doing the right thing…I will miss my friend, but that voice and his heart and values will always be part of Optimus Prime.”
With millions of fans worldwide, the Transformers franchise explores the ongoing battle of good versus evil as the Autobots go head to head with the Decepticons who are attempting to conquer the universe. The original animated film features an incredible stellar cast including Leonard Nimoy (Galvatron), Eric Idle (Wrek-Gar) and, incredibly, Orson Welles (Unicron) in his final film role, alongside the aforementioned Peter Cullen and Frank Welker.
Set in the distant future of 2005 (20 years after the original TV series’ second season) the film follows the Autobots, who are being hunted by Unicron, a Transformers robot the size of a planet. With their own home planet, Cybertron, having been conquered by the Decepticons, Optimus Prime must rally the team to fulfil their goal of protecting all life. One shall stand, and one shall fall…
Of course, since then, the franchise has become a true behemoth, with 11 movies, countless animated series, and more toys and treats than you can shake an Ion Blaster at. As all true fans will know, freedom is the right of all sentient beings and on Transformers Day (17th September) you can exercise that freedom to get yourself to the cinema and catch it for yourself. Tickets are already available at this link.
If you can’t wait until then, you can whet your whistles with the movie soundtrack’s “The Transformers: The Movie: The Reformatted Edition” available on all major streaming platforms and to buy, including some very nice looking vinyl options. With iconic tracks from the original, the collection also includes the new single “Nothing’s Gonna Stand In Our Way” featuring Sebastian Bach who many would know as the frontman of 1980s hard rock band Skid Row.
As you would expect from a leading toy and game company like Hasbro, there’s also some cool new toys to accompany the release. Perfect for collectors, there’s an interactive electronic replica of the Autobot’s Matrix of Leadership alongside a range of studio series figures based on the 1986 movie. With an extendable frame that allows you to display it open or closed, it also includes LED lighting in its core, and the song “The Touch” by Stan Bush from the film. There’s also a great new range of action figures from established partner Studio Series.
If you want to keep abreast of all of this and more, you can follow @TransformersOfficial on Instagram and TikTok, and @Transformers on X and Facebook. For tickets, go here.
