ROTF's release date

... is October 24th :3

ROTF's twins black stereotypes? (Lol, Jazz)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090625/ap_en_mo/us_film_transformers_jar_jar_again

Found that earlier. Just wanted to say a couple things...

"Skids and Mudflap, twin robots disguised as compact hatchbacks, constantly brawl and bicker in rap-inspired street slang. They're forced to acknowledge that they can't read. One has a gold tooth."

I just wanted to nitpick... It wasn't that they couldn't read, it was that they couldn't read the Language of the Primes (said so in the novel), which, if you guys didn't notice... no one could read. Wish people would do their research...

ROTF!!!!

IS FINALLY HERE.
Oh my lord.
It's finally here.
FINALLY.
/cries with joy/
Midnight showing tonight :3

ROTF SCORE!!

Found a link to download it: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?odmn1jzd2ku

ROTF interview

Sorry updates have been so... nonexistent lately >.< RL is screwing me over. Things will be back to normal soon.

Here's a cast and crew interview: http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=56191

Extended kitchen scene from ROTF: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwQuG5pZnH8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etfw2005%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded

(Sorry about lack of posts, been really busy.)

Also, list of VAs for ROTF:

Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen
Bumblebee - Does not speak in the film
Ratchet - Robert Foxworth
Ironhide - Jess Harnell
Sideswipe - Andre Sogliuzzo
Arcee - Grey DeLisle
Jetfire - Mark Ryan
Mudflap - Reno Wilson
Skids - Tom Kenny
Wheelie - Tom Kenny
Jolt - Does not speak in the film
Megatron - Hugo Weaving
Starscream - Charles Adler
Soundwave - Frank Welker (but lacking the vocodered voice)
The Fallen - Tony Todd
Scalpel "The Doctor" - John DiCrosta
Demolishor also speaks, although the various other Constructicons do not. Devastator reportedly just grunts and roars, so there is no confirmation if Frank Welker is providing his voice. Additionally Kevin Michael Richardson provides the voice of an ancient Transformer seen in one sequence.

Sorry for the missed news, guys >.< I've been having some issues lately and didn't have time to get this out. Yes, I missed some news, but I'll post the most important stuff.

1. First, another round of TV spots-- the first one has an AWESOME shot of Sideswipe (whose figure I bought-- yayyyy): http://community.livejournal.com/tf2007fun/1429047.html

2. The HDRoom has posted some cool ROTF facts:

* 14 robots last time, 46 robots this time (ILM only)
* If you had all the gold ever mined in the history of man, you could build a little more than half of Devastator.
* Optimus Prime will be life size on IMAX screens in many forest fight shots. (That is awesome.)
* Devastator's hand is traveling 390 miles per hour when he punches the pyramid.
* The pyramid destruction simulation was 8 times bigger than the old rigid simulation all-time record holder at ILM.
* All robot parts laid out end to end would stretch from one side of California to the other, about 180 miles.
* Devastator's parts stacked tip to tip would be as tall as 58 empire state buildings.
* If all the texture maps on the show were printed on 1 square yard sheets, they would cover 13 football fields.

3. Preview of the G1 Megs bust: http://www.toychestnews.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=4&s=678&ai=83604

4. Variety has released an article with some of the ROTF voice actors listed, along with other info: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117940483.html?categoryid=31&cs=1

5. Orci+Kurtzman gave an interview on ROTF: http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/news-and-features/features/movies/e3iecfa450e38f03b77320a92c99890ed5a?pn=2

6. An interview with ROTF's Tarah Paige: http://therealmtoys.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/interview-with-tarah-paige/#more-784

That's all for now-- a little note on the Sideswipe figure: he is as small as Naaly said (about 6 inches tall) and well put-together. Quite a complicated figure for as small as he is. Next on my list is Megatron, then Knockout and Sideways.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to do a full post as I am a bit sick and achy, but here is a preview of ROTF's score. It sounds even better than the first one: http://www.amazon.de/Transformers-Revenge-Fallen-Hans-Zimmer/dp/B00297FEUI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1245098067&sr=8-2

1. Burger King is now giving away ROTF toys with their kids' meals. I am totally not going to go to Burger King and order one >>

2. TVshowsonDVD.com has posted quite a few videos for the Shout! release of G1. This includes trailers and product demos: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Transformers-Season-1-Video-Clips/12101

3. Sideways is suspected to be a double agent in ROTF, the same as he was in Armada...

Also, much rejoicing for Movietickets.com....

Defiance, Alliance bestsellers

1. The Pentagon is looking at some Transformers-type technology.

"In a report posted on Breitbart.tv, US officials at the Pentagon are trying to develop mechanical types materials that can change form on command. Now before you start thinking "Oh Yes! The Wreckers are coming to life!", the technology thats being researched is at primary stages of practical use. Several university teams are looking into different ways to make "programmable matter"—made of individual pieces that can self-assemble into tools or spare parts. One of the approaches being used uses sheets of self-folding matter that can form three-dimensional shapes on command."

2. The IDW movie prequel comics "Alliance" and "Defiance" are now on the New York Times Bestsellers' List, with Alliance at #7 and Defiance at #5.

3. The new ROTF Robot Heroes "Battle of the Fallen" now has its picture on the web. Sly thing, you: http://bwtf.com/node/848

4. Takara Tomy has started a "Transformers Channel" for fans. It's all in Japanese, but hell, it's something, right? http://ch.yahoo.co.jp/takaratomy/

5. For those of you who ordered the Botcon 2009 Wings of Honor set, it should be arriving soon.


Sorry for the lateness and I probably missed a few things, but life was hectic today. Bought my ticket, though! I am officially in to see ROTF in IMAX at 12:01 at my local theater on June 24th. Wheeee! Also, I finally got my ass out and bought Acidstorm (Universe) because I've been doing several Acidstorm/Sunstorm rps lately and decided what the hell. Got him on sale at Krogers for $11.89.

Also, I've been getting very into Transformers Victory, so.... Who knows what will come of that. XDD (Tori, I still blame you.)

TV spots, movie novel details

Lots and lots and lots of news today.

1. ROTF presale tickets now make up 21% of the nation's ticket sales, so I would suggest getting yours before showings sell out!

2. An article was released where Megan Fox and Shia Labeouf talk about TF3, and Roberto Orci teases some things that a lot of you might already know if you were following my LJ before this...

BEVERLY HILLS, California — Two years ago, Michael Bay's "Transformers" shape-shifted itself into the biggest hit of the year. Later this month, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" will try to keep the streak alive by living up to its predecessor.

Now, the people behind the popular franchise are talking trilogy.

"We enjoy making these movies. It's just like going to adrenaline-rush camp," grinned Shia LaBeouf, who stars in the series as Sam Witwicky. "It's a lot of fun to make."

"This [franchise] opened all of the doors that it did and gave me a lot of undeserved success," said Megan Fox, a breakout star from the first film. "I'm really happy to have been a part of these films, obviously, and if they wanted me to come back for a third one, I would.

"I owe them," she laughed. "I owe them my career, really."

So with a 2012 release date already hanging over their heads, the next question is a simple one: What would "Transformers 3" be about?

"I'd like to see some version of Galvatron," said Roberto Orci, who wrote the first two films with his partner Alex Kurtzman. "I would like to see Unicron, too, and really anything that ends in the word 'ron.' "

"Dinobots!" Orci added. "I think, eventually, the Dinobots are going to have to happen."

Although some fans remember the dinosaur-shaped Transformers as being a bit cheesy, Orci doesn't see it as an obstacle. "I didn't say it was going to be my problem [to overcome as a writer]," he laughed. "But as a fan, I would like to see some Dinobots."

Speaking of which, Kurtzman and Orci — who recently launched another blockbuster franchise with "Star Trek" — aren't completely sure they'll be returning for "Transformers 3." "It's totally possible that, just for the benefit of 'Transformers' to stay cool and awesome, we should have to let new people come in and do it," Kurtzman said.

"We don't like to say yes ... until we're actually going to have a worthy thing to represent," Orci agreed.

And with that comes another obstacle to "Transformers 3" even bigger than the 46-foot Devastator (I was informed that he was over 100 feet....) : time. Michael Bay recently revealed to us that he's going to take a "Transformers" vacation and film a "small movie" instead. Plus, stars like LaBeouf and Fox are hot Hollywood commodities with equally jam-packed schedules.

"I don't think [we'll make 'Transformers 3'] right away, but I wouldn't kill it either," LaBeouf explained, saying that just like Michael Bay, all the stars need a break from the giant robot franchise. "I don't think we're going to do one anytime soon. I think we all need a break from each other and a break from the project.

"We just need to collect ourselves and come back to it," he added. "They're hard to make, man."


I also heard that there will be triplechangers involved in TF3

3. A new ROTF trailer was shown on "The Late Night Show with David Letterman"-- and there's new footage!
(What could be a squadron of seekers at 0:21, a good shot of Megatron and Prime at the end...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmWwG2W7c8w&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eseibertron%2Ecom%2Ftransformers%2Fnews%2Fnew%2Drotf%2Dtrailer%2Dfrom%2Dlate%2Dnight%2Dwith%2Ddavid%2Dletterman%2F16159%2F&feature=player_embedded

4. And finally, Michaelbay.com has been updated with 6 new TV spots! Holy hell...

"Drums", "Wanted", "Let's Roll, Kids", "Stomp", "Team Kids" and "Adventure Kids".

"Drums" is the same spot as shown on the David Letterman show.

Still a lot of the same footage, but there's some good new shots, so watch 'em anyway. (Must admit I like Stomp, despite its short length. Team Kids has a good shot of Sideswipe in action. Adventure Kids features the twins.)

See them all here: http://www.michaelbay.com/newsblog/newsblog.html

5. Aaand the N.E.S.T. and Devastator clip has been uploaded in English: http://eiga.com/movie/53181/video

6. The tracklisting for ROTF's Score:

1. Prime
2. Einstein's Wrong
3. NEST (Contains instrumental excerpt from "New Divide" by Linkin Park)
4. The Shard
5. The Fallen
6. Infinite White
7. Heed Our Warning
8. The Fallen's Arrival
9. Tomb Of The Primes
10. Forest Battle
11. Precious Cargo
12. Matrix Of Leadership
13. I Claim Your Sun
14. I Rise, You Fall

All right, that's all the news for now, but I wanted to talk about some stuff I found in the movel novel. When Sam, Mikaela and Simmons (along with Sam's roommate) identify the symbols Sam is seeing and show them to Wheels in an attempt to get him to read them, Wheels informs them that it is the Language of Primes, and that there are few who can read it. The four humans and Wheels travel to an air base, where Sam's shard stirs Jetfire.

Jetfire, after a few interruptions, informs them....

"In the beginning," Jetfire intone, his voice having regained some of the inherent dignity that attends great age, "we were ruled by the Dynasty of Primes--the first thirteen Transformers, created by the All-Spark to bring life to Cybertron. And as Energon was scarce, the All-Spark forged us a meabs to obtain more."

"The Matrix of Leadership," Jetfire explained solemnly. "Simultaneously a key and a driving force containing essence of the All-Spark itself, is it used to both activate and power the Great Machine... a machine built to destroy suns and collect their raw energy."

Sam and his roommate blather on for a moment...

"Fortunately for you," replied Jetfire, "the Primes were bound by one rule. Life is precious... thus any star system inhabited by living beings must be spared."

Mikaela asked what happened to the Matrix...

Jetfire was staring off into the distance, seeing something long ago and far away. "One of the Primes defied all rules. 'The Fallen'." At Jetfire's mention of the name, the otherwise cloudless sky seemed to darken. "To claim the Matrix for himself, he murdered his brothers. All but one, who escaped with it. The Great Machine was left abandoned, too dangerous to be used.

"The last, noble Prime hid the Matrix... in a tomb built from the bodies of his brothers. And as a final sacrifice, he sealed it from within." He looked down at his spellbound listeners.

"This was done so that your sun would be spared, and your species would survive."

Sam asks if everything started on Earth...

"And The Fallen intends to finish it. If he claims the Matrix, he'll use it to activate the Machine. Once it begins to draw upon the fires of your sun to create Energon, there is a very real chance that all life on your planet will end."

Mikaela asks how to stop him...

"Only a Prime can defeat The Fallen. That is why he returned to Cyberton to wage war. All direct descendents of the Prime Dynasty were slaughtered. Except for the one who was hidden away, an orphan, forever unaware of his destiny."

Sam looked up in recognition. "Optimus Prime."

"New Divide" music vid

Linkin Park's "New Divide" music video!!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=58849526

If you freeze at 1:14, you get a shot of the Original 13. At 1:54, there's a shot of them in their sarcophagi. Great shot of Optimus at 3:09. Teasers of the forest fight around 3:40. The Fallen at the end... >:3

1. Michael Bay has updated his website with an extended look at the Japan ROTF premiere, so be sure to check it out!

2. Takara Tomy is going to be bringing out new figures, which they've released a list of. All of them will be released in the 3rd quarter of this year.

Autobots
RA-13 Jetfire (6,800yen Leader Class, available Aug 2009)
RA-14 Canon Bumblebee (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Aug 2009)
RA-15 Madflap (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Aug 2009)
RA-16 Dunerunner (1,200yen Scout Class, available Aug 2009)
RA-17 Stratosphere (3,800yen Voyager Class, available Sep 2009)
RA-18 Autobot Blazemaster (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Sep 2009)
RA-19 Jolt (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Sep 2009)
RA-20 Icecream Truck (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Sep 2009)

Decepticon
RD-10 Fallen (3,800yen Voyager Class, available Jul 2009)
RD-11 Megatron (3,800yen Voyager Class, available Aug 2009)
RD-12 Decepticon Mixmaster (3,800yen Voyager Class, available Aug 2009)
RD-13 Ravage (2,300yen Deluxe Class, available Aug 2009)
RD-14 Scalpel (1,200yen Scout Class, available Aug 2009)
RD-15 Ejector (1,200yen Scout Class, available Aug 2009)
RD-16 Devastator (15,000yen Combiner, available Sep 2009)

3. The Wheelie clip that was released yesterday has now been released in English with Japanese subtitles: http://cinematoday.jp/page/A0002228

4. A five-page preview of the Cliffjumper Spotlight is available on Comics Continuum: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0906/11/idwfirsts.htm

5. Hasbro has released this about a sneak peek deal available June 16th:

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. – In anticipation of the eagerly-awaited June 24 theatrical premiere of DreamWorks Pictures’ and Paramount Pictures’ action-packed Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Paramount Home Entertainment will offer consumers who purchase TRANSFORMERS on Blu-ray or DVD access to an exclusive sneak peek at the highly-anticipated sequel featuring Sam (Shia LaBeouf) and Mikaela (Megan Fox) as they desperately attempt to escape the Decepticons. Beginning on June 16, 2009, fans who purchase a new TRANSFORMERS DVD or Blu-ray disc at retail nationwide can augment their experience with access to compelling bonus content. Made available on a secure micro-site through an access code from the back of the Exclusive Sneak Peek sticker on the DVD package or via BD-Live, the footage includes two additional sneak peeks at the new film and over 25 minutes of bonus materials from the original film including never-before-seen deleted scenes, Megan Fox’s audition tapes and more.

That's all for now, guys. The ROTF Score track listing and a note from the movie novel later.

New ROTF clips!

1. IDW has updated their Twitter with a contest to win 10 IMAX tickets to ROTF. All you have to do is simply re-tweet the original tweet. Click here to see the post: http://twitter.com/IDWPublishing

2. Anime Evolution convention in Vancouver, BC, is going to be hosting several Transformers names this weekend:
Gary Chalk (Beast Wars/Beast Machines Opimus Primal)
Brian Dobson (Cybertron Clocker/Red Alert)
Brian Drummond (Beast Machines Jetstorm, Transformers Armada, Energon, & Cybertron: Blurr, Shockblast, Jetfire & Jolt)
Gavin Blair supervising animator (Beast Wars)
Paul Dobson Sideways (Armada)

3. The German website Unterhaltung has updated their website with two clips, one of Wheelie (who is, for some reason, referred to as Wheels) and one of Demolisher. They are in German, but you get the basic idea of what's going on. It's good proof to back up what Michael Bay's been saying for a long time: there's a lot more focus on the mechs rather than all humans all the time.

Wheelie (and Mikaela): http://unterhaltung.t-online.de/c/18/99/86/38/18998638,vv=P5.html
Demolisher (and N.E.S.T.): http://www.prosieben.de/kino_dvd/videoplayer/64592/

4. The score for ROTF is now listed on Amazon.com, which reveals the cover. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00297FEUI/

That's about it for now! Sorry about the late post, I was rather busy this morning.

More movie novelization details

I've been pressing on in the movie novelization with what free time I have, and I was very excited when I read the word 'Seeker' in one of the later chapters, only to find that it didn't mean Vossians or jets-- it means ancients. Seekers are mechs who came to Earth to find... something. Probably the Matrix, but I haven't read that far yet. Anyway... In all the shorts and commercials and TV spots, Sam admits to seeing things. Symbols. In the novel, it's revealed that these symbols are what many people in the fandom call Ancient--a language spoken from way, way back when. In ROTF, it's known as the Language of the Primes, a language that only Seekers can read. My guess, though it hasn't been stated, is that Seekers are actually the Original Thirteen, of which Jetfire is one. Or so I assume. Must continue reading. Have to say, though, I love Jetfire to death so far. He's like your crotchety grandpa, only with missiles and armblades and, like, the ability to turn into a Blackbird. Yeah.

Today's news

1. GM, sadly, has decided to halt production of the Chevy Topkick, which means no more Ironhide alt-mode. I wasn't all that worried before, but... it certainly seems that GM's bankruptcy will have quite an effect on future Transformers movies.

2. The ROTF cast is on an international press tour, which will take them to 9 different countries in only 2 weeks, so keep an eye out for interviews and pictures!

3. The Botcon 2009 exclusives are now available at the Club Store. Among the things that are available are the Botcon 2009 25th Anniversary Lithograph and the Wings of Honor set. Seibertron.com has posted the links to these and more: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2009-exclusives-now-available-club-store/16118/

4. TF08 has put up more images of the ice cream truck twin figure, which, though I hate the way these twins look (and so far, act), I have to admit looks good. http://www.tf08.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=879

5. Michael Bell has written a follow-up note to fans:

Hey T purists,

Thanks for all the responses to the demo. To those of you that liked, loved, and used it for personal gratification, cool beans!Those of you that thought it was limited in content or approach, remember, it was a demo..designed to show the possibilities and not for public consumption. Time constraints demanded an immediate presentable product. No time to start sifting through the best stories etc.

If IDW recants and gives us a go ahead with some scratch to do a good job, I assure you, you will be blown away by the end result.

In expensive but classy thrills for a .99 cent download. Much MORE THEN MEETS THE EYE!Again, thanks for the attention and cogent responses.

For those of you who took the time to write IDW, you are da bomb.

MB

6. Megan Fox is giving an interview on Entertainment Tonight as part of the show's "Transformers Tuesday". Check your local listings for times.

7. Wave 3 Legends Class figures are now hitting retail stores. They include The Fallen, Enforcer Ironhide, Grindor and Mudflap.

That's all for now!

Interview with IDW's Senior Editor!!!

Some very exciting news tonight! I emailed Andy Schmidt over at IDW today. He is a Senior Editor at IDW and works with the Transformers comics, so I gave him a shout for a short interview. Much to my delight, he replied! There is quite a bit in here that hasn't been released on other sites, so remember, you saw it here first!

Here we go:

Thanks very much! I realize that there are probably some things you'll have to be closemouthed about, and that's perfectly fine. I also apologize for the fact that this did not turn out to be "very short"...

No problem, Sam. Happy to help.

I really enjoy the way you portray Jazz and Prowl's friendship in All Hail Megatron, as well as the strange dynamic between Megatron and Starscream, which was very well written. Were there any friendships or brotherly relationships that you wanted to deepen within the IDW storyline?

My tenure on the books as editor is really just ramping up. I do believe that Shane McCarthy and Denton Tipton wanted to strengthen the bond between Sunstreaker and Sideswipe.
As for me and where the books are going while I work on them. I think you'll see a different focus in terms of who we focus on and what they're doing. Tough to say now, but there's lots of good character beats headed your way.

Drift is a very mysterious character indeed-- there's a lot of speculation as to whether he's playing for both sides. Did he truly defect to the 'Bots? (And this is probably more of a question for Hasbro, but is a Deluxe Drift figure really in the works?) Also in conjunction with Drift, is there anything planned for the neutral faction storyline we saw with Drift?

Drift is an Autobot through and through, my friend. Toy? No comment. There are no plans for a neutral faction story-line at this time. But I wouldn't say never on that one.

Perceptor's character has changed very drastically in AHM (which, by the way, I enjoyed very much). Did you specifically want to portray him differently?

Again, that was before my time, but yes, if I may speak on behalf of Shane, that was intentional. And you'll see more of this Perceptor in the months ahead--specifically, ALL HAIL MEGATRON #15.

Word is that IDW will be putting out movie Spotlights after Coda ends. Any characters you can spill?

Actually, it's a mini-series featuring spotlight-style issues, but there is connective tissue in all of them to the movie and some of them will connect to each other, to really build the fabric of the movie universe tapestry.

But to answer your question: Bumblebee, Sideswipe, Jetfire, The Fallen, Arcee, and Ravage, but not necessarily in that order...

What after the Spotlights? Is IDW planning on continuing the storyline straight on from AHM, or is there another that will pick up? (I also heard a rumor of a storyline concerning the Thirteen-- is there anything in the works with them or no?)

In order: I can't talk about Fight Club.
Sort of.
Maybe.
I've heard that rumor too.

There was also a rumor of a "moving graphic novel" idea proposed to IDW and supported by Michael Bell. Is there any plan to take that forwards and produce it?

Nope. It's just plain too expensive. It would be impossible to recoup costs on the project. (Damn.)

And, a small personal question: Who's your favorite character to work with?

I hate saying the obvious, but I really do love Optimus Prime. That said, I have a real soft spot for Blue Streak since he was the first TF I got as a kid and I was sucked in by him into this whole strange world. I'm also an Omega Supreme fan. I got him for Christmas one year and it was like the clouds parted and that big honking box shot down straight from the heavens. It was glorious!

Since you like Bluestreak so much (he's my favorite as well, by the way), do you think there will be a Spotlight for him?

I'd like to, just need a great story. And I'll be really critical of anything about him since he IS my favorite.

And also-- Sunstreaker's taken a hell of a beating in IDW--is it really over for him?

No fat lady sang that I remember seeing or hearing... (Check out ALL HAIL MEGATRON #14!)


.... SUNNY!!!
Thank the lord.
Anyway, that is all!

RyallTime, IMAX version, TFLAMB, Japan opening, Henkei Galvatron+ice cream truck twins, bios, novel

1. Chris Ryall has updated his blog RyallTime (http://ryalltime.blogspot.com/) with a 5-page preview for "I Am Optimus Prime". Here is a direct link: http://issuu.com/ryall/docs/tf_iamop.

2. According to Michael Bay's recent update, the IMAX version of ROTF will have exclusive extended footage. Here is his letter:

Hey everyone,

In Japan today. After a month and half seven days a week most days going till midnight me and my crew have just about finished Transformers. I have never seen such a level of dedication from every crew member in a movie before.

Even today after the press in Japan and right before the premiere tonight, I have to sneak out to a digital house to approve the last few effect shots.

It has been a long hard road, but really fun one to travel. What you will notice that is strikingly different than Transformers 1, is the level of animation detail. The robot characters (42 in all), you really can feel empathy for them. What is also very different is the sheer scale of the movie. We have been very tight holding back much of the best imagery in commercials and trailers.

The way to see this movie is on IMAX. Never before has there been 4k rendered character animation shot on full IMAX 70 mm film. This is a first and the results are stunning.

You will see Optimus Prime in a few shots where he is actually perfectly to scale on the IMAX 50 foot tall screens.

For IMAX, I created a slightly longer cut with more robot fighting. Four scenes were shot on IMAX cameras so the screen will fill the full IMAX screen for these scenes.

Haters beware.

Michael

3. The Transformers Live Action Movie Blog has updated their blog with very high-resolution shots of all the posters: http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2009/06/super-hi-res-transformers-2-posters.html

4. The premiere of Transformers in Japan was a big hit, and gettyimages.com has uploaded quite a few images of all the stars: http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=88044746

5. TF08 forums has posted a few pictures of some new figures. Most distinguishable are the ice-cream truck twins and a Henkei Galvatron, then an out-of-packae Jolt--the other one? Who knows. http://www.tf08.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=786

6. New bios for Sideways and and Rampage have been released courtesy of Tformers.

Sideways: Back on CYBERTRON, SIDEWAYS was a simple courier who avoided combat at all costs. He tried to always remain in the shadow of larger DECEPTICONS, where the AUTOBOTS might not notice him. On Earth, he's keeping much the same practice. He teamed up with DEMOLISHER early on, and hopes that if the AUTOBOTS find them, the CONSTRUCTICON can keep him safe.

Rampage: The stink of diesel fumes and hot tar follows RAMPAGE wherever he goes. His treads are packed with metal shards stripped from his victims, and the countless scratches covering his chassis are testament to hundreds of brutal battles. He lives to pound his enemies into submission, and he thinks of little else. His idea of beautify is the sight of sun glinting off the raw edges of shredded AUTOBOT armor.


SPOILERS that relate directly to ROTF's plot!

That's all the news for now, but I did want to mention that I continued reading the movie novelization and found something that vaguely surprised me. In an earlier interview, it was stated that the movie starts off with 15 Constructicons and ends with 7.
The 'bond' shared between the Constructicons is not what fans are used to. They are not 'brothers', nor do they really have a sense of oneness. They are not a gestalt as we think of it.
During the novel, a group of Decepticons goes to the depths of the Laurentian Abyss to rouse Megatron and return him to his proper place. Among these mechs are four Constructicons. When the Doctor (Scalpel) shouts that he needs replacement parts, the Constructicons stand in silence and then, as one, turn to destroy the weakest among them. Three of them are left standing. This was... quite a shock for me. Decepticons (and most certainly Constructicons) are brutal, but they, like any other gestalt, always seemed to have a certain brotherhood and loyalty to one another, and yet there they were, ripping each other apart.

I did want to say, too, that when Megatron was brought back, he spoke with the Fallen, who referred to him as his 'apprentice', and Megatron referred to the Fallen, in turn, as his Master. I'm not certain I agree with the whole premise of Megatron not being the big bad, but... I suppose you must top the first movie's villain in some way. The Fallen promises Megatron that he will soon be a Prime as well, and will be gifted the powers of The Dynasty. .....???? I shall continue to read...

Tyrese Gibson, Linkin Park contest, Oil Slick and Rodimus Minor, Josh Nizzi, ROTF movie novel

1. ROTF actor Tyrese Gibson "tweeted" yesterday that the final cut of the movie is finally finished. Apparently cast and crew watched the completed movie at 3pm. Michael was sure cutting it close with this one...

2. Linkin Park has put up a new contest- the prize? A custom Fender guitar with the ROTF logo on it. For details, go here:
http://www.totalassault.com/contests/id/02157/

3. Seibertron.com has posted two new galleries: one of Rodimus Minor and one of an unnamed Oil Slick repaint.
http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/new-photos-of-animated-rodimus-minor-and-oil-slick-repaint/16103/

4. Josh Nizzi has posted all four ROTF adaptation covers on his website:
http://www.joshnizzi.com/

That's all for now! Sorry for the late post, I had some stuff to take care of this morning.
On a side note, I bought the movie novelization yesterday and am currently about a third of the way through it. So far so good-- Sideswipe looks like he has a pretty big part, which I was praying for. So far not too many spoilers. Ravage, Soundwave and a few others have shown up, and I would say it has focused about equally on humans and mechs so far. Off to lunch now, more later!

Michael Bell needs us!

1. USA Today is holding a 'Design the Ultimate Transformer" contest. Here's the news post:
Think you can improve on Optimus Prime? Then put your pencil where your vocal processor is!USA TODAY wants you to design us a brand-new Transformer. Show us your idea in both pre- and post-transformation mode and tell us whether your creation is an Autobot or Decepticon and what it does. (For instance, check out Gannettron, an everyday USA TODAY newspaper box that morphs into a robot specializing in communications and news distribution via network satellite.)

Submissions are due June 18. You'll be able to view and vote for the finalists June 22, and the winner will be interviewed and have their design displayed in our June 26 print edition.

Technical specs: You can design your Tranformer on paper or digitally, but please send us the result in a single, high-quality (200-DPI) .jpg or .gif file. You must register for a free USA TODAY.com account in order to upload your design.

2. Michael Bell, the G1 voice actor for Prowl (I loved that voice ;.;) and Swoop (also loved that voice) is asking for fans' help!

"To all my Transformer buds,

I recently directed a demo for a series of motion graphic "Transformers" comics which could be downloaded via iPhone, iTouch, and other outlets. Many talented professional actors provided the voices for the characters in the demo including myself. The plan was to present it to IDW Comics who had shown more then a passing interest in this budding new concept. With a go ahead on producing the series, I would be employing the talents of as many of the original voices from the early series as possible. I had already cleared this with my fellow "Transformers" actors, and everyone was waiting in the wings for the response from the powers at IDW comics.

After months of mulling over it, they ultimately passed on the idea, and surprise surprise, decided to produce their own graphic motion novel without the voices or even the superbly heightened animation. So, essentially what you now have the ability to download is a plain old comic book.

Nothing new there.

Soooooo, I am taking my request to the troops. To all the die hard fans who I have met over the years at Botcon conventions, or who have written to me asking about my experiences working on one of the most inventive animated series in TV history- I need your help! I am requesting that you do something for me and my fellow actors, so we can in-turn do something really cool for you.

Please contact IDW and let them know that their concept of a series of comic books based on "Transformers" WITHOUT the talents of voice actors, especially many of the original voices, just doesn't cut it.

Please ask them to contract Creative Producers Chris Folino and William Katt, and make a deal for them to produce their concept of a downloadable graphic motion comic series of "Transformers" with professional actors, progressive animation, and lotsa sound effects.

On behalf of all those actors, animators, and studio techs that will get an opportunity to carry on a great tradition,

I thank you,
Michael "Prowl/Swoop" Bell"

(Here's a link to what the motion comics would look like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH83gbGcCnE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eallspark%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded)
I personally think that's a really cool idea and I love the demo, so put in if you have time!

3. KaelPrime on YouTube has posted a new episode of the Moonbase2 podcast, this time with a nice long interview with Shane McCarty, the writer of All Hail Megatron.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC3b5epypnA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eseibertron%2Ecom%2Ftransformers%2Fnews%2Finterview%2Dwith%2Dshane%2Dmccarty%2F16100%2F&feature=player_embedded

4. A long audio interview with Peter Cullen and Frank Welker has been uploaded at www.allspark.com. Go here to download or read it: http://www.allspark.com/content/view/5308/16/

5. Also, some sad news--Transformers Animated has been fully removed from CN's Saturday running. It's only showed at 6 am weekday mornings.

6. Some of the Transformers actors commented on Stan Bush's new version of "The Touch":
http://tformers.com/transformers-transformers-stars-comment-on-stan-bushs-the-touch-sams-theme/11717/news.html