DVD Review: Transformers Animated: Season One
Filed under: — Cartoon, Cartoon Network, DVD, Television
Written by: Dominick at 1:48 PM
TV Show Info:
Writers: Various
Directors: Various
Cast: David Kaye, Jeff Bennett, Bumper Robinson, Bill Fagerbakke, Tara Strong, Corey Burton, Tom Kenny
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Hasbro
Release Info:
Original Air Dates: 2007-?
Season Air Dates: December 26, 2007-April 5, 2008
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 19, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $17.49
Episodes: Episodes #4-16 of Season One (January 2008-April 2008)
After watching the first three episodes of Transformers Animated in the first DVD release, Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out, I just had to review the 13 remaining episodes that are presented on the Transformers Animated: Season One DVD. That’s right folks. In order to own the entire first season of the show, you have to buy this 2-Disc set and the previous DVD release. It’s kind of shoddy of Hasbro to do it that way, but what can any of us do (save for give the DVD a negative review in this department and complaining real loud) to change this?
So, I’ve already mentioned a flaw with this DVD. Don’t be alarmed because there are plenty of good things about this series. Since I’ve already mentioned one of the bad parts I should also mention I’m not in love with the show’s portrayal of Optimus Prime. Originally, Optimus is a skilled leader and fearless protector of both Autobots and humans. In this incarnation, Prime has been changed to allow for a somewhat differing storyline from the original show. The only leading he has done has been when working construction and his inexperience shows in his actions. While this is a slightly interesting twist, it’s the only thing I truly disliked about this series.
That being said, the animation is excellent. I really like the updates and visual care taken with the newly designed Transformers. The storylines are tight and well written. The characters have more depth and more time is spent on each individual as opposed to talking about the Transformers as a collective whole. I also like the idea that the setting is Detroit (I’m from Michigan – so I have a soft spot for series set here). That’s a purely selfish thing on my part.
So, I guess you’re wondering if this show is worth watching. Kids are going to love Transformers Animated. Those who remember the old cartoons can appreciate the show. There are several references to the original series and the care taken not to overly step on any of the original series creators’ toes (excluding the changes to Optimus) is highly visible. Of all the latest Transformers incarnations to make their way on to television, I have to say that Transformers Animated is one of the best.
The Transformers Animated Plot
The first season aired 16 episodes. The first set of episodes (#1-#3) are available on the Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out DVD. Episodes #4-#16 are available in this set. You can read a little bit about the first three episodes in my review of Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out. The basic premise is that the Autobots come to Earth (and wind up in Detroit City) with the AllSpark. The Decepticons, of course, follow them, creating havoc and panic in their wake.
Here is a list of all of the episodes included in the Transformers Animated: Season One 2-DVD Box Set:
“Home Is Where the Spark Is” – Making their home near Detroit City, the Autobots use a former auto-parts shop as their headquarters. They’re hoping to be ready when/if the Decepticons return. The head of Megatron has, in the meantime, come back online. With his super powers, he is able to take control of multiple robots and launch a major attack on Optimus and the other Autobots.
“Blast From the Past” – In a retro look back at the Dinobots, Professor Sumdac realizes that he has created a group of bots that can think for themselves. This leads to a battle between the Dinobots and the Autobots.
“Thrill of the Hunt” – An episode about Ratchet, this Autobot must deal with his past and part in the Autobot-Decepticon War. When Lockdown, his Decepticon enemy, shows up, the past and the present will coincide.
“Nanosec” – In an episode that features the Autobot fan favorite, Bumblebee, the Autobots face a new threat and its up to Bumblebee to try and stop him. This time it’s a new villain known as Nanosec.
“Total Meltdown” – Engineers should never tamper with Transformers. When a super engineer tampers with the system in Bumblebee, he turns into a a robot that burns holes in the Autobots when he touches them.
“Along Came a Spider” – It’s Halloween for the Autobots. Bumblebee and Bulkhead are celebrating the human event with Sari. Of course, it can’t be a true celebration without a Decepticon interrupting the fun. When Blackarachnia shows up the celebration is threatened.
“Sound and Fury” – When Sari gets a new toy, Bulkhead is suspicious. It isn’t long before he discovers that the toy is evil. Of course, convincing Optimus and the other Autbots of his discovery is easier said then done!
“Lost and Found” – Two Decepticons that haven’t been on the show yet, Lugnut and Blitzwing, go head to head with the Autobots.
“Survival of the Fittest” – When Sari is kidnapped, Prowl and Bulkhead head off to find her. Trying to find the Dinobots, who seem to have been the ones to kidnap her, the two Autobots must also deal with the bizarre Captain Fanzone, who follows them to the mysterious island where they’re heading.
“Headmaster” – One of the ex-employees of Prof. Sumdac tweaks with the system of an Autobot. Once he has control of the Autbot, he heads out into Detroit City to have some fun!
“Nature Calls” – When the Autobots detect unusual readings (cybertron readings) from within the forest, Prowl, Bumblebee and Sari head into the forest to find out what is causing them.
“Megatron Rising – Part 1″ -Under the guidance and planning of Megatron, Starscream, Lugnut and Blitzwing start to attack the Earth. With Optimus doubtful of his ability to lead, he inadvertently causes Sari to run away, only for her to end up in the clutches of Blackarachnia.
“Megatron Rising – Part 2″ – Megatron has been rebuilt. He leads the Decepticons in their battle to take over the Earth. When the Autobots are unable to stop them, they must turn their attention towards protecting the AllSpark, no matter the cost.
Storyline/Plot: 
Replayability: 
Acting:
Directing:
Audio/Visual:
Presented at an aspect ratio of 1.33:1, standard for a cartoon, I’m surprised by how good the animation and visual quality look for the episodes in season one of Transformers Animated. These episodes truly look amazing. There have been animation updates and the quality is drastically improved from the quality of the original series, thanks to advances in animation techniques. What helps is a crystal clear picture with barely any visual flaws.
The audio quality for this DVD is also fairly standard for television cartoons. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track gets the job done. While this isn’t as dynamic as a 5.1 track, the sound effects, dialogue and music all come through with clarity and no need to play with the volume. There is also a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track in Spanish. Closed Captioning is available with both tracks though subtitles are not an option.
Visual:
Audio:
Bonus Features:
While Transformers Animated: Transform and Roll Out had a few, really neat bonuses, the release of Transformers Animated: Season One without anything other than a still gallery is yet another disappointment. While the most disappointing part of this show is the actual DVD release (and not the show) it is frustrating to see less than stellar television shows getting better treatment than a show like this.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
While certain liberties were taken to update Transformers Animated from the original series, a reflection of the past is evident in the care taken by this show’s writers. While there are some minor issues concerning Optimus Prime and it totally sucks that you’ll have to buy the first three episodes in addition to the Transformers Animated: Season One DVD, fans of the series and Transformers in general, will definitely want to check this Cartoon Network series out.
Overall Rating:
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Written by Dominick Evans - Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.
