Transformers on DVD: More Editions that Meet the Eye

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 16, 2007

If you are still wondering why you should be excited about today, you need to get a clue. Today is the day that Transformers, the biggest movie of the summer that wasn’t another crappy sequel, drops on DVD, and HD-DVD, and Special Edition DVD and various other versions. In fact, there are so many different editions of Transformers hitting shelves today, you may get a little confused. So in leu of writing a bunch of different individual reviews for each version, we’ve decided to write one mega breakdown so that you can get head out to your local retailer and get your fill of giant robots!

And of course, if you need a reason to see Transformers, you may want to go back and re-read review after review that called it one of the best movies of the year. But enough of that, the following breakdown is for real fans only. Everyone else can go out and buy A Mighty Heart (which coincidentally, is also out today).

Standard DVD

Of course we will start with the cheapest, easiest way to get Transformers, the standard edition DVD. This one is pretty much the movie, which is good enough. Unfortunately there is no commentary track, no behind-the-scenes and no extras. Not even a damn trailer. The only thing this version has going for it is that it is cheap and it has the coolest cover art of all the different editions. If you are new to this film and you’d just like to get it and go, pick this one up and enjoy.

This one is retailing for around $14.99 and will be the most available version of the film for sure. Click Here to check the standard version out at Amazon.com.

Special 2-Disc Edition DVD

For those who are interested in seeing how Michael Bay and crew brought their childhood favorite to life with glorious CGI, the 2 Disc Special Edition DVD is an awesome buy. Not only do you get the film and a commentary track from Michael Bay on the first disc, but you can enjoy a healthy dose of special features on the second disc. Bay’s commentary, as always, is pretty entertaining. It must be said that if there is any director who is in touch with what people think about him, it’s Bay. He knows that there are critics out there who think his films are plotless visual romps that serve as nothing but mindless entertainment, but he’s ok with that. That’s good, because I’m fine with it as well.

The second disc of this edition includes three solid behind the scenes featurettes. One feature, “More Than Meets the Eye”, details the making of one of the more breathtaking scenes of the film, the Scorponok Desert Attack scene. I found it to be pretty cool learning about how the scene was constructed. The features on this edition are a clear step up from the standard DVD, but I still felt myself yearning for more. Thankfully, there was one more ultimate edition to review…

The 2 Disc Special Edition is retailing for around $22.99 and is perfect for anyone who is in need of some extras with their film. That is, unless you have a more advanced home entertainment system. Click Here to check it out at Amazon.com.

Special 2 Disc Edition HD-DVD

Let’s just get it out there: Transformers on HD-DVD is the single most breathtaking DVD ever. Since the purchase of my first DVD back in the day when DVD players were $400 I have not been more impressed with a home entertainment experience. Yes, I know that the HD-DVD is only in Dolby Digital and I know that it doesn’t include the added footage that fans experienced in the IMAX re-release of the film, but this DVD is mind-blowing. The immense detail that comes out in glorious 1080p resolution is unmatched. In high definition, the film has an epic feel that is unlike anything else you could possibly get in your home. It is almost like seeing the film in theaters again.

Of course, there is something to be desired. The special features are almost exactly the same as the 2 Disc Special Edition DVD above, but there are a few cool add-ons. There is a “Transformers Tech Inspector” that allows you to get a hi-res close up look at the giant robots themselves. There is also a “Transformers Heads Up Display”, which is a classic HD-DVD feature. You can watch the film with picture-in-picture behind the scenes information. But wait, that’s not all! There is also a ton (and I stress the word “ton”) of web-enabled features via Paramount HD Connect. They just went live today, so I have not had a chance to take a look at them all.

As I said before, this is now the pinnacle of my DVD collection. If you were wondering if the Transformers could be more impressive, wondering if Megan Fox could ever look any hotter or wondering if the Michael Bay-gasm could ever get more gasmic, this release is your answer. Click Here to get the HD-DVD version from Amazon.com

The HD-DVD version of Transformers retails for $29.99 and is a must have for anyone with an HD-DVD player and a badass home theater system. I don’t care if you liked the movie or not, this could be used as your reference DVD.

Special Best Buy Collector’s Set

The last edition on my list is something that I saw over at Best Buy this morning. It is the 2 Disc Special Edition DVD with two cute little Transfomers action figures. One figure is Optimus Prime and the other is Cliff Jumper. I call them “cute” because they are just little figurines. It was almost enough to have me purchasing yet another copy of the film, but once I realize that the figures don’t actually transform. Had they transformed, it would have forced me to extend my credit card debt, but I decided to pass. I would however, recommend this to anyone with a little Transformers fan at home. Best Buy is also giving away a Free Lithograph with the purchase of Transformers, no matter the version.

The Best Buy Gift Set edition is selling for $29.99 and is most likely going quick.

So there you have it, four awesome ways to get Transformers on DVD. This is undeniably the DVD release of the year so far. Now you can own the spectacular, unimaginable visual feast that is Transformers. No other summer blockbuster was as impressive, and now, no fall DVD is more deserving of a spot in your collection.

On a side note, if you would like to learn about even more Exclusive store editions of Transformers check out what Peter at Slashfilm has to say about what Target and Wal-Mart are up to.

Read more articles by Neil Miller