Transformers

Co-produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Michael Bay (Armageddon), this gazillion-dollar sci-fi opus based on a line of toys that were popular a quarter-century ago boasts terrific battle scenes. The plot, such as it is, hews closely to the original Transformers action-figure concept: good alien robots (the Autobots) versus evil alien robots (the Decepticons) in a struggle that unfolds on Earth, where the prize is a long-lost cube of extraterrestrial origin that would help the Decepticons conquer the universe. Quite by accident, the key to the cube's location lies in the unwitting hands of a nerdy teenager (Shia LaBeouf) who is thrust into the fight along with the girl he adores (Megan Fox). Popular character actors Jon Voight, John Turturro, and Anthony Anderson also have significant supporting roles, while Kevin Dunn and Julie White gobble up scene after scene as LaBeouf's aggressively clueless parents. Only Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson—playing Special Forces soldiers—successfully avoid the ham-fisted acting, and it's almost a relief when the Transformers finally take center stage in the third-act donnybrook that wipes out half of downtown L.A. Still, this is a big and often funny popcorn flick. Recommended. [Note: Available in either single-disc or two-disc versions, DVD extras on this two-disc “special edition” include audio commentary by director Michael Bay, a four-part “Their War” documentary with sections on Autobots and Decepticons production design, military advisors, and digital special effects (65 min.), a four-part “Our World” documentary featuring cast and crew interviews, stunt training, on-location footage (50 min.), a “From Script to Sand” featurette on the “Skorponok Desert Attack” scene (9 min.), a concept art segment (2 min.), Easter eggs, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a better-than-expected big screen adaptation of a cartoon series based on a toy line.] (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Sept. 2, 2008—DreamWorks, 2 discs, 143 min., PG-13, $39.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2007's Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition) features a great transfer and a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack. The extras on the disc are almost identical to the previous DVD release, including audio commentary by director Michael Bay; a four-part “Their War” documentary with sections on the Transformers franchise, Autobots and Decepticons production design, and digital special effects (65 min. total); a four-part “Our World” documentary featuring cast and crew interviews, stunt training, and on-location footage (50 min. total); a “From Script to Sand” featurette on the “Skorponok Desert Attack” scene (9 min.); a concept art segment (2 min.); and trailers. New to the Blu-ray release is the “Transformers: Heads Up Display” picture-in-picture track and BD Live functions such as “MyClips” (which lets you share your favorite bookmarked scenes) and an “Intelligence Center” (with extra info on the Transformers in the film). Bottom line: a reference quality Blu-ray release of a fun film.]