Transformers Prime: Season One

The blockbuster Transformers movie series has inspired this modern revival of the beloved robots-in-combat cartoon (and shameless Hasbro toy promo) of yesteryear, although Transformers Prime is no continuation of the big screen flicks starring Shia LaBeouf, but rather a CGI reboot of the original premise. Earth is a secret battleground for opposing sides in a war of shape-shifting alien robot races: the good-guy Autobots (disguised as cool motor vehicles) under valiant Optimus Prime vs. the evil Megatron and his Decepticons (disguised generally as warplanes). A few human adolescents befriend the Autobots and help out at the metal giants' secret Nevada base. While almost every episode features clomping brawls between Kong-sized robots, the series also boasts some good writing and compelling overarching storylines (a multi-episode arc about zombie Transformers plays out better than you'd expect), and this is a cut above the cheesy 1980s cartoon show in quality (no Dinobots or Sharkitrons). Although technically not Japanese anime, Transformers is obviously inspired by the mecha genre, and hardcore fans will appreciate the appearance of some of the original voiceover actors, including Peter Cullen (Optimus) and Frank Welker (Megatron) amidst the Hollywood-celeb vocals (such as Ernie Hudson and Markie Post). Presenting all 26 episodes from the 2010-11 debut season, extras include episode audio commentaries, a “making-of” featurette, and a segment on toy design. Recommended. (C. Cassady)