Transformers: The Movie toy line
Encyclopedia
The Transformers movie toys were released in conjunction with the 2007 Transformers film, comics and video games, and expanded on the characters and story in them. They were manufactured and sold by Hasbro
worldwide, except in Japan by Takara Tomy
.
It was expected that the release of a new movie would involve the production and release of associated toys from Hasbro and Takara Tomy. Images surfaced, online, of some toy prototypes, notably Starscream and a new Decepticon
who was to be named Blackout, along with packaged samples of movie preview "Protoform" Optimus Prime and Starscream toys. Similarly, fans found preliminary artwork of multiple characters, although it was not known at the time how close these were to the final designs. The designs were significantly different from those of the Generation 1
characters with the same names. Reactions varied widely: some fans objected strongly to the designs, occasionally going so far as to threaten a boycott
if the designs were not changed to be more traditional, while others liked them. The issue became a divisive one, as detractors accused supporters of lacking respect for the franchise's history, while supporters accused detractors of being "stuck in the past", and not accepting change. Fans of the franchise have affectionately nicknamed the designs "Bayformers" due to director Michael Bay
's influence.
Even though the Transformers were heavily modified for the film for a more alien "feel", they still kept some key features from the G1 look to stay true to the character's origins.
In 2008, the Deluxe Class line was awarded "Boy Toy of the Year" at the 8th Annual Toy of the Year Awards, which is held at the American International Toy Fair
in New York City
.
store exclusives and redecos of toys from the Energon and Cybertron line.
Deluxe Class figures comprise the bulk of the movie toy line. Many figures feature Automorph Technology. The bi-lingual English/French cards featured an error, in that all the Deluxe figures were put on cards with Decepticon logos, no matter their faction. Release dates vary, as some waves were seen before others, or released alongside another wave. These are seen sorted into waves designated by Hasbro, and their official Transformers website.
Voyager Class figures are sized between Deluxe and Leader Class figures. Many figures in this line feature Automorph Technology.
Some confusion results in Optimus Prime and Megatron's wave placements. In one source, Megatron is part of Wave 3 and Optimus is part of Wave 3.5. Other sources declare Megatron a revision of Wave 2, and Optimus part of Wave 3.
's "Whip It
".
Japan Exclusives
Wal-Mart Exclusive
Megatron vs. Optimus Prime battle damage 2 pack
Oddly, the Real Gear toy line lacks any mention of Paramount and the official Transformers film logo on the boxes, making them a bit separate from the rest of the line. It has been revealed that at least some of the molds were originally designed to be in the Cybertron line, as Autobots hiding on Earth.
, Target
, Toys 'R' Us, etc., underestimated the popularity of the movie and supporting toyline, and did not place enough orders to meet the demand. With several action-themed toylines in the same summer (Spider-Man 3
, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
and Transformers), they were conservative with their estimates for Transformers, the only relatively new franchise in the mix. Especially with Spider-Man 3 toys underperforming, retailers did not consider ordering more Transformers toys until it was too late to meet demand on time. By August 2007, most Deluxe and larger toys had sold out of nearly all retail outlets - with only the Cyber Slammers and Real Gear toys remaining.
A shipping backlog in China further exacerbated this problem and has led to an unusually long drought. The demand has led to many "scalpers" buying many duplicates of figures to sell on eBay
- particularly Deluxe Class Bumblebee (Camaro Concept edition), which fetched high two-digit numbers online during the film's run.
Hasbro has been the target of many fans' anger over this situation, despite the fact that the company does not determine order sizes or distribution. They promoted the movie toyline as best they could, but inventories are not produced unless orders are received for them. Ultimately, retailers simply did not order enough from Hasbro.
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
worldwide, except in Japan by Takara Tomy
Takara Tomy
is a Japanese toy, children's merchandise and entertainment company created from the March 2006 merger of two companies: Tomy and long-time rival, Takara...
.
It was expected that the release of a new movie would involve the production and release of associated toys from Hasbro and Takara Tomy. Images surfaced, online, of some toy prototypes, notably Starscream and a new Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
who was to be named Blackout, along with packaged samples of movie preview "Protoform" Optimus Prime and Starscream toys. Similarly, fans found preliminary artwork of multiple characters, although it was not known at the time how close these were to the final designs. The designs were significantly different from those of the Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 1
Transformers: Generation 1 was the original Transformers toy line that produced from 1985 to 1992 and actually lasted longer than the G1 1980s television series itself...
characters with the same names. Reactions varied widely: some fans objected strongly to the designs, occasionally going so far as to threaten a boycott
Boycott
A boycott is an act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of protest, usually for political reasons...
if the designs were not changed to be more traditional, while others liked them. The issue became a divisive one, as detractors accused supporters of lacking respect for the franchise's history, while supporters accused detractors of being "stuck in the past", and not accepting change. Fans of the franchise have affectionately nicknamed the designs "Bayformers" due to director Michael Bay
Michael Bay
Michael Benjamin Bay is an American film director and producer. He is known for directing high-budget action films characterized by their fast edits, stylistic visuals and substantial practical special effects...
's influence.
Even though the Transformers were heavily modified for the film for a more alien "feel", they still kept some key features from the G1 look to stay true to the character's origins.
In 2008, the Deluxe Class line was awarded "Boy Toy of the Year" at the 8th Annual Toy of the Year Awards, which is held at the American International Toy Fair
American International Toy Fair
The American International Toy Fair is one of a few major toy industry trade shows held around the world. It is held annually in mid February in New York City's Toy Center, located at 23rd Street at the crossover of Fifth Avenue and Broadway and at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and is...
in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Automorph Technology
The special feature of movie figures is "automorph technology". Moving one piece of the robot in the transformation sequence makes another piece move automatically. Most of the figures in this toy line have this feature. This is a debatable feature because some fans of the new toys tend to dislike the automorph, as it can have unwanted effects while transforming the figure.Scout Class
Scout Class figures in this line are TargetTarget Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
store exclusives and redecos of toys from the Energon and Cybertron line.
- Wave 1
- Arcee - Autobot motorcycle, a redeco of Energon Arcee.
- Hardtop - Decepticon dune buggy, a redeco of Cybertron Hardtop.
- Signal Flare - Autobot radar truck/construction vehicle, a redeco of Energon Signal Flare.
- Wave 2
- Clocker - Autobot car, a redeco a Cybertron Clocker. 1/48 scale.
- Skyblast - Autobot Jet, redeco of Energon Skyblast.
- Strongarm - Autobot Jeep, Redeco of Energon Strongarm.
- Wave 3
- Air Raid - Autobot jet. Redeco of Energon Skyblast.
- Armorhide - Autobot semi truck. Redeco of Cybertron Armorhide.
- Elita One- Autobot motorcycle. Redeco of Energon Arcee.
- Wave 4
- Crosshairs - Redeco of Energon Strongarm.
- Storm Surge - Redeco of Cybertron Shortround.
- Warpath - Redeco of Cybertron Overhaul. 1/44 scale.
- Wave 5 (unreleased)
- Gunbarrel - Redeco of Energon Kickback and Blight from the Bruticus Maximus combiner.
- Decepticon Reverb - Redeco of Energon Blackout and Stormcloud from the Bruticus Maximus combiner.
- Backtrack - Redeco of Cybertron Lugnutz.
Deluxe Class
- Movie Preview
- ProtoformProtoformIn the fictional world of the Transformers, protoforms are "basic frames" of a Cybertronian placed in stasis until a suitable form can be found.-"Beast Wars: Transformers" :...
Optimus Prime - 1/61 scale. - ProtoformProtoformIn the fictional world of the Transformers, protoforms are "basic frames" of a Cybertronian placed in stasis until a suitable form can be found.-"Beast Wars: Transformers" :...
Starscream
- Protoform
- Wave 1
- Jazz - Autobot 1/28 scale Hardtop Pontiac SolsticePontiac SolsticeThe Pontiac Solstice is a small sports car from the Pontiac division of General Motors. Introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Solstice roadster began production in Wilmington, Delaware, starting in mid-2005 for the 2006 model year. The exterior styling of the...
. - Barricade - Decepticon 1/32 Saleen S281Saleen S281The Saleen S-281 is a variant introuced between the 4th and 5th generations of Ford Mustang which was produced by the American manufacturer Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and now became an...
police car. Comes with Decepticon Frenzy mini-figure that folds and stores into Barricade's front end. - Decepticon Brawl - Decepticon 1/61 scale modified M1 AbramsM1 AbramsThe M1 Abrams is a third-generation main battle tank produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. The M1 is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for...
tank. - Bumblebee - Autobot 1/32 Classic Chevrolet Camaro.
- Scorponok - Decepticon Mechanical scorpion.
- Wreckage - Decepticon 1/51 scale LAV-25 APC.
- Jazz - Autobot 1/28 scale Hardtop Pontiac Solstice
- Wave 2
- Bonecrusher - Decepticon 1/57 Buffalo MPVBuffalo (mine protected vehicle)The Buffalo mine protected vehicle is a wheeled armored vehicle built by Force Protection Inc. It was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large...
. - Swindle - Decepticon 1/32 scale sports coupe (resembles a Chevrolet CobaltChevrolet CobaltThe Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car....
).
- Bonecrusher - Decepticon 1/57 Buffalo MPV
- Wave 3
- Arcee - Autobot 1/14 scale 2006 BuellBuellBuell may refer to:* Abel Buell, was a goldsmith, and counterfeiter, in the American colonies* Augustus C. Buell, fraudulent author* Bebe Buell, model* Buell Elementary School, the site of a school shooting in 2000* Buell Motorcycle Company...
Firebolt. Not related to the Arcee of the Revenge of the Fallen line. - Bumblebee - Autobot 1/32 scale Chevrolet Camaro Concept.
- Dreadwing - Decepticon 1/102 scale Mikoyan MiG-29Mikoyan MiG-29The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other...
jet.
- Arcee - Autobot 1/14 scale 2006 Buell
- Wave 4
- Final Battle Jazz - Redeco with battle damage and movie-accurate weapon.
- Longarm - Autobot 1/36 scale tow truck (resembles a Dodge DakotaDodge DakotaThe Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck from Chrysler's Ram division. From its introduction through 2009, it was marketed by Dodge. The first Dakota was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model alongside the redesigned Dodge Ram 50...
pickup). - Payload - Deception armored truck.
- Wave 5
- Recon Barricade - Redeco as a security guard vehicle.
- Dropkick - Decepticon pickup truck (resembles a Chevrolet SilveradoChevrolet SilveradoThe Chevrolet Silverado , is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors.-History:...
).
- Exclusives
- Generation 1 Autobot Jazz - A Target store exclusive redeco in Generation 1 colors.
- Japan Exclusives
- Metallic Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) - LawsonLawson (store)Lawson, Inc. is a convenience store franchise chain in Japan. The store originated in the U.S. State of Ohio, but today exists as a Japanese company and is the second largest convenience store chain in the country....
exclusive, repainted in metallic gold with black stripes. - Protoform Optimus Prime - "Fusion Cluster" version, molded in transparent colors to simulate entry into Earth's atmosphere.
- Protoform Starscream - "Fusion Cluster" version, molded in transparent colors to simulate entry into Earth's atmosphere.
- Metallic Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) - Lawson
Allspark Power
- Wave 1
- Autobot Camshaft - Gray redeco of Swindle into an Autobot sports coupe. 1/32 scale.
- Cliffjumper - Red redeco of Concept Camaro Bumblebee, 1/32 scale.
- Landmine - Autobot 1/30 scale Sector 7 Desert Patrol VehicleDesert Patrol VehicleThe Desert Patrol Vehicle , formerly called the Fast Attack Vehicle , is a high-speed, lightly armored sandrail-like vehicle first used in combat during the Gulf War in 1991. Due to their dash speed and off-road mobility, the DPVs were used extensively during Operation Desert Storm. The first U.S...
.
- Wave 2
- Stockade - Decepticon 1/40 scale SUV (resembles a Cadillac EscaladeCadillac EscaladeThe Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division's first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford's...
).
- Stockade - Decepticon 1/40 scale SUV (resembles a Cadillac Escalade
- Wave 3
- Jungle Bonecrusher - Green redeco.
- Overcast - Black redeco of Dreadwing.
- Wave 3 WalmartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
Exclusives- Big Daddy - Redeco of Cybertron Downshift.
- Divebomb - 1/123 scale Sukhoi Su-37Sukhoi Su-37The Sukhoi Su-37 is an experimental single-seat, supermaneuverable multirole jet fighter, designed by Sukhoi. A further development of the original Su-27 'Flanker', it was modified from the first-generation Su-35 prototypes...
Terminator jet. Redeco of Cybertron Thundercracker. - Grindcore - Redeco of Cybertron Landmine. 1/48 scale.
- Jolt - 1/34 scale Bugatti VeyronBugatti VeyronThe Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of . The original version has a top speed of...
. Redeco of Cybertron Crosswise. Not related to Jolt of the Revenge of the Fallen line.
- Wave 4
- Stealth Bumblebee - Inverted color redeco with armored head sculpt.
- Salvage - Autobot redeco of Dropkick. According to Hasbro employees at Botcon 2008 his colors are inspired by the truck from the television series Sanford and SonSanford and SonSanford and Son is an American sitcom, based on the BBC's Steptoe and Son, that ran on the NBC television network from January 14, 1972, to March 25, 1977....
.
- Wave 5 (WalmartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
Exclusives)- Breakaway - Redeco of Cybertron Hot Shot. Not related to the Breakaway of the Revenge of the Fallen line.
- Crankcase - Redeco of Cybertron Red Alert.
- Decepticon Fracture - Redeco of Classics MirageMirage (Transformers)Mirage is any of several distinct fictional characters in the various Transformers series. Mirage is one of the single most re-used names in the Transformers series, and is almost entirely synonymous with characters possessing Formula One racing car alternate modes.-Transformers Generation 1:Some...
as a female Decepticon. The colors are a homage to Crasher from Challenge of the GoBotsChallenge of the GoBotsChallenge of the GoBots is an American animated series produced by Hanna-Barbera, based on the Gobots toy-line released from Tonka. Most of the toys were imported from the Japanese Machine Robo toy line. The show originally debuted in animated form as a five-part miniseries, which aired in...
.
- Wave 5 TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
Exclusives - Packaged in clear, cylindrical plastic cases and in displayed in robot mode. These are regular Deluxe Class toys with light blue highlights to simulate the effects of the Allspark.- Barricade
- Decepticon Brawl
- Bumblebee
- Autobot Jazz
- Premium - Redecos of the regular figures with more realistic paint jobs.
- Barricade
- Bumblebee - Comes with armored head sculpt.
- Autobot Jazz
Screen Battles
Each Screen Battles package consists of one Deluxe Class figure and accessories to form a mini-diorama.- Desert Attack: Scorponok with figurines of U.S. soldiers Lennox, Epps and Figueroa.
- First Encounter: Barricade with figurines of Sam and Mikaela, along with a Frenzy figurine that is more detailed than the one normally supplied with Barricade.
- Capture of Bumblebee: Bumblebee (Camaro concept version with yellow/gray redeco) with figurines of Agent Simmons and two Sector 7 operatives.
- Final Stand: Longarm (slight redeco with Mikaela figurine inside) with a legless version of Robot Replicas Bumblebee.
Voyager Class
- Wave 1
- Blackout - Decepticon 1/89 scale MH-53 Pave Low IV helicopter. Comes with Scorponok mini-figure that stores in the tail area of his helicopter mode.
- Autobot Ratchet - Autobot modified 1/32 scale Hummer H2Hummer H2The Hummer H2 is an SUV and SUT that was marketed by General Motors under the Hummer brand. It is a large truck , while longer, heavier , and taller with room for six passengers , seven passengers in some models. The rearmost part of the H2 SUV was modified to a pickup truck bed for the 2005 H2 SUT...
Search & Rescue vehicle.
- Wave 2
- Ironhide - Autobot 1/32 scale customized GMC Topkick.
- Starscream - Decepticon 1/90 scale Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
- Wave 3
Some confusion results in Optimus Prime and Megatron's wave placements. In one source, Megatron is part of Wave 3 and Optimus is part of Wave 3.5. Other sources declare Megatron a revision of Wave 2, and Optimus part of Wave 3.
-
- Optimus Prime - Autobot customized 1/45 scale Peterbilt 379Peterbilt 379The 379 was Peterbilt's flagship truck from 1987 until the 2007 model year maintaining the nameplate's signature long-nose styling coupled with a rugged edged yet refined profile...
semi-truck. - Megatron - Decepticon 1/59 scale Cybertronian jet with "ice" decoration.
- Optimus Prime - Autobot customized 1/45 scale Peterbilt 379
- TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
Exclusives- Robo-Vision Optimus Prime - Metallic repaint with enclosed code for exclusive online content. Packaged in robot mode.
- Starscream - Redeco in Generation 1 colors.
- Deep Space Starscream - Silver redeco. Packaged in robot mode.
- Best BuyBest BuyBest Buy Co., Inc. is an American specialty retailer of consumer electronics in the United States, accounting for 19% of the market. It also operates in Mexico, Canada & China. The company's subsidiaries include Geek Squad, CinemaNow, Magnolia Audio Video, Pacific Sales, and, in Canada operates...
Exclusives- Autobot Ratchet - Metallic repaint.
- Megatron - Metallic repaint.
- Wave 4
- Rescue Ratchet - White/red redeco made to resemble the G1 color scheme.
- Thundercracker - Redeco of Starscream with a new head mold.
Allspark Power
- Wave 1
- Evac - Autobot redeco of Blackout with a new head mold. In addition, the Scorponok figurine is replaced with a raft that doubles as a weapon.
- Offroad Ironhide - Blue redeco.
- First Strike Optimus Prime - Redeco in Generation 1 colors.
- Wave 2
- Incinerator - Decepticon Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey helicopter.
- Wave 3 (Toys "R" Us store exclusives)
- Inferno - Redeco of Armada Red Alert.
- Mudflap - Redeco of Cybertron Mudflap. Not related to the Mudflap of the Revenge of the Fallen line.
- Premium - Redecos of the regular figures with more realistic paint jobs.
- Ironhide
- Blackout
Ultra Class
The only Ultra Class figures in the movie line are redecos of Cybertron figures and are Toys "R" Us exclusives.- Wave 1
- Jetstorm - Redeco of Cybertron Jetfire. 1/327 scale Antonov An-225Antonov An-225The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft, designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s. It is the world's heaviest aircraft. The design, built in order to transport the Buran orbiter, was an enlargement of the successful An-124 Ruslan...
jet. - Wingblade - Redeco of Cybertron Wing SaberWing SaberWing Saber is the name of a fictional character in the Transformers series. He is an Autobot who becomes a jet and can combine with Optimus Prime.-Transformers: Energon:...
. 1/69 scale A-10 Warthog jet.
- Jetstorm - Redeco of Cybertron Jetfire. 1/327 scale Antonov An-225
Multi-Packs
Store-exclsive multi-packs include one Voyager Class figure and one Deluxe Class figure.- Wave 1 (Toys "R" Us store exclusive)
- Desert Attack: Blackout and Scorponok
- Wave 2 (TargetTarget CorporationTarget Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
store exclusives)- Freeway Brawl: Optimus Prime (detailed redeco) vs. Bonecrusher
- Battle Over Mission City: Megatron (flame redeco) vs. Final Battle Jazz
Leader Class
The largest size class with more than one figure. They feature Advanced Automorph Technology and electronic gimmicks, and are the only mainline figures with a "Try Me" feature on the packaging.- Wave 1
- Optimus Prime - Autobot 1/32 scale customized Peterbilt 379Peterbilt 379The 379 was Peterbilt's flagship truck from 1987 until the 2007 model year maintaining the nameplate's signature long-nose styling coupled with a rugged edged yet refined profile...
semi-truck.
- Optimus Prime - Autobot 1/32 scale customized Peterbilt 379
- Wave 2
- Megatron - Decepticon 1/46 scale Cybertronian jet.
- Wave 3
- Decepticon Brawl - Decepticon 1/35 scale modified M1 AbramsM1 AbramsThe M1 Abrams is a third-generation main battle tank produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. The M1 is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for...
tank.
- Decepticon Brawl - Decepticon 1/35 scale modified M1 Abrams
Allspark Power
- Wave 1
- Nightwatch Optimus Prime - Redeco in stealthy, dark blue colors.
- Deep Desert Brawl - Redeco in desert camouflage.
- Premium - Redecos of the regular figures with more realistic paint jobs and original sound effects replaced with the transformation sound.
- Optimus Prime - Comes with redesigned head sculpt and forearm blade in place of cannon.
- Megatron
Ultimate
Overall, the largest size class - and effectively, the most expensive - in the toy line. The only figure offered in this line is Bumblebee (Camaro Concept), which features working lights and sound effects. In addition, Ultimate Bumblebee is animatronic, with his head and arms moving mechanically. Ultimate Bumblebee speaks numerous pre-recorded phrases and plays samples of songs such as the Transformers theme and DevoDevo
Devo is an American band formed in 1973 consisting of members from Kent and Akron, Ohio. The classic line-up of the band includes two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs and the Casales . The band had a #14 Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single "Whip It", and has maintained a cult...
's "Whip It
Whip It
"Whip It" is the title of a 1980 single by the American New Wave band Devo. It appears on the album Freedom of Choice. There were two 7" single releases of "Whip It", one backed with a remix of the track "Snowball" and one backed with "Turn Around"...
".
Trans-Scanning
The Trans-Scanning line consists of Deluxe-sized figures sold only in Japan and Asian markets by Takara Tomy. Each package consists of a highly-poseable skeletal frame called a Core Body, along with parts to assemble the Core Body to either a Protoform mode or robot mode. In Protoform, the figure can transform into an atmospheric Entry Mode. The figure with robot parts is able to fully transform into vehicle mode.- TS-01 Optimus Prime - Autobot customized PeterbiltPeterbiltPeterbilt Motors Company is an American manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty Class 5 through Class 8 trucks headquartered in Denton, Texas. Founded in 1939 Peterbilt operates manufacturing facilities in Denton, Texas , and Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec...
379 semi-truck. - TS-02 Bumblebee - Autobot Chevrolet Camaro concept.
Cyber-Slammers
Cyber-Slammers are toy cars marketed to younger children, with pull back motors and one step transformations.- Bumblebee (Classic Camaro)
- Barricade
- Optimus Prime
- Decepticon Brawl
- Autobot Ratchet
- Bumblebee (Camaro Concept)
- Autobot Jazz
- Ironhide
- Rescue Ratchet
- Cliffjumper (Bumblebee Camaro Concept redeco)
- Scout Barricade
Fast Action Battlers
Fast Action Battlers are Deluxe-sized figures with simple transformation for younger children.- Megatron
- Optimus Prime
- Brawl
- Ratchet
- Blackout
- Ironhide
- Starscream
- Bumblebee
- Barricade
- Jazz
- Frenzy
- RamjetRamjet (Transformers)Ramjet is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All have been Decepticon aligned characters who turn into jets, usually white.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
(redeco of Starscream) - SmokescreenSmokescreen (Transformers)Smokescreen is the name of several different fictional characters in the Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:Smokescreen is one of the second year Autobot Cars in the Transformers series. His toy was remolded from Prowl and Bluestreak, itself originating from an earlier Japanese line...
(redeco of Jazz) - Rescue Ratchet
- Desert Brawl
Movie Legends
A line of Micro class transformable toys was released for the 2007 Transformers movie. It included individually packaged toys as well as a Target exclusive package with Megatrons and Optimus Primes from the movie and Cybertron lines.- Barricade - 1/63 scale Saleen Mustang S281 Police Car.
- Blackout - MH-53 Pave-Low IV Helicopter.
- Bonecrusher - 1/51 scale Buffalo MPCV
- Bumblebee - 1/64 scale 1977 Chevrolet Camaro.
- Autobot Jazz - 1/52 scale modified Pontiac Solstice.
- Megatron - 1/142 scale Cybertronian Interstellar jet.
- Optimus Prime - Peterbilt 379 Pickup Truck. 1/112 scale.
- Autobot Ratchet - 1/68 scale Emergency Hummer H2 Search & Rescue Vehicle.
- Starscream - F-22 Raptor Jet.
Japan Exclusives
- Bumblebee (Scanning Version) - Hyper Hobby magazine exclusive, molded in transparent yellow to simulate pre-formatting.
Allspark Power
Released as Allspark Battle two-packs, these were released in 2008.-
- Cliffjumper (red redeco of Legends Bumblebee) vs. Recon Barricade (gray/blue redeco)
- Autobot Jazz (G1-style redeco) vs. Bonecrusher (G1-style redeco)
- Rescue Ratchet (G1-style redeco) vs. Decepticon Brawl (modified M1 Abrams)
- Ironhide (GMC Topkick) vs. Desert Blackout (tan redeco)
- Nightwatch Optimus Prime (blue redeco) vs. Stealth Starscream (black redeco)
- Final Battle Bumblebee (battle damage redeco) vs. Scorponok (robotic scorpion)
- Final Battle Jazz (battle damage redeco) vs. Ice Megatron (blue redeco)
Robot Replicas
A line of 4", non-transforming, poseable figures were released recently and included the following figures:- Wave 1
- Megatron - 1/79 scale
- Barricade
- Bumblebee
- Wave 2
- Optimus Prime
- Jazz
- Frenzy
Wal-Mart Exclusive
Megatron vs. Optimus Prime battle damage 2 pack
Fun4All KeyChains
A wave of Movie Transformers keychains release as smaller version of the Robot Replicas:- Wave 1
- Optimus Prime
- Bumblebee
- Wave 2
- Megatron
- Barricade
Real Gear
A line of movie toys made up entirely of original characters who transform from Scout Class robots into non-functional, actual-size (or near actual size in a few cases), gadgets, possibly inspired by the ability of the Allspark in the movie to bring electronic items to life.Oddly, the Real Gear toy line lacks any mention of Paramount and the official Transformers film logo on the boxes, making them a bit separate from the rest of the line. It has been revealed that at least some of the molds were originally designed to be in the Cybertron line, as Autobots hiding on Earth.
Reception
GamesAxis Unwired Magazine said Read Gear Robots would make Soundwave turn over in his plastic grave.- Wave 1
- Longview - An Autobot that transforms into a pair of binoculars. He holds a picture of Cybertron Crumplezone in binoculars mode.
- Power Up VT6 - An Autobot that transforms into a hand-held video game system. Has a jet that looks like Cybertron Jetfire on the game display.
- Speed Dial 800 - An Autobot that transforms into a cell phone. Has the time 7:47 on his display, a reference to the original planned premiere date of the Transformers 2007 film, July 4, 2007. 1/1 scale.
- Spy Shot 6 - An Autobot that transforms into a digital camera.
- Wave 2
- Booster X10 - A Decepticon that transforms from an MP3 player and earpiece into a robotic condor inspired by Generation 1 LaserbeakLaserbeakLaserbeak is the name given to several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. He is almost always a mechanical bird, and is partnered with Soundwave.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
. He is portrayed as a mean-spirited trickster who enjoys causing accidents. 1/1 scale. - Zoom Out 25X - An Autobot that transforms into a digital camcorder. He has an image of Cybertron Override on his display.
- Wave 3
- Wire Tap V20 - A black/red Decepticon repaint of Speed Dial 800.
- Night Beat 7Nightbeat (Transformers)-Transformers: Generation 1:Nightbeat is described as a tough, street-hardened detective who is not above resorting to dirty tricks in order to further his investigations...
- A silver/blue Autobot repaint of Booster X10. - MeantimeMeantimeMeantime is the second album and major-label debut by Helmet, released in 1992 on Interscope Records. Meantime has continued to sell consistently well in the years since its release, and in 1994 was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.Helmet released one single from...
- A Decepticon that transforms into a sports watch. - High Score 100 - An Autobot that transforms into a 1/2 scale video game controller. He is portrayed as a martial artist who learned by studying others fight.
- Wave 4
- Highline 1070 - A red Autobot repaint of Speed Dial 800. A cell phone resembling this one can be seen in the Alliance comic book being used by Epps.
Other toys
- Optimus Prime Voice Changer Helmet - A helmet shaped like Optimus Prime's head and can fit head sizes from kids to adults. Features sound effects, battle phrases and a microphone that can give the user's voice a robotic effect. First releases featured Gary ChalkGary Chalk (actor)Gary Chalk is an English-born Canadian actor, tri-national US-Canadian-UK citizen and voice artist. He has lend hit voice in over 30 animated television series and has been in films such as The Fly II and Freddy vs. Jason....
's voice as Optimus Prime, but later releases following the film's premiere had Chalk's recordings replaced with those of Peter CullenPeter CullenPeter Claver Cullen is a Canadian voice actor, known as the voice of Eeyore in the Winnie-the-Pooh franchise, Optimus Prime and Ironhide in the original Transformers series, and the narrator in both of the original American Voltron series...
.
Drought
Many fans were disappointed at the drought of many of the mainline figures when the first waves flew off the shelves in July 2007. Retailers such as Wal-MartWal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
, Target
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
, Toys 'R' Us, etc., underestimated the popularity of the movie and supporting toyline, and did not place enough orders to meet the demand. With several action-themed toylines in the same summer (Spider-Man 3
Spider-Man 3
Spider-Man 3 is a 2007 American superhero film written and directed by Sam Raimi, with a screenplay by Ivan Raimi and Alvin Sargent. It is the third film in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy based on the fictional Marvel Comics character Spider-Man...
, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is a 2007 American superhero film, and the sequel to the 2005 film Fantastic Four. Both films are based on the Fantastic Four comic book and were directed by Tim Story...
and Transformers), they were conservative with their estimates for Transformers, the only relatively new franchise in the mix. Especially with Spider-Man 3 toys underperforming, retailers did not consider ordering more Transformers toys until it was too late to meet demand on time. By August 2007, most Deluxe and larger toys had sold out of nearly all retail outlets - with only the Cyber Slammers and Real Gear toys remaining.
A shipping backlog in China further exacerbated this problem and has led to an unusually long drought. The demand has led to many "scalpers" buying many duplicates of figures to sell on eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
- particularly Deluxe Class Bumblebee (Camaro Concept edition), which fetched high two-digit numbers online during the film's run.
Hasbro has been the target of many fans' anger over this situation, despite the fact that the company does not determine order sizes or distribution. They promoted the movie toyline as best they could, but inventories are not produced unless orders are received for them. Ultimately, retailers simply did not order enough from Hasbro.
See also
- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toy line) - The toy line for the 2009 sequelTransformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a 2009 American science fiction-action film directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the sequel to the 2007 film Transformers and the second installment in the live-action Transformers series...
. - Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toy line)Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toy line)Transformers: Dark of the Moon is a film which has an associated toy line released in 2011 by Hasbro . The film, and thus the toy line, is based on the original Transformers media franchise. The first toy in this line is Cyberverse Commander Optimus Prime, which was released on March 2011...
- The toy line for the 2011 sequel.