Friday, May 30, 2014

Another New Dinobot Appears in New TV Spot for Transformers 4

Via PopSugar, here is the third (for US anyway) TV spot of the day called "Help" for Transformers: Age of Extinction. It has a great scene that briefly shows all four Dinobots charging into battle as Prime commands "Autobots, roll out!". While the previous spot showed Slug, you can just see Scorn's head chasing a car.

Two New TV Spots for Transformers:Age of Extinction With Dinobot Slug

Two new TV spots (think this is #6 and 7) for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Both have a few seconds of new footage. The first, called Destroyer, shows a new kind of "transformation" to robot mode while the second, called Forge, has a robo-wolf thing. Would think Ravage if the franchise had not already had one. Oh yeah, the 7th spot also means we can officially declare that the Dinobot Slug appears in the film. Thanks to Feris O. for the links.


Italian TV Spot for Transformers: Age of Extinction

Here is the international Italian TV spot for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The language is Italian. It is essentially the Super Bowl TV spot only with a few of the moments extended by a few seconds here and there. Thanks to Feris O. for the link.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark Drift Trailer

Here is another new trailer for Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark with a focus on Drift in his Earth. The game will be released on June 24th.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Transformers: Age of Extinction Character Blueprints

From the recent issue of the UK's Empire Magazine are blueprint images of Optimus Prime, Galvatron, Bumblebee, and Lockdown. While they are in blue, it does give you a chance to look at some of the CGI details of each character.

Wahlberg, Peltz Talk Dinobots and Bay

In two separate video interviews (below), Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz discuss Transformers: Age of Extinction. The main highlight from Wahlberg's IGN interview is about the Dinobots essentially saying there is a story reason for why they join the fight but unable to reveal specifics. The lovely Nicola Peltz's interview with a German site also has no specifics and is really only a few minutes long with most of the 7 minute running time used to repeat the theatrical trailers. It will be interesting to see how her press handling skills improve over the next month as she runs the promotional gauntlet. She talked about how she liked the story, working with Bay and the explosions while trying to avoid revealing any spoilers.

IDW August 2014 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for August 2014. Four floppies and one hardcover is coming out this month. The very 80s like Transformers vs G.I. Joe continues while Optimus Prime tries to learn what Earth is up too with TF tech and Megatron continues to lead the Lost Light madhouse. Primacy concludes the story arc started with Autocracy and Monstrosity that tells the events that started the Great War. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Duck Meat Snack and More Part of Transformers 4 Chinese Product Placement

A news report (below) indicates that the very heavy Chinese specific product placement planned for Transformers: Age of Extinction will include at least water, car and duck meat snack along with more unspecified products. The heavy product placement was assumed for a while now, especially after the co-finance deal, E-Jet vehicle and more that we have learned about over the last year or so. The co-finance deal and product placement is partly to increase the films profitability but also part of Paramount's efforts to get in the good graces of the Chinese government as Hollywood is desperate to increase their presence in the country and current law make that difficult with foreign film quotas and limited number of days a non-Chinese film can be shown in theaters. As pointed out by io9.com, Transformers: Dark of the Moon also had its share of Chinese brand product placements that probably was missed by most audiences that included a plug for Lenovo computers, t-shirts and milk. I would not be surprised if every shirt, car and billboard seen in the film for Chinese set portions of the story are all pre-approved and purchased advertising for the film. At the very least it will be interesting to see if it is handled well or not.

Chevy's Transformers 4 Ad

Below is a new commercial from Chevy to highlight their vehicles that appear in Transformers: Age of Extinction. It was first shown at a New York Trade Show last month and seems to be a mix of movie footage and additional footage shot specifically for use in commercials. Thanks to Colin H. for the link.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Transformers: Age of Extinction TV Spot #6

Is is a new TV spot for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Its makes use of Imagine Dragons TF4 song "Battle Cry". At first I thought it was the same as their announcement video but the scene order is different. As far as I can tell it doesn't show anything new.

FIFA World Cup Bumps Transformers 4 Release

In the United States, soccer (aka football) is not really all that popular among the adult set. Its like middle schoolers play, a few might be able to play it in high school and college (depending on school district), but as far as a national "event", its essentially persona non grata. It gets about as much attention as poker championships by which means games air time on an ESPN channel or a spanish channel when there isn't a US football, baseball or some other sport to air instead.

However in most places elsewhere in the world, football is a very big deal. If the Super Bowl is our big sports event of the year, multiple that popularity by several orders of magnitude to grasp football (aka soccer)'s level of popularity elsewhere. As a result, it doesn't come as a surprise that once someone at Paramount realized that Transformers: Age of Extinction was going to be released in some countries at the same time the month long FIFA World Cup 2014 was going to happen, they decided to simply get out of the way and change their release dates to after the World Cup. So if you are in a country where football is popular, click here to view Transformers 4's revised release dates for countries around the world.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Transformers Are Dangerous Viral Marketing Campaign Begins

It looks like Paramount has decided to kick off their viral marketing campaign for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Below is a new video that warns to "Stay Alert. Be Vigilant. Keep Earth Human" along with a fantastic shot of Lockdown. At the end if says "If You See Something, Say Something Call 855.363.8392" along with the website TransformersAreDangerous.com. When dialing the number I just get a recorded message and if hit one hear a ding noise.

As for the site itself, the picture of Optimus is actually divided into three clickable sections when hover over it. The left section brings up the same video as below, the middle has fake press clipping from around the word reporting on the Chicago attack and the right is five different propaganda posters that you can download at various sizes. Thanks to Feris O. for the link.

Sydney Pre-Screening Description and Story Details

Yesterday a press event was held in Sydney, Australia to help promote Transformers: Age of Extinction that Mark Wahlberg participated in. The event included around 15 minutes of footage from the film that based on the description (below) was probably the same as what was shown to theater execs at CinemaCon. A TFW2005 member posted a blog post describing the footage scenes. The info does confirm a few fan story assumptions. Since it is a description of story beats, spoiler warning!

Next Transformers 4 Trailer Running Time

The Alberta Film Ratings board has updated their site with the rating of a new trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Labeled as "trailer #4", it was given a PG rating with a running time of 1:38. This is much less than the just released trailer so just going to assume it is probably for a final theatrical trailer to be released sometime in the next few weeks ahead of the June 27 release of the movie.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Transformers: Age of Extinction TV Spot #5 Faith

Another new TV spot, this time with Ratchet being attacked (betting movie opens with him being killed by Harold's forces). And just in case you are upset about that, i09.com helpfully reminds us about the "Things Michael Cares About More Than Transformers".

Transformers: Age of Extinction TV Spot #4

Here is the fourth TV spot for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The new to us scenes is a quick line from Kelsey Grammer as human big bad Harold Attinger.

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark Bruticus Trailer

Below is a new trailer to promote Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark video game coming to all major systems on June 24. The focus is on the Fall of Cybertron combiner Bruticus and his component Combaticons. It seems to suggest Bruticus might be a playable character but I wouldn't be surprised if he is "playable" in the same short limited "hulk smash" way he was used in Fall of Cybertron. Update: Added poster image.

E-Jet Transformers 4 Commercial

Below is the new Transformers: Age of Extinction tie-in commercial for the GAC Trumpchi E-Jet vehicle that is currently only sold in China. The E-Jet probably makes an appearance in the movie as part of the advertising co-finance agreement with the country but its not clear if it will be a named Transformer character, minion chaff, or random background vehicle. A look at potential vehicle modes for the cars (probably not related to the movie), can be seen at the official website. (via TFW2005)

Video, Images from Singapore's Transformers 4 Release Event

Last week Singapore Toys R Us held their Transformers: Age of Extinction Toy Madness event to mark the release of the new toy line. Part of that includes a special gold chromed version of various new toys including leader class Optimus Prime available to Star card members only. From r3load.net is the below video that shows of the special edition figure while their are a few picture here from the event.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Prime On His Knees in New Transformers: Age of Extinction Poster

An interesting new poster has been released today for Transformers: Age of Extinction that depicts Optimus Prime on his knees while the debris of the Detroit Chinese set is behind him. As for the slogan, its changed to "This is not war. It's extinction." Thanks to Feris O. for the heads-up.

Transformers 4 Big Red Cans Coming

Another tie-in promotion has been announced between Big Red and Transformers: Age of Extinction. As part of the partnership, Big Red will be sporting "Collector's Edition" cans bearing Transformers 4 logos, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Fans will also have a chance to win $25,000 in prizes. Press release below.

Oreo's Transformers 4 Commercial

Here is the new marketing tie-in spot for Oreos and Transformers: Age of Extinction that was billed as directed by Michael Bay. While I have my doubts Bay directed the father and son bits, it is technically not a lie to say he directed since most of the commercial is movie footage. Technically the commercial shows more not yet seen footage buts it not really anything that wasn't covered by the trailers.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Transformers: Age of Extinction International Trailer #2

Below is the international trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Most of it is the same as the US trailer but there are a few differences such as the joke scene between Wahlberg and a bystander and the use of Imagine Dragons' new song. Thanks to Silver Knight for the link. Update: Previous copy was pulled, replacement embed up thanks to Feris O.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Grimlock Promotes Transformers 4 in Mexico City

Paramount Pictures Mexico seems to have gone all out to promote Transformers: Age of Extinction in the country. The attraction/marketing event features an animatronic Grimlock along with the vehicles for Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Crosshairs. Below are a few images and a video of Grimlock, more can be found here. Thanks to Luis C. for the pics.

Transformers: Age of Extinction Life-Size Optimus Prime, Bumblebee Statues

For the literal price of a small car, you can own a life size statue of Transformers: Age of Extinction version of Optimus Prime or Bumblebee. Or for a regular car just get both. Kids Logic has revealed their officially licensed statues that will sell for $13,000.00 each. Below are the specs, more images of the statues are here.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark Gameplay Trailer

Today a new trailer has been released for the upcoming Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark game that is coming out on all the major systems on June 24. The game seems to use the graphics engines and gameplay as Transformers: War for Cybertron but with a new story that incorporates the War for Cybertron characters with the movie characters. Oddly for a "gameplay trailer" (below) it is light on gameplay footage. If interested, more about the achievements for the game is here, but so far no indication of multi-player achievements (at least not yet). Thanks to Feris O. for the link.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

New Transformers: Age of Extinction Banner Featuring Grimlock

Here is a new banner ad featuring Grimlock for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The release date is for the UK.

Peter Cullen Comments on Re-Auditioning for Prime and More

In an inteview with Hero Complex the voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, comments on re-auditioning for the role of Optimus Prime, touches on Age of Extinction and his feelings on doing the iconic voice.
“It’s kind of surreal to audition for a character that you basically created,” said Cullen, who originated the Autobot’s stentorian voice in TV performances from 1984 to ‘87. “But I didn’t expect Michael to know what I knew about ‘Transformers.’ I was ready for anything.”

Transformers: Age of Extinction Theatrical Trailer #2

Click links below for the second Transformers: Age of Extinction trailer. Chances are it will be attached to Godzilla but remember that theaters can choose to not do that or use it on other movies. So what do you think?

Links: iTunes | Paramount Int.
Screenshots: Seibertron | TFW2005

Teaser for the new Transformers: Age of Extinction Trailer, Official Synopsis

We are just hours away from the release of the new trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction that is scheduled for 12am Pacific time/3AM Eastern time. Below is a tease of the trailer that Paramount Pictures has posted. In addition, hit up the press release below for official synopsis of the movie along with a contest to win a trip to the world premiere of the movie in Hong Kong with a tweet using the hashtag #TransformersPremiere.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Transformers: Age of Extinction International Poster

MichaelBay.com has posted the international poster for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Same image, just different languages on them. Click here to view the other three. Update: Minor update, swapped out the non-english poster for the English version.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Transformers 4 HD TV Spot and Announcement for Imagine Dragons

Early this morning we got a look at a new Transformers: Age of Extinction TV spot that aired during "The Voice." Below is now the official HD release of the same video that includes a mini-interview with Imagine Dragons. The band wrote a new song for the movie and soundtrack called "Battle Cry" that is part of the spot. The second video uses a few seconds of new footage to announce the band's participation in the world premiere of the movie in Hong Kong. Thanks to Feris O. for the links.


Transformers 4 Hound and Galvatron Video Reviews

Two more video reviews for those looking start their Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line collection. The first review is for Voyager Hound that might just be the first toy in the line that I might consider getting with a two great modes despite the simplified transformation. In the second review Voyager Galvatron looks good in truck mode but the robot mode is meh. Might be more interested depending on how the repaint looks (and there is always a repaint, just a matter of when).

Michael Bay Directs Oreo Transformers 4 Commercial

Oreos are soon going to be sporting Transformers: Age of Extinction branding as a new Orea television campaign will be starting soon involving the movie characters. The first commercial, titled "Little Help", was directed by Michael Bay and will premiere more or less worldwide on May 15th. No indication of exactly when but pretty sure it will be hard to miss on TV before its all said and done. The image to the left is an example of one of the store displays but not sure if that is the worldwide look or not. Full press release below.

Transformers: Age of Extinction Mobile Game Officially Announced

Today Hasbro and video game studio DeNA made the official announcement introducing an upcoming mobile game for Transformers: Age of Extinction. It is described as a "3D combat runner game where the players’ mission is to take down new enemies featured in the movie as they run, dash, and change forms through fast-paced missions with their formidable cast of AUTOBOT heroes. Players fight and smash their way through a range of environments and enemies in this fast-paced action gameplay experience." No price for the app or its in game purchases. Also no release date except that its coming "later this year." Full press release below.

New TV Spot with Hound and Grimlock (Updated)

Below is a new TV spot that has a few new scenes that feature Hound and Grimlock with Imagine Dragons' Battle Cry playing in the background that played during NBC's The Voice. Its a cam recording but hopefully soon an official version will be posted. Update: Clearer version of same spot thanks to Feris O.

Transformers: Age of Extinction World Premiere in Hong Kong

More Transformers: Age of Extinction news as the PR machine is stoked for Thursday's morning premiere of the next trailer. MichaelBay.com has posted a press release providing some of the details on the movies' world premiere in Hong Kong, China on June 19th that will include a live performance by Imagine Dragons. If I recall I think the last premiere was held in Russia with Linkin Park performing. After that will be "local" premieres in major markets/countries. Full press release below.

Monday, May 12, 2014

New Transformers: Age of Extinction Trailer Coming Thursday (Updated)

Looks like the USA Today article was the sign we were looking for as the MichaelBay.com Facebook page has confirmed (along with Apple Trailers) that the new theatrical trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction will be released on Thursday, May 15 No exact time frame is provided. at Midnight Pacific time / 3AM Eastern time. Last month the UK ratings board indicated this trailer would be 2 minutes, 25 seconds long. As for watching it on the big screen, safe to assume it is attached to Godzilla but as usual mileage will vary on that as theaters can choose to do with the trailer what they wish. Thanks to John W. for heads-up.

Update: Now have an exact time via MichaelBay.com:
‘Transformers 4' Theatrical Trailer Debuts at Apple.com on May 15 12AM [PT\3AM ET]

Be sure to check Apple Trailers on midnight May 15 for the Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction theatrical trailer.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersageofextinction/

New Poster for Transformers: Age of Extinction

News of a new theatrical trailer means a new poster. If the image of Optimus on Grimlock seems familiar, that is because its an improved version of the leaked one from last week.

USA Today Brings New Promotional Images and Info

I am thinking that a new trailer is coming in the next week or so. On Friday was a bit of a mini info dump related to Transformers: Age of Extinction and now had another today that includes an new article from USA Today that has three fantastic promotional images (I don't think they are movie stills) and an interview with producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura as he promotes the film. All we need now is an Entertainment Tonight tease of an on set visit or the like to seal the trailer deal. Highlights and other two images below.
They "are bigger and badder-ass than they have ever been," says Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who has produced all four films, with Steven Spielberg and Bay as executive producers.

Wahlberg, Rayner Talk Dinobots While Jablonsky Works Grimlock's Score

In an excerpt from the next issue of Total Film, Mark Wahlberg and Jack Reynor comment on the Dinobots and Transformers: Age of Extinction effects. Meanwhile, it the film's composer, Steve Jablonsky, posted an image (left) of the Grimlock portion of the score and note "They're coming...".

Transformers 4 Officially Released Online, Two Video Reviews (Updated)

The wait is over as "Cybertron Monday" (as christened by Hasbro) has essentially marked the official launch of the Transformers: Age of Extinction toyline for online stores including HasbroToyShop.com. However it seems once you add shipping costs and the average 5-10 days to get it, might be better off waiting until May 15th (17th I forget which) for the store side release date. Still keep an eye out at your local favorite toy store as I would be surprised if most stores stick to the official date considering Hasbro is essentially giving online competition the illusion of an advance release (once add shipping times not really).

On a related note, below are video reviews to two of the leader class figures from the line with Optimus Prime and Grimlock. For me I intend to skip the entire line and just stick with Generation releases as really have seen nothing that grabs my interest. Update: Added Hasbro's press release announcing Cybertron Monday.

Acid Free Gallery 30th Anniversary Special Variants (Updated)

Starting today at 12:30pm EST Acid Free Gallery is releasing special editions of their Transformers 30th Anniversary print by Tom Whalen that is licensed by Hasbro. They are releasing a Foil Variant limited to 150 copies for $80 and a Metal Variant limited to just 12 copies for $250. Both will be signed and numbered by Whalen and will come with a free random print from their collection that isn't just Transformers related. I have to admit I am really interested but hard to get by the price tag. The full details are on their blog. (via TFW2005)

Update: Both items are already sold out.

Thursday, May 08, 2014

Voice Cast for Transformers: Age of Extinction Revealed

Paramount Pictures has revealed the main voice cast for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The cast includes the return of voice actors from the previous film with the addition of John Goodman and Ken Watanabe. Here is the full breakdown.

Peter Cullen - Optimus Prime
Frank Welker - Galvatron
John Goodman - Hound
Ken Watanabe - Drift
John Dimaggio - Crosshairs
Mark Ryan - Lockdown
Robert Foxworth - Ratchet
Reno Wilson - Brains

Happy 30th Birthday Transformers

Today is the official 30th birthday for Transformers. For the United States, the line launched 1984 with the cartoon series and first wave of toys that included Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Jazz and a whole lot more. Today was chosen because its the day that Transformers #1 limited series was released by Marvel that introduced all backstory and characters we all grew to love. Shortly after the toys popped on shelves with the TV series premiering in the fall of 1984.

From there, well the rest is literal history as the franchise has become one of the most enduring in all of toy history with multiple different television shows, revisions, and lines while maintaining that near constant of Optimus Prime and his Autobots vs Megatron and his Decepticons for control of Cybertron and Earth with the theme best summarized by Prime as "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."

First Look at Slog and Snarl

Via a Frito-Lay's Transformers 4 tie-in campaign in Turkey, we now have the first look at Slog (not a typo for Slug) and Snarl along with a look at Strafe's robot mode. I assume these are based on the CGI models for the film but so far Grimlock and Strafe are the only confirmed Dinobots in the film. The rest of the campaign images for other characters including Crosshairs, Hound and Lockdown can be found here.

Transformers 4 Toys Designers Desk Video

Hasbro has posted a new video on their YouTube page that discusses the design of the Transformers: Age of Extinction toys with designers John Warden and Bill Paukert. It gives a broad overview of the process probably year long process that ends with the toys on the shelf. Maybe one of these days, perhaps as an extra on the home video release (hint, hint), Hasbro might provide an almost documentary type video that follows a Transformers toy from concept to shelf.

Transformers: Age of Extinction Launches Official Mobile App

Available now on iTunes and Google Play is the official Transformers: Age of Extinction app. The app lets you choose size, play various "missions" to unlock content, introduces the new TF4 characters and watch promotional videos for the movie. It also has a look at the toy line-up, an augmented reality thing with Grimlock and play around with building your own virtual Transformer. Not everything is available now but more will likely be added in a run up to the movies release on June 27.

Transformers 4 Viral Video Casting Call

It seems a casting call went up for a Transformers: Age of Extinction viral video. Posted on ActorsAccess (login required), it is seeking actors to play a news anchor, correspondent, Mexican store owner and UK young woman that will be part of a news report that will interface with Optimus Prime. The call is for LA only. The details themselves don't matter besides an indication that some kind of viral campaign for the movie is on the horizon. If curious though, the full call is here.

New Optimus Rides Grimlock Poster for Transformers: Age of Extinction

A new poster has appeared online for Transformers: Age of Extinction. It depicts what is quickly becoming the signature image of the film with knight Optimus riding his horse...I mean Grimlock into battle.

Monday, May 05, 2014

Jablonsky Posts Images from Scoring Transformers: Age of Extinction

Sunday two images were posted by Steve Jablonsky for friends on his Facebook page to mark beginning recording the score for Transformers: Age of Extinction. For the first image (below left), he wrote ""The calm before the storm....Lockdown doesn't stand a chance against a room full of LA musicians". In the second image posted later, you get a tease of potential titles for two of the tracks with "Optimus / Joshua Talk" and "Taking To The Streets". (via TFW2005)

Train Painted in Transformers 4 Motif

As we get close to the release of Transformers: Age of Extinction, the various promotional campaigns have started. Some are small like in the US with some standees and trailers but other countries are going a touch bigger. An example comes fro TFW2005 with the two images below of a train in China painted with a lovely mural of Bumblebee, Strafe and Scorn that is based on Hasbro's artwork.
 
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