Shout Factory continues to win 2016 on the home entertainment front. Today, Shout announced that they’re teaming up with Hasbro to bring Transformers: The Movie to Blu-ray in time for its 30th anniversary. The new release will sport an all-new HD transfer that’s different from the non-North American releases. This 1080p transfer will be restored directly from its 35mm film source. More importantly, the release is whisking its way to store shelves faster than any fan expected. You can pick up the release on September 13th. While it’s a month after the actual 30th-anniversary mark, no one will mind that much.
A full range of special features and collectible packaging are currently being developed. While I was never a fan of the film, I have to admire the efforts underway to bring a complete package to fans. Interviews and commentary opportunities are incredibly slim, as half of the main voice cast has died. Casey Kasem, Leonard Nimoy, Orson Welles and Robert Stack have all passed on to the realm that we send celebrities ranging from David Bowie to Harambe the Gorilla. If push came to shove, Shout will probably rely on vintage materials and fan content. It’s not like there is a ton to compare what’s coming for the Autobots in 1080p.
Shout has previously released the far superior G.I. Joe: The Movie to Blu-ray and most of those bonus features were vintage material repurposed for a full release. Can we talk for a moment about how Transformers: The Movie undermined G.I. Joe: The Movie? Duke was supposed to die and the G.I. Joe film was supposed to get a theatrical release. But, Hasbro had to go and scare the hell out of children by killing a childhood favorite. I appreciate the big brass ones it took to make that decision that will never happen again, but there’s got to be an easier way to introduce new toys.
The Transformers: The Movie Anniversary Edition from Shout Factory hits shelves on September 13.
Sources: io9 & AndersonVision