AICN Sits Down With Michael Bay - Major TF Movie Info

[Joe Moore]

http://aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=23105

- Teaser Poster Description
- Opening scene description
- Optimus test art description
- Original voice actors being auditioned
- Scorponok test artwork description
- Test footage description
- Major Optimus highway chase scene description
- Teaser trailer coming this July 4th

[Sidecutter]

I feel the need to note that AICN has been known to be grossly wrong before.

[REDLINE]

http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/beavisnbutthead.gif july 4th yay!

[Primus]

holy shit. serious spoilers on that link. and I likey!!!!

[Joe Moore]

Grossly wrong, yes. But they do, on occassion, actually sit with Directors, etc. as the article states. This info "apparently" comes directly from Bay himself.

[Shin Densetsu]

Heh the F-22 can stop and hover? NOPE!! Geez full support of the US military and the movie makers don't even know what the heck they are portraying.

Fellas the F-22 CANNOT stop and hover. The F-35B(which is made by the same company and somewhat based on the F-22) CAN. The F-22 has thrust vectoring which aids in making a smaller turn radius via pitch. The F-35B is STOL(Short Take Off Landing) plane that can do VTOL(Vertical Take Off and Landing) unarmed.

So an F-35B can hover unarmed, an F-22 cannot. And I guess this semi confirms Starscream as an F-22.

[Nerd Bomber]

:thumb yay! all sounds good

[Zzeezz]

One question: Why Scorponok?

[pinoy78]

Starscream going to be an F-22? Not an F-15?

:rock

[Mr. Jiggles]

Gotta be Bumblebee. And Scorponok? Holy Shit.
At least the G1 guys are being seriously considered (fingers crossed)

[butz]

Scorponok?? Wasn't expecting that.

[REDLINE]

I wonder if shockwave will be in the movie then ... man I hope so

[IACON]

Link don't work.............

[JPrime]

Link don't work.............
The link is wrong, but just take out the extra ht in front of http and it should work fine.

As for this info............ I AM OFFICIALLY EXCITED! :rock

[Macross7]

I'm not thrilled of Scorponok being in it. Way to early to have someone that big and have headmasters in it. Maybe they will go Marvel comic and Scorponok will be about the size of Megatron (& not a headmaster).

Who is the Decepticon truck? Motormaster from the beginning?

Also, what is the fascination with the F-22? They aren't used by the military yet (at least widly). The F-15s are still in use.

Lets hope this is AICN's normal misinformation.

[JPrime]

I wouldn't jump the gun on Scorponok being in the first film. I mean, the overall sketches can be based on the fact that there will be more than 1 film and sometimes, especially as of recent, big films like this like to record scenes not only of the first movie, but the upcoming sequels as well. :thumb

[Cataclizm1]

That was some incredible info I just read... :rock I'm even more excited now!

[LEADERS_MATRIX]

sound awesome to me, I fill all gitty about it.

[Shin Densetsu]

I'm not thrilled of Scorponok being in it. Way to early to have someone that big and have headmasters in it. Maybe they will go Marvel comic and Scorponok will be about the size of Megatron (& not a headmaster).

Who is the Decepticon truck? Motormaster from the beginning?

Also, what is the fascination with the F-22? They aren't used by the military yet (at least widly). The F-15s are still in use.

Lets hope this is AICN's normal misinformation.


They are starting to. And its already an operational fighter in the air force that is soon to take over some F-15 squadrons. Not sure if I am right on this but it may already have.

Besides its the US' top of the line fighter. The whole fascination is that its new in service, its techy, its got stealth, and it's the best thing the US has got right now.

[ChickenWing]

Wasn't the F-22 used in the Hulk movie? F-22 or F-15 I really don't care. Just as long as Starscream and the rest of the seekers are jets.

[Tman978]

Scorponok, Cool!

[Thundershot]

Scorponok = EXCELLENT! My biggest fear was having nothing but 84-85 Transformers. Even if Scorp is smaller, I don't care... It's a whole new continuity anyway... it's the thought that we're not limited to just the first two years that counts.

[RHansen]

sounds like bumblebee is going to be an old bug :D

[Megatronwp38]

All sounds pretty cool EXCEPT for the scorponok thing.....He should not be in the 1st movie. Too soon for him.

[Steeljaw]

I thought they were going for realism here?
Unless Scorpinok's going to be a triple changer, I can't really see him being a Robot in Desguise, even if he does have drills and steam shovels all over him.
Ah well, the rest of the info sounds great. Cept for that Prime's "battle mask" stuff. I don't know if I like that.

[Insane Galvatron]

I wonder what movie the trailer will play during? It'll be like "Meet Joe Black" where it got stellar box office numbers because of the Star Wars fans going just to see the Ep I trailer.

[Xabungle]

I'm a little anxious about Prime having a battle mask myeself. As long as it's not his faceplate being the battle mask, revealing a mouth below, I'll deal with it easily enough.

[Pulse]

What he described in the article wasn't a real "hover", it's a tail stall. And the trick can work on almost any high powered jet (the latest Mig was the best at it).

In a nut shell, the aircraft ends up with it's engines pointed straight down at a high burn. The aircraft "hovers" (or in the case of the Mig can even go backwards) and is still stable enough to not only balance on the vectored thrust of the engine, but it can then change it's attitude and fly off.

So that's the trick he mentioned. It's not one that's been used in combat (that I'm aware of) as the jets that can perform it haven't had any other jets to fight against that performed well enough that they'd need to use it against them.

As for Skorponok, I'd think he's a new character, so introducing him in the first movie is fine. He's just going to be a support character that is shaped like a scorpion, so they reused the name. I doubt he's going to be a leader, as large (or larger) as Megatron and I would put money on him not being a headmaster.

[drsyn]

Oh to be a fly on the wall during this production.:D


I have nothing to complain about, this could be the best thing for the franchise since 1996.

Here is hoping the figure line that will probably accompany it lives up to it.

[Shipwreck]

What if its Beast Wars Skorponok?

[Hiro Prime]

What I got from the comment about the VA's, is that Bay wants the original voices even if the original VA's can't do them any more.

I'd also like to see a pic of that, "shiny black toy with a customised Michael Bay head on it."

And Id' like to know what all of the Dinobot haters have to say now about how stupid and unlikely it would be to have Beastformes in a live action Movie. That is since we seem to be getting a giant robotic Scorpion.

[Steeljaw]

What if its Beast Wars Skorponok?


Well if that's the case, we'd just need a quantum surge and a handy lava pit and PRESTO problem solved :D

[llamatron]

Scorponok = cool!

Fights sound good (wanging bots on the head with lightpoles, haha).

Looking forward to the teaser trailer in a bit over 2 months!

[Mexi-Con]

I feel like a Teenage Girl at an N'Sync concert! :rock :dj

[Scantron]

Sounds good so far, for the most part. I'd prefer they didn't use some of the original voice actors (Welker should get a chance to reprise Megatron if he can do the voice still, but they need to find someone else for Optimus Prime), but that hasn't been confirmed one way or the other yet. Interested to see what Scorponok's alternate mode is going to be and definitely glad to see they aren't just going with early G1 characters only in this movie. Looking forward to finding out more information as time goes on :thumb

[UltimateMattX]

Hmm what else big comes out around the 4th besides Superman? I figure that's one movie the teaser could debut with.

Also, I'm not too worried about which jet Starscream is. I figure no matter what he is he can hover cause he's a Decepticon. :) I've always considered the Autobots faster than normal cars so this is kind of the same deal.

[Shin Densetsu]

What he described in the article wasn't a real "hover", it's a tail stall. And the trick can work on almost any high powered jet (the latest Mig was the best at it).

In a nut shell, the aircraft ends up with it's engines pointed straight down at a high burn. The aircraft "hovers" (or in the case of the Mig can even go backwards) and is still stable enough to not only balance on the vectored thrust of the engine, but it can then change it's attitude and fly off.

So that's the trick he mentioned. It's not one that's been used in combat (that I'm aware of) as the jets that can perform it haven't had any other jets to fight against that performed well enough that they'd need to use it against them.

As for Skorponok, I'd think he's a new character, so introducing him in the first movie is fine. He's just going to be a support character that is shaped like a scorpion, so they reused the name. I doubt he's going to be a leader, as large (or larger) as Megatron and I would put money on him not being a headmaster.

Uhm your confusing the tailside with the Harrier/JSF F-35B hover characteristics.

A tailslide is when a plane goes straight up 90 degrees till it deccelerates to 0knots airspeed and descends backwards tailfirst, then drops the nose down and regains speed. The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it. The only military use of a tailslide is to break radar lock from old pulse doppler radars(anything slowing down that slow and at 90 degrees in relation to the radar signal will break lock...not so sure with the new AESA radars). In a close in dogfight, I question its use since any fighter following in the vertical behind it could see it coming a mile away.

Your mentioning engine nozzles being pointed straight down to hover and then switch directions so the plane can go in another direction. The F-22 cannot do this. The harrier can. The F-35B cannot do this unless it is unarmed since it is as of yet, too heavy.

In any case this still proves hollywood still doesn't know the military that well. They called F-4s in "Iron Eagle II" MIG-29's...for christ's sake thats so terrible.

[Acid Wing]

Very, very good news!

Although, I'm intrigued about the design aesthetic being more "angular" rather than "blocky."

[Omegatron1]

Hmm what else big comes out around the 4th besides Superman? I figure that's one movie the teaser could debut with.

Pirates of the Caribbean and A Scanner Darkly come out July 7. Superman is (rightfully) the only major release currently scheduled for June 30. I'll be wathcing for the trailer to come in to my theatre, and make sure it's spooled up as soon as possible.

-Tony!

[wljk]

The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it.

I actually have seen a video somewhere, where the F-22 sits in a tail slide and then vectors out into a tight sort of falling turn. It's been a while since I have seen it, and not sure where. But I do remember that it is not common practice to do this, unlike the Harriers and the F-35's, the Raptors and Fulcrums engine end up statring to run in a very hot state because, there is not alot of air passing through the engine intakes, and makes the engine run a little rich. I've also heard that this is actually a dangerous tactic to use, because the engines have a tendency of "Flaming Out", or just stop running.

[Devastator001]

After reading the story, I am now more curious about the movie than ever before. I don't ever recall a trailer being made ONE year before a movie is set to debut and let alone two months after the production start. I will have to wait to see something more official.

[Wajo357]

After reading the story, I am now more curious about the movie than ever before. I don't ever recall a trailer being made ONE year before a movie is set to debut and let alone two months after the production start. I will have to wait to see something more official.

Its called a teaser, and they do it all the time. I believe Pixar somehow made it famous by showing teasers for their films one and a half years before the movie came out. (Each movie was paced at 1.5 year intervals and they showed teasers for their next film while the current one was in theaters).

Anyway, I doubt they'll show footage of the movie- Most teasers don't.

A good example of a teaser not showing footage is the teaser for JP3 (only thing that came to mind this late at night).

[RHansen]

its only a teaser trailer guys, its not going to have footage or anything, probably just a few lil pictures and words and the date its released, about it

[airfox]

Banging other bots with lightpoles?! Mid-air transformation and colliding with an Autobot?!

That sounds about right. :D

On the Scorponok thing, I'm guessing not every Decepticon will be a 'robot in disguise'.

Everything sounds good so far.

-airfox

[Devastator001]

Its called a teaser, and they do it all the time. I believe Pixar somehow made it famous by showing teasers for their films one and a half years before the movie came out. (Each movie was paced at 1.5 year intervals and they showed teasers for their next film while the current one was in theaters).

Anyway, I doubt they'll show footage of the movie- Most teasers don't.

A good example of a teaser not showing footage is the teaser for JP3 (only thing that came to mind this late at night).

its only a teaser trailer guys, its not going to have footage or anything, probably just a few lil pictures and words and the date its released, about it

Thanks for the clarification. I will check it out though.

[Autobot_Goldbug]

Uhm your confusing the tailside with the Harrier/JSF F-35B hover characteristics.

A tailslide is when a plane goes straight up 90 degrees till it deccelerates to 0knots airspeed and descends backwards tailfirst, then drops the nose down and regains speed. The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it. The only military use of a tailslide is to break radar lock from old pulse doppler radars(anything slowing down that slow and at 90 degrees in relation to the radar signal will break lock...not so sure with the new AESA radars). In a close in dogfight, I question its use since any fighter following in the vertical behind it could see it coming a mile away.

Your mentioning engine nozzles being pointed straight down to hover and then switch directions so the plane can go in another direction. The F-22 cannot do this. The harrier can. The F-35B cannot do this unless it is unarmed since it is as of yet, too heavy.

In any case this still proves hollywood still doesn't know the military that well. They called F-4s in "Iron Eagle II" MIG-29's...for christ's sake thats so terrible.

Or it could be that AICN doesn't know which one they are talking about.
F/A-22 =
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f22/
F-35 =
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/jsf/

[Dark_Convoy]

Sounds like the action will be intense! I really want to see what the robot modes will look like, I don't quite understand what they mean by "angular but not blocky".

and for god's sake can we stop arguing about jets???? I mean this is some of the biggest news we have gotten on the movie and we are arguing about what jet is what????

*SIGH*

[Shin Densetsu]

I actually have seen a video somewhere, where the F-22 sits in a tail slide and then vectors out into a tight sort of falling turn. It's been a while since I have seen it, and not sure where. But I do remember that it is not common practice to do this, unlike the Harriers and the F-35's, the Raptors and Fulcrums engine end up statring to run in a very hot state because, there is not alot of air passing through the engine intakes, and makes the engine run a little rich. I've also heard that this is actually a dangerous tactic to use, because the engines have a tendency of "Flaming Out", or just stop running.


Not for the flankers...their lukya AL-31F's are NOT prone to stalling in those manuevers, and its been noted for a long time now. In an F-14A the tendency to flameout is there, but not in the flankers.

[drsyn]

Hmm what else big comes out around the 4th besides Superman? I figure that's one movie the teaser could debut with.

Also, I'm not too worried about which jet Starscream is. I figure no matter what he is he can hover cause he's a Decepticon. :) I've always considered the Autobots faster than normal cars so this is kind of the same deal.

Thats good enough for me

[Drew Eiden]

w00tage. Sounds great. I like Scorponok in it. He breaks up that '84-'85 era team with some energy. I doubt he'd be a head master though...

My only beef was the lack of red on prime. However, it's just pre production stuff and I'm sure he'll look just fine. I suppose this is what everyone said when Wolverine wasn't going to have a mask in X-Men 1.

[paskal]

Or it could be that AICN doesn't know which one they are talking about.
F/A-22 =
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/f22/
F-35 =
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/jsf/

Starstream will be an F-22.

Bay tried to describe the Cobra Maneuver, don't jump on the word "hover" just because the dummy at AICN didn't know any other words to describe it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pugachev's_Cobra

I bet this Scorponok will obviously be different - the scene described makes it nice and interesting to have a scorpion or something similar. Definitely no headmasters, and I doubt we even see him in robot form, as someone else mentioned.

[Chrono Grimlock]

...Bears guarding the offices eh?

[Orodruin]

I'm curious about this whole face mask thing of Prime's. I know they probably want a mouth to show more emotion and all, but only BW and Cyb Prime have had mouths. And even then they had face plates, which I hope isn't the route they're taking.

The rest sound very promising though. I'm glad they're giving the original VAs a shot, at this point as long as whoever does it sounds good I won't care.

As for Scorponok, my guess is the cons aren't as concerned about hiding and stuff, so it having a few totally random alt modes won't matter. I'm sure he won't be a headmaster though.

Edit: 4000th post!

[Switchblade]

Man, this is sounding awesome so far. Scorponok is totally welcome as far as I'm concerned. And from the description of the chase scene, it sounds like we might be getting either Motormaster or a version of RiD Scourge. Either one is welcome, too.

Good news on the VAs. That should placate all the people who want the original actors, even if they aren't cast.

[eyeballkid]

Skorponok impales a U.S soldier in Iraq? Whats' this movie rated? Anyway how awesome will it to be to see Optimus chasing a decepticon truck on a freeway trying to avoid the other vehicles:rock Will he have his trailer, probably not. By the way who is the other truck? It can't be motormaster, that would be stupid. How about Soundwave carrying Megatron ala a military transport?

[Severus]

The Decepticons don't all need to be disguisable. They just need to be badass. I was ambivalent before, but I'm getting psyched about this movie now. The approach seems good.

[alphie]

Sounds very promising. Now I can't wait for this movie. :D

[Beastbot X]

Scorponok? AWESOME.

Scorponok drilling under a group of soldiers and impaling some of them with his tail? PANTS-WETTINGLY AWESOME.

[C.W. McConvoy]

Good news on the VAs. That should placate all the people who want the original actors, even if they aren't cast.

I'm not going to be placated just because some Bay claims he auditioned them and they weren't good enough. He has to at least get Cullen and/or Welker, or I don't see it. (Yes, I know he doesn't care what I think.) There has to be <i>some</i> semblence of G1 in there to get me interested. Many TV-Show--to-Movies have flopped because TPTB decide to get "creative" with the formula.

[PowermasterJazz]

Those scene discriptions make me wanna jump for joy!:rock :rock :rock

As for Scorponok being in it, the movie isn't gonna conform to any previous continuity, so it's allright with me. Besides the scene they described involving him was killer.

[Superman_Alpha]

so far this movie sounds awesome.

[Ra88]

Freaking AWESOME.:rock

As for Scorponok and the while Prime's battlemask thing, I think I know what's the deal with them:

Scorponok: Experimental weapon/excavator he scanned for an altmode. Logical explanation and a kickass vehicle, two birds with one stone!
Battlemask: Probably a visor that slides over his eyes, could function as an HUD.

[Spark]

It seemed relatively clear that the "battlemask" was Optimus' faceplate, but I may be mistaken.

[Ra88]

It seemed relatively clear that the "battlemask" was Optimus' faceplate, but I may be mistaken.

Well, appearantly Michael Bay mentioned the battle mask while the AICN guy was looking at the headshot (which had the faceplate), so I assume it's a visor or something similiar.

[The Madness]

As exciting as the action sounds, yeah, I'm pretty sure they intend to change Ops iconic face so he can blow kisses and pout.
All because someone with either a marketing degree, or some qausi-qualification in human behavioural studies thinks a faceplate makes him look like a 'nasty bankrobber person'

Everything else sounds pretty cool

Edit: and apparently everyone will be 'spikey' rather than 'blocky'? wonder if this asthetic change will be translated well in toy design?

[Ra88]

Oh, and isn't it funny how some of the G1 fans are having a massive joygasm because they only bothered to read 'orginal voiceactors'? :rolleyes2 Jeez, it's said that he would give them a chance on the audition...

[Bendimus Prime]

Wow, this really interesting news. I'm glad we are finally getting some good news about the movie. After reading this I've got a couple of predictions about the movie so far:


Prime will have some of his original looks and colors, but he, like most of the characters, is going to have a pretty major overhaul, like they did when the X-Men first came to the big screen. I think it's going to fit well for the movie but might be a little bit of a shock of us oldschool fans that could draw Prime in our sleep.


Prime's design will be very similar to Cybertron Prime in bot mode. It would be cool if the "Battle Mask" was something really cool, but I'm betting it’s his face plate sliding into place. This also makes me think that we may see a "Super Mode" for a final battle in the movie, and Prime gets a Super Ginrai/PowerMaster final form with a faceplate.


There will be at least one pre-existing Transformers voice actor included in the movie for the fans, but whether that’s one from the G1-era that remains to be seen. Personally, I know people are going to disagree with me, but my money's on Chalk and Kaye for Prime and Megs. They are younger, and have the most recent experience playing the two most important roles in the story. I don't think we'll see Cullen and Welker in it, but I would be pleasantly surprised if they were.


On the other side of that issue, there will be at least one big name actor as a voice of one of the Transformers. As much that doesn't impress me, I know it would be a bigger draw to have someone like Will Smith voice Jazz or something similar to that.


I was under the impression there weren't going to be any "beast" transformers in the first movie? So I'm wondering is Scorponok will be like his Energon construction style scorpion or if the Decepticons have drones similar to the Energon Terrorcons to kill and get killed by the Autobots and Earth forces? Maybe we'll get to see a desert filled with insect drones swarming the Autobots.


The one thing I don't get really is the explanation about the new design of the bodies. Does that mean the new bot modes will be like TransTech sleek crossed with the innards of Johnny #5? Smooth rounded shells with a lot of wires and hydraulics showing from the open areas? That sounds fine to me but I don't think that would translate well into a toy form for the merchandise.


Cliffs:
I think the movie is going to turn out well.

[Ra88]

The one thing I don't get really is the explanation about the new design of the bodies. Does that mean the new bot modes will be like TransTech sleek crossed with the innards of Johnny #5? Smooth rounded shells with a lot of wires and hydraulics showing from the open areas? That sounds fine to me but I don't think that would translate well into a toy form for the merchandise.

I think it'll be something along the lines of the Ctrioen C4, but with Infiltration-esque bodies.

[Greyryder]

Oh, and isn't it funny how the Geewunners are having a massive joygasm because they only bothered to read 'orginal voiceactors'? :rolleyes2 Jeez, it's said that he would give them a chance on the audition...

A lot of G1 FANS have been worried that the original voice actors wouldn't get even that much consideration.

I'm curious about Prime's "battlemask." If they're doing the retractable faceplate thing, I hope he's got a regular face under it. The cut out mouth plate has always made Prime look like a burn victim, or like he has a broken nose.

The F-22's okay. I'm not really fond of the plane. The 23 looked better, and was superior in most respects. The selection of the 22 was mostly political, just like the selection of the superbug, over the supercat. (In that case, the Navy actually wanted the cats.) The F-15 is still my all time favorite jet. I'm more of a helicopter fan, anyway. If they have a TF turn into an RAH-66, I'd be a happy transfan.

[Ra88]

A lot of G1 FANS have been worried that the original voice actors wouldn't get even that much consideration.

Meant the ones who aren't even happy with that, but edited it to make sure the G1 fans who aren't don't feel insulted.

And I also wonder how they'll handle Scorponok. Does this mean the Decepticons are in the Middle East while the Autobots are in America, like speculated?

[Lord Of Tetris]

I honestly wouldn't be very happy if Optimus Prime had some super-alternate mode for the final fight that involves a "battle mask." One of the biggest charms for the original Optimus Prime was that he didn't have any gimmicks, he won you over with his personality and his brains (along with kicking ass and shooting 'cons). He didn't NEED an ultra battle mode.

I also hope "battle mask" means something like, part of his transformation involves (I'm just making this up) his faceplate sliding into place. To the person who said he wishes Optimus Prime had a face...would you take the ears away from Batman? For better or worse, Optimus Prime looks like that, and I surely hope Michael Bay isn't going to screw up the Optimus "look." For that matter, I hope Megatron has his helmet "look," too.

I also kind of feel a little uncomfortable about how Optimus might not have red on him.

And lastly, about them being less angular, maybe he was referring to something more like the Alternators? The Alternators don't have right angles everywhere, they still look like bulky robots, but they aren't "blocky" at all (compare G1 Sunstreaker to Alt Sunstreaker, for example).

[Nevermore]

Some of the guys at the Don Murphy boards keep insisting that this is all FAKE, because the Scorponok scene is taken from a certain fake script that mysteriously vanished off the interwebs...

Of course, said fake script allegedly also was the source for names such as "Jorge Figueroa", which makes all the casting news fake too.

I guess the entire movie will end up being one big fake, because of its similarities to an alleged fake script posted on the internet years ago. :rolleyes2

[Feralstorm]

Got kinda mixed feelings about some of the stuff I've been hearing. (mostly Scorponok). Should be interesting working out the details though.

[Smokescreen1980]

I love how there's a big debate over how realisitic it is to have a specific type of jet hovering.

In a movie about giant transforming robots from outer space invading Earth.

(Because obviously, that happens every day. But an F-22 hovering? Get outta town!).

And Christ, anyway, if it's Starscream, he can do what the hell he wants. They can show him flying backwards and upside down for all I care - it's Starscream.

Incidentally, that opening sounds very much like Fire In The Sky - robot found after being buried in ice after thousands of years, only his hand sticking out of the frozen wastes, etc etc. They've just swapped some human scientist in for Rumble.

[03Mach1]

Incidentally, that opening sounds very much like Fire In The Sky - robot found after being buried in ice after thousands of years, only his hand sticking out of the frozen wastes, etc etc. They've just swapped some human scientist in for Rumble.

Actually, it's a combination of the original Jetfire story from the G1 cartoon and the Dreamwave G1 preview comic.

[Pulse]

Uhm your confusing the tailside with the Harrier/JSF F-35B hover characteristics.

A tailslide is when a plane goes straight up 90 degrees till it deccelerates to 0knots airspeed and descends backwards tailfirst, then drops the nose down and regains speed. The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it. The only military use of a tailslide is to break radar lock from old pulse doppler radars(anything slowing down that slow and at 90 degrees in relation to the radar signal will break lock...not so sure with the new AESA radars). In a close in dogfight, I question its use since any fighter following in the vertical behind it could see it coming a mile away.

Your mentioning engine nozzles being pointed straight down to hover and then switch directions so the plane can go in another direction. The F-22 cannot do this. The harrier can. The F-35B cannot do this unless it is unarmed since it is as of yet, too heavy.

In any case this still proves hollywood still doesn't know the military that well. They called F-4s in "Iron Eagle II" MIG-29's...for christ's sake thats so terrible.

Actually, I made a point of not saying it was like the hover a harrier can do. It's a tail stall. Look up the word stall.

I'm not trying to be rude here but you're using a slang term (tail slide) and talking like it's the real term, it's not.

This is a stall (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stall).

And, yes, the aircraft would be very visible to any aircraft on the same level as it for many miles. But, as was stated after you, this is the cobra trick (or some variation of it). And it could be used with a skilled pilot in the right conditions.

And the "nozzles" I mentioned were actually the vector fins on the turbine engine. They are used to change the pressure of the thrust coming out of the engine. They are on the main engines (the only ones I mentioned).

Look, I spent years as an aircraft crewchief, my father worked on everything from F4's to A10's to SR-71's and U2's. I've been around this stuff for the last 30 years.

The act he described is doable in the F22, but it's not a hover. Which was my point, he heard that the aircraft would "stop moving" and decided it was a hover. But if you read the description, he's described a tail stall.

[edit]
Also, when I talked about the plane changing it's attitude, what I was describing was an alltitude over airspeed move.

As the aircraft would be in a stall, the pilot could use the controls to, slowly (realtivly), move the nose into a downward angle, then he would sacrafice altitude (fall) to pick up airspeed (causing lift) to allow the aircraft to get back up to a decent speed.

[on topic]
As for Primes "Battlemask", think it's going to be his faceplate. It'll slide down so they can show emotion, him speaking, etc. Then, when he's in a fight, they'll make it pop up for a more "classic" look.

[Motor_Master]

A very interesting read.

Well Im happy that Bay is at least listening to the fan input. From the start I figured the best outcome we could get was to get the original voice cast an opportunity to audition.

Someone predicted that Chalk and Kaye would get the roles of Prime and Megs. While they do have the most recent experience voicing those characters, they're also very connected to the current cartoons. With this in mind I don't see them getting the roles, esp if they're trying to distance the movie from the existing and make a new start.

Sadly that also gives the orignal VA cast a slim chance of reprising there roles.

[Dio]

I'm not going to be placated just because some Bay claims he auditioned them and they weren't good enough. He has to at least get Cullen and/or Welker, or I don't see it. (Yes, I know he doesn't care what I think.) There has to be <i>some</i> semblence of G1 in there to get me interested. Many TV-Show--to-Movies have flopped because TPTB decide to get "creative" with the formula.

Your unpurchased ticket will be my second theatrical viewing :D

[KnightSaberAmi]

I hope to see some of the Veteran G1 cast in there mainly Cullen but just gonna have to be patient and wait it out....

[Pulse]

I"m not to worried about who gets the voices as long as they sound "right". I'm glad he's giving the originals a chance to try out for the roles, but when it's all said and done I'd rather have something that sounds good then the fan service of seeing their names in the credits.

If they're the best ones for it then cool, if they're not then at least they were given the chance.

[paskal]

Some of the guys at the Don Murphy boards keep insisting that this is all FAKE, because the Scorponok scene is taken from a certain fake script that mysteriously vanished off the interwebs...

Of course, said fake script allegedly also was the source for names such as "Jorge Figueroa", which makes all the casting news fake too.

I guess the entire movie will end up being one big fake, because of its similarities to an alleged fake script posted on the internet years ago. :rolleyes2

Because those guys probably actually did get their hands on one of the very first drafts of the script, likely before the script writers that are working on the movie got their hands on it, and then Don said it wasn't the script, which it wasn't, because it was the earliest of early drafts, and the idiots over there now believe will all their soul that it's fake because they didn't like it anyway.

Those guys are going to be sorely disappointed.

Either that, or they're extremely clever plants by Don to try and keep everyone guessing, which would be hilarious.

[KanedaX]

I like what I'm reading so far... Here's hoping that this stuff is true...

[Brodimus Prime]

Sounds good. Makes me pretty pumped for the teaser. The description of Prime bugs me a little, but only because I'm afraid he'll have a mouth. It never bothered me when another Convoy had a mouth, but Optimus Prime's face is based on a samurai helmet, complete with faceplate. But we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out. But things definately look promising.

[Windcharger]

I'm not familiar with all of Harry Bawles lackies. Is this guy even legit? I mean, I love what I heard, so I am not dissing the info, but why would Michael bay let anybody in and show them all this info? Is this like a Sounwave for Harry Bawles, or just some nobody who claimed he got lucky? Actually "sombodies" in Harry Bawles site is an Oximoron.

[Akumaxv]

Alot of that stuff sounds cool, but who knows if it's true or not.

I actually watched Armageddon then other day, they've been playing it alot for some reason, and it made me realize why I dislike Bay so much. I just kind of see this film going into one of those Michael Bay films with a ton of slow-mo, supposed to make you feel all warm and gushy on the inside shots but just comes off as corny and over-dramatic. That and there will be American Flags in the background. Especially since we have some of it take place in Iraq, if this report is true. It makes me want to roll my eyes out of my head.

Most of his movies are like that, lots of slow mo, just to make it feel dramatic, but he goes way overboard.

I'm hoping I'm wrong, but who knows? I gave up on the notion that they are making this movie in any way, shape, or form to please any G1 fan, or even any of the later fans. They're making this to make money, and are going to get "creative" to meet that end. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

[Laser_Optimus]

All the news sounds pretty good so far. I'm actually really excited about the movie for the first time since we started reading info about it from Don Murphy.


First, the VA thing. It is refreashing to hear that he's going to give the original VA's a chance at doing the voices. However, I don't really care too much about that. As long as whomever is best for the part gets the role.
Also, the line where he states that his biggest concern is that the original cast has aged and all... it seems to me that Bay wants the new voices to be as close as possible to the originals even if the original actors can't do them anymore. Which is good news to me.
The teaser poster sounds to be really cool and "Their war, our world." sums up the Transformers story (no matter the generation you talk about) in four nice words.
The whole thing about the F-22... well I'm not going to touch that. It sounds like a different jet altogether and the I agree that the auther of the article just doesn't know the technical term. Still... sounds like Screamer and Co. will have a pretty nifty machine to look like. But really, does what the actual machine can do matter once the Seekers get ahold of it? They've got freakin' Cybertronian tech for gods sake. If he wants to stop and "hover" who cares? It's Screamer!
I'm thinking the deal with the bulky robots thing is going to be something along the lines of the Alternators line. If you look at the Alt/BT line... it tends to be more streamlined and angular in design. The only thing that might bug me is the "see more working vehicle parts" part. Still, we'll just have to wait and see what happens there, but I don't think it will be a bad thing... just different.
The news about Scorponok being in the film is just awsome! And skewering american soldiers? Sweet! It's about time the Decepticons had a chance to realistically deal with fleash creatures. I mean, just swatting them away and stuff doesn't really seem to be something a group of giant alien robots bent on universal conquest would do right? No! If the puny little fleashy thing thinks it's inferior weapons can stop us... you teach them just how squishy fleash can be...
On a side note to the above. I wouldn't worry about the size of Scorponok. This movie is going to be it's own continuity with ideas taken from the others. I excpect Scorponok's design will be much more similar to his Energon concept and that he won't be a headmaster.
Optimus Prime's design sounds promising. Not lithe and skinny, but still bulky without being blocky. Presumably we won't be getting the horrendous designs from Dream Wave's comic run and thank god for that. Prime's "battle mask" as Bay referred to it is probably just that... his faceplate which will probably come up all Cybertron style. However, I hope when it's off that it's completely sans the faceplate and doesn't have the weird half-plate thing going on, because that just looks off to me. Happy to hear he's still a Mac truck!
The talk of the eye design overall sounds very promising. Hopefully it will translate well to the digital artwork and make the robots seem more alive than ever before.
So... "Spike" buys his first car... which is a beat-up 70's car that TF's into an Autobot? Bumblebee anyone? Or does anyone think that they may go the Hot Rod/Hot Shot route? God I hope it's Bumblebee.
The movie's begining sounds very cool indeed. Like a mix between the old G1 Ep. "Fire in the Sky" and the initial DreamWave miniseries. Should be sweet. Wonder which TF will catch him though... and will it be friend or foe? Or even awake yet? Also, the fact that we will see the planet Cybertron first is very promising also... kind of like a little prologue before the start I'm assuming. Maybe with Optimus talking about the war? Or perhaps a voice over by "Spike" with the rest of the story coming to the point where he's now involved?
The combat sequences sound truly awesome and it's great to know that Bay is really taking the physics of the Cybertronians seriously. Not you typical robots, but not completely unnatural either. Wonder how the battle between Prime and Megs in downtown LA will turn out? And the jet colliding with another robot in LA... Screamer get the drop on Prime? Or stopping another Autobot from getting too close to Megatron? Really excited about the action, it should be good! But I didn't really expect anything less than that from Michael Bay... if anything else I've been pretty positive that the action sequences would be top notch even if the story was crap.
The chase scene described between Optimus and the Decepticon makes me wonder if we're getting Motormaster (sans combiner gimmicks) or a form of RID Scourge? Guess they could just call him Scourge in this new continuity huh? Still sounds promising though... the unexpected characters are the one's that really have me having high hopes for this film... I'm glade it's just not going to be a G1 84-85 fest.


Overall, I'm pretty stocked about all of this. It sounds promising and I'm really looking forward to the movie even more than I originally was. I do wonder how the movie designs will translate to the toy designs and all, but I have the highest regards for Archer and his team and figure they'll do their best in that aspect. Can' wait to see the teaser trailer for the upcoming movie! :rock

[TSFC]

Trailer? Me like
Poster? Me like
Original VAs? Me like

Rest of it? Ehh...we'll have to see the finished product, but I'm not entirely enthused by the whole idea as it is. Not exactly sure why yet either. Something about it bothers me.

[KanedaX]

Scorponok's a good choice... I love the idea that the Decepticons don't care whether they're all "in disguise" or not... any transformations they have are for function over stealth (Jets fly fast, tanks have big guns, etc), and Scoroponok being a big bad-ass robot scorpion just follows in that vein.

[Primus]

If anyone here was at botcon in LA a couple of years ago then you know that Cullen still has it. So if that is the determining factor on if he gets the gig or not then I think it's safe to say we will being hearing Cullen voice Prime.

Not sure of welker can still do megatron though. Probably, but who knows.

I don't think bumblebee will be a bug though. I think if he were a bug that dude doing the interview would have said it was a bug as opposed to just a 70's car, unless Bay gave him specific instructions not to mention the Bug.

[Brave Magnus]

I can't remove the smile on my face. :D

-If I have to watch a crappy movie to watch the teaser, then I will.
-Scorponok???? I didn't expect to see this guy in the movie. :rock
-Angular bots instead of blocky? Another point for the designers. :rock
-I can't wait to see the poster. The good thing about this is that I know where to get movie posters for free!!!!
-The intro is definitely a reference to the Dreamwave comics. :rock

This info is too much. I'm increible happy.

[Jasonnin]

So which is it? Prime going to be a flat nosed truck or long nosed truck? I am glad that the original VA's are getting there chance. I know I can't have everything, I want, but please give me Cullen and Welker.

[Dirge121]

Hurray, this thing comes out the day before my birthday, so I'll definately see it, if it gets shown over here.

Also, I'm looking forward to a toy of Skorpy if its based on the description in the article.

[Jetplague]

It does sound interesting....but...no face plate on Optimus? Ugh....I hate seeing Prime with lips. Seems..un-natural for him to have a mouth at all. I mean...he is a robot...he doesn't really need to have a mouth. Ah well...they'll probably stick it in everytime he's battling in robot form.

Scorpinok sounds like a combination of both versions...the beast wars one and the Headmaster one. Didn't think he's worth putting in there...but this is a new line of TFs and not really in the continuity of the other generations. And how cool is it that we''ll get to see Cybertron at the beginning!! YES! As it was ment to be.

Sounds to me like the Decepticons will wake up on their own ship in antarctica. And bumblebee sounds like he's going to need a fix up if he's looking beat up when "Spike" finds him.

[fosterlager]

I'm also looking forward to a movie/toy Scorponok. The scorpion-alt mode from Energon/Cybertron must be enough of a hit that another one will be in the movie and on shelves.

[evebird]

Alot of that stuff sounds cool, but who knows if it's true or not.

I actually watched Armageddon then other day, they've been playing it alot for some reason, and it made me realize why I dislike Bay so much. I just kind of see this film going into one of those Michael Bay films with a ton of slow-mo, supposed to make you feel all warm and gushy on the inside shots but just comes off as corny and over-dramatic. That and there will be American Flags in the background. Especially since we have some of it take place in Iraq, if this report is true. It makes me want to roll my eyes out of my head.

Most of his movies are like that, lots of slow mo, just to make it feel dramatic, but he goes way overboard.

I'm hoping I'm wrong, but who knows? I gave up on the notion that they are making this movie in any way, shape, or form to please any G1 fan, or even any of the later fans. They're making this to make money, and are going to get "creative" to meet that end. Anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional.

I couldn't agree more about Armageddon. That movie is nothing but a huge pile of overly-ripe sentimental cliches. "They were a ragtag motley crew of misfits. Nobody believed in them. But *they* believed in themselves." Cut to shot of crew walking towards camera dramatically in slo-mo. The writing was bad enough, but the corny directing made it even worse. At least The Rock was not quite so over-the-top.

I hope Transformers does not go overboard on jingoistic flag-waving. That will turn my stomach faster than a cameo by Wheelie.

Despite these reservations, I must say, I like a lot of the spoilers I'm reading on AICN. I think the story has a lot of potential.

But then again, I thought the same thing when I read spoilers of the Star Wars prequels, and Georgey boy made a mess out of those movies.

[SKowl]

"Their War, our World" is actually a really cool tagline, I hope it sticks.

Scorpinok in the movie? Sounds cool, I would have saved him for the sequels though.

His description of the Prime sketches seem okay.

Love the Antartic opening, just like the old Dreamwave comic with Lazarus. Exactly what I was hoping for.

Decepticon truck in the freeway chase scene? Motormaster? O.o

Teaser trailer July 4th? I've already marked my calendar! :D

ALSO: If Prime doesn't have a face plate in the movie... Or if he does, and it's retractable like in Cybertron, I will hate Michael Bay even more than I already do.

[Superion33]

Honestly, I was hyped after reading that! Sounds awesome though I have some worries:

The Spikes rather than Blocky thing kinda worries me. Thats one of the reasons why I latched onto Transformers rather than the anime type robots. The anime type robots have spikes on the shoulders, on the kneecaps, on their backs, a gazillion on their heads, etc, etc. One of the reasons why Transformers was so cool was that they looked awesome in an understated way. I want the eyes to be somewhat emotionless too. Why do we need Jazz doing sad puppy face eyes. Most robots usually have visors anyways.

I don't know about wires and hydraulics showing either. I'd hate it if the Transformers turned out to look like that Citroen monstrosity. All realism aside, we know a car would never be able to Transform into a Transformer the way they look now. There just aren't enough smooth surfaces available for thights, calves, arms, etc. But thats the "magic" of the Transformers. I don't want them to have windshields hanging off their backs, or gear shifts showing, or god forbid having seats for a torso ala the Alts. Thats one thing I hope they make look like the originals.

As far as the voice actors are concerned, my biggest worry is not who will do them, but HOW they will be done. Again, one of the coolest things that set apart Transformers from the rest of the big robots was how well they did the voices. They didn't have normal human voices or lame "Stephen Hawking type robot voices" They had awesome voices - Soundwaves robotic monotone, Shockwaves nasal hollow voice, Megatron's rasp. Screamer's raspy squeal, Omega Supreme's immensely booming hollow bass, etc, etc, etc. I am quite an auditory person and that totally sealed the deal on Transformers. Will it really matter who does the voices, if the voices are robotized? I mean will a Will Smith robotized voice sound like Will Smith afterwards?

After reading other's posts, one thing REALLY REALLY would bug me about this movie. If it became a political ploy of the Bush administration I would be seriously pissed. If we have US Flags everywhere in the middle east and show Iraq in a political perspective, I will be pissed. If this turns out to be a recruitment tool for the army, that will be overstepping their bounds. I hope they don't politicize, nationalize, or proselytize the movie. All that stuff should stay at home. The Transformers don't have a country or political group they prefer. They crash landed in the US but that doesn't mean the Transformers are only American.

If they DO actually make the movie like that, I think Bay should have Soundwave wiretapping the US citizens and Laserbeak leaking CIA information.

[Greyryder]

Motormaster would be damn cool to see in the movie. Especially if they stick with him as a Kenworth, and Prime as a Freightliner. Interesting that they talked about Prime transforming, but keeping his wheels on the ground. Sounds a lot like the classic transformation scheme.

I'll be looking forward to the extended 15 minute long version of the highway chase, on the DVD.

[Akumaxv]

Honestly, I was hyped after reading that! Sounds awesome though I have some worries:

The Spikes rather than Blocky thing kinda worries me. Thats one of the reasons why I latched onto Transformers rather than the anime type robots. The anime type robots have spikes on the shoulders, on the kneecaps, on their backs, a gazillion on their heads, etc, etc. One of the reasons why Transformers was so cool was that they looked awesome in an understated way. I want the eyes to be somewhat emotionless too. Why do we need Jazz doing sad puppy face eyes. Most robots usually have visors anyways.

I don't know about wires and hydraulics showing either. I'd hate it if the Transformers turned out to look like that Citroen monstrosity. All realism aside, we know a car would never be able to Transform into a Transformer the way they look now. There just aren't enough smooth surfaces available for thights, calves, arms, etc. But thats the "magic" of the Transformers. I don't want them to have windshields hanging off their backs, or gear shifts showing, or god forbid having seats for a torso ala the Alts. Thats one thing I hope they make look like the originals.

As far as the voice actors are concerned, my biggest worry is not who will do them, but HOW they will be done. Again, one of the coolest things that set apart Transformers from the rest of the big robots was how well they did the voices. They didn't have normal human voices or lame "Stephen Hawking type robot voices" They had awesome voices - Soundwaves robotic monotone, Shockwaves nasal hollow voice, Megatron's rasp. Screamer's raspy squeal, Omega Supreme's immensely booming hollow bass, etc, etc, etc. I am quite an auditory person and that totally sealed the deal on Transformers. Will it really matter who does the voices, if the voices are robotized? I mean will a Will Smith robotized voice sound like Will Smith afterwards?

After reading other's posts, one thing REALLY REALLY would bug me about this movie. If it became a political ploy of the Bush administration I would be seriously pissed. If we have US Flags everywhere in the middle east and show Iraq in a political perspective, I will be pissed. If this turns out to be a recruitment tool for the army, that will be overstepping their bounds. I hope they don't politicize, nationalize, or proselytize the movie. All that stuff should stay at home. The Transformers don't have a country or political group they prefer. They crash landed in the US but that doesn't mean the Transformers are only American.

If they DO actually make the movie like that, I think Bay should have Soundwave wiretapping the US citizens and Laserbeak leaking CIA information.

And THAT'S what worries me. Nevermind the fact that they are releasing the movie on July 4th. The potential for this to be an overly patriotic, sentimental pile of slo-mo, roll your eyes at the forced drama crap are exponential. I really don't care to see American flags in the background of every shot ala Armageddon.

I love living in this country as much as the next guy, but I really don't need to hear any more about Iraq, or wars on whatever than what's already on the news and in the papers.

Although The Rock was far better, there were still way too many slo motion shots that just makes you roll your eyes at the cheesiness of it all.

Like I said, I've come to grips that things are going to be changed, drastically, for these guys to be "creative" with the property. I think everyone needs to, or you will be sorely dissapointed with the final product.

Prime with a battle mask? I guess that's them being "creative" and putting their spin on the formula..

Oh well...whatever...

[Fort Max]

The deisgns and action sounds good, but being so connected to the military could end up backfiring, Starscream is allready sounding like an advert for that new jet he was banging on about.
I got that he was enthusiastic about how cool it is and how they're the first to be allowed to portray it but it's how it'll be portyrayed that bothers me.

At the end of the day though, the best thing to come out of this could well be the toys and I wouldn't pass up a toy of that plane. :D

[NIDARAM12]

I don't know about wires and hydraulics showing either. I'd hate it if the Transformers turned out to look like that Citroen monstrosity. All realism aside, we know a car would never be able to Transform into a Transformer the way they look now. There just aren't enough smooth surfaces available for thights, calves, arms, etc. But thats the "magic" of the Transformers. I don't want them to have windshields hanging off their backs, or gear shifts showing, or god forbid having seats for a torso ala the Alts. Thats one thing I hope they make look like the originals.

That is my biggest worry, im glad someone else feels that way and that you were able to put it into words much better than I could. I hate that Citroen bot... I mean theres a difference between disguising parts of you as a car and BECOMMING every little nut and bolt and gear of the vehicle.

[Windcharger]

That is my biggest worry, im glad someone else feels that way and that you were able to put it into words much better than I could. I hate that Citroen bot... I mean theres a difference between disguising parts of you as a car and BECOMMING every little nut and bolt and gear of the vehicle.

I like the Citroen (alternator-looking) car, but I hate his face. I really think it's important to give them faces.

[Motor_Master]

If anyone here was at botcon in LA a couple of years ago then you know that Cullen still has it. So if that is the determining factor on if he gets the gig or not then I think it's safe to say we will being hearing Cullen voice Prime.
QFT

I was one of the many people who crowded into the Peter Cullen Panel, and from what I could tell and after listening to his promos on Toonami, he hasn't lost his touch.

[zopilote_z]

I think the "Angular-not-Blocky" approach means the autobots will look simmilar to the RID Car robot brothers style.

[fosterlager]

And THAT'S what worries me. Nevermind the fact that they are releasing the movie on July 4th. The potential for this to be an overly patriotic, sentimental pile of slo-mo, roll your eyes at the forced drama crap are exponential. I really don't care to see American flags in the background of every shot ala Armageddon.

I love living in this country as much as the next guy, but I really don't need to hear any more about Iraq, or wars on whatever than what's already on the news and in the papers.
Couldn't agree more. FWIW, I don't see Spielberg promoting jingoism, U.S. or otherwise, in any film with HIS name attached. Not since his experience making "Shindler's List." Bay will certainly be toned down a bit.

[Chaos Muffin]

Wow man , that was an awesome read.

Look foward to the closeups to see all the detailing. Never been so excited over some eyes before.

[Autobot_Goldbug]

A lot of G1 FANS have been worried that the original voice actors wouldn't get even that much consideration.

I'm curious about Prime's "battlemask." If they're doing the retractable faceplate thing, I hope he's got a regular face under it. The cut out mouth plate has always made Prime look like a burn victim, or like he has a broken nose.

The F-22's okay. I'm not really fond of the plane. The 23 looked better, and was superior in most respects. The selection of the 22 was mostly political, just like the selection of the superbug, over the supercat. (In that case, the Navy actually wanted the cats.) The F-15 is still my all time favorite jet. I'm more of a helicopter fan, anyway. If they have a TF turn into an RAH-66, I'd be a happy transfan.

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/fighter/f23.htm

Oh and the RAH-66 Commanche was cancelled. If you really want to see it in a movie watch The Hulk. :rolleyes2

The deisgns and action sounds good, but being so connected to the military could end up backfiring, Starscream is allready sounding like an advert for that new jet he was banging on about.

Umm you aren't planning on buying a few of those for millions? The Air Force already has 50 or so in service. I don't think they need to advertise that fact anymore. The military is only in it for recruitment advertising. ;)

"Their War, our World" Will only work if that is what the main plot will focus on.

Casey Kasem still sounds great too!

[Frognal]

The Spikes rather than Blocky thing kinda worries me. Thats one of the reasons why I latched onto Transformers rather than the anime type robots. The anime type robots have spikes on the shoulders, on the kneecaps, on their backs, a gazillion on their heads, etc, etc. One of the reasons why Transformers was so cool was that they looked awesome in an understated way.


Er, there's always been a variety of "anime" robots. Don't make sweeping generalizations.

[Greyryder]

http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/research/fighter/f23.htm

Oh and the RAH-66 Commanche was cancelled. If you really want to see it in a movie watch The Hulk. :rolleyes2



Umm you aren't planning on buying a few of those for millions? The Air Force already has 50 or so in service. I don't think they need to advertise that fact anymore. The military is only in it for recruitment advertising. ;)

"Their War, our World" Will only work if that is what the main plot will focus on.

Casey Kasem still sounds great too!

I know the Comanche was cancelled. It's still the coolest looking helicopter ever made. I don't really have any interest in the the Hulk movie. I just think a TF that turns into a Comanche was would rock.

[CyberCheetor]

Im glad to hear he is auditioning some of the original voice actors. I feel alot better about their plans for the film after reading that interview.

[Primus]

You know, the more I think about it, I'm not sure that Welker has any passion left for the role. He may just look for a paycheck.

Cullen obviously still has passion for it as he was in tears at the Botcon in LA. I'm not sure Welker gives a crap about TF's.

Also the fact that I think Megatron is going to be completely redesigned with just a few nods to his G1 self. We may be better of with Kaye here. Or even a well voiced celeb would work for me.

[Zero Prime]

Uhm your confusing the tailside with the Harrier/JSF F-35B hover characteristics.

A tailslide is when a plane goes straight up 90 degrees till it deccelerates to 0knots airspeed and descends backwards tailfirst, then drops the nose down and regains speed. The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it. The only military use of a tailslide is to break radar lock from old pulse doppler radars(anything slowing down that slow and at 90 degrees in relation to the radar signal will break lock...not so sure with the new AESA radars). In a close in dogfight, I question its use since any fighter following in the vertical behind it could see it coming a mile away.

Your mentioning engine nozzles being pointed straight down to hover and then switch directions so the plane can go in another direction. The F-22 cannot do this. The harrier can. The F-35B cannot do this unless it is unarmed since it is as of yet, too heavy.

In any case this still proves hollywood still doesn't know the military that well. They called F-4s in "Iron Eagle II" MIG-29's...for christ's sake thats so terrible.


That manuver my friend is called the Cobra manuver. They actually let the engines stall out. I am sure however that if the Navy F-14 can pull off a 0/0 then an F-22 should be able to do this as well, if the engine has enough thrust. The aircraft sits at an angle very close to sea level and can fly along below flight deck levels at the same speed the carrier is going, really cool effect. As for Starscream I think I would rather see him as an F-18 E/F Super Hornet. Very bad ass plane and is the same size as the F-14s and 15s.

I'm actually looking foward to both Motermaster and Scorpinok. As I believe we heard once before this is a retelling of G1. As one of our great fanfic writers put it, Transformers 2.0.

[DESTRO]

Uhm your confusing the tailside with the Harrier/JSF F-35B hover characteristics.

A tailslide is when a plane goes straight up 90 degrees till it deccelerates to 0knots airspeed and descends backwards tailfirst, then drops the nose down and regains speed. The Flankers and Fulcrum family of fighters are known for this. I have no doubt an F-22 can do this but its not a trait displayed much even at all. Hell I haven't even seen it do it. The only military use of a tailslide is to break radar lock from old pulse doppler radars(anything slowing down that slow and at 90 degrees in relation to the radar signal will break lock...not so sure with the new AESA radars). In a close in dogfight, I question its use since any fighter following in the vertical behind it could see it coming a mile away.

Your mentioning engine nozzles being pointed straight down to hover and then switch directions so the plane can go in another direction. The F-22 cannot do this. The harrier can. The F-35B cannot do this unless it is unarmed since it is as of yet, too heavy.

In any case this still proves hollywood still doesn't know the military that well. They called F-4s in "Iron Eagle II" MIG-29's...for christ's sake thats so terrible.


Get over it! They can make anything they want "Hover" in a movie.

It looks like the Movie is heading in the right direction. Can't wait for July 4th!

[Shin Densetsu]

That manuver my friend is called the Cobra manuver. They actually let the engines stall out. I am sure however that if the Navy F-14 can pull off a 0/0 then an F-22 should be able to do this as well, if the engine has enough thrust. The aircraft sits at an angle very close to sea level and can fly along below flight deck levels at the same speed the carrier is going, really cool effect. As for Starscream I think I would rather see him as an F-18 E/F Super Hornet. Very bad ass plane and is the same size as the F-14s and 15s.

I'm actually looking foward to both Motermaster and Scorpinok. As I believe we heard once before this is a retelling of G1. As one of our great fanfic writers put it, Transformers 2.0.


Nope what I described as a tail slide, is a tailslide. The engines do not stall out during a cobra manuever or a tailside. A cobra is when the pilot on the flanker or fulcrum pulls back on the stick while disabling the AOA limiter right before, enabling the craft to pull up past 110 AOA temporarily and recover to normal flight seconds later. Its like an instantaneous pitch up then recover. Tomcats aren't known to pull this off, hell no US fighter is. I've seen the F-22 performing high alpha manuevers but not a cobra. David knows more than I do in this regard. Thing is while the Russians disable their limiters at times, the US does not for the most part(which might be the reason no one has seen an F-22 perform a cobra).

If anything the Commanche would be cool as springer.

[Zero Prime]

I'm not saying an f-14 or 22 can perform a Cobra. I said an F-14 can perform a 0/0 and that if the F-22 has enough thrust than it may be able to also, which would give it a (hovering) look. Unless the Russians changed thier training, they do , or atleast did, allow the engines to stall. As one American pilot once said, They are among the craziest pilots out there. Its called the Cobra because the end result looks like a Cobra striking. I may however be confusing your description with the attributes of the Cobra though. Since your from VA Beach you may be familier with where I learned this, and the sources are reputable. I am a graduate of NMITC in NTC Damneck. I am an AOB expert. On the other hand, if your refering to the nice little manuver where the ass end of a Super Flanker stops and the nose spins around, ala the Paris airshow of 96, then that would be different.

I still say the Screamer would be better as an FA-18 E/F though. Much meaner looking aircraft and it to does have stealth capabilities, though limited.

[Shin Densetsu]

I'm not saying an f-14 or 22 can perform a Cobra. I said an F-14 can perform a 0/0 and that if the F-22 has enough thrust than it may be able to also, which would give it a (hovering) look. Unless the Russians changed thier training, they do , or atleast did, allow the engines to stall. As one American pilot once said, They are among the craziest pilots out there. Its called the Cobra because the end result looks like a Cobra striking. I may however be confusing your description with the attributes of the Cobra though. Since your from VA Beach you may be familier with where I learned this, and the sources are reputable. I am a graduate of NMITC in NTC Damneck. I am an AOB expert. On the other hand, if your refering to the nice little manuver where the ass end of a Super Flanker stops and the nose spins around, ala the Paris airshow of 96, then that would be different.

I still say the Screamer would be better as an FA-18 E/F though. Much meaner looking aircraft and it to does have stealth capabilities, though limited.


From what I gather, the flanker's cobra is a post stall manuever....the airplane itself stalls, not the engine. The engines are running the entire time. The plane temporarily aerodynamically "stalls" due to temporary loss of lift, the engines are not stalled at all. If they did, then the recovery they do would take a lot longer than what is being shown at airshows, and the planes would most likely crash to the ground being that they usually perform this not too low, but low enough for the crowd to see. (they'd need to dive in order to get enough air into the turbines for an engine reheat/restart...which is why I say aerodynamic stall and not an engine stall). The super flanker manuever you described is the "herbst turn/manuever", the X-31 was the first to do this.

In any case the movie is being hyped up well. I don't think the movie will be that great but I think the concept art for it may be phenomenal judging by who is working on it. I have that to look forward to.

[Cheebs]

Sounds good so far but...

The F-22 doesn't look anywhere near as cool as the F-15 so...shame there.

Prime better have a face plate 100% of the time.

Don't go pulling Iraq into this. If you must go to the middle East bring back Carbombia or some crap like that. Politics and current events have NO place in a TF movie.

[Shin Densetsu]

Sounds good so far but...

The F-22 doesn't look anywhere near as cool as the F-15 so...shame there.

Prime better have a face plate 100% of the time.

Don't go pulling Iraq into this. If you must go to the middle East bring back Carbombia or some crap like that. Politics and current events have NO place in a TF movie.


Since they mentioned a faceplate and some battle mask I figured maybe they would show Prime's past as Orion Pax in a small flashback segment.

[Rodimus]

I have very mixed feelings about this. First, it's hard to pick the info up because the interviewer seems to know next to nothing about the characters of Transformers.

I feel very worried and upset about the fact that it sounds like they are making them look more like the Terminator than Transformers. Not to mention he's an idiot. He doesn't even realise that an F-22 Raptor doesn't hover. The Harrier does. That's another thing that disapoints me, albeit not as much as the other things in this paragraph. What's wrong with the F-15? It's only the most active fighter jet in the U.S. miltary today! Oh well, the F-22 is cool too. I just hope they keep the seekers colers so they are distinguishable and keep the feel of their character. They can do that by using existing US Squadron colors like the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and the black stealth F-22 paint app. The other thing that kind of upsets me in that story is not using the Transformers font on the poster. And what's with skorponok? They said having a metal T-rex like Grimlock or any of the other Dinobots was too "unbelievable" but then they go and ad a giant Scorpion who ain't even half the character? WTF????!?

On the other hand it's sounds like Bay and Speilburgs direction will make for some GREAT battle scenes and a very entertaining film in that aspect. I just hope they don't go all AWOL on us and turn Transformers into some thing they personally thought up to pat their hollywood profile instead of it actually being THE TRANSFORMERS. Know what I mean?

But still, the animationitronics, the enthusiasm, the way the battle scens, and the little story tidbits sound cool to me. The tagline on the poster sounds cool also.

And the way the Transformers show emotion is mostly throught their voices. So this will be very important on the voice actor end. Hopefully Frank and Peter will wow the casting director like they have done before, and land the role. I hope Bay was honest and not just using that as a PR ploy. Politics are in entertainment to try and keep the fans at bay. (no pun intended.) This we know. If it's the truth and he was flat honest, that's fair enough.

So I'm a little bit excited and a little bit upset with that news. Or maybe a lot of both. I guess you could call it a little bit of hysteria thanks to that article.

At any rate, I will give Bay and the others a chance.

So whats the latest news besides that article from the last 3 weeks? I need to be up to date. I'm behind. Who besides Shia has been confirmed cast?

[Shin Densetsu]

I have very mixed feelings about this. First, it's hard to pick the info up because the interviewer seems to know next to nothing about the characters of Transformers.

I feel very worried and upset about the fact that it sounds like they are making them look more like the Terminator than Transformers. Not to mention he's an idiot. He doesn't even realise that an F-22 Raptor doesn't hover. The Harrier does. That's another thing that disapoints me, albeit not as much as the other things in this paragraph. What's wrong with the F-15? It's only the most active fighter jet in the U.S. miltary today! Oh well, the F-22 is cool too. I just hope they keep the seekers colers so they are distinguishable and keep the feel of their character. They can do that by using existing US Squadron colors like the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and the black stealth F-22 paint app. The other thing that kind of upsets me in that story is not using the Transformers font on the poster. And what's with skorponok? They said having a metal T-rex like Grimlock or any of the other Dinobots was too "unbelievable" but then they go and ad a giant Scorpion who ain't even half the character? WTF????!?

On the other hand it's sounds like Bay and Speilburgs direction will make for some GREAT battle scenes and a very entertaining film in that aspect. I just hope they don't go all AWOL on us and turn Transformers into some thing they personally thought up to pat their hollywood profile instead of it actually being THE TRANSFORMERS. Know what I mean?

But still, the animationitronics, the enthusiasm, the way the battle scens, and the little story tidbits sound cool to me. The tagline on the poster sounds cool also.

And the way the Transformers show emotion is mostly throught their voices. So this will be very important on the voice actor end. Hopefully Frank and Peter will wow the casting director like they have done before, and land the role. I hope Bay was honest and not just using that as a PR ploy. Politics are in entertainment to try and keep the fans at bay. (no pun intended.) This we know. If it's the truth and he was flat honest, that's fair enough.

So I'm a little bit excited and a little bit upset with that news. Or maybe a lot of both. I guess you could call it a little bit of hysteria thanks to that article.

At any rate, I will give Bay and the others a chance.

So whats the latest news besides that article from the last 3 weeks? I need to be up to date. I'm behind. Who besides Shia has been confirmed cast?

F-22 is Air Force. Blue Angels is Navy. Navy doesn't have F-22s. I am pretty sure they want the F-22 instead of the F-15 due to the latter being newer and more modern.

As for scorponok I bet he will be like the G1 version.....very robotic and barely a hint of an animal in him whatsoever. For all we know, he might even have a realworld alt mode counterpart, like a base or military structure that turns into a scorpion like mobile mode and then a huge robot.

The hollyood thing you mentioned scares me the most. Most cartoon/comic/toyline/video game movies do suck. Sure things have changed in the past 10 years with some really good movies, but just as much of them sucked at times.

I'll give it a chance but I gotta be honest and admit I hold not much hope for it aside the artwork in the movie art book.

[Wheels]

Well, I'm officially stoked abput the movie. :cool:

For better or for worst, I'm gonna see the movie no matter what. :rock