looking back..TF1 is the only film of the series where all transformers transform at least once, including all decepticons.

strictly autobot speaking:
TF2-Ratchet & Jolt aren't seen transforming.
TF3-Roadbuster, Topspin & Wheelie aren't seen transforming. *& tech the twins if u wanna go there*
TF4-Brains, Crosshairs, Hound & Leadfoot aren't seen transforming

 

I'll have to agree with you here. As much as I like seeing them transform, personality beats all. I'd honestly much rather see true characters, than see visual effects, I am glad to see the robots are getting more screen time, and development.

 

all transformers should transform on screen at least 1 unless it's for artistic reasons in my opinion.

i bet TF5 will open with hound transforming up close & tight like ironhide in the beginning of TF2

 

ILM or Bay assume people don't really care much about trasnformations so much and figured why why bother with the extra work.

 

So Bay and ILM assume people don't care about watching transformations in a Transformers movie?

Wat.

 

As someone said, the Transformium transformations highlighted the fact that those dudes were artificial. Only Galvatron might be said to put it to his benefit with defensive moves.

But yeah, with Hound and Crosshairs it's not fair they didn't transform. I'd have liked to see them transform.

 

Well Optimus did talk in radio at the beginning for a little if you count that. Though, I'm content that they don't talk in vehicle mode, I feel like if that was an ability of theirs, Bay or who ever is in charge of production would take advantage of their ability and overuse it. That will mean a lack of robots emoting though their face, which will most likely lead to more problems in characterization.

 

I felt there was a lot of transformations and a lot of new things we've never seen like with Optimus and Bee upgrading or Optimus transforming into a truck while finishing his sentence. He's only transformed into a truck one other time!

 

if my calculations are correct; in the original trilogy, Starscream & Bumblebee had the most on-screen transformations for their respective factions.

they rarely crossed paths as well...
starscream blows off bumblebee's leg in TF1
they briefly exchange fire in the factory in TF2
starscream briefly shoots at bumblebee, skids, & mudflap while pursuing them in Egypt in TF2

& Bee is technically present at or just after Starscream's death in TF3

 

this is true and it's also one of those sneaky good transformations in the movie as well "..we're all targets now.." and i'm also a truck..badass.

 

half of Starscreams transformations were in the first one flying with the other F-22's

 

that transformation (Optimus to Truck in AOE) was pretty bad. That truck is way too small for Optimus to turn into, and it looked pretty bad on-screen. Unlike the Peterbilt and Western Star, the Rusty Truck has it's cab on top of the engine, while the other two had the engine in front, as well as extra stuff behind the cab. Basically the other two had much more mass and it was more believable that prime could transform into them then it was for the rusty cab.
http://starnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Western-Star-Optimus-Prime-640x360.jpg
http://beeandhide.yolasite.com/reso...from_transformers.jpg?timestamp=1309334059912
they are much bigger than this
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/9081381019_125f85132a.jpg

 

I always imagine that the bigger trucks are just more hollow ;-)