TFW2005 Reviews Transformers The Complete First Season DVD

I know it's a bit late, and many fans have already mad e their decision on whether to purchase this set or not. Due to some circumstances beyond our control, our review was delayed. But, if only for TFW archival purposes, we want to share our review.

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Shout Factory's release of the original Transformers series was initially met with a lot of skepticism. When Rhino had the license, they had released incomplete versions of the episodes, based on pre-broadcast masters. This was due to the fact that the broadcast masters for the episodes were in extremely poor condition. Unfortunately for long time fans, these incomplete episodes had many errors, which took away from the enjoyment of the sets for many fans. I am pleased to say that Shout Factory has corrected nearly all of these inconsistencies in the hopes of bringing a more complete experience to fans of the show.

The Show
The first episodes of Transformers debuted in 1984 to quickly become a blazing success in the realm of toys and cartoons. The show tells the very first tale of Autobots battling Decepticons. But, if you're reading this, you already are aware of that. So there is little need to go into the details of story or the episodes.

Transformers does hold up rather well, considering the time in which it was made. It is not a perfect show by any means, but the combination of creative talent behind the scenes, and endearing characters on it, come together to create one of the few shows from the early 1980's that can still be enjoyed today. More modern Transformers cartoons may have improved everything from the animation to the story, but none have attained the iconic status of the original series, and the first season in particular.

Overall: 9 out of 10

Video Quality
Shout Factory has taken on the massive task of restoring the episodes to their original broadcast presentations. Taking the previously mastered episodes, and splicing them with restored remasters from other sources, Shout was able to create a near seamless presentation.

The quality is fairly similar to the last DVD release. The colors are bright, but not over saturated. Ink lines are sharp, and there is little evidence of compression artifacts or over sharpening. There is some noticeable noise, especially on lighter colors, such as Spike's shirt. There are, at times, scratches, dirt and dust that can show up, but that is to be expected in a release of this type. The reinserted scenes are noticeably lower quality than the rest of the episodes they exist with. The shots are softer, and occasionally lighter/darker than the rest of the scenes. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay to have the correct episodes available.

The bottom line is the episodes look pretty damn good for a 25 year old cartoon. If you're watching on a standard definition set, they will look nearly perfect. If you have an HDTV, then the episodes are still easy on the eyes, but the flaws will be a bit more noticeable.

Overall: 8 out of 10

Audio
Another huge complaint about the Rhino release of Transformers was the fact that they messed with the audio mix. Their uneven mix, coupled with added effects, played havoc with sound systems and really detracted from the experience. I am happy to say that shout Factory saw fit to restore the original audio mix, and create a perfectly acceptable stereo mix for this release. The audio levels sound much more natural now. It's not going to blow away people with 5.1 surround sound or better setups, but it isn't meant to. Shout set out to set the audio right, and for this reviewer, they did.

Overall: 8 out of 10

Extras
The DVD release comes with a few special features listed below.

• Triple Changer: From Toy To Comic To Screen - The Origins Of the Transformers
• Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials
• Runaway Public Service Announcement (PSA)
• Printable PDF Script - Transport to Oblivion

The Triple Changer feature is really the only notable feature here. Shout brought together some current and former people who worked on the Transformers line in various ways. Together, via a series of intercut interviews, they chronicle how Hasbro set out to create Transformers, and what they had hoped to accomplish. For the hardcore fans, there's not much new here. For fans new to the franchise, this is a pretty good start. They talk about everything from the original Diaclones, to Go-Bots beating them to the market, to how they chose which characters were Autobots and Decepticons. But for fans new and old, it is still a fun extra to watch.

The rest of the extras aren't anything special. You get 3 poor quality commercials, a single PSA and a printable script. An episode commentary track or a more detailed documentary would have been nice. As is you get an enjoyable series of interviews, and not too much else.

Overall: 5 out of 10

Bottom Line
I've seen this set for as little as $17.00 on sale. Even at the regular $20.00, this set is a fine bargain. I've always been up to supporting any company that makes a serious effort to put out something that can please the fans. The special features may be a bit lacking, but extras have never really factored into my personal buying decisions, as I feel those are mostly one-time viewings at best. Even if you own the Rhino editions, that shouldn't stop you from owning this set (or the Matrix of Leadership Box Set, a review hopefully coming soon), as Shout put some serious effort into finding and fixing a ton of errors. It's the best that the original series is likely ever going to look and sound.

Overall: 8 out of 10

IshTalkers Month of Horror

The Matrix boxset has a lot more extras though that is to be expected. I also HIGHLY recommend the Shout! collection. They did a WONDERFUL job on this and the set is definitely worthwhile.

Originally Posted by ManiactoaLaco TRANSFORMERS ISN'T MADE FOR JOHNATOR, PLUS HIS NEEDS THAT EVRRYTHING LOOK LIKE HOW HE WANTS IT.

Great review!

I was tempted to get this set for archival purposes, especially since it sounds like it's technically superior to the Rhino version. But I consider the show itself a 2/10, haven't watched it since the first time I popped in the Rhino DVDs and can't justify rebuying something I'll likely never watch again.

Nice review. But part of me knows this thread will lead to a flame war...


MTL

Having bought both sets I can say they are worth it. Rhino's GI Joe set was never finished so the Joe one was way worth it. I watched some of the G1 TF and it was great. I also watched all the extras. The Cast interview was awesome. Frank seems like a million laughs to act with, but a total pain in the butt to direct or run the equipment. He'd make sound effects like feed back and mic cutting out. This would freak out the techs but make the rest of the cast laugh their asses off.

The packaging on both sets are done right. The Matrix set is very nice and very well done..

The Joe one I found even more impressive

Definitely glad I went with the Matrix set. This was my first purchase ever of the G1 cartoon, having missed out on getting the Rhino sets etc. I had been trying to figure out how to get the series for a long time when this set was announced to much personal celebration.

Now to save up and snag that G.I. Joe box set too!

Is the MoL set from Shout as well?

I've wanted to get into the G1 cartoon, but I might need to borrow a few more of my roommate's DVDs before I jump for a box set. I think because I started with Beast Wars, I'm having a hard time taking a step backwards. I got through most of season 1 before school took over, maybe its time to finish it ^_^

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Yes, it is from Shout! Factory as well. They are doing both the big box set release and individual seasons to cater to different fan demands.

Brilliant really. Putting Rhino to shame with all this.

oh they really are...

The discs 2 of season 1 and the MATRIX set are not the same, the disc of MOL as more rhino errors fixed,Shout will make a replacement disc for the season 1 box set.