Transformers: Cybertron [The Ultimate Collection]

Unlike the G1 series, "Cybertron" forgoes the done-in-one episodes for an overreaching story arc. The hunt for the Cyber Planet Keys stretches throughout the series and is broken into multi-episode chapters. "Cybertron" also makes numerous call backs to other versions of the show. The Mini-Cons, who were introduced in "Armada" are present here. A couple lines from "Transformers: The Movie" are reused such as when Megatron confronts Optimus and says, "I´ve waited an eternity for this." Megatron also gets upgraded to Galvatron once more in the latter half of the show. Metroplex, who hadn´t been used since G1, is brought back in this series with an inexplicable Irish accent. Somebody is going to have to explain to me why robots from outer space have Australian, British, and Southern accents. Plus, one of the Decepticons talks like Squiggy from "Laverne & Shirley." Ugh.

I didn´t care much for "Armada," but I thought the show took a huge step backwards when they started mixing in CGI with the traditional cel animation. The character designs for the Transformers are clunky and so are their movements. The characters may be fully rendered, but they´re still one-dimensional and spout inane dialogue.

VIDEO:
The video is presented in fullscreen. The transfer is exceptionally clean and the colors stand out strong without any bleeding or blemishes.

AUDIO:
The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo. The show is a loud one with the score and sound effects all coming in crisp and clear.

EXTRAS:
None.

FILM VALUE:
The main problem with "Transformers: Cybertron" is that the show lacks any subtlety. Everything is done extreme to the max. Most of the transformation sequences are flashy with those staples of anime known as speed lines. They´re all right at first, but get annoying as they´re rehashed again and again.

I am a child of the 80´s and I grew up with "Transformers" and "G.I. Joe." They´ve both been remade since those halcyon days and any subsequent versions will be unfavorably compared to the originals. The animation and the writing aren´t that great. However, I admit those same criticisms could have leveled on my beloved G1 series which is why I tried to keep an open mind. I liked the fact that they tried to give the show a more epic storyline.

My favorite Transformer character of all is Starscream and he takes a big role in "Cybertron." He´s more than just the backstabbing flunky. He still schemes against Megatron, but this time around he actually succeeds for a time including leading a massive Decepticon invasion on Earth. However, any good will I was willing to impart went away as soon as they introduced Soundwave as a hip-hop DJ. Kids today might be pleased with "Transformers: Cybertron," but I found the whole thing grating and uninteresting.

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