New Transformers Movie: The Autobots

 
In July 4, 2007, the whole movie industry will again witness the release of a second Transformers sci-fi movie. The film is directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. Robert Orci serves as one of the screenwriters. Although the story line of the new film was not based on the first movie released in 1986, the new film still features some of the famous Transformers characters.

 

The production staff made some changes on our favorite Autobots. All of them are now GM-branded vehicles except for Optimus Prime:

* Optimus Prime (Semi-trailer truck) - Orci described Optimus as a noble king, similar to King Arthur. His robot mode contains an arm cannon, and a retractable faceplate, similar to Optimus Primal from the Beast Wars series and the Transformers: Cybertron incarnation of Prime. His alternate mode, which has red flame artwork upon blue paint, is a close match to one of the Generation 2 Optimus Prime toys, and two versions were built. Lorenzo DiBonaventura said that Optimus is scaled to be 9.7m (32 feet) in robot form, and a semi in vehicle form. However, Michael Bay has said Optimus is 8.5m (28 feet) tall. A blue version of Optimus' head with motion capture points was used.

* Bumblebee (1974 Chevrolet Camaro, later reformatted as a 2008-2009 Chevrolet Camaro) - Bumblebee is the underdog character and a scout for the Autobots, as well as the Transformer most connected to humans. He ends up being purchased by Spike Witwicky, who is looking to buy his first car. His robot mode has been constructed as a physical prop in addition to a CG model. Bumblebee is 5.1m (17 feet) tall. Bumblebee's arsenal includes an arm cannon and shoulder missiles.

* Ironhide (GMC Topkick pickup truck) - Ironhide is one of Optimus' oldest friends, and has some cowboy characteristics, being the first in battle. While Ironhide was a van in G1, he was a truck in the Transformers: Robots in Disguise series from Japan. Ironhide will be 7.9m (26 feet) tall.

* Jazz (Pontiac Solstice) - Jazz is a "rock-and-roll" type character who lives by his credo of "If you can’t do something with style, it’s not worth doing at all."[35] He will be 4.6m (15 feet) tall. He has pronounced antennae on his head, and is either holding a gun in his left hand, or has a gun barrel in place of his left hand.[46] Another picture of him features fingers, although this may be art for the IDW comic adaptation of the film.

* Ratchet (Search & Rescue vehicle based on the Humvee design) - Ratchet's role in the movie is the familiar one of Autobot medic, and is 7.3m (24 feet) tall. His robot mode lacks the head fins seen in the traditional animated version of the character.

Meanwhile, quality GM-branded auto parts like Pontiac Parts are found at OEM stores online.

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The Constructicons

Need to build something fast and efficiently? Or demolish a derelict? Or even recycle old things? Don't fret, because the Constructicons are there to do the job.

For the Decepticons.

These Decepticons are the master in their fields of (building) expertise, even building the famed Crystal City on Cybertron. The six can even form into a bigger, and powerful robot, Devastator.

The six are:

Scrapper, the leader of the Constructicons, is a master designer who conceives the myriad structures the Construticons assemble. Although he's genuinely modest about his work, he's prone to bragging amongst his fellow Constructicons. He transforms into a wheeled front-load shovel and forms the right leg of Devastator.

Bonecrusher is a brawler by nature and specialises in demolitions work. Under this vicious personality is an underlying motive; he is a perfectionist at heart and wishes to destroy all he deems imperfect, including the Autobots. He would enjoy the extra potential for destruction as Devastator if it didn't mean sharing the same mindspace as his fellow Constructicons. He transforms into a bulldozer, and forms Devastator's left arm.

Scavenger is an unashamedly pathetic Decepticon. Desperate to prove his worth to his team-mates, he uses his one true gift - his shovel's ability to detect various magnetic, ionic, electrical or gas readings - to locate items of value, although invariably, all he can usually find is junk. He transforms into an excavator, and the right arm of Devastator. 

Mixmaster might have a few chips loose in his logic center, judging by the cackling with which he undertakes his role of materials fabrication. Although manic and erratic by nature, he is a genius of a chemist, able to mix chemicals in the drum of his concrete mixer alternate mode. (He has also been known to insert solid objects -- such as cars -- into his mixing drum in order to turn out new building materials.) He forms Devastator's left leg.

Hook is the team's perfectionist second-in-command, who considers himself far too elite to deal with most of the 'ruffians' that call themselves Decepticons. He is excellent at performing tasks which require extreme precision (including surgical operations), but the time he takes to perfect his work and his arrogance are his weaknesses. He transforms into a crane, and forms the head and shoulders of Devastator.

Long Haul is not fond of his role as transport, ferrying construction materials to and fro on a Constructicon building site, and although he accepts its importance, he would much rather be a full-time warrior. He transforms into a dump truck and forms Devastator's lower torso.

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The Archives

Looking for episode guides of your favorite Transformers episode? Or looking for the perfect toy for your collection? Or hoping for another kindred spirit? Try out the Transformers Archives here .
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