Now available on digital platforms is latest addition to the popular Transformers movie franchise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
The film will be available on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook™, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, and DVD on October 10, 2023.
The film stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, and the voice talents of Lisa Koshy, Pete Davidson, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, and Michelle Yeoh.
Normally I publish my own synopsis of a film, but there is a lot going on with this film and I don’t want to give away too many spoilers (I feel like I give away spoilers sometimes when writing a review).
Optimus Prime and his his Autobots team take on their biggest challenge yet! When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the Maximals. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the Transformers as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.
I received a free copy of the film in order to do this review.
This film is a bit different than other Transformers movies. In this film there are not only the Transformers (Autobots), but also Transformers-like animals. The only difference is that they don’t change their shapes. They are simply robotic looking animals. They do have a lot going on, mechanically speaking, just like the Autobots do. They can do the same actions and their bodies feature various weapons.
It’s strange to me that Optimus Prime, voiced by the same actor Peter Cullen, didn’t sound like the Optimus Prime from other films. It could be just me, but I felt her was a little “off.”
There is A LOT of fabulous CGI special effects throughout this film, as to be expected with a Transformers film. The addition to robotic animals (huge no less) was a very creative touch. They could have used the same types of robots, but instead they made the robots in this film unlike anything seem before in the other films from the franchise.
My ONLY issue with the animal robots is that they were able to live on Earth and not be detected. You would think a massive robotic bird, or a gorilla the size of King Kong would be spotted by someone at some time. My husband always tells me to stop over analyzing things and just enjoy the movie. Ha Ha.
The story line is pretty good. It’s not like their hasn’t been a threat to humanity and Earth in other movies, but adding in the new characters made the story more interesting.
Initially I thought the ending left a lot of unfinished business, but if you watch the ending credits you’ll find an “Easter egg” with a better ending to the storyline. At least it appeased my concern for Noah’s sickly younger brother.
Overall I enjoyed the film. It wasn’t my favorite movie in the Transformers movie franchise, but it was fun and entertaining.
If you purchase the digital version of the film, you get over an hour of bonus content.
Take a deeper look at the Autobots, Maximals and Terrorcons, as well as the humans at the center of the film. See how filmmakers recreated 90s New York City through incredible set design, music, and fashion. Go behind-the-scenes of the eye-popping action, from the edge-of-your seat car chase on the streets of New York City to the mesmerizing battle on the mountains of Machu Picchu, Peru. Plus, check out deleted and extended scenes not seen in theatres. Bonus content is detailed below:
- Human Affairs— In a world of robots, machines, and aliens, we explore the humans who help save the world.
- Life in the 90s— The filmmakers discuss how the music, set design, fashion, and cultural references transport viewers to New York in the 90s.
- Heroes— Get an inside look at the inspiration and thought process behind designing the AUTOBOTS and the MAXIMALS.
- Villains—Watch as the filmmakers bring the TERRORCONS and PREDACONS to life.
- The Chase— Meet MIRAGE, a new AUTOBOT that converts into a 1993 Porsche, and experience the adrenaline-filled car chase through New York City.
- The Battle of Ellis Island— Join the cast and crew as they go behind-the-scenes of the epic battle sequence between the AUTOBOTS and the TERRORCONS at the museum.
- Into the Jungle— The TRANSFORMERS franchise has been filmed all over the globe. This time, join the cast and crew as they explore the new and exotic location of Peru.
- The Switchback Attack— Witness the wild, intense driving sequences filmed on location in Peru where the AUTOBOTS fight the TERRORCONS through a town square and into the mountains 15,000 feet up.
- The Final Conflict— Get a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s epic climax. Watch as the AUTOBOTS, MAXIMALS, Noah, and Elena attempt to save the world.
- Extended/Deleted Scenes—Includes an alternate opening and ending to the film!
I’m not sure what bonus content the other formats will come with in October. You’ll just have to wait and see.
I find it interesting that the digital version of the film came out long before the other formats. I guess people were just too anxious to add this film to their home viewing collection.
I have some FREE activity pages you can download. They are a .PDF file, so you’ll need to be able to download and open .PDF files (most computers can).
Click on this link and enjoy!
Transformers Rise of the Beasts Activity Pages
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. Please note that this is the theatrical trailer. The film is no longer in theaters.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.