by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
The war between the Autobots and the Decepticons starts again for a new generation as the hit computer-animated series, Transformers Prime, makes its way home in the special DVD release of the mini-series Darkness Rising. The original 5 part premiere of this new Transformers installment has been re-cut with additional footage to make it feel like a full theatrical experience. This new series was developed by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, (two of the men behind the live action Transformers movie franchise) and while that fact might concern some fans, Transformers Prime is a show that definitely blows away all expectations and is a series to be reckoned with!
The Autobots come under attack from the evil Decepticons, who have been missing for several years. When one of their own is viciously killed, Optimus Prime and his team not only seek revenge, but must search for a way to stop Megatron, who is determined to unleash a new darkness upon the Earth. After returning from space, Megatron reveals the existence of “Dark Energon” which has a connection to the mythical being known as Unicron. As if this new threat from Megatron wasn’t enough to keep the bots busy, they must also protect their newest human allies (Jack, Raf, and Miko), who have been targeted as “threats” by the Decepticons.
There are so many reasons why viewers (new and old) will enjoy this series. Fans of the classic Transformers series will be thrilled by the return of the original voices of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen (Transformers) and Megatron, Frank Welker (Transformers), as they team up with the talented cast of Josh Keaton (Green Lantern: The Animated Series), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Fast Five), Jeffrey Combs (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Kevin Michael Richardson (Green Lantern: The Animated Series), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Sumalee Montano (X-Men: Destiny) and Steve Blum (Wolverine and The X-Men).
This is not the first time that a Transformers television series has been fully CGI, as Transformers Beast Wars had previously set some very high standards. The visual imagery in Prime is outstanding, as you will quickly see once putting this DVD into your home theater setup (and even better when upconverted in a Blu-ray player). I personally was blown away by the difference in visual quality from the TV broadcast and the DVD release.
Special Features:
- A Look at Character Design Featurette – This feature showcases the character production art from the series. Now fans can watch the development process and see how their favorite characters were brought to life in this new CGI adventure series.
- A Look at Set Design Featurette – Check out the original concept art for the various settings in Transformers Prime!
- Animatic for Episode 1 – Go behind the scenes of Transformers Prime with the original storyboards for the first episode of the new series.
Overall:
If you need a regular dose of Transformers, you will definitely want to check out Transformers Prime – Darkness Rising on DVD. This series will easily live on in the minds of Transformers fans, and is a fantastic addition to the franchise. Transformers Prime: The Complete First Season is also coming to DVD and Blu-ray shortly, and Darkness Rising is the perfect way to get into the new show!
ComicsOnline gives Transformers Prime – Darkness Rising – 5 out of 5 versions of Transformers that are better than Revenge of the Fallen.
Get your copy of Transformers Prime – Darkness Rising on Amazon.
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