Transformers One 4K SteelBook review
Dec 14, 2024- Permalink
Transformers One is a CG-animated origin story that looks at the start of Optimus Prime (voiced by Chris Hemsworth) and Megatron (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry) and their evolution from good friends to sworn enemies. Other residents of Cybertron are voiced by Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm. Paramount has released a 4K disc of the movie, including a collectible version with a SteelBook case, which I had a chance to take a look at.
The 2160p HEVC / H.265 encoded upscaled 4K digital transfer with Dolby Vision and HDR10 is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The CG-animation looks great with sharp detail on the metallic surfaces of the characters. The colour palette is wide from darker hues to bright primaries and the HDR colour grading punches up the highlights, while the blacks are nice and deep. No real evidence of crushing or banding. Just a real nice animated presentation.
On the audio side of things, you have the choice of an English Dolby Atmos soundtrack which folds back to Dolby TrueHD 7.1. There are also French and Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Subtitles are available for English, English SDH, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. The height channels have the characters flying overhead, while the surrounds immerse you in the action. The low frequency mix will definitely rattle a few things during chases and battles. Dialogue is clear and centred.
The Transformers One 4K also comes with a Blu-ray copy and a digital code. Bonus material includes the filmmakers discussing the origin story, director Josh Cooley and the production design and visual effects team discussing the building of Cybertron, a look at the voice cast, a scene breakdown of the big race, and a look at the film’s climactic battle. The SteelBook case features alternate cover artwork. The front of the case has a large image of Optimus with silhouttes of the other characters walking out of a circle of light on his chest. The back cover features the four main characters after they can transform, with their vehicle shapes below them. The inside artwork features the four main characters.
While fans of the Transformers franchise as a whole will enjoy this origin story, an extra level of nostalgia will hit those who watched the animated series on TV back in the 1980s. The Transformers One 4K delivers great audio and video, plus a handful of extras. For collectors, the SteelBook packaging is an extra draw.