Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds

Posted by LOST Cybertronian Sep 21, 2015 at 10:00pm CDT 20,930 views

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blacklai@TFND.net has posted a plethora of pics of the recently revealed Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal. One might even call it a shrewdness of pics to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars. Also included are many videos detailing the sounds this toy makes. Some of the sounds and Garry Chalk phrases have been changed. Many of the images are mirrored below. Check out our gallery of the original Air Attack Optimus Primal for comparison.

Transformers News: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos

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Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 21, 2015

A few things to note:

1. Those pictures are mistransformed. He is mistransformed in the package since his chest should be the one you see in Gorilla mode. That is why the maximal sign is inverted. I dont know why they didnt see that, I mean the proper chest is right there on the cove of the BOX!

2. It's reall sad how unpaited he is compared to the original. Look at his gorilla head, or his thighs or even hose hands across his elbows, its all unpainted.

3. The box art is different than what we originally saw since it now has a silver outline over the figure while this original picture didnt:

I am incredibly happy I chose to get the original release instead. His sounds are also way mre kickass with Gary Chalk's actual voice being used (first time a figure ever had the voice of the actual voice actor).

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Hellscream9999 Sep 21, 2015

That thing is so under-painted, as to be insulting :roll:

Glad to see they kept the electronics, and am not surprised they jacked up the price even more than others; at least mp soundwave was like $60-80 so $120 was not a huge increase; but $100+ for this thing? not happening, not ever happening >:oP

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 21, 2015

Hellscream9999 wrote:That thing is so under-painted, as to be insulting

Glad to see they kept the electronics, and am not surprised they jacked up the price even more than others; at least mp soundwave was like $60-80 so $120 was not a huge increase; but $100+ for this thing? not happening, not ever happening

I am totally there with you.

However, there are a few things you and others should know since the distinction presented in all the comments I read is not clear.

Firstly, Soundwave was a much better deal than that. Because you are comparing prices for an MP which was not released with all his casettes with an MP that was. If you bought all the cassettes Takara issued in individual 2 packs, it would have cost more than Hasbro Soundwave.

Now, the deal with these Zodiac releases. There is no point in comparing since these are not the same kinds of releases (you can only compare the prices to previous zodiac releases inorder to make sense of it all). The Chinese new year releases, unlike the other platinums, are made for wide distribution in the asian markets, and are sold as exclusives here (sometimes online shared or with tru). I dont get why everyone understands why their Hasbro Asia Thundercrackers cost 200$ but are boggled with these prices. It is the very same kind of "exclusive".

They arent looking at how much toy you are getting. They just see a big figure, a special edition paintjob and voila: 150$ collectable for the asian market.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Heckfire Sep 21, 2015

Probably already been noted, but he kinda looks like a Beast Machines version of Primal Prime. Not a negative, mind you, just an observation.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Sabrblade Sep 21, 2015

That is a great bio. Despite any misgivings we might have towards this figure and its possibly being the only representation we might get from Hasbro to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars, I am glad to see that this bio is courteous enough to acknowledge Primal's significance as a memorable, well-made, beloved, and accomplished character.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Hellscream9999 Sep 21, 2015

william-james88 wrote:
Hellscream9999 wrote:That thing is so under-painted, as to be insulting

Glad to see they kept the electronics, and am not surprised they jacked up the price even more than others; at least mp soundwave was like $60-80 so $120 was not a huge increase; but $100+ for this thing? not happening, not ever happening

I am totally there with you.

However, there are a few things you and others should know since the distinction presented in all the comments I read is not clear.

Firstly, Soundwave was a much better deal than that. Because you are comparing prices for an MP which was not released with all his casettes with an MP that was. If you bought all the cassettes Takara issued in individual 2 packs, it would have cost more than Hasbro Soundwave.

Now, the deal with these Zodiac releases. There is no point in comparing since these are not the same kinds of releases (you can only compare the prices to previous zodiac releases inorder to make sense of it all). The Chinese new year releases, unlike the other platinums, are made for wide distribution in the asian markets, and are sold as exclusives here (sometimes online shared or with tru). I dont get why everyone understands why their Hasbro Asia Thundercrackers cost 200$ but are boggled with these prices. It is the very same kind of "exclusive".

They arent looking at how much toy you are getting. They just see a big figure, a special edition paintjob and voila: 150$ collectable for the asian market.

I get all that, but 'special edition paint job' that is just barely painted, still knida insulting >:oP

I mean he looks cool, has the gimmicks, and was actually a decent figure with a fun and interesting - yet delightfully simple - transformation. I still despise the arm gimmick, but I probably wouldn't have said no if he had a more equitable price. Now omega supreme was a special case with all the remolding and the actually great paint scheme, but these just seem like hasbro trying to see how little paint they can apply and get away with, I see it in cw and rid too - screw it all :BANG_HEAD:

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 22, 2015

Hellscream9999 wrote:
I get all that, but 'special edition paint job' that is just barely painted, still knida insulting I mean he looks cool, has the gimmicks, and was actually a decent figure with a fun and interesting - yet delightfully simple - transformation. I still despise the arm gimmick, but I probably wouldn't have said no if he had a more equitable price. Now omega supreme was a special case with all the remolding and the actually great paint scheme, but these just seem like hasbro trying to see how little paint they can apply and get away with, I see it in cw and rid too - screw it all

I couldnt agree more. And I love the way you eloquently describe his transformation, I will probably be using that in my lists.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by welcometothedarksyde Sep 22, 2015

First Transformer ever to come with his own soundtrack?

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by ScottyP Sep 22, 2015

Whenever Transformers toys have sound bites that are just them saying their own name, all I can think of is Matt Damon from Team America. Yes, I know you are Optimus Primal, thanks for letting me know I guess.

Heckfire wrote:Probably already been noted, but he kinda looks like a Beast Machines version of Primal Prime. Not a negative, mind you, just an observation.

I know what you mean here, really I do, but I still have to be a smart alec and point this out

Transformers Beast Machines Primal Prime Gallery

Sabrblade wrote:That is a great bio. Despite any misgivings we might have towards this figure and its possibly being the only representation we might get from Hasbro to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars, I am glad to see that this bio is courteous enough to acknowledge Primal's significance as a memorable, well-made, beloved, and accomplished character.

Yep, it's very on point. While there's a lot of noise about changes in the brand resulting from corporate/budgeting decisions (see: this thread), you can tell the actual people behind this stuff really do care about the brand and are doing what they can to celebrate its history in these special releases.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by MaverickPrime Sep 22, 2015

I wonder why they changed the electronics, did they lose the original recording? Do they have to pay Garry Chalk again? I really wish I could know what leads to changes like these.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Sabrblade Sep 22, 2015

MaverickPrime wrote:I wonder why they changed the electronics, did they lose the original recording? Do they have to pay Garry Chalk again? I really wish I could know what leads to changes like these.

Different release = different electronics. It's to offer something new rather than recycling what's old and been done. How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 22, 2015

Sabrblade wrote:
MaverickPrime wrote:I wonder why they changed the electronics, did they lose the original recording? Do they have to pay Garry Chalk again? I really wish I could know what leads to changes like these.
Different release = different electronics. It's to offer something new rather than recycling what's old and been done. How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

Theres also the factor that this toy is aimed at asian audiences and thus has a far more international appeal, meaning that speaking in english might not be the best bet.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Zeedust Sep 23, 2015

Sabrblade wrote:How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

We haven't been getting a whole lot of toys with sound lately in general, so that may not be a fair question.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by GuyIncognito Sep 23, 2015

This is one of those figures I'd buy in a heartbeat at regular retail price, but not at special-edition-import price.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 23, 2015

Nemesis Primal wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

We haven't been getting a whole lot of toys with sound lately in general, so that may not be a fair question.

Well, we will see when the redeco of TAV 21 Optimus Prime comes out. Pretty sure the sounds will be different.

Aside from him the only other I can think of would be the dozens of rereleases of ROTF Optimus Prime. Do they all just say his name or do some say more than that?

Also, I am wondering if the MP Movie Starscream said different stuff from the original HFTD deco?

I realize that in the end, there havent been too many talking Transformers toys.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Jelze Bunnycat Sep 23, 2015

Nemesis Primal wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

We haven't been getting a whole lot of toys with sound lately in general, so that may not be a fair question.

From the top of my head, here are the toys that had sounds or phrases changed between redecos:

- Armada Megatron into Galvatron
- RotF Leader Optimus Prime into 2010 Leader Battle Blade Optimus Prime

There may be more.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Sabrblade Sep 23, 2015

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Nemesis Primal wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:How often do the same electronic phrases of one toy get carried over to its redeco later on nowadays?

We haven't been getting a whole lot of toys with sound lately in general, so that may not be a fair question.

From the top of my head, here are the toys that had sounds or phrases changed between redecos:

- Armada Megatron into Galvatron
- RotF Leader Optimus Prime into 2010 Leader Battle Blade Optimus Prime

There may be more.

ROTF Leader Megatron's "I. Am. MEGATRON!" phrase got changed into Shadow Command Megatron's "There is no command but MINE!" phrase.

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 23, 2015

Sabrblade wrote:ROTF Leader Megatron's "I. Am. MEGATRON!" phrase got changed into Shadow Command Megatron's "There is no command but MINE!" phrase.

Yeah but like only 5-10 people ever heard him say it

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by Jelze Bunnycat Sep 23, 2015

william-james88 wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:ROTF Leader Megatron's "I. Am. MEGATRON!" phrase got changed into Shadow Command Megatron's "There is no command but MINE!" phrase.

Yeah but like only 5-10 people ever heard him say it

My RotF Leader Megatron says "Megatron! <Evil laughter>", which is quite significant, being from Europe. The full quote was truncated for the US release, omitting the laughter and truncated differently for EU, leaving out "I. Am.".

Re: Year of the Monkey Platinum Edition Optimus Primal In-Hand Images and Videos Showing Changed Sounds (view post)

Comment by william-james88 Sep 23, 2015

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
william-james88 wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:ROTF Leader Megatron's "I. Am. MEGATRON!" phrase got changed into Shadow Command Megatron's "There is no command but MINE!" phrase.

Yeah but like only 5-10 people ever heard him say it

My RotF Leader Megatron says "Megatron! <Evil laughter>", which is quite significant, being from Europe. The full quote was truncated for the US release, omitting the laughter and truncated differently for EU, leaving out "I. Am.".

I am full aware of those. Being in Quebec, we get the same versions you get for the sound bits. So my DOTM Sentinel Prime also just says Sentinel Prime. I was lucky to get both a fully english speaking HFTD Starscream and Optimus Primal (see, right back on topic). I must say, removing that "seeds of the future" line is quite a big loss. We rarely get such detailed and long sentences and it was such a trademark of the character. And plus it was the first time the voice actor ever voiced a toy, it was perfect. Big spoiler, but I am making a "best gimmicks" list and this toy (the original release) is all over it!

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