The Energon Pub

So I've been going back and forth between two Transformers G1 Box Sets; The Matrix of Leadership and the Chinese Tin Box Set

How I see it;

The Matrix of Leadership Pros;
Remastered / Recolored versions of all 98 eps, new special Features, PSAs, 60 Page Book, Magnets and DVDs are stored in clam shell cases, cool graphics.

The Matrix of Leadership Cons;
Thin cardboard box packaging, the 1986 Movie is not included, not all mistakes have been corrected (source: Amazon.com review) and it costs 120 bucks on Amazon

The Chinese Tin Box Set Pros;
Includes the recolored wide screen 1986 Movie, Tin Box (sturdier than the Matrix cardboard box), Booklet, Keychain, Postcards and it costs 50 bucks on ebay

The Chinese Tin Box Set Cons;
Repackaged Rhino version episodes (w/mistakes), DVDs are stored in plastic sleeves as opposed to traditional DVD cases.


Did I forget anything? Do either box set have animated menus? Commentaries?

Right now I'm really leaning towards purchasing the Chinese Box Set because I'm more attracted to the metal/tin box packaging than owning remastered episodes. Does anyone here own either set and could lend me some more knowledge on the subject?

Well if you already own the 20th anniversary edition of the movie, then having another copy in a box is kind of redundant in my opinion. I recently bought the Matrix of Leadership edition and I am very happy with it. It is pricey, but what I have watched is superior to the Rhino releases. If the Chinese release is using the Rhino version of the episodes then I really don't think that it's worth the 50 bucks. Even with a more sturdy tin box. The Shout Factory release is a little pricey at 120 bucks, but the packaging (box) is asthetically pleasing, the episodes are superior to the Rhino release with most of the animation errors fixed and the god awful added sound effects removed. If you have the money I suggest the Shout Factory release. If you need the 86 Movie I recommend getting your hands on the 20th anniversary edition.


In short. The Matrix of Leadership Edition gets my vote.

I love the look and feel of the Tin box. Much like my tin boxes of Akira, Terminator 2 and Band of Brothers, there's something pleasing to touching cool metal and to look at brushed nickel, or chrome or silver. Very Transformer-like to me. Very hardcore, heavy duty, able to withstand a good fight, to last longer (especially if you have kids running around).

As for the episodes, you're the first person to mention any difference between the two sets. Seibertron's review of the Matrix of Leadership says the differences are negligible. I don't put much emphasis on remastering, recoloring, fixing mistakes when it comes to a cartoon.

I mean really, TV execs couldn't pump out TF episodes fast enough between '84 -'86.. kids loved them and Hasbro was making a killing - of course they're going to make mistakes - it was quantity over quality! But I must admit that I still love seeing Ratchet talking in Wheeljack's voice in the episode where they create the dinobots! Hilarious I saw that one yesterday and it still makes me laugh.

So yeah, I ended up buying the Tin Box set and reviewed it here. I think it deserves a closer look, who cares if its from China, it should be giving the Matrix of Leadership a run for it's money it's that good.