The Energon Pub

Senor Hugo wrote:You hear that noise?

Thats the collective sound of the more mature fans realizing just how cool this movie will be.

Oh my, yes. Because we all know that Michael Bay's movies always cater to that mature, thoughtful, artsy segment of the population.

White Convoy wrote:Nice!!! One question, why doe the bee slam his fist on the ground while transforming? Still lookin' forward to the movie.

looks like hes protecting spike/chick in some confrontation scene (you can see them behind the fist)

That. Was. AWESOME!

Slovman wrote:

Senor Hugo wrote:You hear that noise?

Thats the collective sound of the more mature fans realizing just how cool this movie will be.

Oh my, yes. Because we all know that Michael Bay's movies always cater to that mature, thoughtful, artsy segment of the population.

True. But then you misinterpretted what I meant. By mature fans. I mean those who got past the whole "ZOMG Bayformer" thing and realized 'while this isn't G1, it is G1, just a completly different take on it' like the comics and cartoon all have been.

The designs, while they aren't big and blocky like in G1, they work for this film. While I love the big blocky robot designs, they just don't work for animation. You can't do as much with a character who can't reach infront of his chest except pose him standing in a sort of crouched position with his arm pointing a gun to the side as he looks towards the camera.

I've tried animating a blocky robot. Used the Cybertron Downshift figrue for a basis on my model. You just can't do what you want to do with a model like that. And as much as I love the Alternators, they really wouldn't work well from a animation standpoint either.

However, with a more sleek design(think classics Mirage) you can do alot more. Which is what these movieformers have.

Another thing that they do incredibly well is the fluid animation, which I said already. The transformation of Starscream was seemingly instantanous. No 5-6 second transformations(of course for Prime and Bumblebee you need those to show the pure awesomeness of the Transformation the first time they do it), it's instantanous, allowing the movieformers to accomplish alot more.

Yes, Bay's films are all "Yarrrrgh HULK SMASH" type films. But then you need to remember. Theres two directors for this movie. Bay does the live action stuff and has ideas and final say on the cg stuff.

But the animation director directs the animators on just what a transformer does. Bay may say "Ok, I want Ironhide to jump over here and fire his gun." The animation director goes and tells the animators, who then spruce it up by having him do a barrelroll across the road and firing his gun.

Senor Hugo wrote:Another thing that they do incredibly well is the fluid animation, which I said already. The transformation of Starscream was seemingly instantanous. No 5-6 second transformations(of course for Prime and Bumblebee you need those to show the pure awesomeness of the Transformation the first time they do it), it's instantanous, allowing the movieformers to accomplish alot more.

Have you looked at the Starscream transformation frame-by-frame? I realize that the framerate might be condensed for the upload but it looks as if they're using motion-blur to 'cheat' during the high-speed transformations. He goes from a jet with arms to a blur to a robot. Bumblebee's hand just appears out of nowhere in one frame. They might have fully-animated the transformation but unless they release the full animation as a dvd extra or something there's really no way the viewer can tell. If they did just use the motion blur as a cheat the transformation really isn't any more fluid or complex than the old G1 cartoons, just a lot faster.

Poor quality frame-by-frame grab:

Senor Hugo wrote:

Slovman wrote:

Senor Hugo wrote:You hear that noise?

Thats the collective sound of the more mature fans realizing just how cool this movie will be.

Oh my, yes. Because we all know that Michael Bay's movies always cater to that mature, thoughtful, artsy segment of the population.

True. But then you misinterpretted what I meant. By mature fans. I mean those who got past the whole "ZOMG Bayformer" thing and realized 'while this isn't G1, it is G1, just a completly different take on it' like the comics and cartoon all have been.

The designs, while they aren't big and blocky like in G1, they work for this film. While I love the big blocky robot designs, they just don't work for animation. You can't do as much with a character who can't reach infront of his chest except pose him standing in a sort of crouched position with his arm pointing a gun to the side as he looks towards the camera.

I've tried animating a blocky robot. Used the Cybertron Downshift figrue for a basis on my model. You just can't do what you want to do with a model like that. And as much as I love the Alternators, they really wouldn't work well from a animation standpoint either.

However, with a more sleek design(think classics Mirage) you can do alot more. Which is what these movieformers have.

Another thing that they do incredibly well is the fluid animation, which I said already. The transformation of Starscream was seemingly instantanous. No 5-6 second transformations(of course for Prime and Bumblebee you need those to show the pure awesomeness of the Transformation the first time they do it), it's instantanous, allowing the movieformers to accomplish alot more.

Yes, Bay's films are all "Yarrrrgh HULK SMASH" type films. But then you need to remember. Theres two directors for this movie. Bay does the live action stuff and has ideas and final say on the cg stuff.

But the animation director directs the animators on just what a transformer does. Bay may say "Ok, I want Ironhide to jump over here and fire his gun." The animation director goes and tells the animators, who then spruce it up by having him do a barrelroll across the road and firing his gun.

I understand your opinion. However, saying the more "mature" fans are realizing...is kind of condescending. People have every right to still hate this interpretation of Transformers. For mature and immature reasons both. Some people have serious qualms with the script (Don't give me that rough draft stuff either, the basic script structure is extremely extremely flawed {IMHO} and it has been said by Bay himself that the movie follows it) and designs.

Everyone knew these would be an extremely flashy compotently made action movie that lacks substance. I don't think that has been in debate at all. It is just whether or not you are willing to except THIS interpretation of Transformers as Transformers. I still can't. Sorry. But I can, however, get excited about seeing a hollywood big robot movie! Something I have wanted for years.

WOW. I no longer think Screamer sucks, and I need a new pair of pants.

AbsumZer0 wrote:

Senor Hugo wrote:Another thing that they do incredibly well is the fluid animation, which I said already. The transformation of Starscream was seemingly instantanous. No 5-6 second transformations(of course for Prime and Bumblebee you need those to show the pure awesomeness of the Transformation the first time they do it), it's instantanous, allowing the movieformers to accomplish alot more.

Have you looked at the Starscream transformation frame-by-frame? I realize that the framerate might be condensed for the upload but it looks as if they're using motion-blur to 'cheat' during the high-speed transformations. He goes from a jet with arms to a blur to a robot. Bumblebee's hand just appears out of nowhere in one frame. They might have fully-animated the transformation but unless they release the full animation as a dvd extra or something there's really no way the viewer can tell. If they did just use the motion blur as a cheat the transformation really isn't any more fluid or complex than the old G1 cartoons, just a lot faster.

Poor quality frame-by-frame grab:

Actually, you can look and see that in the first frame, Screamer's arms are popping out, second frame nose cone starts to fold, third frame nose cone folds some more and some other stuff seems to happen. Fourth frame you can't tell, and fifth frame transformation complete.

Senor Hugo wrote:

AbsumZer0 wrote:

Senor Hugo wrote:Another thing that they do incredibly well is the fluid animation, which I said already. The transformation of Starscream was seemingly instantanous. No 5-6 second transformations(of course for Prime and Bumblebee you need those to show the pure awesomeness of the Transformation the first time they do it), it's instantanous, allowing the movieformers to accomplish alot more.

Have you looked at the Starscream transformation frame-by-frame? I realize that the framerate might be condensed for the upload but it looks as if they're using motion-blur to 'cheat' during the high-speed transformations. He goes from a jet with arms to a blur to a robot. Bumblebee's hand just appears out of nowhere in one frame. They might have fully-animated the transformation but unless they release the full animation as a dvd extra or something there's really no way the viewer can tell. If they did just use the motion blur as a cheat the transformation really isn't any more fluid or complex than the old G1 cartoons, just a lot faster.

Poor quality frame-by-frame grab:

Actually, you can look and see that in the first frame, Screamer's arms are popping out, second frame nose cone starts to fold, third frame nose cone folds some more and some other stuff seems to happen. Fourth frame you can't tell, and fifth frame transformation complete.

That's my point. Plane with arms, nose-cone starts to fold down ---> complete blur ---> giant robot.

O M G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was awesome!!!!!

First of all: I still absolutely hate the designs of the Transformers in this. BUT I must admit, that doesn't have to mean I won't like the movie per sé. Peter Cullen is in it, Transformers are in it, and even though I'm not a big fan of the robotmodes... it's still very cool to see them in "real life". And to see them Transform like that. And Megan Fox is the best eye candy I've seen in years. It probably is going to be one of my most favourite movies ever... I am a sucker for this kind of movie. I'm just bummed about the missed opportunity to finally bring some real Japanese mecha designs onto the big life-action screen.
Terminators with an Autobot badge won't do it for me. I think that's an opinion a real fan is allowed to have, right?

I haven't read the script. I want them to surprise me.

if starscream's transformation is cheating because of the motion blur, i guess we shouldn't even think that his speed is the reason for it. look at blackout from the last trailer. look at bumblebee from this trailer. not moving so fast. no motion blur. looks amazing. there you go.

krisko wrote:if starscream's transformation is cheating because of the motion blur, i guess we shouldn't even think that his speed is the reason for it. look at blackout from the last trailer. look at bumblebee from this trailer. not moving so fast. no motion blur. looks amazing. there you go.

We haven't seen Blackout actually transform. He starts shifting, then the camera cuts, then he's a robot. Bumblebee's hand seemingly appears out of nowhere in a frame in addition to being completely obscured by darkness. Does this mean all the transformations are going to be 'cheats'? Probably not, and as I said it's quite possible they fully animated a transformation for that scene with Starscream and the blur was a result of the process being sped-up. There's just no way any viewer would know because the 'fluid transformation' that so many people are impressed by is just a blur.

White Convoy wrote:Nice!!! One question, why doe the bee slam his fist on the ground while transforming? Still lookin' forward to the movie.

I don't think he slams them down, but they just fall under their own weight. They just "pop" out and fall down.


Starscream flipping over the bridge and transforming is just as cool as the "Power Slide" in the other TV ad.

The speed and mass of these characters is pretty damn cool.

mmh... i still have reservation on the look of Starscream... but then again... i guess i'll have to get over it eventually.

I just hope they will come up with Masterpiece versions of the toys because i just can't stand that cheap-ass plastic and the fact that they don't have rubber wheels... The new Optimus looks awful and fake. What happened to all the chrome?

Heck i'll pay double if they make Masterpiece versions from the movie that are at least half the quality of Optimus 20th anniversary edition!! So far BB and Ironhide are the only ones that looks half decent... and still i would have expected interior elements like seats and a dashboard at least in BB considering the price (almost 100 bucks) and considering that General Motors is practically producing the movie!!

Oh well... i guess i'll just wait for Takara to come to the rescue... as usual.

BTW Is the chick from sectorseven.org Kathy Ireland??? Damn she's still hot!

actually on the smaller trailer on ign(30 second "hidden")they show more of blackout's transformation

Well, Starscream look much better in CGI. Still a jetmunky, but he still has those amazing skill for flying he demonstrated in the body of Waspinator!

He looks a bit like Waspinator, actually. Especially his head, which has sort of the same shape.

Senor Hugo wrote:You hear that noise?

Thats the collective sound of the more mature fans realizing just how cool this movie will be.

Seeing Starscream Transform, it was so friggin' fluid. I had to watch it about 4 times now just to see that he was in jet form before doing the gorilla flip onto the bridge or whatever.

I feel the same way with more footage coming out

The sound I'm hearing is going from this sucks to this looks awesome

I knew there would of been a yellow VW Beetle somewhere in this movie

I'm still giggling about Ironhide doing the barrel roll...I wonder if that was intentional or a coincedence.

starscream's transformation was quick and smooth....... I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

AbsumZer0 wrote:

krisko wrote:if starscream's transformation is cheating because of the motion blur, i guess we shouldn't even think that his speed is the reason for it. look at blackout from the last trailer. look at bumblebee from this trailer. not moving so fast. no motion blur. looks amazing. there you go.

We haven't seen Blackout actually transform. He starts shifting, then the camera cuts, then he's a robot. Bumblebee's hand seemingly appears out of nowhere in a frame in addition to being completely obscured by darkness. Does this mean all the transformations are going to be 'cheats'? Probably not, and as I said it's quite possible they fully animated a transformation for that scene with Starscream and the blur was a result of the process being sped-up. There's just no way any viewer would know because the 'fluid transformation' that so many people are impressed by is just a blur.

How do those sour grapes taste? Are they bitter?

I can't believe no one has made note of this yet but... the voice at the end of the commercial... is that the G1 narrator???

Starscream sucks in the movie but aside from him it looks awesome!

Oh dear Jebus! Even though Screamer looks like a munky, that transformation was totally awesome! Man, this is taking too long!