'The Transformers: The Movie' (1986) Reflection
Release Date: 08/08/86 [Cinemas]
Genre: Anime. Action. Drama. SciFi.
MPAA: Rated PG.
Distributor: Fathom Entertainment.
The Verdict: A Must-See
The Transformers: The Movie is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Still, as we cherish the four decades of inspiring quotes, 80s music, and pure nostalgia it has brought to the world, we also mourn the loss of our fearless Autobot leader, once again.
Most are familiar with the concept of The Transformers. They are an alien robot species that can transform into vehicles,, and after a civil war between good and evil on Cybertron, they must find a new planet to call home. It was a basic plot with the sole purpose of selling toys ultimately, but it ended up selling us much more… compassion, empathy, and hope.
Despite owning the movie in every format imaginable, I still return to the theater every time there is an anniversary re-release. This time around, the sound and visuals have been enhanced with 4K treatment. It was an absolute blast to re-experience these moments and quote along with these iconic voice actors.
Peter Cullen, who has voiced Optimus Prime in many iterations, always stands out with his famous lines against Megatron, voiced by Frank Welker, but this time his performance hit much harder after the news of his passing. Seeing Prime’s iconic red-and-blue color scheme go dull and the light in his eyes dim as he sends his final message to the Autobots, hoping to stop the Decepticons, hits harder than any before. It wasn’t just another moment in the plot; it was morality catching up with all of us who grew up with the Transformers. The loss of someone who made us smile, laugh, and now cry - it was no longer just a movie. Peter Cullen joins the late Leonard Nimoy (Galvatron) and Orson Welles (Unicron) and will not be forgotten by many.
Before his passing, Peter Cullen gave one last performance as Optimus Prime. The end credits include a new animated short with Frank Welker as Megatron. It’s poetically pleasing for both Cullen and Prime, but heavily emotional given the circumstances.
The Transformers: The Movie is unapologetically of its time. It might be hard for a younger audience to appreciate, but it gave us some of the best voice acting collaborations of a lifetime.
Until that day, till all are one…
“Do not grieve. Soon I shall be one with the Matrix.” - Optimus Prime.
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