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When it was first released in 1986, Transformers: The Movie It was a box office bomb. However, an even worse and more lasting fate was the (eponymous) trauma inflicted on unsuspecting child moviegoers thanks to the death of one of the main characters.
Now Hasbro, the toy company that owns the Transformers brand, and specialist distributor Fathom Entertainment have teamed up to re-release the animated film, which has since gained huge popularity. The show is timed to the 40thy holiday.
Starting September 17, the Transformers: The Movie It will be released in theaters across the US with a wide theatrical release through September 21. The film will be shown in 4K resolution. Select international markets are expected to launch daily with the US
“For decades, Transformers fans have carried this film with them, which is a testament to its storytelling and lasting cultural impact,” Alice D’Antuono, vice president of global brand strategy, franchise and action brands, said in a statement. “Bringing it back to theaters is an opportunity for longtime fans to relive it together, and for new fans to experience a defining chapter of Transformers history.”
the Transformers: The Movie It was the toy brand’s first feature film and featured, as expected, the usual battles between the brave Autobots and the evil Decepticons. But it also creatively took the stars and tried something epic and unique, which unfortunately, in the case of the film, meant killing off a large number of well-known characters, including Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and one of the series’ most iconic heroes.
Some fans were upset, and some children, in particular, were left in tears, much to the dismay of parents. There was even a letter-writing campaign to complain. (This was on top of the film being criticized as a 90-minute commercial selling toys. Now, of course, audiences regularly enjoy two-, or even three-hour, commercials selling toys.)
This year, Hasbro turned to the film’s notoriety and nostalgia among fans and embarked on an “apology tour” filled with special merchandise and new toy lines as it seeks to atone for its sins. That, or just exploit any remaining trauma.
Another legacy of the film is its fantastic sound cast. In addition to Transformers stars Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (Megatron), the cast includes Orson Welles (Unicron), Judd Nelson (Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime), Leonard Nimoy (Galvatron), Eric Idle (Rick Jarre) and Robert Stack (Ultra Magnus).
“Even 40 years later, this animated feature film remains a defining moment for audiences across generations,” said Fathom CEO Ray Knott.
