Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts Blu-ray Review
“Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” delivers plenty of bot action.
“Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” jumps back to the year 1994 where the planet eating Unicron and his Terrorcon minions are seeking the Transwarp key (which would allow Unicron to travel at a faster pace). The Key has been split into 2 pieces and stashed away on Earth by surviving Maximals whose homeworld was destroyed by Unicron. The Key is also sought by the Autobots hiding on Earth (Optimus Prime, Mirage, Wheeljack, Bumblebee, and Arcee) as it would allow them to return home to Cybertron. Ex-military member (Noah) and Museum intern (Elena) find themselves getting caught up in the middle of this conflict and decide to aid the Autobots and later the Maximals (Optimus Primal, Airazor, Rhinox and Cheetor) in the globe-trotting race to find the other half of the Key before the Terrorcons and Unicron get hold of it.
It was a little disheartening to not see a sequel to 2018’s “Bumblebee” as it was the best Transformers film to date. In some ways, however, “Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts” is a sequel of sorts as it does follow-up on the character in the 90s (although he is not the star here). ‘Beasts’ (which is helmed by “Creed 2” director Steven Caple Jr.) is more akin to the action heavy Michael Bay TF films although Caple Jr. does put his own spin on the franchise to positive effect.
If you’re a longtime Transformers fan, you’ll be happy to know ‘Beasts’ checks a lot of boxes. 1. The 5 writers pen a script that introduces elements fans have been wanting to see- Unicron, Maximals (of “Beast Wars” fame), and the villainous Scourge. Maximal Optimus Primal (perfectly voiced by Ron Perlman) is truly a great addition here and frankly steals the movie. 2. The story is the most bot heavy to date which is appreciated. 3. The human cast contains 2 talented stars in Anthony Ramos and rising star Dominique Fishback (who are among the best human characters in the entire series). 3. The location shooting in Peru gives the film a more unique vibe. 4. The large scale action set pieces are back in a big way particularly with the riveting climax which is the biggest battle to date. 5. Without spoiling what happens, the last scene opens up a world of exciting possibilities. Let’s hope Paramount explores that avenue.
Of course, ‘Beasts’ is far from perfect. Mirage (voiced by Pete Davidson) is an irritating character who gets far too much screentime. More titular Beasts and less Mirage would have gone a long way here. The story itself feels like a Marvel Galactus clone mixed with a Indiana Jones style knock-off artifact hunt. Object hunting stories are becoming old hat at this point for big blockbusters. It’s time for another story.
It’s a shame ‘Beasts’ received mixed reviews and was lost in the shuffle of the crowded summer film line-up as it’s one of the more entertaining Transformers films. It’s not high art by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s enjoyable popcorn fare.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The glorious bot action shines in hi-def with a pristine print. Note: This title is also available on 4K
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a deliciously loud Atmos track. There is so much going on at any given moment.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* 7 deleted/extended scenes
* 2 featurettes on the “Heroes” and “Villains”- A rundown on the bot characters of both groups.
* “Human Affairs” tackles the new human characters.
* “Life In The 90s” covers the 90s setting.
* 3 action sequence specific featurettes on “The Chase,” “The Battle Of Ellis Island,” and “The Switchback Attack.”
* ”Into The Jungle” is about the location shooting in Peru. Michael Bay also appears in this extra (he was visiting the set).
* “The Final Conflict” is about filming at Machu Picchu and filming the final battle.
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