Transformers: 6-Movie SteelBook Collection 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review – Action Franchise Pummels You Into Submission

Transformers – The fate of humanity is at stake when two races of robots, the good Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, bring their war to Earth. The robots have the ability to change into different mechanical objects as they seek the key to ultimate power. Only a human youth, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) can save the world from total destruction.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – Two years after he and his Autobot friends saved the Earth from the Decepticons, Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) faces a new battle: college. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and the Autobots are working with a secret military organization and trying to make a home for themselves on Earth. When an ancient Decepticon known as The Fallen rises up to wreak vengeance, Sam and his girlfriend, Mikaela, must figure out the history of the Transformers on Earth and find a way to defeat The Fallen once and for all.

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon – Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) and his new girlfriend, Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley), join the fray when the evil Decepticons renew their longstanding war against the Autobots. Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) believes that resurrecting ancient Transformer Sentinel Prime (Leonard Nimoy), once the leader of the Autobots, may lead to victory. That decision, however, has devastating consequences; the war appears to tip in favor of the Decepticons, leading to a climactic battle in Chicago.

Transformers: Age of Extinction – After an epic battle, a great city lies in ruins, but the Earth itself is saved. As humanity begins to pick up the pieces, a shadowy group emerges to try to take control of history. Meanwhile, an ancient and powerful new menace sets its sights on Earth. A new group of humans, led by Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), helps Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) and the Autobots rise up to meet their most fearsome challenge yet: a worldwide war of good versus evil.

Transformers: The Last Knight – Humans are at war with the Transformers, and Optimus Prime is gone. The key to saving the future lies buried in the secrets of the past and the hidden history of Transformers on Earth. Now, it’s up to the unlikely alliance of inventor Cade Yeager, Bumblebee, an English lord and an Oxford professor to save the world.

Bumblebee – On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the brink of turning 18 years old and trying to find her place in the world, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen.

For thoughts on Transformers: 6-Movie SteelBook Collection, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic: 

[youtube https://youtu.be/Ytx1z8cSy70?t=1317]

Video Quality

All the films in the Transformers: 6-Movie SteelBook Collection are given 2160p Dolby Vision/HDR 4K UHD upgrades that were first released on disc back in 2017 for the first five films and in 2019 for Bumblebee. This collection bundles all of these previous releases into one gorgeous package. It should be noted that this set does not include Blu-Ray discs of the feature films outside of Bumblebee, so you will need a 4K UHD player if you choose to buy this set. The included Blu-Rays discs are only a home for the special features listed below. In an effort to not duplicate descriptions, I will group most of these films together while pointing out noticeable differences. The main takeaway for this collection is that all transfers allow these films to look the best they ever have on home entertainment, and they should be considered the best way to enjoy these films.

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray set offers a swell uptick in quality, most notably in its gains in fine detail and well-defined textures. The draw of this franchise is the chance to see the titular robots in disguise, and with this transfer you can make out every subtle spinning gear or rotating bolt. The transfer reveals an increase in the depth of field in the varied locations that we visit from film to film. In the wake of the various scenes of destruction, you can more clearly make out textures within the rubble and similar such elements. If you have never seen these films on 4K UHD, you might feel like you are seeing things perfectly for the first time on home entertainment. 

The Dolby Vision really comes in handy when it comes to dialing in the contrast to its most pleasing levels. The brilliant highlights in the film are firmly defined with whites more pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. The new discs offer some strong improvements in the black levels so that some of the darker scenes present more clearly in 4K. There does not appear any noise reduction or black crush that we detected at any point. The black levels are especially strong in these presentations, staying deep and inky with great detail. 

Skin tones appear more natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as pores and perspiration. These films are known for their blazing warm aesthetic which makes for an immensely vibrant picture, not to mention plenty more pops of color in the production design that appear with greater intensity than ever before. The increased range of the color spectrum is best utilized in the tones of the cars and when capturing the natural environments. Paramount has treated this series with respect when it comes to churning out quality 4K UHD releases. 

Audio Quality

If any series was made for Dolby Atmos, it is the one helmed (primarily) by Michael Bay featuring a cavalcade of explosions. The upgrade in the video department is substantial, but the audio upgrade is where this set will really get you. These tracks offer expert level immersion into the environment so that even the subtlest elements are represented. The Atmos presentation takes full advantage of the expanded channel allotment. 

All of the chaotic confrontations really utilize the soundscape to put you right into the fray. With robots and military aircraft flying overhead and being thrown about, you will be grinning ear to ear if you have height channels. All of the sounds are balanced well during the more kinetic sequences, of which there are many. The constant gunfire and all-out brawls provide an earth-shaking amount of activity in the low end. Directionality of sound is never an issue with this track, and dialogue is reproduced with supreme clarity. Speakers remain consistently engaged throughout the film, even during the few quieter moments. The film is an audio powerhouse in the best sense with a well rendered sonic assault. The audio presentation throughout this set is a wonderful experience from start to finish. There are optional English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese provided for the first five films, and even more for Bumblebee. 

Special Features

Paramount has provided this franchise with a sleek, sturdy gift set which features all six films in their own SteelBook case with unique artwork. The cases sit upright in a magnetic slip box which pops open for easy access to the cases. It is a prime example of treating a franchise with respect through aesthetically wondrous packaging. Video of this case can be found above. The on-disc special features are as follows: 

Transformers

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Bay

• Our World: A four-part look at the origins of the film from the original animated series, the Michael Bay aesthetic brought to the film, the casting of the performers, the contributions of the U.S. military, and some of the location shooting. 

• • The Story Sparks (8:35)

• • Human Allies (13:12)

• • I Fight Giant Robots (14:01)

• • Battleground (13:36)

• Their War: A multi-part featurette which explores the history of the franchise, the cars used for the transformers, the changes that had to be made for a live-action film, the artillery brought by the military and more. 

• • Rise of the Robots (13:42)

• • Autobots Roll Out (20:02)

• • Decepticons Strike (14:35)

• • Inside The Allspark (17:02)

• • Transformers Tech Inspector: An interactive look at the different mechanical elements that make up the Autobots and Decepticons. 

• More Than Meets The Eye

• • From Script To Sand – The Skorponok Desert Attack: A nine-minute look at the journey from concept to realization for a key sequence. 

• • Concepts: A two-minute look at early designs for different elements within the film. 

• • Trailers: This disc provides Teaser Trailer 1 (1:49), Theatrical Trailer 2 (2:11) and Theatrical Trailer 4 (2:34)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

• Audio Commentary: Director Michael Bay and Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

• The Human Factor – Extracting Revenge Of The Fallen: A massive 2 hour and 15 minute documentary which delves into pretty much every element of the production process you might want to know about. 

• • Seeds Of Vengeance – Development and Design (30:03)

• • Domestic Destruction – Production: United States (24:27)

• • Joint Operations – Production: Military (9:59)

• • Wonders of the World – Production: Middle East (13:19)

• • Start Making Sense – Editing (9:24)

• • Under The Gun – Visual Effects (29:00)

• • Running The Gauntlet – Post-Production and Release (16:36)

• A Day With Bay – Tokyo: A nearly 14-minute piece which gives you a look at the chaos surrounding the Tokyo premiere of the film with director Michael Bay. 

• 25 Years Of Transformers: An 11-minute featurette which tracks the evolution of the characters from the classic animated series to the film. 

• Nest – Transformers Data-Hub: An interactive look at the history and attributes of the Autobots and Decepticons. 

• The Allspark Experiment: An interactive feature which allows you to customize your own vehicle.

• Deconstructing Visual Bayhem: Michael Bay introduces this segment which allows you to look at various scenes from the different angles including Pre-Vis and a comparison with the final version. 

• Deleted/Alternate Scenes: Three unused scenes totaling six minutes are provided here mostly featuring Sam and his parents. 

• Giant Effing Movie: A 24-minute collection of humorous and exciting moments on set. 

• Linkin Park – “New Divide”: A nearly five-minute Linkin Park music video is provided here. 

• The Matrix of Marketing: An array of Theatrical Trailers, TV Spots and Galleries of marketing material. 

Transformers: Dark Of The Moon

• Above and Beyond – Exploring Dark Of The Moon: A massive 1 hour and 51 minute documentary which delves into pretty much every element of the production process you might want to know about. 

• • Rising From The Fallen – Development and Design (22:24)

• • Ready For Prime Time – Filming Across America (27:50)

• • Battle In The Heartland – Shooting In Chicago (13:40)

• • Attack of the Birdmen – Aerial Stunts (16:08)

• • Shadow of the Sentinel – Post-Production and Release (29:30)

• Uncharted Territory – NASA’s Future Then and Now: A 26-minute featurette explores space exploration and the place of NASA on this journey. 

• Deconstructing Chicago – Multi-Angle Sequence: This segment allows you to look at various scenes from the different angles including Pre-Vis and a comparison with the final version. 

• The Art Of Cybertron: A collection of galleries that you can thumb through artwork for various characters, environments, weapons and more. 

• The Dark Of The Moon Archive: 

• • 3D – A Transforming Visual Art: A three-minute conversation between Michael Bay and James Cameron about the value of 3D filmmaking. 

• • Moscow World Premiere: A nearly three-minute look at the green carpet premiere of the film in Russia. 

• • Birdmen Featurette: A nearly three-minute look at high-flying stuntmen in the film. 

• • Cody’s iPad: A two-minute look at Michael talking to one of his biggest fans. 

• • The Sound of Transformers: Dark Of The Moon:  A nine-minute look at the complex sound design of the film. 

• The Matrix of Marketing: An array of Theatrical Trailers and Galleries of marketing material. 

Transformers: Age of Extinction

• Bay On Action: An 11-minute featurette in which Bay discusses his style of excess, his tricks of the trade, shooting around the world and more. 

• Evolution Within Extinction: A massive 2 hour and 3 minute documentary which delves into pretty much every element of the production process you might want to know about. 

• • Generation 2 (15:53)

• • Drive Like Hell (13:29)

• • Small Town, Big Movie (11:22)

• • Shadow Protocol Activated (28:45)

• • The Last Stand (11:03)

• • The People’s Republic (12:54)

• • Rise Of The Dinobots (6:10)

• • The Finishing Touch (23:10)

• Just Another Giant Effin’ Movie: A 10-minute collection of humorous and exciting moments on set. 

• A Spark Of Design: A nearly 16-minute visit to the Rhode Island Hasbro headquarters which focuses on character designs and creation. 

• T.J. Miller – Farm Hippie: A 20-minute humorous piece in which comedian T.J. Miller visits Mark Wahlberg, Kelsey Grammer, and Michael Bay.

• Trailers: A selection of trailers are provided here. 

Transformers: The Last Knight

• Merging Mythologies: A 20-minute look at how the film injects elements of the medieval era and WWII. There are discussions about the breaking of the narrative, crafting the ancient Transformers, set pieces, the cast members and more. 

• Climbing The Ranks: A nine-minute look at the place of the NAVY Seals in the film, their action prowess, the shooting locations and more. 

• The Royal Treatment – Transformers In The UK: A 27-minute look at what happens when the Transformers crew heads to England. 

• Motors and Magic: A 15-minute piece which takes a look at various characters within this story, their design and more. 

• Alien Landscape – Cybertron: A seven-minute look at Cybertron and how Quintessa fits into this story.  

• One More Giant Effin’ Movie: A seven-minute collection of humorous and exciting moments on set. 

Bumblebee

• Sector 7 Archive

• • Agent Burns – Welcome To Sector 7: A 50-second introduction from the John Cena character. 

• • Sector 7 Adventures – The Battle At Half Dome: A nine-minute motion comic is provided here. 

• Deleted and Extended Scenes: Nine unused scenes totaling 19 minutes are provided here including the original opening. There are some fun moments that were left on the cutting room floor. 

• Outtakes: Five outtakes totaling nearly ten minutes are provided here. 

• Bee Vision – The Transformers Robots Of Cybertron: A four-minute breakdown of the characters that participated in the opening Cybertron war scene. 

• Bringing Bumblebee To The Big Screen: A collection of featurettes which explore the decision to reset the franchise, the casting of the main performers, the design of Bumblebee, the production design and more. 

• • The Story of Bumblebee (3:54)

• • The Stars Align (7:04)

• • Bumblebee Goes Back To G1 (10:02)

• • Back To The Beetle (6:20)

• • California Cruisin’ Down Memory Lane (19:57)

Final Thoughts

The Transformers franchise is a bit inconsistent when it comes to quality, but all of the films provide some level of enjoyment to different degrees on the “guilty pleasure” scale. Having Michael Bay as your leader for the first five entries is a mixed bag, as you can count on truly wondrous action set pieces, but having any sense of grounded emotional moments is a downright foreign concept to the filmmaker. This quality is improved with Bumblebee, which is probably why it ranks near the top of the series. These movies are mind-numbing, and worse yet they often fail to give these classic characters their proper respect. Yet, you cannot deny that they deliver ample spectacle when you are in the mood for such an experience. 

Paramount has released the Transformers: 6-Movie SteelBook Collection on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, and the A/V presentation could not be more impressive. Not only this, but there are a host of special features that will keep you very busy. If you have yet to pick these films up and you are a fan, this is a great package. Recommended 

Transformers: 6-Movie SteelBook Collection is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray and titles are available individually on Digital. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Paramount Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.