Schlock-Wire: Shout! Factory Announces TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE For September Special Edition
Los Angeles, California – June 9, 2016 – Shout! Factory, a multi-platform media company, and Hasbro Studios announced a strategic distribution collaboration to bring the iconic animated feature, TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE to the home entertainment marketplace in the U.S. and Canada. This full-length animated adventure boasts the voice talent of Orson Welles in his final role and an all-star voice cast that includes Peter Cullen, Eric Idle, Casey Kasem, Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack and Frank Welker. The announcement was made today by Shout! Factory’s founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos; and Hasbro’s Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Stephen Davis. The multi-year alliance provides Shout! Factory with exclusive home entertainment packaged media (Blu-ray and DVD) and select digital rights to Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE for home entertainment releases in North America. In honor of the 30th anniversary of TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE, this beloved animated feature will be newly remastered and transferred in HD from the original 35mm elements. A full-range of bonus content and collectible packaging are currently in development. Shout! Factory plans an aggressive rollout of TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE 30th Anniversary Edition on September 13, 2016. “The Transformers franchise has been part of American popular culture for more than 30 years, developing into one of the most recognizable brands around the globe,” said Stephen Davis, Chief Content Officer and Executive Vice President of Hasbro. “TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE played a huge role in the brand’s early success, laying the foundation for major motion pictures, several successful TV series, clothing and apparel, toys and much more. We are thrilled to work with Shout! Factory to deliver the original movie to fans in a completely remastered HD experience.” “TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE is a highly sought-after animated feature, boasting a large fan following and consumer interest. On its 30th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating this film by bringing it to North America on Blu-ray for the first time. Having worked closely with Hasbro Studios on top brands like animated series TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO, TRANSFORMERS PRIME, MY LITTLE PONY, MY LITTLE PONY EQUESTRIA GIRLS movies and more, this is incredibly exciting and important news for us,” said Melissa Boag, Senior Vice President of Kids & Family Entertainment at Shout! Factory. “We look forward to bringing TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE, featuring all-new HD transfer with stunning packaging and great extras to fans and on family home entertainment shelves.” Action-packed animated feature TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE chronicles the heroic efforts of the AUTOBOTS as they defend their native planet CYBERTRON from the evil DECEPTICONS and UNICRON. The AUTOBOTS, led by the heroic OPTIMUS PRIME, prepare to make a daring attempt to retake their planet from the evil forces of MEGATRON and the DECEPTICONS. Unknown to both sides, a menacing force is heading their way – UNICRON. The only hope of stopping UNICRON lies within the Matrix of Leadership and the AUTOBOT who can rise up and use its power to light their darkest hour. Will the AUTOBOTS be able to save their native planet from destruction or will the DECEPTICONS reign supreme? TRANSFORMERS – THE MOVIE is co-produced and directed by Nelson Shin; produced by Joel Bacal and Tom Griffin; supervising producer, Jay Bacal; executive producers, Margaret Loesch and Lee Gunther; music score by Vince DiCola.