The Transformers: The Movie

Groundbreaking at the time of its release forty years ago, The Transformers: The Movie was a turning point for the franchise. This stunning art book will give fans a way to treasure their memories forever.

In 1986, Transformers: The Movie changed the course of the TRANSFORMERS franchise forever. Released just two years after the popular Saturday morning cartoon made its debut, the animated feature film took the saga in a startling new direction that thrilled and shocked young fans in equal measure. Featuring an intense storyline in which several key characters met their demise—including heroic Autobot leader Optimus Prime—the film blended an electrifying story with sumptuous visuals to create an adventure that would become a pop culture phenomenon and the blueprint for future TRANSFORMERS storytelling.

Forty years after its release, Transformers: The Movie – The Ultimate VisualHistory will take an in-depth look at the creation of the film and the impact of its ongoing legacy. Told through interviews with key creatives, including story consultant Flint Dille, the book will explore the journey that brought TRANSFORMERS to the big screen, and the decisions that took the feature film in a bold new direction. From casting legends of the screen, including Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy, to commissioning the film’s riotous heavy metal soundtrack, each aspect of the production will be explored with unique insights from a range of experts.

Central to the film’s legend is its eye-popping visuals, with beautifully rendered vistas, imaginatively conceived characters, and scenes of glorious no-holds-barred destruction. Illustrated with concept art, storyboards, and other visuals, this deluxe book will showcase the incredible design work that went into the film, bringing together a dazzling wealth of never-before-published imagery.

Also featuring sections on the film’s music, its influence on subsequent TRANSFORMERS stories, from comics to feature films, and the ongoing toy lines it has inspired, Transformers: The Movie – The Ultimate VisualHistory is a must-have purchase for the film’s legions of fans.

STAR-STUDDED CAST. Before the days when Oscar winners voicing animated roles was commonplace, the voice talent assembled for this film was truly groundbreaking. Orson Welles completed his dialogue shortly before his death. Other cast members include Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, and Robert Stack.

DAZZLING VISUALS. The book will bring together an eye-popping range of concept art, storyboards and other key imagery from the Hasbro archives.

MORE THAN JUST THE FILMS. The book explores not only the movie itself, but traces how the film continues to impact TRANSFORMERS storytelling and inspire Hasbro’s hugely popular toy lines.

About the Author

Chris Prince is an author, editor, and independent book creator who specializes in pop culture books. His recent work includes Tech Noir: The Art of James Cameron, Kevin Smith’s Secret Stash, and The Art of Avatar: Fire and Ash.