Transformer, GI Joe Box Sets at Comic-Con
Transformers 2 was a critical bomb and the upcoming silver screen G.I. Joe is bound to be about as good, but fortunately the reasons we bothered going to theaters in the first place, the toons, are available on DVD.
Uber fans can pick up a couple of epic box sets, release coinciding with Comic-con 2009. The Transformers: 25th Anniversary “Matrix of Leadership” Edition Collector’s Set isn’t ony a mouthful of a title, but a shelf-full of content. 16 discs with 98 completely restored episodes that include the original “G1” series, a 60 page collectible book, and a load of bonus features are jammed into each box:
- Five retrospective featurettes including brand-new, in-depth interviews with those most responsible for the success of The Transformers franchise. Two of these featurettes are exclusive to this set including a conversation with comic writer Bob Budiansky and a voice cast reunion. The reunion features Jack Angel (Ramjet), Michael Bell (Prowl), Gregg Berger (Grimlock), Aurthur Burghardt (Devastator), Corey Burton (Spike Witwicky), Richard Gautier (Rodimus Prime), Neil Ross (Slag), Frank Welker (Megatron).
- Two concept art galleries.
- Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials
- All 98 episodes of dialogue scripts. Three full scripts, with original handwritten notes, include “Transport To Oblivion”, “Starscream’s Brigade” and “The Revenge of Bruticus”.
- All 5 rare PSAs
- From the Files of Teletraan-2
- A fan art gallery
- An animated fan film entitled Transformers: Generation One featuring an optional audio commentary by the filmmakers.
G.I. Joe fans have just about as much in store with The Complete Series Collector’s Set. 17 discs in this box of 95 episodes, a collectible book and a 2 gig “Dog Tag” flash drive loaded up with Joe Comics and bonus features including:
- Exclusive 8 Brand-New Retrospective Featurettes
- Archival Hasbro Toy Commercials
- Exclusive Voice Cast Reunion featuring (in alphabetical order): Jack Angel (Wet Suit), Michael Bell (Duke), Gregg, Berger (Spirit), Aurthur Burghardt (Destro), Corey Burton (Tomax), Richard Gautier (Serpentor), Neil Ross (Shipwreck), B.J. Ward (Scarlett).
- G.I. Joe’s Original 1963 Toy Fair Presentation
- Printable Scripts
- Rare PSAs (not of the “Porkchop Sammich” variety)
- Fan Material
Show attendees get limited edition lithographs with purchase and an opportunity to have Gregg Berger (Grimlock of the Dinobots and SPirit of G.I. Joe) to sign their sets. The Transformers set retails for $140, G.I. Joe for $145.
