In months leading up to the premiere of Transformers the Movie (TFTM), uproar ensued when some of the earlier Transformers designs were first released. The new designs were proved to be too radical for most purist and fans of the original series back in the 80’s. Optimus was no longer a cab-over-engine truck, but rather a Peterbilt truck complete with flaming decals.
Michael Bay’s computer was hacked into several times during the filming of the first movie, and when the first design pictures of Optimus Prime was leaked in the internet, there was a huge uproar amongst the hardcore TransFans. Michael Bay was billed as a dream-wrecker, the Judas of the Transformers Universe.
But when the movie rolled into the cinemas, fans began to fall in love with Optimus Prime. People began to fall in love with those controversial flames, the colors and most importantly, Peter Cullen – the forever voice of Optimus Prime (no disrespect to Gary Chalk).
Anyways, I’m gonna stop yapping now and go straight down with the reviews.
Alternate Mode:
Well, just in case any of you’ve living in exile on the Planet of Junk for the past half a decade, Optimus Prime transforms into a Peterbilt 379 truck in the movie-verse, and a wonderful looking one at that.
When the first glimpse of the controversial flame decals were, I actually liked it. I mean, let’s face it, the flames actually looks good on that truck – period. The truck looks massive and blocky – just the way I like it. In fact, it wouldn’t look out of place if you place him next to the Masterpiece Optimus Prime’s truck mode.
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| From left: 2007 Prime, ROTF Prime, DOTM Striker Prime |
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| Similar Length |
Another plus point for this figure is that he has rubber tyres!!! Yeah, you heard that right, rubber tyres, something which you could only find in a Masterpiece or Binaltechs/ Alternators!!!
At the bottom, the kibbles are minimal. You could clearly see the outlines of the legs, but otherwise, it’s quite clean and neat.
At the back of the truck, you’ll find a protrusion which hinted a possible trailer attachment, which by now we know there weren’t any for him. The robot’s gun can also clearly be seen at the back of the truck, which is probably my only complaint for this mode – it’s a horrendous kibble really.
Gimmick-wise, there is a small button on the roof of the truck, which will trigger LED flicker on the front windscreen, and also the sound of horn honking.
Absolutely brilliant alternate mode.
Robot Mode:
The robot mode is just awesome. Bear in mind that obviously this figure came way before the ROTF Optimus Prime, thus at the time, it was the best damn Movie Optimus Prime figure.
Coming at the heels of the Masterpiece lines, some of the concept that were predominant in the Masterpiece line at the time were transferred to this figure, such as the rubber tyres and the individual finger articulations. Yeah, you heard that right! In those respects, this figure is far superior to those other Optimus Prime figures that came in the ROTF or the DOTM lines.
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| Individually-articulated Fingers |
The ROTF and DOTM Optimus Prime figures may resemble more to their movie counterparts, but as far as the year 2007 was concerned, it was accurate enough. It’s distinguishable Optimus Prime, complete with his flames decals and all.
Articulation-wise: the head rotates; the shoulders have somewhat of an outward motion, due to transformations; there is also a combination of swivel and ratcheting hinge on the shoulders, which when combined provide all around motions; the elbows consist of double ratcheting joints each, which also swivel; although there are no wrists movements, Prime more than makes it up with individually articulated fingers; hips are on ratcheting universal joints; swiveling and ratcheting hinged knees; and finally, ball-jointed ankles.
The figure is simply amazing in terms of articulations.
Gimmick-wise, Prime comes with an attached blaster, although it will look weird hanging on his right arm when not in used. Oh, did I mention that it has spring-loaded bullets? Well it does.
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| From left: ROTF Optimus, 2007 Optimus, DOTM Striker Optimus (All with gimmicks deployed) |
Also, Prime also comes with sound and lighting effects. By pushing down and release the dial on his chest (the same dial used to release the head), the Prime’s eyes and windshields chest will light up and ignite a combination of running engine and laser blasting sounds. Not the best of gimmicks, but it’s there.
When compared to the other Leader-class Optimus Primes from ROTF and DOTM, 2007 Movie Prime is a lot shorter, but slightly stockier.
Summary:
When the first glimpses of this version of Optimus Prime were first leaked on the internet, it received huge backlash from the TransFans community, namely those G1 purist, who wanted Optimus to have a cab-over truck rather than this Peterbilt version. However, the design gradually won over the fans, due to numerous nods to the original Optimus Prime; voice by Peter Cullen and also the face sculpt.
Like it or not, this is the new face of Optimus Prime. Just like how the name Optimus Prime will always be synonymous with his original 1984 incarnation, the movie’s Optimus Prime, complete with his flaming theme and Peterbilt Truck alternate mode, will always be the Optimus Prime for newer TransFans. In fact, you’ll be surprised that a lot of these newer fans didn’t even recognize the original G1 Optimus Prime.
The Movie Optimus Prime symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of fans for this wonderful franchise, and it has become a symbol of its continuity and longevity.
The figure is simply fantastic, awesome in every way.
Highly recommended.
Final verdict: 9.5/10.
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