Cool Don, thanks for the answers. I like the Ark too :D One final thing then I promise I'll let you go. How possible would it be for someone to get a walk-on role in the movie? :) Sorry, I know that sounds very fanboyish but hey, I'm a fan and it can't hurt to try. While I'm not a professional actor, it would be cool to have been in a movie of some sort in one's lifetime. Take it easy Don :wave

Yeah you could be the guy who gets the part of the poor s.o.b. who's says "OH $HIT!!!" :eek Just as a tossed car or some other large piece of flying debris is about to land on top of him. :mwahaha

 

Actually, I wouldn't mind that playing that part myself! :D

 

I want to ask Don some questions but I can't help having that feeling like being a little kid in school desperately raising his hand in class hoping that the teacher will call on him!

 

So no questions from me. All I want to say to Don is, do your best to make us proud. I hope you prove all the g1 purisits who have been damning you from the start 1000% wrong! I know this is no easy task making this movie, especially having to deal with all the negativity spewed from angry fanboys, but I applaud you for taking the time to chat with us every now and then in spite of them. Last but not least, thank you for letting us have a voice in all of this. It means a lot to know that we are being taken seriously. :thumb

 

With that said, I'm now content to sit back and wait for a movie that is sure to kick all kinds of ass!

:wave

Cool Don, thanks for the answers. I like the Ark too :D One final thing then I promise I'll let you go. How possible would it be for someone to get a walk-on role in the movie? :) Sorry, I know that sounds very fanboyish but hey, I'm a fan and it can't hurt to try. While I'm not a professional actor, it would be cool to have been in a movie of some sort in one's lifetime. Take it easy Don :wave

Until we have a director- I cannot say

It would be cool to have hardcore fans in crowd scenes

SIGN ME UP!!! :thumb

I still worry somewhat that 'mass transfer'- finally described and feferenced in the Ultimate Guide only to be omitted from the current film screenplay- reflects a dumbing-down of the G1 universe or at least a missed opportunity for grounding in believability. This isn't about the change in Megatron's and Soundwave's Earth modes (although I think Soundwave, our notorious eavesdropper, will suffer from not being a concealable communications device, movie Megatron needs a tank for the kind of villian screen presence that a handgun can't give. Honestly, he was technically G1's first Targetmaster; it's neat but not imposing), it's about the need for explanation.

 

Let's get one thing straight: Moviegoers (in this case ones interested in seeing a serrious sci-fi/action movie) are not as stupid as some Hollywood people have gotten accoustomed to believing. They're not impressed with dumb plots, they don't like flat characters (and the more drippy romance they share in a war drama the worse), and equally important they don't need to have science more complex than 'cut the bomb's blue wire' omitted. Interestingly enough they'll have an *easier* time accepting new ideas if they're presented as being simple. For example, Star Wars features ships going millions of times the speed of light via 'Hyperdrive'. Did anyone say "it's too complex for me to understand therefore it's a silly concept and there's no way to present it otherwise, so let's just set the movie in one system"? No, they have the characters nonchalantly introduce it, treat it mundanely and let the action define how it functions. The audience follows along and accepts yet another aspect of the setting.

 

My point being that just because when Spike asked how Autobots transform in the cartoon (essentially a low-budget platform for selling toys) and Hound replied "easy, like this *transforms*", doesn't mean the movie can glaze over it in the same way. Mass-transfer is the logical conclusion and is the perfect catch-all explanation for the Transformers' technology; not simply with transforming, but with weapon storage, ammunition, fuel capacity, internal powerplants, and all sorts of other things usefull and outright necessary to an advanced mechanical society. Cybertron's civilization is *millions* of years old, why would we expect anything less fantastically advanced?

 

A throw-away line or two, a simple analogy, maybe one quick example of it in action, and the concept is comfortable implanted in the audience's minds. Keep a subtle consistent presence of it throughout the movie and they'll be clear sailing through the acion and story without any more 'why' questions. "They do alot of advanced stuff and it's because they can store matter in separate space. Enough said." Besides, you could really spice up the transformation effects and fight scenes with this concept. I can't be the only one who wants to see munitions pulled out of thin air.

 

 

Despite the stubborn beliefs and lack of deduction of some purists, mass-transfer is a rational conclusion and is observable. Soundwave's mass can no longer be within his alt mode for Spike to pick him up, and saying 'I don't beleive in it, it's stupid' is a non-answer defiance to facts. It's also an indirect acceptance of a non-serrious, 'bugs bunny' interpretation of Transformers, .

I still worry somewhat that 'mass transfer'- finally described and feferenced in the Ultimate Guide only to be omitted from the current film screenplay- reflects a dumbing-down of the G1 universe or at least a missed opportunity for grounding in believability. This isn't about the change in Megatron's and Soundwave's Earth modes (although I think Soundwave, our notorious eavesdropper, will suffer from not being a concealable communications device, movie Megatron needs a tank for the kind of villian screen presence that a handgun can't give. Honestly, he was technically G1's first Targetmaster; it's neat but not imposing), it's about the need for explanation.

 

Let's get one thing straight: Moviegoers (in this case ones interested in seeing a serrious sci-fi/action movie) are not as stupid as some Hollywood people have gotten accoustomed to believing. They're not impressed with dumb plots, they don't like flat characters (and the more drippy romance they share in a war drama the worse), and equally important they don't need to have science more complex than 'cut the bomb's blue wire' omitted. Interestingly enough they'll have an *easier* time accepting new ideas if they're presented as being simple. For example, Star Wars features ships going millions of times the speed of light via 'Hyperdrive'. Did anyone say "it's too complex for me to understand therefore it's a silly concept and there's no way to present it otherwise, so let's just set the movie in one system"? No, they have the characters nonchalantly introduce it, treat it mundanely and let the action define how it functions. The audience follows along and accepts yet another aspect of the setting.

 

My point being that just because when Spike asked how Autobots transform in the cartoon (essentially a low-budget platform for selling toys) and Hound replied "easy, like this *transforms*", doesn't mean the movie can glaze over it in the same way. Mass-transfer is the logical conclusion and is the perfect catch-all explanation for the Transformers' technology; not simply with transforming, but with weapon storage, ammunition, fuel capacity, internal powerplants, and all sorts of other things usefull and outright necessary to an advanced mechanical society. Cybertron's civilization is *millions* of years old, why would we expect anything less fantastically advanced?

 

A throw-away line or two, a simple analogy, maybe one quick example of it in action, and the concept is comfortable implanted in the audience's minds. Keep a subtle consistent presence of it throughout the movie and they'll be clear sailing through the acion and story without any more 'why' questions. "They do alot of advanced stuff and it's because they can store matter in separate space. Enough said." Besides, you could really spice up the transformation effects and fight scenes with this concept. I can't be the only one who wants to see munitions pulled out of thin air.

 

 

Despite the stubborn beliefs and lack of deduction of some purists, mass-transfer is a rational conclusion and is observable. Soundwave's mass can no longer be within his alt mode for Spike to pick him up, and saying 'I don't beleive in it, it's stupid' is a non-answer defiance to facts. It's also an indirect acceptance of a non-serrious, 'bugs bunny' interpretation of Transformers, .

Ugh. I wish this would just die. It kills me how things like this can become "canon", when in reality "mass change" only happened in the G1 cartoon because the original TFs were cobbled together from different toy lines and they didn't match up with each other.

 

This debate just reminds me way too much of the controversy over Spider-Man's organic webshooters. Normal people don't give a crap about stuff like this. They just want to see a good movie.

:pfx no doubt, let it go.

I think that it is a good idea to remove implausibles from movie plots based on comic books. I think that Don's point of making this movie (besides getting paid out the rectum) is to make transformers mainstream, mass shifting and subspace would just confuse those morons that arent smart enuff to collect transformers. lets move on to things of greater interest...

 

like since megs is going to be a tank, will be be Olive Drab or some other color (OK i really dont care, just have seen it asked)

Don, I know you have said that the classic "transform sound" is a possibility.  I think it really should be in the movie.  There are many people that haven't warmed up to the newer Transformers incarnations, but they remember the original G1 cartoon.  To me to watch Optimus Prime transform with that classic sound and then hear Peter Cullen as Optimus would be the ultimate.  I know watching a scene like that would send chills down my spine.  I know it would.  I think those factors alone could really put this movie over the top.  Not to say that it isn't going to be awesome as is.  (From what I've read it will be outstanding) I just think those simple things, especially Peter Cullen, will add that extra little something.

 

I was wondering what you thought about this.

 

Thanks

I agree

which does not mean it is so

or that it is not so

just that I agree.

Awesome. :thumb

I still worry somewhat that 'mass transfer'- finally described and feferenced in the Ultimate Guide only to be omitted from the current film screenplay- reflects a dumbing-down of the G1 universe or at least a missed opportunity for grounding in believability.  This isn't about the change in Megatron's and Soundwave's Earth modes (although I think Soundwave, our notorious eavesdropper, will suffer from not being a concealable communications device, movie Megatron needs a tank for the kind of villian screen presence that a handgun can't give. Honestly, he was technically G1's first Targetmaster; it's neat but not imposing), it's about the need for explanation.

 

Let's get one thing straight: Moviegoers (in this case ones interested in seeing a serrious sci-fi/action movie) are not as stupid as some Hollywood people have gotten accoustomed to believing.  They're not impressed with dumb plots, they don't like flat characters (and the more drippy romance they share in a war drama the worse), and equally important they don't need to have science more complex than 'cut the bomb's blue wire' omitted.  Interestingly enough they'll have an *easier* time accepting new ideas if they're presented as being simple.  For example, Star Wars features ships going millions of times the speed of light via 'Hyperdrive'. Did anyone say "it's too complex for me to understand therefore it's a silly concept and there's no way to present it otherwise, so let's just set the movie in one system"? No, they have the characters nonchalantly introduce it, treat it mundanely and let the action define how it functions.  The audience follows along and accepts yet another aspect of the setting.

 

My point being that just because when Spike asked how Autobots transform in the cartoon (essentially a low-budget platform for selling toys) and Hound replied "easy, like this *transforms*", doesn't mean the movie can glaze over it in the same way.  Mass-transfer is the logical conclusion and is the perfect catch-all explanation for the Transformers' technology; not simply with transforming, but with weapon storage, ammunition, fuel capacity, internal powerplants, and all sorts of other things usefull and outright necessary to an advanced mechanical society. Cybertron's civilization is *millions* of years old, why would we expect anything less fantastically advanced? 

 

A throw-away line or two, a simple analogy, maybe one quick example of it in action, and the concept is comfortable implanted in the audience's minds.  Keep a subtle consistent presence of it throughout the movie and they'll be clear sailing through the acion and story without any more 'why' questions.  "They do alot of advanced stuff and it's because they can store matter in separate space. Enough said."  Besides, you could really spice up the transformation effects and fight scenes with this concept. I can't be the only one who wants to see munitions pulled out of thin air.

 

 

Despite the stubborn beliefs and lack of deduction of some purists, mass-transfer is a rational conclusion and is observable. Soundwave's mass can no longer be within his alt mode for Spike to pick him up, and saying 'I don't beleive in it, it's stupid' is a non-answer defiance to facts.  It's also an indirect acceptance of a non-serrious, 'bugs bunny' interpretation of Transformers, .

Ugh. I wish this would just die. It kills me how things like this can become "canon", when in reality "mass change" only happened in the G1 cartoon because the original TFs were cobbled together from different toy lines and they didn't match up with each other.

 

This debate just reminds me way too much of the controversy over Spider-Man's organic webshooters. Normal people don't give a crap about stuff like this. They just want to see a good movie.

Exactly. Madhammer you are always the voice of logic and reason. I couldn't agree more.

Don, I know you have said that the classic "transform sound" is a possibility.  I think it really should be in the movie.  There are many people that haven't warmed up to the newer Transformers incarnations, but they remember the original G1 cartoon.  To me to watch Optimus Prime transform with that classic sound and then hear Peter Cullen as Optimus would be the ultimate.  I know watching a scene like that would send chills down my spine.  I know it would.  I think those factors alone could really put this movie over the top.  Not to say that it isn't going to be awesome as is.  (From what I've read it will be outstanding) I just think those simple things, especially Peter Cullen, will add that extra little something.

 

I was wondering what you thought about this.

 

Thanks

I agree

which does not mean it is so

or that it is not so

just that I agree.

Awesome. :thumb

One other thing to consider is that Peter Cullen already has extensive experience bringing a robot to life through his voice work. After all, his Optimus Prime was the heart and soul of G1, at least as far as I'm concerned.

 

 

(It's just too bad that Chris Latta is no longer with us... :tfsad)

I still worry somewhat that 'mass transfer'- finally described and feferenced in the Ultimate Guide only to be omitted from the current film screenplay- reflects a dumbing-down of the G1 universe or at least a missed opportunity for grounding in believability.  This isn't about the change in Megatron's and Soundwave's Earth modes (although I think Soundwave, our notorious eavesdropper, will suffer from not being a concealable communications device, movie Megatron needs a tank for the kind of villian screen presence that a handgun can't give. Honestly, he was technically G1's first Targetmaster; it's neat but not imposing), it's about the need for explanation.

 

Let's get one thing straight: Moviegoers (in this case ones interested in seeing a serrious sci-fi/action movie) are not as stupid as some Hollywood people have gotten accoustomed to believing.  They're not impressed with dumb plots, they don't like flat characters (and the more drippy romance they share in a war drama the worse), and equally important they don't need to have science more complex than 'cut the bomb's blue wire' omitted.  Interestingly enough they'll have an *easier* time accepting new ideas if they're presented as being simple.  For example, Star Wars features ships going millions of times the speed of light via 'Hyperdrive'. Did anyone say "it's too complex for me to understand therefore it's a silly concept and there's no way to present it otherwise, so let's just set the movie in one system"? No, they have the characters nonchalantly introduce it, treat it mundanely and let the action define how it functions.  The audience follows along and accepts yet another aspect of the setting.

 

My point being that just because when Spike asked how Autobots transform in the cartoon (essentially a low-budget platform for selling toys) and Hound replied "easy, like this *transforms*", doesn't mean the movie can glaze over it in the same way.  Mass-transfer is the logical conclusion and is the perfect catch-all explanation for the Transformers' technology; not simply with transforming, but with weapon storage, ammunition, fuel capacity, internal powerplants, and all sorts of other things usefull and outright necessary to an advanced mechanical society. Cybertron's civilization is *millions* of years old, why would we expect anything less fantastically advanced? 

 

A throw-away line or two, a simple analogy, maybe one quick example of it in action, and the concept is comfortable implanted in the audience's minds.  Keep a subtle consistent presence of it throughout the movie and they'll be clear sailing through the acion and story without any more 'why' questions.  "They do alot of advanced stuff and it's because they can store matter in separate space. Enough said."  Besides, you could really spice up the transformation effects and fight scenes with this concept. I can't be the only one who wants to see munitions pulled out of thin air.

 

 

Despite the stubborn beliefs and lack of deduction of some purists, mass-transfer is a rational conclusion and is observable. Soundwave's mass can no longer be within his alt mode for Spike to pick him up, and saying 'I don't beleive in it, it's stupid' is a non-answer defiance to facts.  It's also an indirect acceptance of a non-serrious, 'bugs bunny' interpretation of Transformers, .

While you get points for stating your argument intelligently, I have to agree with Madhammer. Let it go. I love G1 as much as the next fanboy, but it's really just another lame kid's cartoon from the eighties, with all it's holes and inconsistencies. There's no need to force those inconsistencies into a big-budget motion picture, just because some geek decided to "explain" them in some big "official guide". I look at it this way: when they find a way to realistically incorporate the black "alien" spidey suit into one of the upcoming Spiderman sequels, and it doesn't kill the franchise, THEN we can worry about mass-shifting in a TF movie. Until then, Soundwave will be perfectly fine as a pimped-out low-rider school bus, for all I care. WE'RE FINALLY GETTING A LIVE ACTION, BIG BUDGET TF MOVIE. Can everyone please quit whining and complaining about the silly details that have to be changed to make it sell.

 

*Poot* Sorry. Excuse me. :wave

 

BTW, this is my 1,000th post. Yay me! :clap