Your therapist will need to find another patient to help them with their next mortgage payment, as you might not need their expertise much longer after today. Well, it’s not like you will wipe the emotional trauma of watching Optimus Prime get gunned down by Megatron in one afternoon, but finally, the healing can begin in earnest. 40 years after the animated film’s release, Hasbro‘s Alyse D’Antuono (Vice President, Global Brand & Franchise Strategy, Action Brands) says Transformers: The Movie‘s return to theaters is officially part of an “apology tour” for the pain inflicted upon innocent hearts and minds in 1986.
The shot heard around the world
If you’re a child of the ’80s, chances are you lost a piece of your soul while watching The Transformers: The Movie. In the Nelson Shin-directed animated classic, the Autobots must stop a colossal planet-consuming robot that goes after the Autobot Matrix of Leadership. During the battle, everyone’s favorite Peterbilt 379, Optimus Prime, is shot multiple times in the radiator and windshield by Megatron. Each blast was like a dagger going into the chests of Transformers fans everywhere. Children broke as Optimus fell, oil leaking from his crumpled frame. Then came the waterworks. The blindsiding of parents was mighty.
Traditionally, Transformers ends with the Autobots claiming victory over the Decepticons. Not this time. A hero died, and when the light left his eyes, so did the innocence of many, as Stan Bush’s “The Touch” held them close.
D’Antuono offers an apology
“From the emotional impact of Optimus Prime’s passing to the dynamic storytelling that followed, we recognize just how powerful, and unforgettable, that moment remains,” D’Antuono said. “This anniversary is about honoring the legacy, thanking fans for four decades of loyalty and passion as Hasbro and our partners mark this milestone across entertainment, toys, and …More Than Meets The Eye surprises, with additional anniversary news to follow.”
Hasbro’s plans to celebrate Transformers: The Movie
Hasbro plans to go big or go home when it comes to celebrating Transformers: The Movie, with a 40th Anniversary lineup of goodies for fans of all ages. What does that mean? New stuff you can buy, of course! Get those wallets out, millennials, because fans can experience the Matrix of Leadership premium electronic movie replica alongside new Studio Series additions featuring Shockwave, Skywarp, Wheeljack, Kranix, Sunstreaker, Astrotrain, and Snarl. Hasbro Pulse will host a livestream on February 15 to give a personal tour of the lineup, complete with surprises and fan-favorite characters. Oh, and don’t worry, Hasbro isn’t going to kill anyone’s heroes this time. Pre-orders will officially go live on February 16 and 17. Previously revealed products inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Hot Rod, Hound, and Scourge are also part of the lineup, with additional reveals planned throughout the year.
In addition to the aforementioned products, Hasbro is partnering with Culture Fly, Jada Toys, Monogram, ShuShu Papa, Skybound Entertainment, Super7, Threezero, and Trends International to bring fans more products to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film that helped shape a generation.
