Transformers

The interstellar battle between the "Transformers" two factions continue. The noble Autobots and the evil Decepticons are at war, and their battle now threatens the destruction of Earth. Hundreds of years ago, the Autobots hid Allspark, a talisman that is able to grant infinite power to its possesor, at an unknown location on planet Earth. The Decepticons have come to Earth to find the talisman and will destroy the planet if the Autobots don't find Allspark first. The clue to the talisman's location is hidden in an unlikely source, a gangly teenager named Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf). (Stacey Pendry)

Special features include the featuretts: "Our World, - Explore The World Of Transformers" has four segments: "The Story Of Sparks (eight minutes), "Human Allies" (13 minutes), "I Fight Giant Robots" (14 minutes), and "Battleground" (14 minutes). "Their War - Meet The Autobots And Decepticons" has four more segments: "Rise Of The Robots" (14 minutes), "Autobots Roll Out" (20 minutes), "Decepticons Strike" (15 minutes) and "Inside The Allspark" (17 minutes);. Finally "More Than Meets The Eye - Inside The Desert Attack" includes the segments "From Script To Sand: The Skorponok Desert Attack" (nine minutes). Also included is a conceptual artwork sequence, additional trailers, upfront previews and an UltraViolet digital copy.

The anamorphically enhanced 2.40:1 exhibits a pleasing image with deep blacks and good shadow delineation, giving it a good sense of depth. Contrast is very hot, which seems to be a deliberate choice made by the filmmakers, but colors are balanced well. Details are captured and delivered well, with an almost high-definition look to the textures. Fleshtones look pasty at times, often looking blocked up and unnatural. Pixel breakup and edge enhancement can be seen, and compression artifacts are also noticeable from time to time. The VC-1-encoded HD DVD looks superb, with very well-resolved textures that provide an added dimension of realism to the picture. The level of depth in the image looks even more impressive in this format, making the image look very natural. Fleshtones look much more realistic as well, and contrast is held more in check as well. Unfortunately, occasionally edges can look slightly too digital, which is the only problem I could find with this release. (Danny Richelieu)

The Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel soundtrack is superb, with a broad and deep front stage and a very good use of the surround channels to help build a realistic soundscape. Deep bass is delivered through each of the full-range channels, often dropping below 20 Hz at high levels. The LFE channel is also incorporated well, and the combined bass from all six channels infuses the room with deep, tight bass. Pans are delivered masterfully across each pair of loudspeakers, but occasionally effects can sound slightly clipped. The HD DVD's Dolby Digital Plus encoding sounds very much the same as the DVD's encoding, and sounds just as superb. (Danny Richelieu)