Autoblog

It's one thing to design a Transformer in CGI and have it magically transform from a car to a 40-foot-tall robot in 24 frames of animation. It's entirely different to produce a toy that actually does transform with moving parts that have to work together in total harmony. HASBRO is in charge of producing the full gamet of Transformers toys this time around and has a website up that shows us exactly how Optimus Prime will go from big rig to big robot. Click here, skip the intro and, unless you have a pair of cardboard 3D glasses handy, click on the 2D link. Here you'll find animations that show how Optimus Prime, Scorponok, Ratchet and Ironhide will actually transform when pulled from their plastic packaging.

The site also has 360 degree views of each Transformer toy, as well as some extra items like a wearable Optimus Prime helmet. Our search for a Halloween costume this year is officially over.

[Source: 3Dtransformers.com via tfw2005]

Click image for hires photo gallery

The Autoblog staff is waiting with bated breath for the Fourth of July weekend to get here so that we can wave the flag, watch some fireworks, eat and drink too much, and take in the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons in Michael Bay's big-budget big-screen interpretation of Transformers. Regular readers know that we're really pumped up for this and since Toy Fair 2007 is underway in New York this week, Hasbro has provided some new imagery of the TF toys they're releasing in conjunction with the film. Check out the gallery to see full shots of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in both robot and vehicle modes, as well as a shot of Optimus Prime in his retail packaging. Is it just us, or does Bumblebee look a little startled?

As cool as these two figures are, we think that the forthcoming Mr. Potato Head Optimash Prime may take the cake. Damn you, Hasbro, for making such appealing-sounding desk trinkets! That's 10 bucks as good as gone right there...

UPDATE: Gallery updated to include the Optimus Prime Arm Blaster and the Optimus Prime Voice Changer helmet. Oh, to be an 8-year-old...

Press release after the jump

[Source: Hasbro]