“TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE BUMBLEBEE” (8 out of 10) executive produced by Duane Capizzi, Jeff Kline, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci., starring the voices of Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Josh Keaton, Jeffrey Combs, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Sumalee Montano, Ernie Hudson, Markie Post and Steve Blum. Rated NR; running time: 88 minutes.
My favorite Transformer has always been Bumblebee, so when I got the opportunity to review “Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblebee,” I jumped at the chance.
I’ve still never really gotten used to him turning into a Camaro instead of the little yellow Volkswagon Beetle, though.
The “Ultimate Bumblebee” DVD contains four episodes that feature the young but scrappy Autobot, and as with previous “Transformers” episodes, I’m amazed at the high quality of animation. From the backgrounds to the intricate details of the Autobots and Decepticons, the visuals are just pretty. The human characters really look silly in comparison, though. More . . . cartoony, I suppose.
Speaking of the humans, I really think the show could do without them. I think I remember feeling the same about the original cartoon series. Oh, and the live action movies. Why have humans when you can just have epic robot battles?
The first episode, “Masters and Students” reveals that Starscream, the self-described emperor of destruction, is having difficulties leading the Decepticons after Megatron is believed dead. He keeps expecting everyone to kneel before him (who does he think he is? Zod?) but discovers that respect must be earned. He goes in search of Energon, and Optimus Prime and Bumblebee set out to locate it before he does.
In “Operation Bumblebee, Part I,” Megatron returns and Bumblebee is ambushed, and his vital T-cog is removed, rendering him incapable of transforming into a car. “Taking the auto out of an Autobot is so not a good thing,” the human girl Miko explains. The kids try to distract Bumblebee, but a car racing video game and then a car commercial only pain him further. There is some vital backstory information revealed regarding how Bumblebee lost his voicebox
“Operation Bumblee Part II” continues the story of poor Bumblebee, voiceless and, to add insult to injury, unable to transform. This doesn’t stop him from disobeying Optimus Prime, though, and he leaves the base to help his friends where he can.
Jumping ahead to the Season 3 “Beast Hunters” series finale, the episode “Deadlock” has the Autobots and Decepticons facing off in one last climactic battle. At one point Bumblebee is wounded and falls, and the music and his slow motion descent really capture the drama of that moment. But even more dramatic is what happens next! (No spoilers!)
Without having seen all the episodes of the series, all I can say is this really seemed a fitting end to the story. And it was rather emotional. I got some dust in my eye. Or something. Overall, great choices for the episodes, and as a casual Transformers fan I loved it. Also loved the focus on Bumblebee, of course. Worth watching.
“Transformers Prime: Ultimate Bumblee” is now available on DVD from Shout! Factory.