Review: Transformers Generation 1 DVD Box Set

I stumbled across this set on eBay, and figured it was a bootleg.  Turns out, it is an official Chinese release of all 98 episodes of the original Transformers TV series.  Twenty-four DVDs with four episodes on each, plus Transformers: The Movie, all contained in an attractive wooden (well, particle-board) box.  There’s even a poster of Optimus Prime and Hot Rod included.

Even better, though, is the fact that all episodes are presented in the original English.  All you have to do is turn off the Chinese subtitles.  The image quality is as good as can be expected, with no compression artifacts that I can see.

So far, my son Sidney and I have watched about 32 episodes.  I had forgotten almost everything about the show except for the characters, and really didn’t expect much from the stories.  I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that the stories for many of the episodes are actually interesting.

There are three seasons of Generation 1, with the movie falling between Seasons 2 and 3.  Season 1 is short, and full of animation mistakes (All three Decepticon jets randomly colored like each other, reversed transformation sequences, the occasional blue Optimus Prime, etc.).  Season 2 has new Transformers popping in out of nowhere around episode 28, as if they’ve always been there and we just haven’t met them.

The best thing about this set is how cheap it is!  You can get the whole thing for less than $60 on eBay, shipping from China included.  Considering that the series was broken up into about 6 DVD sets here in the US, each one sold for between $30-$40, it’s a real bargain.

Comments

[Jay]

I remember when I was a kid and being confused about all the new Transformers that showed up. This explains a lot now.
Do you think you can catch me up on Galaxy Rangers next? :)

[H.M. Stryx]

Matsumoto influence again - introduction of characters in normal context of life rather than 'english prologue' style of formal western literary development. So this explains where you have been lately.

Still wondering if you are getting any of my email.

[H.M. Stryx]

Finally watching Eva. Really do want to recommend Cosmo Warrior Zero (kid safe) and Gun Frontier (not kid safe) DVDs. Lindsay finally cracked open her DVD collection (3 years of asking) and loaned them out. The generic DVD plugin for NVidia cards is also working impressively. Talk about (27 year old) flashbacks.

[Raul]

Can anyone tell me where to find a Transformers G1 Wooden Box set?

[Raul]

Can anyone tell me where to find a Transformers G1 Wooden Box set?

[mac]

Hi, just found this post whilst doing a search, what region discs were the dvd's in this box set. Thanks.