In 2007, the live-action "Transformers" movie, a collaborative effort between the internationally renowned toy manufacturer Hasbro, Paramount Pictures Corporation, and DreamWorks, had its grand global premiere. This highly anticipated blockbuster not only featured a combination of live-action performances and high-quality CG animation but was also backed by the directorial prowess of Michael Bay and the executive production guarantee of Steven Spielberg. Upon hitting the big screen, it ignited a massive craze and caused a sensation. It not only reconnected older fans with their childhood memories but also captured the fervent attention of many new followers, serving as a pivotal force that propelled the classic "Transformers" IP to new heights.
Now in 2022, after 15 years, the live-action Transformers movie series has released five main installments and one spin-off, bringing different interpretations to many classic characters. Diverging from the child-oriented animation style of the past, the live-action films emphasize a heavy mechanical structure that blends realism with science fiction. Paired with dazzling transformation CG sequences, it's truly hard not to be deeply impressed. Iconic characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, and Starscream have once again been firmly etched into our minds with these brand-new looks.
Of course, alongside the release of film after film, the various toy lines single-handedly produced by Hasbro have played an extremely crucial role. Today, on the 15th anniversary of the live-action movie's release, Hasbro is launching the thirteenth entry in its highest-tier "Masterpiece Movie Series" (hereafter referred to as the MPM series)—the Decepticons' "Blackout" and "Scorponok"!
Unlike other toy lines from the live-action Transformers movies, the MPM series has always been dedicated to achieving a high degree of fidelity to the on-screen visuals and concept art. Not only does it secure official licensing for the vehicle modes, but it also meticulously recreates the on-screen appearance and details in robot mode. Furthermore, the highly complex transformation engineering fully embodies the exquisite design comparable to the CG animation, making it the ultimate choice for perfection-seeking collectors.
This MPM Blackout and Scorponok are based on their appearance in the first film from 2007. I'm sure everyone still has a vivid memory of the scene where Blackout, disguised as an MH-53 helicopter, lands, transforms, and wreaks havoc on the U.S. military base in Qatar. That's right, Blackout has finally made his long-awaited debut on the MPM stage with a completely new mold of the highest standard. He boasts a stunning and imposing size, and the intricate details covering his body are nothing short of spectacular. Both modes and the transformation between them are filled with immense surprise and enjoyment. This is an absolute masterpiece that no Blackout fan can afford to miss!!
▼As is tradition, the box features a high-quality black background style, showcasing both breathtaking modes at a glance.
▼The top-left corner is printed with the live-action movie's 15th-anniversary logo, a truly commemorative milestone.
▼The MH-53J "Pave Low III" helicopter form is, of course, officially licensed and supervised by the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, so its accuracy is absolutely guaranteed!
▼The inner box and instruction manual. In line with the move towards reduced-plastic packaging, the figure is secured with thick cardboard and paper ties. The white paper bag contains the smaller accessories, so please be sure to check all parts when unpacking.
▼Although the manufacturer packaged it in robot mode, allow me to pay homage to the movie and start with this MH-53J helicopter mode!
▼The helicopter mode is enormous. If you include the main rotor, the total length from front to back is nearly 50 cm, making it the largest transformable Blackout Hasbro has ever made.
▼While no official scale is listed, if we calculate based on the main rotor diameter (45 cm) compared to the real aircraft's (approx. 22 meters), the scale is close to 1:48. It's gigantic!
▼Of course, with great size comes great advantages. Even from a distance, you can probably make out many of the intricate details.
▼Due to the material, the main rotor on top of the fuselage droops slightly when at rest, which coincidentally replicates the state of the real aircraft when landed.
▼The underside of the fuselage is incredibly clean; all the robot parts and potential kibble have been properly concealed through the transformation.
▼Next up are the close-ups of various sections! First, let's look at the nose and cockpit. The glass is made of transparent material, allowing a faint view of the parts inside.
▼The Decepticon insignia and 4500X marking on the nose are printed on. Structures like the aerial refueling probe and the AN/APQ-158 Terrain Following Radar (TFR) are also faithfully recreated. Here's a fun fact: 4500X is the tail number of director Michael Bay's private jet.
▼The various markings on the fuselage are also reproduced via tampo printing, and the different details on each side have been accurately distinguished according to the actual aircraft!
▼The two T-64 turbo engines on the upper sides of the fuselage are certainly not forgotten. The front sections feature sculpted and painted details to recreate their three-dimensional look.
▼Now let's look at the AN/ALQ-157 Infrared Countermeasure (IRCM) devices above the fuel tanks on both sides. Also, note that the light colors on each side are different—recreating this detail shows incredible attention to detail!
▼The U.S. Air Force logo on the fuselage, also presented with printing.
▼The tail section also features many printed markings. These details alone are enough to admire for a good while.
▼Hiding his own nameplate on the tail fin—you've got style, Blackout.
▼The tail rotor can spin freely, no problem!
▼The main rotor on top of the fuselage. Let's first admire the details of the hub. If you look closely, you can even see some dry-brushed weathering paint!
▼The rotor spins very smoothly, you can almost hear the powerful sound of it turning!
▼The fuselage is equipped with three landing gears, and all the wheels can rotate freely.
▼The included pair of machine guns can be mounted under the fuel tanks on both sides.
▼Paired with the two types of included effect parts, you can recreate a moment of full-on firepower!
▼The rear ramp can be opened just like the real aircraft to store his combat partner, Scorponok!
▼Although in the original G1 series, Scorponok was the terrifying Decepticon emperor Scorponok, in the live-action movies he's just Blackout's partner in crime(?).
▼MPM Scorponok makes his entrance! Although he's not large in order to scale with Blackout, he doesn't lack any of the details expected of an MPM figure.
▼Flipping him over reveals that the main body is actually made of die-cast metal... quite surprising. But the key point is that despite his small size, this scorpion's articulation design is far more extensive than one might expect.
▼Just give him the right setting, and recreating the thrilling desert chase scene is no problem at all!
▼Friends for life, walking together, those days are gone forever~♫
▼Once the massive rotor starts spinning, even Blackout himself is intimidated by its daunting size!
▼The intricate details and rich sculpting make you want to look at it again and again.
▼Blackout, transform!! This classic scene appears just over six minutes into the movie. The spectacular transformation paired with that familiar sound effect shook the hearts of all Transformers fans! MPM has reconstructed Blackout's movie transformation process, and compared to the Studio Series version, it's several levels above!
▼Robot mode, storming onto the scene! The first impression that hits you is... big. It's really, really big. However, beyond this incredibly imposing physique, the heavy mechanical details revealed all over the body are the true essence of the MPM line. Once you start looking, it's almost impossible to stop the exclamations of admiration.
▼The proportions are also handled very well, closely matching his appearance in the movie and concept art.
▼Viewing from a low angle like this further enhances the sense of intimidation brought by the MPM's massive size.
▼Of course, the wings on his back, formed by folding the six main rotor blades, have also been recreated.
▼The head sculpt is covered in high-density detail and sculpting, attempting to replicate the live-action movie's style that is both sci-fi and seemingly real.
▼The chest features dry-brushed weathering and can be opened to reveal the hidden cannon inside.
▼Attach the effect part to recreate the scene from the movie where he attacks with his chest cannon.
▼The armor on both arms has the same style of mechanical paintwork. The Gatling guns can be equipped on the forearms in robot mode.
▼Of course, they can also be displayed with the effect parts.
▼Highly articulated hands, with all three fingers having joints. Not only that, but the wrists also have two axes of movement, providing more diverse options for posing.
▼When the main rotor hub is detached, it transforms into a weapon along with a portion of the propeller blades. It can be equipped via the tabs on the hands. This is completely different from the Studio Series version, which used the tail rotor as a weapon.
▼The exposed mechanical parts of the legs have also been treated with a dry-brushed weathering effect, beautifully expressing a heavy, gunmetal texture.
▼The transformation and folding of the feet are also more screen-accurate than what the Studio Series presented. Additionally, the ankle pivots provide a considerable degree of stability. Unfortunately, the hip joints are a bit loose, so it takes some effort to get the balance just right.
▼There is a dedicated tab on the back to recreate the state of Scorponok clinging to him.
▼After seeing the wonderful close-up details of each part, it's time to enjoy some awesome poses with MPM Blackout! Don't think his articulation is poor just because he's big. By properly adjusting all the joints, you can still achieve dynamic, high-impact poses!
▼Rotor Blade Dance!
▼Using the effect parts adds even more visual impact!
▼Although we never got to see Blackout in subsequent films, his debut left a deep and lasting impression on the audience. For such a brilliant moment in the spotlight, what more could one ask for?
▼Let's give another round of applause and cheers for the MPM line.
And that concludes this unboxing report of the Masterpiece Movie Series No. 13 - Blackout and Scorponok. If you missed out on the Studio Series version back in the day, then this MPM is a masterpiece you absolutely cannot miss again. And if you already own the Studio Series version? Then I strongly recommend you experience this completely new and evolved version firsthand. You will definitely see this stunning giant in a whole new light!