Before we knew it, the "Studio Series" is approaching its 100th numbered release. This highly acclaimed Transformers toy line has quietly accompanied fans for its fourth year. Although there's still about half a year until the next live-action movie premieres, the Transformers movie toy releases have never stopped. Our focus today, the Studio Series, perfectly fills this gap, continuously bringing spectacular works to all movie enthusiasts, and is truly cherished and anticipated by big-screen fans.
Released by the internationally renowned toy manufacturer "Hasbro," the "Studio Series," as its name suggests, encompasses famous characters from various movie appearances. From the six live-action films to even revisiting the 1986 animated film "The Transformers: The Movie," it reinterprets well-known movie characters with new designs. Coupled with a consistent scale for collectors to display and enjoy, the exquisite transformation designs and authentic sculpting have naturally earned the Studio Series an excellent reputation. Let's look forward to more movie characters joining this magnificent lineup!
▼The stars of this unboxing report include two Core Class figures, two Deluxe Class figures, one Voyager Class figure, and one Leader Class figure. The size differences between each class can be easily identified from their packaging.
▼The side of the packaging also clearly indicates the product number for easy identification by collectors. If you have enough space to line them all up, it truly creates an incredibly satisfying sense of accomplishment that only collectors can appreciate.
▼"Laserbeak," from the 2011 live-action film "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," where the Decepticon spy disguised itself as a pink Bumblebee. The toy itself is a newly molded Core Class Bumblebee module, recreating the Chevrolet Camaro vehicle mode in a miniature size. It also includes its signature "Stinger Blaster" and features the pink color scheme that was instantly recognizable as a fake (?) in the movie.
▼Given its Core Class miniature size, the design is naturally limited by the number of parts. However, achieving such performance under these constraints is actually quite impressive.
▼Zooming in on the head sculpt, the emblem on the forehead is clearly printed, which is a huge plus!
▼While its articulation cannot compare to Deluxe Class figures, it's still perfectly capable of utilizing its weapon to strike combat poses!
▼In Chevrolet mode, the slightly pearlescent pink car shell is exceptionally eye-catching. The Stinger Blaster can be mounted on the roof.
▼Despite its small size, the details are not overlooked. Just look at the three-dimensional grille on the front and the Chevrolet cross logo – don't they significantly enhance the overall sense of refinement?
▼"Rumble (Blue)" (also translated as "Hong Long Long"), inspired by the 1986 "The Transformers: The Movie." He is a Decepticon cassette-bot member belonging to Soundwave, capable of transforming from a mini-cassette into a robot, and equipped with the included pile drivers and concussion rifle. In cassette mode, its size is compatible with and can be stored in the chest compartments of Soundwave and Blaster from the War For Cybertron Trilogy. Notably, this release features the blue color scheme from the animation rather than the toy's red, which is often discussed (and debated) by international fans as "FIRRIB" (Frenzy is red, Rumble is blue).
▼Robot mode. The structure is somewhat similar to the Cybertron Trilogy version, but the styling is closer to its animated appearance. The included dual pistols can also be equipped on its back in this state.
▼Let's take another look at the intricate head sculpt and the signature chest emblem.
▼By folding the wrist, the included pile driver can be equipped, recreating that classic movie line, "First we crack the shell...". Although there are no elbow joints, it can still achieve a wide variety of poses!
▼Mini-cassette mode. The classic cassette patterns are also reproduced using printing. It's a bit of a shame that there's no place to store the dual pistols and pile driver in this mode, so be sure to keep them safe!
▼No. 92 "Crosshairs," appearing as he did in the 2017 fifth film, "Transformers: The Last Knight." He is an Autobot sharpshooter skilled in parachute assaults, whose pair of submachine guns always hit their mark in critical moments. This Studio Series Crosshairs features an all-new module design, aiming to recreate his extremely unique long trench coat look from the film. In robot mode, it even has a detachable design, allowing it to more closely resemble his movie appearance. Of course, he also transforms into a green Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C7.
▼Maintaining the series' consistent tradition, a "Bowling Alley Quest" cardboard diorama base is included.
▼Robot mode. The new interpretation of the long trench coat attempts to recreate his dashing appearance from the film.
▼The mechanical details on the head's goggles and abdominal area are handled exceptionally well.
▼The backpack also thoughtfully utilizes a single ball joint, which not only allows for easy removal but also reduces interference and enhances its poseability.
▼The included pair of submachine guns can be held freely.
▼With a slight adjustment to the trench coat, he can even strike such a stylish crouching pose.
▼And of course, you absolutely must try to recreate that impressive backward-leap firing pose!
▼Vehicle mode. Although the transformation mechanism cannot fully detach from the shell-forming style, it must be said that the vehicle's exterior is genuinely cool and powerful, and its racing stripes are highly accurate to the movie.
▼Both submachine guns can be perfectly stored inside the car doors in sports car mode, showcasing an ultimate use of transformation and storage.
▼Here are two more close-ups; please enjoy these smooth vehicle body curves!
▼No. 93 "Hot Rod" (also translated as Rod), another Autobot warrior from "Transformers: The Last Knight." He is one of the Autobot members who has been on Earth for a long time, possessing a strong French accent. He once participated in World War II alongside his comrade Bumblebee, fighting alongside Allied forces against the German Nazis. Afterwards, he became one of the guardians of the Order of the Witwiccans and its last descendant, Sir Edmund Burton, disguising himself as a Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4. This new version is not only officially licensed by Lamborghini, but its robot mode is also more accurate than the old version, which was a retool of Lockdown. The time-slowing gun, which was quite active in the film, is also included.
▼Includes a "London Escape" diorama base.
▼After a five-year wait, fans have finally received a brand-new mold exclusively for him. The sculpt is undeniably superb, born entirely from the design blueprints, and the detail presentation is quite spectacular.
▼The mechanical details on the head sculpt, abdomen, and other areas are truly worth savoring and appreciating.
▼Regarding articulation, special attention should be paid to the knee joints. By slightly adjusting the position of the rear wheels, a greater bending angle can be achieved.
▼The time-slowing gun, which has an incredibly overpowered effect in the film; one truly wishes everyone had one (?).
▼Vehicle supercar mode. This time, the Centenario model is even sharper and closer to its real-world counterpart. The gunmetal gray body and the accented orange lines are highly accurate. It's a slight pity that the time-slowing gun cannot be hidden away and can only be attached to the body's tab above the rear wheel.
▼Exquisite details on the rear of the vehicle. A friendly reminder: the two exhaust pipe parts at the bottom are prone to coming loose, so please be extra careful during transformation, fellow toy enthusiasts.
▼The highly iconic rear end and taillights. Here, let's give it another close-up shot.
▼When you think about it, being able to collect a Lamborghini of this size (and it transforms!) – not getting it would truly be a disservice to oneself!
▼No. 86-17 "Ironhide," drawing inspiration from the 1986 film "The Transformers: The Movie," is an extremely important veteran warrior in the Autobot faction, accompanying Optimus Prime from the Cybertronian Civil War all the way to Earth, ultimately meeting his demise in the movie at the hands of Megatron's Fusion Cannon. This Studio Series version is also a brand-new mold design and is classified as a Voyager Class figure. While at first glance it might seem similar to the War for Cybertron Trilogy version, the detailing and even the transformation mechanism are different. Not only is it closer to his appearance in the original animated movie, but the treatment of the van's rear is also more complete and natural. Accessories include two classically styled laser pistols.
▼Includes a "Decepticon Shuttle Ambush" diorama base.
▼Compared to the War for Cybertron Trilogy version, which still had a shield formed from a detachable roof panel, the Studio Series version employs a fully transforming design, with a more substantial and integrated use of parts, resulting in a significantly more solid structure.
▼The sculpted details are more faithful to his appearance in the movie, such as the rhomboid relief on his groin.
▼Both pistols can be held freely.
▼In addition to the storage slots on his back, the pistols can also be mounted on the back of his calves.
▼The valiant figure of a seasoned veteran met an abrupt end in "The Movie," surely leaving fans at the time feeling an immense sense of reluctance (and speechless), right?
▼Vehicle mode. While the transformation design bears many similarities to the War for Cybertron version, it addresses the biggest past shortcoming – the incomplete rear of the vehicle. This time, it can finally transform and conceal completely. And the two tabs on the roof naturally bring to mind his mold-mate and good brother, Ratchet!
▼The front bumper, headlights, grille, and even the Autobot insignia on the front of the vehicle are all perfectly recreated.
▼In vehicle mode, the two pistols cleverly become the exhaust pipes at the rear of the vehicle. This "Robots in disguise" compliant design is a huge bonus!
▼Let's look forward to a medic of this size!
▼No. 91 "The Fallen," from the 2009 live-action film sequel "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Once one of Primus's successors, the creator of Cybertron, he dedicated himself alongside his brethren to building Cybertron. However, he betrayed his closest kin and turned to darkness, intending to use the Star Harvester to destroy and drain the energy of stars to replenish the AllSpark. Ultimately, The Fallen founded the Decepticons and led Megatron down this path of destruction. This version of The Fallen is crafted with an all-new mold design, featuring a large Leader Class size, faithfully recreating his appearance in the film, reminiscent of the Egyptian jackal god Anubis. It also restores the articulated back and arm structures from the design drafts. Furthermore, the ability to remove his helmet to reveal his bare face has been realized in this version, allowing for the recreation of the classic scene where he is ultimately defeated by Optimus Prime (Give me your face!!!).
▼Includes a display base for the "Pyramid Desert Battle" scene.
▼As the ultimate big boss of the second movie, the Studio Series version's size perfectly lives up to this imposing identity, boldly showcasing the unique blend of mechanical and organic textures from the live-action films.
▼The head sculpt, resembling an Egyptian deity, is like a recreation of the original movie poster, with an exceptionally high level of detail. The light-piping in the eyes also has an excellent effect, and more importantly......
▼The helmet can be freely removed, and not only that, but the temporomandibular joint even features articulation. The base of the parts, being made of clear plastic, allows for a simulated glowing effect with proper lighting. Want to recreate that classic scene with Optimus Prime in Egypt? This is how you do it!
▼Beyond the head, the articulated mechanism design for the lower back and arms is also a major highlight. While some angle limitations are inevitable, the multi-jointed articulation still moves with a rather magnificent aesthetic.
▼The advantage of the large size lies in the uninhibited presentation of details. Whether it's the aforementioned head, arms, or even the torso and legs, all are filled with intricate panel lines. If a skilled painter applies some detailing, these exquisite features will undoubtedly be further enhanced.
▼The staff/spear from the film can also be held, and the multi-fingered hands are quite striking.
▼A Supreme-level BOSS hot battle, whose ultimate iron fist will prevail?
▼Vehicle mode, similar in mechanism to previous toy versions, is likewise filled with a visual effect that is both sci-fi and slightly organic. The intricate panel lines covering the surface are still very impressive.
▼Viewed from the front, it quite resembles an arthropod with its claws bared.
▼Vehicle mode group photo. Sci-fi? Realistic? Retro? Trendy? No matter what style you prefer, Studio Series can meet all your needs!
And that concludes this unboxing report for Hasbro's latest wave of Transformers Studio Series. Each figure possesses its own unique charm, waiting for collectors to experience and discover. So, that's all for this sharing session, and we'll see you in the next unboxing!