Is it a sequel, a reboot, or something much more than meets the eye? For the 440 lucky Transformers fans gathered at Shaw Theatres IMAX Waterway Point on Friday, 30 August for an exclusive early IMAX screening of Transformers One, two weeks prior to its official release.
This event, hosted by Geek Culture (the region’s leading online entertainment, tech and gaming media) and UIP Singapore, marked a monumental occasion as it not only celebrated the first animated Transformers movie in nearly 40 years, it allowed parents who grew up on the 1986 film, Transformers: The Movie, to now bring their children to experience the same with Transformers One.
The air crackled with anticipation as attendees, many sporting their favourite Transformers gear (one even brought his Universal Studios Beijing-exclusive Grimlock popcorn bucket), eagerly awaited a glimpse into the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Fans of the franchise were treated not only to an advanced viewing of the film, but also to an immersive fan experience that included photo ops with life-size statues of beloved characters such as Orion Pax (Optimus Prime), D-16 (Megatron), B-127 (Bumblebee), and Elita-1.
The event didn’t just stop at the screening; attendees were engaged with in-hall trivia activities where they could win a plethora of prizes from Hasbro Singapore, Blokees, and The Falcon’s Hangar, totalling over S$4,000 in value. Prizes ranged from exclusive action figures and play sets to limited edition collectibles, including the biggest toy, a Transformers Generations Titans Return – Fortress Maximus worth S$320, fuelling the passion of every fan in attendance.
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, everyone even walked away with a swag bag packed with goodies, including exclusive collector’s prints, a Transformers Run 2024 race pass, and a Blokees Transformers figure. The first 50 fans at each screening also scored an additional Blokees Sharkticon Storage Box Figure!
But the real treat is the film itself. Transformers One dives deep into the untold origin story of Orion Pax and D-16, chronicling their evolution from comrades to leaders of opposing factions in the Cybertronian war. The film explores the previously referenced but untold story around their bond and eventual fallout, setting the stage for their iconic roles as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Boasting a star-studded voice cast featuring Chris Hemsworth as Orion Pax/Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as D-16/Megatron, Scarlett Johansson as Elita-1, Keegan-Michael Key as B-127/Bumblebee, Steve Buscemi as Starscream, Laurence Fishburne as Alpha Trion, and Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, the film brings these iconic characters to life in a whole new way.
For many fans, the screening was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, evoking memories of the classic 1986 animated film. But it was also a glimpse into a promising future for the Transformers franchise, one filled with exciting new stories and stunning visuals. As the credits rolled and the lights came up, it was clear that Transformers One had reignited the spark in the hearts of fans, young and old. This special fan screening was more than just an early look at a movie, it was also a celebration of a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain generations.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Si Jia
