Episode #16
Til All Are One: Transformers: The Movie (1986) 40th Anniversary
On this cybernetic episode of the Calcopia Podcast our own valiant Autobots Sebastian Stoddard, Chris Mitchell, and Nathan Evans merge to talk about 1986’s Transformers: The Movie, or more specifically the 40th Anniversary celebration that saw the film re-released to theaters alongside the new animated short Optimus Prime: Awakening, featuring the final performance of Peter Cullen, who passed away this summer at age 85, having taught generations of kids (and adults) to be strong enough to be gentle. Released in the summer of 1986, Transformers: The Movie would overcome its initial box-office stumble to become one of the most influential animated movies of all-time. Listen as our trio go through four decades of Transformers history, from the early days as separate Japanese toy lines Diaclone and Microman (aka Micro Change) before the two were merged and given new life as robots in disguise. Four decades later, the Transformers have endured, proving there was more to them than meets the eye. They also discuss how the film featured an unprecedented level of emotional complexity (and violence) for a cartoon meant to sell toys to children, its unbelievable voice cast of legends past and present, including the last performance of Orson Welles (Citizen Kane) as the planet-munching Unicron, and how the controversial death of Optimus Prime may be the most significant moment in Transformers history. And let’s not forget that soundtrack, led by Vince DiCola (Staying Alive, Rocky IV) and spawning legendary tracks by Stan Bush (The Touch, Dare), “Weird Al” Yankovic (Dare to Be Stupid), and owed much to the AOR anthems of John Farnham (Rad, Savage Streets). Transform, roll out, and listen today!
