1986: The animated feature film "The Transformers: The Movie" is released in theaters. 1992: Hasbro introduces "Transformers: Generation 2," recolored versions of figures from the earlier years. There is also an animated TV series featuring CGI graphics.
1994: The first "Transformers" fan convention, known as BotCon, is held in Fort Wayne, Ind. 2004: The 20th anniversary of the Transformers is celebrated by releasing a special version of Optimus Prime. 2005: DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures announce they will bring a live-action version of "The Transformers" to the big screen.
2007: "Transformers" movie is released. When "The Transformers" toy line hit American stores, shape-shifting robots became the craze. Several toy lines that already existed capitalized on the popularity, and a slew of knock-offs hit the market.
GoBots: Transforming robot toys produced by Tonka from 1983 to 1986. Rock Lords: A GoBots spinoff of transforming rocks from Tonka in 1986, based on the movie "GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords." Changeables: Also known as McRobots, these McDonald's toys were packaged with Happy Meals in 1987.
Diaclone: A toy line by Takara Toys launched in 1980 consisted of transforming vehicles and robots piloted by miniature figures. Robo Machines: European transforming robot toys released by Bandai from 1982 to 1988. The "Transformers" movie originated with producers Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto, who, with support from fans on the Internet, rehired Peter Cullen as the voice of Autobot leader Optimus Prime.
Cullen had portrayed the character in the 1980s TV series. Director Michael Bay at first turned down the project, calling it a "stupid toy movie." Bay spent most of the film's $147 million budget on more than 14 action sequences.
To portray the sentient cars, stunt drivers wore black clothing and balaclava helmets to conceal themselves. Industrial Light Magic spent 38 hours rendering each frame of the characters' digital models. For example, Ironhide's gun has 10,000 pieces.
The film soundtrack features a remake of the original "Transformers" theme performed by New Orleans electro-rockers Mute Math. In May, DreamWorks gave the greenlight to two "Transformers" sequels, with actors Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Peter Cullen signing on. The Decepticon Soundwave will be a new major character in the sequels.
1986: The animated feature film "The Transformers: The Movie" is released in theaters.
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