Shout! Inks Home-Entertainment Deal for 1986 Transformers

LOS ANGELES: Shout! Factory has secured a multiyear distribution deal with Hasbro Studios to bring the original 1986 animated feature film Transformers: The Movie to the home-entertainment market in the U.S. and Canada.

Under the agreement, Shout! Factory has exclusive North American home entertainment packaged media rights, including Blu-ray and DVD, as well as select digital rights, to Hasbro’s Transformers: The Movie. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the animated film, which features the voice talents of Orson Welles in his final role, Transformers: The Movie will be newly remastered and transferred in HD. Bonus content and collectible packaging are already in development, and Shout! Factory expects to roll out the 30th anniversary edition on September 13.

“The Transformers franchise has been part of American popular culture for more than 30 years, developing into one of the most recognizable brands around the globe,” said Stephen Davis, the chief content officer and executive VP of Hasbro. “Transformers: The Movie played a huge role in the brand’s early success, laying the foundation for major motion pictures, several successful TV series, clothing and apparel, toys and much more. We are thrilled to work with Shout! Factory to deliver the original movie to fans in a completely remastered HD experience.”

Transformers: The Movie is a highly sought-after animated feature, boasting a large fan following and consumer interest,” added Melissa Boag, the senior VP of kids and family entertainment at Shout! Factory. “On its 30th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating this film by bringing it to North America on Blu-ray for the first time. Having worked closely with Hasbro Studios on top brands like animated series Transformers Robots in Disguise, G.I. Joe a Real American Hero, Transformers Prime, My Little Pony, My Little Pony Equestria Girls movies and more, this is incredibly exciting and important news for us. We look forward to bringing Transformers: The Movie, featuring all-new HD transfer with stunning packaging and great extras to fans and on family home-entertainment shelves.”