Not long ago, J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias), one of the executive producers/directors, are in talks with Hasbro making a live-action film based on the Microman series.  Hasbro bought the license over the 70’s classic series as it was part of the company’s long term strategy which lead to its phenomenal debut of Transformers G1 in the 80s, thanks to Takara’s (blessed) efforts in expanding Microman product lines into this range of vehicle-transforming robots called Diaclone series.

After reading their article,  I decided (with plenty of enthusiastic reasons) to go online and research further what made Microman such a hit in the late 70s….

And here’s what I encountered!

Microman series 1976-1980

From the look of this video, it consolidates all the great Microman commercial series, showcasing all the different models were made during that 4-5 year tenure.  Here are some of them.

Microman Vintage Commercial – One

Microman Vintage  Commercial – Two

Microman Vintage Commericial – Three

Later on, Takara,( its original company name before being rebranded as TakaraTomy) saw its Microman toylines’ potential to expand them, and eventually created an entirely new brand of toylines called the Diaclones, which are the shape-shifting miniatures that can disguise themselves into any toy vehicles ie cars, devices, airplanes, trucks etc.

Aka that’s how Transformers G1 series was born.

Here’s a couple of interesting early making of Transformers.

First Jazz Appearance

First Optimus Prime Appearance

First Dinobot Appearance

So, there you have it. Plenty of history going on here behind these vintage Japanese TV ads and how Transformers’ evolution gotten here.

Rest assured I’m certainly looking forward to watch Transformers G1’s predecessor in the big screen!!

Source: ANN.com

Well… Isn’t this turn out to be quite of a sudden move.

If rumours proven to be true…

Astro Boy Worldwide Movie Poster

With only barely a little over 7 days to go before its worldwide release, there’s been some talks from Imagi’s making plans to have a sequel for the Astro Boy film, whether or not the film will be a big success or not in the USA. Which begs the question, are they willing to gamble everything on the table to see the things fly.

Here’s an excerpt from MTV.com’s post.

The Imagi Animation Studios-produced “Astro Boy” hasn’t even hit theaters yet, but watchdogs are waiting with bated breath for the movie’s upcoming release—because the success or failure of the movie will have an immediate impact on the franchise’s future.

The Hollywood Reporter runs down a veritable laundry list of reasons why the success of “Astro Boy” is so important both for Imagi and other studios, particularly noting that a strong showing for the manga adaptation could lead to “Astro Boy II” launching into production shortly after the first movie’s release on October 23, 2009….
Source: MTV.com

Read here for more info.

Source: MTV.com

Just as things are going to heat up as the world premiere approaches in 7 days time, I might as well present yyou the scoop on Astro Boy’s Hollywood celebrities interviews, starring Kristen Bell and Freddie Alfred Highmore.

Here’s the video clip captured at this year’s Comic Con, held in San Diego.

But WAIT A SEC…. can you recognise those two here? When have we seen them before? And how?

It took me a few eye blinks to readjust my eyeballs position and have a good look at Kristen Bell, and reached conclusion that Kristen Bell played the character heroine in Veronica Mars.

Goodness! It’s been a long while since we had that show running in New Zealand. I thought the series has ended, hasn’t it? At least, that’s what appeared to be for us down-under.

And then we have Freddie Highmore, who used a number of child acting roles, not many of us were fully aware of. According to his filmography, he’s done Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Golden Compass and his latest work The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Here’s some of his brief movie clips trailers.

Freddie Highmore in Finding Neverland, 2002

Freddie Highmore in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005

Freddie Highmore in The Spiderwick Chronicles, 2007

It couldn’t believe it’s been that many years passed since Freddie Highmore played a number of child acting roles. And well!  He’s all grown up! And now playing one of the coolest anime characters of all time!

Are you a big fan of Kristen Bell and/or Freddie Highmore?

Source: YouTube.com

Astro Boy - Up, Up and Away!

I just went over to make a complete review of this week’s development of our favourite 50-year-old anime icon, Astro Boy, and found there are other movie release dates recently been announced. And I thought I should inform you in advance so you won’t miss the important scoop as September 2009 is coming to a close in 5 days time.

According to Imagi, they’re going to have a world premiere on the 5th October, held in Japan.  The production including director, David Bowers, producer, Maryan Garger, along with Japanese voice actors, Aya Ueto and Koji Yakusho are expected to attend the premiere.  The Japan’s release is set for 10th October, if you do not know that already.

In Hong Kong, where IMAGI’s headquarters are based, they’re going to have their own premiere on 17th October. Hong Kong voice actors, Aaron Kwok and Goum Ian Iskandar will be attending there along with IMAGI’s production crew.

And then, across the Pacific ocean, we have the North American counterpart, where Los Angeles is having their USA premiere, which is held on 19th October.  Hollywood celebrities that are casted for the film’s voice acting include Freddie Highmore, Kirsten Bell and Nicolas Cage are expected to attend.  Though, after reading its list of cast on this link, I couldn’t understand why the other big celebrities were not mentioned to attend like Donald Sutherland and Samuel L Jackson. Very odd.  Nevertheless, I certainly hope they’d still go since they are just as important as any other voice actors in the film.

The worldwide release is set on 23th October.

Only 29 nights of sleep to go…

Source: Cinemarx, Ainiticool, BlastMagazine, ANN.com