After reviewing the "Transformers" DVD last week, I was curious as to how it compared to the HD-DVD version. Having now seen the HD-DVD copy, I can now say this disc contains superior video and audio quality and even more extras.

The story: A nerdy teenager named Sam Witwicky learns that he has the key to the Allspark Cube. He quickly becomes aware that both evil (Decepticons) and good (Autobot) alien robots are seeking the key. What makes the Allspark Cube so important is that if it falls into the hands of the Decepticons, leader Megatron will create a massive army that will threaten everyone. Now, it's up to the Optimus Prime and the Autobots (and humans) to stop the Decepticons. "Transformers" starts out promising with an enjoyable first 70 minutes, but the movie soon spirals out of control once the useless Sector 7 subplot comes into play. From there on out there is nothing but characters (Agent Simmons and Glen) who accomplish nothing, a horrendous slapstick sequence in a backyard, an Xbox 360 and Mountain Dew vending machine turning into Transformers, choppy hyperactive editing in which you can barely see the robots fighting, a completely anti-climactic and clumsy ending, and Bay's trademark orange sky. As much as I respect and admire Steven Spielberg, I have to question why he approved the script and chose Michael Bay as the director. Bay may be a talented director, but he consistently falls into the same traps that ruin his other work. If I may Michael Bay, a few words of advice. 1. Get a different lighting style. The orange darkness surrounding the characters is unnatural and appears unattractive. Think Earth tones. 2. Abandon the handheld/steady cam. One of the main issues I had with the film was how the fight sequences were shot. The camera is TOO close to the action. Half the time all we see is parts flashing across the screen. I would like to actually see what is going on. Pull the camera back and use FILM to shoot it. 3. Abandon the editing style. Good films don't cut every 3 seconds. Let the scenes breathe a little. There is no need to assault viewers with headache-inducing editing. "Transformers" isn't all worthless. Shia LeBeouf proves his acting abilities here and is the only cast member who is remotely likeable (not to mention the only character that isn't one dimensional). I look forward to seeing him in "Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skulls." I also enjoyed a few of the action sequences, most notably Starscream destroying the fighter planes and Optimus beating down Bonecrusher on the freeway. Speaking of Optimus, I was very glad Peter Cullen (voice of Optimus Prime on the animated series) returned in this feature film to voice Optimus in the film. At least Michael Bay did something right.

The widescreen 1080p picture quality is unquestionably superior to the DVD transfer. It's amazing how many little details you notice while watching it on HD. Everything from the grease smears on Bumblebee to the explosions appear clearer (it felt like the dust and debris was actually in my room). Unfortunately, the grain also looks clearer, but I suppose that's not exactly a flaw as Bay's direction was meant to look raw and rough at times. Viewers can watch the film with English SDH and French and Spanish subtitles. The English 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus seemed to be more layered than the Dolby track on the DVD. I got a greater sense of being right there in the action along with the Autobots and Decepticons. French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus tracks have also been included here.

The HD-DVD copy not only contains all of the extras from the DVD version, but it has a few exclusive features as well. On disk 1, there are web enabled features. I don't have my HD player connected to the Internet, but I have been told the web features include new menus, new content uploaded weekly, and fact sheets on the various robots. Also on disk 1 is the "Transformers Heads Up Display." This bonus includes facts that pop up during the film (such as vehicle specs, a Peter Cullen bio, etc.) as well as interviews and behind the scenes video clips that appear in the right hand corner of the screen. It is not recommended that you play this during your first viewing as this feature interrupts dialogue. Hardcore "Transformers" fans will no doubt want to play this on repeated viewings. Disk 2 also has a new exclusive extra titled "Transformers Tech Inspector," in which you can observe and rotate the head, torso, and base of various Transformers (Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Starscream, Ironhide, and Blackout). Kids should get a kick out of this extra.

If you are going to buy "Transformers," pick up the HD-DVD copy. Not only does it contain additional extras, but the hi-def video transfer is top notch.