The plot: The Autobots, with the help of an annoying little child, must protect the Allspark from the evil Decepticons.

When I watched the pilot, I thought the latest “Transformers” animated series had potential, even if it was incredibly flawed. After viewing the entire first season, however, I can honestly say the series actually worsens with each passing episode. None of the problems get ironed out here. Optimus Prime is still a wimp, Bumblbee and Bulkhead are still goofy idiots, and the episode plots are wafer thin (see the Dinobot “Jurassic Park” rip-off episode). About the only positive aspects of the show are villains Megatron (when he finally becomes more than a talking head) and Starscream. The writers and animators nailed their characters. It’s a shame they couldn’t do the same for the others.

Overall: Once again, I would recommend just watching “Transformers G-1” instead as that animated series will likely never be topped.

Note: Season 1 does not contain the three part pilot. The pilot is available on a separate disc titled “Transformers- Animated: Transform And Roll Out” which I also reviewed for dvdcorner.net.

The fullscreen animation looks sharp for a DVD release, but that is to be expected as the series is brand new.

The Dolby Digital Stereo track sounds quite good for a Stereo track. The action and dialogue sounded especially good.

Extras:

* An ad for the “Transformers- Animated” DS game.

* Transformers season two photo gallery sneak peek.