Transformers: Robots in Disguise Season 1 plus Optimus Prime Figurine 4-DVD Box Set

When I was a kid back in the 1980s, I loved the original Transformers cartoon, and yet I am perfectly happy to tell you that I love this particular 2001 series, Robots In Disguise, just as much as the earlier show. In fact, in its native Japan, Car Robots (as it was originally called) has since become considered a part of the earlier show's continuity, slotting neatly in-between the second and third year of that initial "Generation 1" series; although the original Transformers have returned to outer space, a new leader named Fire Convoy (renamed Optimus Prime in the English-language overdub) and his small team of heroic Autobots have hidden themselves on Earth, disguised as vehicles, waiting for the inevitable day when the World is once again invaded by the evil Decepticons and Predacons. Many fans felt that this series strayed too far from the original, but speaking personally however, I have only ever seen the similarities between the two. As the show's Japanese name suggests, Car Robots was the first show in years to depict the heroes as car Transformers again, just like their classic predecessors, rather than as the beast-machines of the 1990s. Also, half of the villains in this show are natural born flyers, just like in the original series. Many elements, including scene transition "wipes", re-use of the Space Bridge, re-use of the 1984 Transformation sound-effect, and in particular the American version of the theme music, were clearly all inspired by the classic 1980s cartoon. The show was so popular in Europe, a number of episodes were edited together to form two feature-length movies; Transformers - The Film (Transformers - Il Film) and Transformers - The Final Chapter (Transformers - Capitolo Finale). The bullet-train Midnight Express, with his golden voiced accent, remains a firm favourite. When my eldest nephew was just a toddler, we loved watching this show together, and as he has grown up and been joined by many more nephews, we all still love it; we never get bored of Robots In Disguise!(  Transformers Robots In Disguise - Il Film  and  Transformers Robots In Disguise - Il Film - Capitolo Finale  )

I never liked the old packs, they looked a bit naff... but I really like the new artwork, gives it a nice modern feel and actually feels like it's had some effort put into it. Looks great on the shelf and the series ain't half bad either ;-)