Transformers (2007 film)

2007 Transformers film

Template:Transformers character Bumblebee makes an appearance as one of the Autobots in the 2007 live-action movie Transformers. Instead of a VW Beetle, he is a Chevrolet Camaro (the model year of which is upgraded in the movie). Due to a battle injury, he is rendered effectively mute, and communicates through use of selected playback of radio and television signals. The biography for the Decepticon Hardtop toy states that Hardtop and Bumblebee are old rivals and it was not Megatron who damaged Bumblebee's ability to speak, but a shot from Hardtop's gun. This, however, is in almost direct opposition of the movie's prequel.

Michael Bay stated in an early interview that Bumblebee stands about 17 feet tall <ref>Transformers Set Visit Preview! - Movie News - Latest Movie Reviews and trailers</ref>, but the scale of his Deluxe concept toy suggests he stands closer to 18 feet tall. The official guide to the Transformers video game says he's 16 feet tall.

Template:Double image The vehicles used for Bumblebee, Ironhide, Jazz and Ratchet were put on display by General Motors at the 2007 Detroit River Walk Festival a little over a week before the U.S. release of the film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In Hot Rod magazine's Nov. 2006 issue, Bumblebee was a feature article. Originally a worn-out 1969 Camaro, producers settled on a 1976 model.<ref name="BumblebeeYear">Template:Cite web</ref> It is painted yellow with black stripes, primer and rust patches, riveted hood scoop, Cragar SS wheels up front, Eric Vaughn Real Wheels in the back, marine-grade vinyl seats, and even an eight-track player. The fifth-generation Camaro model was built using a 2006 Pontiac GTO by Saleen, the body was built from the same GM R&D molds that were used in the 2006 Camaro Concept. Early photos show that Bumblebee can transform his right arm into an plasma cannon and has missile launchers in his shoulders. In addition to his firearms, Bumblebee can extend an axe-like "stinger" from his wrist, in a similar fashion to how Optimus releases his sword. Bumblebee uses this in close-quarters combat. It was most notable in the video game. The 1976 Camaro movie vehicle was sold on eBay with a winning bid of U.S. $40,100.01.

IDW Publishing

The Transformers: Movie Prequel revealed that in the battle of Tyger Pax, Megatron's forces attacked searching for the Allspark. Bumblebee's squad (which included Arcee) attempt to hold off the Decepticons, but are eventually overwhelmed. They are captured and tortured by Swindle, with Megatron intervening personally to torture Bumblebee for information. However, they refuse to speak long enough for Prime's secret plan to take effect - launching the Allspark into outer space. Megatron attempts to pursue it, but Bumblebee stops him. An enraged Megatron rips Bumblebee's arms off and crushes his voice capacitor, promising to seize the Allspark for himself eventually. Bumblebee recovers and is repaired, although his voice is damaged beyond repair. Bumblebee then volunteered to head into space to stop Megatron from acquiring it.

Eventually arriving on Mars in his protoform mode, Bumblebee then proceeded to Earth in 2003, his arrival tracked by the Hubble space telescope.

Upon landing in New York City, Bumblebee assumes the form of a beat-up Chevrolet Camaro, all the while avoiding the agents of the government organization known as Sector 7, who refer to him as NBE-2 (or Non-Biological Extraterrestrial 2). Bumblebee then downloaded information on Captain Archibald Witwicky. Arriving at the asylum where he had once been incarcerated, he found it was now a dilapidated ruin. Damaged by a pursuing Barricade, he then found emissions of something like the Allspark - unaware he was heading into Sector 7's trap. However, their plan to capture him was thwarted when Starscream, Barricade and Blackout arrived. As the Decepticons shot Sector 7's trap to pieces, Bumblebee escaped, pursued by Barricade. He escaped - unaware the Decepticons had let him go so that they could follow him and see what he knew about the Allspark. He is last seen in the series heading for Tranquility, Nevada - home of Captain Witwicky's descendant Sam.

He also appeared in the official movie sequel comic called "The Reign of Starscream". <ref>From the Tip: Rain of Starscream Part Deux</ref>

Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday

Bumblebee also appeared in the prequel novel Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday. Here it was revealed he could still communicate with the other Autobots via digital link. Bumblebee was part of Prime's Autobot team searching for the Allspark, and was described as one of the Autobots' best scouts. He was sent after the human vessel Ghost-1 (reverse engineered from studies of Megatron) to make contact, but was ambushed and forced underground by Starscream. Encountering giant rock-chewing worms, he was saved by Optimus Prime. Heading into the atmosphere once again, he and Ratchet took on Barricade, but were unable to stop Starscream from destroying the human vessel.

Target Robo-Vision

According to his extended biography from the Target store exclusive Robo-Vision web site Hardtop came to Earth and uncovered the Witwicky home before any of the other Decepticons, but was unable to attack the Witwickys because Bumblebee found him first and buried under a hundred tons of rubble in the Rocky Mountains.

Movie plot

File:Bumbleebee-earlymovie.jpg

Early movie models for Bumblebee

Bumblebee appears in the live-action Transformers movie in 2007, returning to his role as the friend of the Autobots' human ally - in this case, Sam Witwicky. Sam possesses the glasses of his great-great-grandfather Captain Archibald Witwicky, a famous explorer. Unknown to Sam, the glasses are engraved with the coordinates showing the location of the life-giving Allspark. Bumblebee is assigned to guard Sam from the Decepticons, and poses as a dilapidated 1976 Chevrolet Camaro as Sam and his father are buying a car for Sam. They eventually purchase Bumblebee, due in no small part to Bumblebee damaging every other car at the dealership to ensure his purchase.

Later, Bumblebee drives away from Sam's home to summon the Autobots. Sam thinks Bumblebee is being stolen, and chases the car on his bike. Sam then witnesses Bumblebee transforming into robot mode and reports it to the police, who believe he is on drugs.

Bumblebee returns to Sam and his crush Mikaela Banes and protects them from an attack by Barricade and Frenzy, earning Sam's trust. When Mikaela criticizes the poor condition of Bumblebee's vehicle mode, he scans a passing fifth-generation Camaro and transforms into the same model (in the comic adaptation he simply downloads information on the new model car over a wireless internet connection.) Bumblebee then drives Sam and Mikaela to an alley where they meet the other Autobots.

They return to Sam's house and retrieve the glasses, but a secret government organization, Sector 7, arrests Sam and Mikaela. The Autobots attempt to rescue them but Bumblebee is captured and taken by Sector 7. Sam eventually negotiates his release.

Bumblebee survives the massive battle at the film's climax, although he loses the use of his legs after helping Ironhide deflect missiles from Starscream. With Mikaela's aid, he is able to rejoin the battle supported by a tow truck, and destroys Devastator. After the battle, Bumblebee is fully repaired and asks to stay with Sam and is granted permission from both Sam and Optimus Prime. He is later seen alongside Ironhide, Ratchet, and Optimus watching the sunset at the end of the movie.

Bumblebee is voiced by Mark Ryan in the film, but he mostly speaks with his radio, having had his voice processor damaged (though his actual voice squeaks and whines laboriously through much of the movie). He also speaks with quotes from television shows and movies, in a way similar to Wreck-Gar from the 1986 film and season three of the G1 cartoon series. Screenwriter Roberto Orci explained Bumblebee regained his voice through the regenerative laser Ratchet fires at his neck as they meet, and it eventually works its magic by the end of the film. He agreed this was not made clear.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It should be noted that Frenzy is regenerated upon coming into contact with the Allspark, and so it is entirely plausible that Bumblebee's voice, along with his legs, is also healed by the Allspark, though no mention of this is made in the film.

As a tribute to the original form of Bumblebee, a yellow Volkswagen Beetle appears next to him at the car dealership. Bumblebee damages the Beetle in order to ensure that Sam purchases him. He also has a bee-shaped air freshener attached to his rear view mirror with the words "bee-otch". The air freshener was the subject of a lawsuit for $850,000 due to its alleged resemblance to another design.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Video game

Bumblebee is a playable character, and is the most-used character in the Autobot campaign, where the character uses Bumblebee in 9 missions in the Autobot campaign, out of the total 18. He is playable in both the old and new camaro cars. Bumblebee also appears as a boss in the Decepticon campaign, with a radial blast attack.

Movie toys

• Movie Legends Bumblebee (2007)

Released as part of the first wave of Movie Legends toys, this 8 centimeter long Classic Camaro is 1/64 scale to the real vehicle.

A bootleg of this toy was manufacted by a toy maker in China called "Deform Formers". This version of the toy is nearly identical to the original toy, except it stands about 7 inches tall in robot mode and has the Autobot symbol removed.

• Movie Legends Bumblebee Scanning Version (2007)

A Japanese exclusive bundled with the September 2007 issue of Hyper Hobby magazine, this version of Legends Bumblebee is molded in transparent yellow, depicting him in scanning mode before being formatted into his alternate mode. [1]

• Movie Legends Bumblebee Metallic Version (2007)

A limited Japanese exclusive release that was available with pre-orders of the Transformers movie DVD.

• Movie Legends Bumblebee redeco (2008)

A repaint of Legends Bumblebee with battle damage. Comes in a 2-pack with Legends Class Scorponok. <ref>Transformers Allspark Battles: Bumblebee Vs. Scorponok - Product Detail</ref>

• Movie Jollibee Bumblebee (2007)

A kids meal toy promotional item available at Jollibee restaurants in the Philippines from June to July of 2007. This toy was a slightly enlarged and simplified version of the Movie Legends mold. <ref>Cybertron Philippines » Blog Archive » Jollibee The Transformers Movie Kiddie Meal Toys</ref>

• Movie Cyber Slammers Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) (2007)

A Scout Class toy designed for younger children, with a very simple transformation and a pull back motor. The upper portion of the vehicle pops up into robot mode when it hits an object.

• Movie Cyber Slammers Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

Similar to the first version of Bumblebee, only with the new Camaro design.

• Movie Fast Action Battlers Plasma Punch Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

A Deluxe Class transforming toy with simplified transformation for younger children. Features launching plasma bolt projectile.

• Movie Deluxe Class Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) (2007)

A Deluxe class toy with a detailed transformation and Automorph technology. Aside from black stripes, Bumblebee is decorated with burn marks all over, signifying battle damage rather than his dirty, rusted-up condition depicted in the film. The Japanese version released by Takara Tomy comes with clear blue plastic windows and projectiles. This toy is 14 centimeters long in vehicle mode. This toy was designed by Alex Kubalsky. <ref>PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Transformers’ Toy Design</ref>

This mold was made into a Chinese bootleg figure in late 2007 under the name Distortion Hornet.

• Movie Deluxe Class Metallic Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) (2007)

A Lawson exclusive in Japan. This Deluxe toy is repainted in metallic gold with black stripes. [2]

• Movie Deluxe Class Bumblebee vs. Barricade: First Encounter (2007)

A Wal-Mart exclusive gift set featuring Deluxe Bumblebee (Classic Camaro) and Barricade. [3]

• Movie Deluxe Class Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

Like the Classic Camaro version, this Deluxe toy features Automorph technology and a complex transformation. Comes with a laser cannon that opens to become a clear blue blade. Arguably the closest transforming toy in resembling his film counterpart, this Deluxe Bumblebee is the fastest-selling in the entire movie toy line and has been fetching large numbers on eBay. This toy is about 14 centimeters long in vehicle mode. With a real Concept Camaro being 473 centimeters long this toy has a scale of about 1/32. With the toy standing 16 centimeters tall in robot mode, the real robot would stand about 18 feet tall.

Also released in red as Cliffjumper.

• Movie Deluxe Class Bumblebee Repaint (Camaro Concept) (2008)

A Target exclusive, packaged in robot mode and inside a clear, cylindrical package. Features light blue highlights on parts of the robot's body to simulate the Allspark's effects.

• Movie Premium Deluxe Class Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2008)

Similar to the Deluxe Bumblebee released a year prior, but with notable differences. First, the head is sculpted in Armored mode. Second, the car mode is in a metallic yellow finish with more detailed black stripes. And third, the limbs and Plasma Cannon are molded in gray instead of black. <ref>Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Resource</ref>

• Movie Deluxe Class Stealth Bumblebee(2008)

A repaint of Deluxe Class Bumblebee with black stripes and yellow body colors switched.

• Movie Deluxe Class Bumblebee: Evolution of a Hero (2007)

A Target exclusive, featuring both versions of Deluxe Bumblebee. The Camaro Concept in this package is a "battle damaged" repaint. [4]

• Screen Battles: Capture of Bumblebee Deluxe Class set (2007)

Deluxe Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) comes packaged in this mini-diorama with figurines of Agent Simmons and two Sector 7 operatives. Unlike the regular packaged version, this version of Bumblebee has his limbs molded in gray instead of black, and his mouth has been painted silver as well<ref>http://www.collectiondx.com/node/2329 review of Movie Scenes Capture of Bumblebee on CollectionDX.com</ref>. [5]

• Screen Battles: Final Stand Deluxe Class set (2007)

This package includes the Deluxe Classic Camaro Bumblebee (though Bumblebee was towed as a Concept Camaro in the movie) and Deluxe-class Autobot Longarm. While some of the labels on Longarm are more movie-accurate than his first regular release, the figure of Bumblebee provided cannot transform and has limited poseability<ref>http://www.collectiondx.com/node/2358 review of Movie Scenes Final Stand on CollectionDX.com</ref>.

• Movie Ultimate Bumblebee (2007)

The largest - and effectively, the most expensive - Transformers movie toy in the market. This represents Bumblebee's New Camaro form, and it also has eyes that light up, creates sounds (robotic transformations and voices), and stands up to more than 12 inches tall in height. The arms and door "wings" also move at the push of a button. Plays more than 17 different sounds and nine samples of songs, including "Whip It" by Devo. Oddly enough, this version of Bumblebee is less accurate than the Movie Deluxe Bumblebee (Camaro Concept). [6] The toy is mistransformed in the package, and all promo photos of the figure made the same mistake, presenting the car hood as a solid block resting on Bumblebee's chest. In reality, it splits up into five separate pieces to fold and collapse into a more movie-like appearance.

A Wal-Mart exclusive version was bundled with Deluxe Class Decepticon Brawl and Scorponok. <ref>Ultimate Bumblebee bonus pack with Deluxe Scorponok and Deluxe Brawl found!</ref>

Ultimate Bumblebee was among the toys chosen as "12 Best toys of 2007" by Parija B. Kavilanz, senior writer at CNNMoney.com. <ref>12 Best toys of 2007 - Transformers Arm Blasters & Movie Ultimate Bumblebee (12) - CNNMoney.com</ref>

• Micro IR Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

A RadioShack exclusive. This micro Radio-controlled car moves forward and back, and features simple transformation to robot mode. The gun-shaped controller doubles as a ball-point pen. [7]

• 3D Battle Card Game Bumblebee (2007)

Bumblebee is among the characters which appeared in the 1st wave of Transformers 3D Battle Card Game by Wizards of the Coast.

Non-transforming merchandise

• Movie Cyber Stompin' Bumblebee (2007)

This is a large, non-transforming toy than can create sound effects and play a sample of the original Transformers theme song.

• Movie Robot Replicas Bumblebee (2007)

A poseable, non-transforming action figure that comes with a Plasma Cannon that can be attached on either arm.

• Movie Robot Replicas Bumblebee Screen Battle: Final Stand (2007)

A legless version of Robot Replicas Bumblebee comes packaged in this mini-diorama with Deluxe Class Longarm (which is decorated with "Mike's Towing" labels as seen on the film instead of "Orson's Towing" on the regular packaged version). In addition, Longarm has a Mikaela figurine inside the driver's compartment. [8]

• Movie Unleashed Bumblebee (2007)

A fully detailed, non-transforming sculpture featuring Bumblebee in an action pose. A Kmart exclusive version includes Issue #1 of the movie prequel comic book. [9]

• 2-in-1 Beamers Bumblebee (2007)

A fully detailed sculpt of Bumblebee's head that doubles as an LED flashlight and night light. Also emits sound effects at the push of a button.

• Beatmix Bumblebee (2007)

This is a large, non-transforming unit that can be connected to an iPod or other MP3 player. He dances, lights up, plays the music in the player, and can add Transformers movie sound effects to said music.

• XMODS Evolution Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

A RadioShack exclusive. This Radio-controlled car is part of the XMODS line, featuring digital proportional steering and upgradeable parts. A weapons & light kit is also available, featuring a hood-mounted machine gun and door-mounted missile launchers. [10]

• ZipZaps Micro RC Bumblebee (Camaro Concept) (2007)

A RadioShack exclusive. Part of the ZipZaps line, this is a micro Radio-controlled car that runs on a rechargeable battery (the controller doubles as the charger). [11]

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