Back at the end September of 2011 the 2D version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon (see here for 2D review) was released with the exception of the 3D version that was seen in theaters. Naturally, questions and criticize was brewing about the decision of the studio to withhold the 3D version. Fast forward to the end of January 2012 and we finally see the 3D version of the film, the one version in which this film is truly meant to be seen. Honestly, it was worth the wait, I saw in theaters in 3D and I thought it was good, so this time around I knew exactly what to expect and it delivered.

Just like Avatar, Transformers was filmed using 3D cameras and it wasn’t just some post production addition, so the effects are of much better quality. From beginning to end the 3D effects helps viewers engage in the action. 3D is really the way to see this film and simply watching the very first scene as the Autobot’s ship is trying to escape Cybertron and the way the 3D effects are showing the depth of the picture is simply awesome. Michael Bay’s ability to really focus and use the 3D equipment to its full capacity really shows in the final product. I can sit here and recall all the great scenes but why ruin it? But even if you don’t have a 3D setup the 3D version is also accompanied by a 2D version of the film.

Even though Michael Bay promised to tone down on the action and focus more on the story, that’s not quite what happened here, obviously this was a much better motion picture than Revenge of the Fallen, but the film was definitely enjoyable. There’s still plenty of robots, destruction, flying, mayhem, etc. that comes to represent Michael Bay’s style. I am happy that Bay returned to what made the first film successful, he returned to developing the characters more and giving them what was missed in RotF. This definitely made the film better, the rest is the same old awesome mayhem. However, I can tell you that the story lacked in certain portions and it does feel like it drags on for a bit towards the end of the movie. This in no way will impact the overall entertaining factor of DotM.

Transformers 3 comes to you with a 1080p transfer that would make the Easter bunny jealous. The colors pop and are vibrant at every effect. The CGI is downright amazing. It truly feels like an incredible representation of how every hue was intended to look. The age or battle damage effects on the Autobots/Decepticons look perfect and the blacks are extremely deep where needing be. No different with audio on a Michael Bay flick, the video quality is top notch!

For the 3D version of the film the above remains the same. The picture is clean with vibrant and yet very natural colors that are truly eye candy. Skin tones remain very natural and lifelike. Detailing is simply stunning. The 3D effects are amazing, the image features a great deal of depth that you tell the objects and space between them. There are plenty of scenes that showcase the 3D effects and the film doesn’t shy away from taking advantage of the technology. There are no real problems with this transfer, it simply well worth the wait.

The audio quality on this release is out of this world. It’s beyond 5 stars, it’ll rock your socks off. Boasting a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio track Transformers 3 dishes it out and impresses even little kids in how awesome the sound is. The Fronts will be taking the major portion of this audio load along with your center channel if you have a home theater set up. The sub will get plenty of action too and the rears will engulf you in this audio excellence. And that’s exactly what you would come to expect from a Michael Bay film. Audiophiles rejoice

Above and Beyond: Exploring Dark of the Moon – This section includes 6 different parts (including the credits).
1. Rising from the Fallen: Development and Design – Filmmakers and actors talk about the design challenges and everything they can make in a bigger scale. The entire cast talks about the shortcomings of the 2nd film and how they could improve the spectacle along with a better written story. Viewers get to see some early designs of robots and designs. This is very interesting piece to watch, if you like the background of the robots.

2. Ready for Primetime: Filming Across America – Filmmakers and actors talk about filming the movie using various techniques including using 3D. There’s some interesting tidbits about the filming the scene of the building falling and how it was achieved. This featurette shows viewers all the difficulties Michael Bay and his crew had when filming at the various locations across the U.S.

3. Battle in the Heartland: Shooting in Chicago – This is a featurette worth watching; see the transformation of the Windy City as to a battlefield. The crew talks about the challenges encountered during shooting and all the work it took to get shoot done.

4. Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts – See the wingsuit skydiver scene was done. No props, it was at real, see how it was achieved! This piece is definitely worth watching.

5. Shadow of the Sentinel: Post-Production and Release – This featurette deals more with the film editing. Editors talk about how it is to work with Michael Bay and cutting sequences for Transformers.

Uncharted Territory: NASA’s Future Then and Now – This featurette talks about NASA and space traveling. There’s a lot of information about what’s happening today in NASA.

Deconstructing Chicago: Multi-Angle Sequences – This featurette contains two sections with a set of mini featurettes each:
1. Previsualizations – This set of featurettes includes a previsualization and a final shot comparison. Also, each one has the option of audio commentary with the filmmakers.
a. Doomsday Plan
b. Assault on the Humans
c. Evening the Score
d. Sam Fights Laserbeak
e. Brains & Wheelie Left Behind
f. Osprey Approach
g. Building Slide
h. Colossus vs Building
i. Sam vs Starscream
j. Autobot Capture
k. Optimus to the Rescue
l. Carly Confronts Megatron
2. Visual Effects – This set of featurettes includes the visual effects breakdowns and the final shot comparisons. Just like the last set, each will include an option for audio commentary.
a. Mothership
b. Assault on the Humans
c. Laserbeak
d. Fully Armored
e. Osprey Approach / Aerial Incursion
f. Tilted Building
g. Trapped
h. Drilled Attack
i. Brains & Wheelie Cause Havoc
j. Sentinel Prime
k. City Under Siege
l. Carly Confronts Megatron

The Art of Cybertron – Split into 4 different sections: Autobots, Decepticons, Environments, Weapons and Gear, and Ships. There are tons of artwork and concept art to see. Enjoy.

Dark of the Moon Archive – There are four different featurettes included:
1. 3D: A Transforming Visual Art: A Conversation with Michael Bay and James Cameron – Michael Bay and James Cameron talk about 3D and what it was to shot in 3D and how it fit for Transformers. It’s almost like a Q&A session as well since we have a moderator asking questions and the directors are answering to the audience. It’s a short piece though not enough to really keep you going.
2. Moscow World Premier – See the premier straight from Moscow. Actors and filmmakers talk about the franchise straight from the re….green carpet in Russia.
3. Birdmen Featurette –This is a much shorter piece than “Attack of the Birdmen: Aerial Stunts”, this is not really worth watching if you already seen the other featurette.
4. Cody’s iPod – Michael Bay doing an act of charity by providing an iPod to a very persistent fan.
5. The Sound of Transformers Dark of the Moon – Sound designers talk about working with Michael Bay and the work needed for Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

The Matrix of Marketing – Trailers and Marketing Gallery comprise this section.

I am not a fan of double dipping, I am sure that I am not the only one who shares that notion, however I will say that I enjoyed the 3D version of Transformers: Dark of the Moon a lot more than the 2D version. There’s a more wow factor when you are watching the action in 3D, but that may just be me. Regardless, the picture looks amazing when the relentless action begins on the screen and objects are flying out of the screen. Personally, this is the way this third installment should be watched. The Blu-ray offers great video and audio. Also, this release is jammed packed with supplements that are definitely worth watching. I would highly recommend the 3D version if you have a 3D setup, if not well there’s still a 2D disc in the package.