Transformers Masterpiece Movie MPM-13 Blackout Turnaround Videos & Comments By Hasbro Designer Sam Smith

Hasbro’s designer Sam Smith, via his Instagram account, has treated us with some great turnaround videos of the recently revealed Masterpiece Movie MPM-13 Blackout.

We have not only two 360-view videos of Blackout in robot and alt mode but an extra video featuring Scorponok. To top it all, Sam is also sharing very interesting comments about the development of the Masterpiece version of one of the most well-remembered Decepticons from the live-action movies.

Update: Sam Smith have just uploaded a set of CAD file comparison images of MPM Blackout and SS Blackout/Grindor for those wondering about scale.

Not much left to say, so you click on each title to watch Blackout robot mode video, Blackout alt mode video and Scorponok video. Alternatively, you can watch a YouTube mirror after the jump together with Sam’s comments after the jump.

*Comments from 360 robot mode video

MPM-13 Movie Masterpiece TF1 Blackout

“Blackout incoming… All hail Megatron!”

Im thrilled to officially share the US debut of MPM Blackout. This was such a fun character to develop with Tomo Tatsumi at Takara Tomorrow. Blackout was by far my favorite design from the first Transformers film, and it was great to get the chance to contribute to an all new version of the figure.

This bot mode is loaded with articulation, fine textures, painted mechanical working, weathering and never before used details. We tried pulling out all the stops to set this figure apart from the Studio Series Release. There are so many exposed tech panels, where we were able to treat the figure with metallic washes and dry brush effects, while also highlighting some awesome copper details to really make them pop. Every piece of dark exposed metallic plastic, was treated with some level of weathering to capture the distressed movie look.

I think the detailing that I was most excited for the on robot mode have to be the subtle additions to the face (yellow pin striping over the eyebrows) along with the “NO STEP” printed on the tops of his hands, as you see him reaching for the server unit inside of the base.

As we make our way to the weaponry, this Blackout is geared up. The figure includes dual mind guns which can be utilized in both robot and vehicle modes, along with a rotating chest port to reveal the chest cannon that he uses in the airfare base. Additionally Blackout includes 2 all new PVC blast effects which use our 3mm post system, and can be plugged into any of these weapon locations.

Lastly, he includes his screen accurate arm mounted rotor blades, with a rotating top surface to alternate between the helicopter accurate face, vs the robot weaponized surface.

Stand tuned for more details when I cover off on a traditional Screen to Toy breakdown for MPM Blackout.

*Comments from 360 alt mode video

MPM-13 Movie Masterpiece TF1 Blackout

“Sir, it says here 4500X was shot down three months ago in Afghanistan.”
“That’s got to be a mistake, check again then re-check”

There is so much detail on the vehicle mode for Blackout, and it was great to have a format to help bring some of those details to life. Blackout is based on a licensed Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low helicopter (USAF REG 4500X). As far as the helicopter is concerned, it is the most accurate representation that we have ever taken on. It features an enclosed finished bottom to the hull, a function cargo ramp (to store Scorponok) articulating tail fin, rotors and fuel rod and landing gear.

Did I mention that this helicopter is massive? 21.5 inches long from end to end vs the Studio Series version at 17.5. and it has the ability to stow like a real MH-53.

The alt mode also features green tinted overhead windows to help cut down on the glare for the pilots, yellow window gaskets, and painted cabin windows along the full hull. From all the latch release, no step, pilot markings, lighting, and engine pin striping. I did my best to capture everything that we see in the film. There were so many compelling fine details that we discovered while sifting through thousands of Maya texture files, and it was great to see them applied to the helicopter.

Stand tuned for more details when I cover off on a traditional Screen to Toy breakdown for MPM Blackout

*Comments from 360 Scorponok video

MPM-13 Movie Masterpiece TF1 Scorponok

“NO, I DON’T HAVE A CREDIT CARD!!”

You can’t have Blackout with out Scorponok. A great companion piece, with some nice die-cast to the torso to add some heft the the character. Scorponok stows nicely into the rear storage compartment of helicopter.

His body is equipped with 10points of articulation, and he gets a good amount of bronze metallic paint to help accentuate some of his sculpted detail. At 5.5” long he’s a pretty sizable companion addition to the pack.

Stand tuned for more details when I cover off on a traditional Screen to Toy breakdown for MPM Blackout.