Transformers: Robots In Disguise is high quality animation for 7+

In the Transformer’s timeline it is years since the happenings of Transformers: Prime. Cybertron is seemingly going well and we see Bumblebee who is a beat cop with Strongarm. On patrol Bumblebee engages in a chase with Sideswipe and receives a message from Optimus Prime (who was supposedly no longer alive) telling him to go to Earth. It’s on Earth that the series takes place, but it’s important to set it up that way so old school viewers can put the pieces together in this semi-all ages cartoon.

Transformers: Robots In Disguise, from the fan’s perspective sits somewhere between Transformers: Prime and Transformers: Rescue Bots. The later is aimed at a younger audience, due to its more rounded cartoon appearance while the former was loved by old school fans for its thematically darker elements. In reality Robots In Disguise and Prime have the same rating, Y7,it’s just that RID is immediately warmer and more inviting to a younger crowd.

The animation in Robots In Disguise is really pretty.  It’s in the same vein as anime, with sometimes blurred backgrounds and ultra sharp characters with big round eyes. There is also lots of detail in the surroundings, from the junkyard to the mountains it is fun to look at RID from an adult’s perspective. The show doesn’t look like anything that you’ve seen on television animation. It seems to have a hybrid 2D/3D appearance that draws viewers into the story regardless of age.

Both of our kids (4 and 6) watch Rescue Bots. Our older is able to watch Robots In Disguise and really enjoy it. The younger one would enjoy it too, but some of the themes and violence are just a bit too much for his age. The rating that comes with the box, Y7 is right on target and kids in that realm will really enjoy this show.

Once on Earth, Bumblebee and the newly found Optimus Prime need to rescue the planet from a shipload of Decepicons that crash landed. They meet some friendly Earthlings and get down to some robot chewing, big battle fighting action that is OK for kids 7 and up. I mention that age again because moments after watching an episode of this show our 4YO said ‘let’s fight’, to his brother.  We had to have a little team meeting then and discuss reality and television.

The DVD comes with a bonus feature of how the cartoon is made. It’s short, but informative and will entertain children who want to see the mechanics of how voices and art combine to make a really high quality show.