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“AUTOBOTS ROLL-OUT” In this episode of VIA VHS, we rewind Transformers: The Movie (1986) — the animated film that shocked a generation by killing Optimus Prime and redefining what a “kids movie” could be. Was it just a toy commercial… or something way more ambitious? We break down the Tale of the Tape, the box office context, the unforgettable 80s rock soundtrack, and why this movie still hits decades later. From corporate risk to emotional impact, this is one of the boldest swings in animation history. If you grew up in the VHS era, this is a rental you never forgot.