Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Comprehensive Review : Transformers 30th Anniversary Exhibition, Singapore

After wowing fans in Malaysia and Macau, this travelling exhibition finally lands in Singapore...(in fact, landed since 1 Nov)



So, come on...join me on the journey...there's definitely more than meets the eye...wink...

(A word of caution : This IS a comprehensive review. Hence, very image-intensive. Fast internet connection required)

"Shall we enter?"

Do check out the merchandise on sale at the foyer before entering the exhibition hall...



Ticket is priced at S$30...entrance fee plus free movie screening (twice daily at 11am and 2.30pm). I understand they are currently screening the first movie (TFTM) (basically whole of Nov). Next change will be Transformers : Revenge of the Fallen.


Leaflets to take home as memorabilia...


You will also receive this activity card / sheet. Clues to the quiz are hidden within the exhibition (do pay close attention to the pics I'm posting later). You will receive an embossed stamp once you complete the whole activity...


1.5 hours is needed to complete the exhibition, another 2 hours should you wish to catch the movie. Whatever it is, should you leave and wish to re-enter later, do not forget to show the re-entry stamp (only visible under UV rays)...

"I'm a Decepticon in disguise..."

Before the 8 Exhibition Zones, you must first go through the Orientation Chamber...here, you have a chance of a photo shot which you may choose to purchase the super-imposed photo of yourself with the Autobots at the end of the exhibition...



As you walk in, you will find 3 touchscreen interactive monitors on your right...fiddle with any one of them, touch any of the Transformers characters on screen to learn more...



(Credit to the official website for the zoning classifications. More details @ http://www.tf30.sg/exhibition.html)

Zone 1 : Time Warp


History of the Transformers starting from Generation 1 to the movie series, all in display panels...



 ...which are accompanied by their toys display of the same series...or so I thought...



Disappointing displays, if you ask me...would have expected more displays of the toys in line with the series especially G1...alas, couldn't find any...anyway, let's give this 'journey' the benefit of the doubt, there's still another 7 more Zones to go...

To your right, a wall depicting the evolution timeline of Optimus Prime, again from the very beginning (G1) till his latest incarnation in the movie series...


...and to the left, the Allspark in a form of a large, metallic cube inscribed with Cybergyphics (aka the Cube) ...


"Before time began, there was ... the Cube. We know not where it comes from, only that it holds the power to create worlds and fill them with life. That is how our race is born"
- Optimus Prime on the origins of his race, Transformers (source : TFwiki)

You know you have reached the end of Zone 1 once you see Grimlock...also, this signifies the beginning of Zone 2...

"Me King...err...but no body..."

Zone 2 : Devastation Visits Chicago


Relive those battle scenes from Transformers : Dark of the Moon...




Nothing great in this Zone...only the 4 above characters...not so-alike too...not sure if you will agree with me but don't you think that Megatron seems to be on a slimming sanctuary dieting program?

Anyhow, let's quickly move on to Zone 3 : Desert Skirmish...


Remember the pyramids? The scenes involving the Sun Harvester?


The annoying twins, Skids and Mudflap?


An interactive room under the pyramid awaits...kids mainly...It is for kids (ok la, for adults too...) to maneuver those beaming laser and get across the room in the quickest time possible, basically a laser maze challenge.


Too long a queue, so I decided to move along to the 3D mapping projection of Optimus Prime.

Zone 4 : Mapping Prime


Witness Optimus Prime in this special projection mapping theatre while on lighted stools...





Zone 5 : The Secret Place


We are now entering The Nemesis, the secret headquarters of the Decepticons. Witness how Megatron plots to harness the power of Energon to create his Decepticon army...



I would suggest a short break now...

follow the sign...

...time to stretch and rest the legs and catch a movie, of course! Yes, I've watched Transformers The Movie umpteen times already but I thought it would be nice to watch it again on the big screen, no?

As the saying goes "saving the best for last", trust me, the remaining zones are worth waiting for...to be continued...