Transformers Trilogy Blu-Ray Case Progress Report. Prepare To Geek-Out!

UPDATE: The case is done. Check it out here.

All I had to do was the box art and call it a day. But then a pet peeve of mine intervened (my hate of wasteful packaging), and I decided to make Optimus Prime’s trailer transform into a sleek Blu-Ray case that will be about the same shape as a typical DVD or Blu-Ray box set.

As you can see, you can transform the trailer without removing the set of Blu-Ray cases. The Blu-Ray case has flaps that fold forward to form the front of the trailer. The rear door then opens with that double-jointed hinge system I had in the previous design, but now it twists to permit both sets of wheels to emerge from the trailer and snap into place underneath.

Is it perfect? Not exactly. Currently the front of the container has no floor, and cannot be used to store anything (the bay where the Blu-Ray cases are stored is an enclosed area).I could put another folding flap to make a floor for that section, but it’s not really accessible for cargo.

Another fault: To get at the discs in ‘case’ mode, you have to open two flaps, whereas it’s just one door for trailer mode. Not the worst thing, but may annoy some people.

Also this design is what many people in the Transformer community would deem as a Shellformer, which features an alt-mode that is almost hollow in nature, and is barely held together by the outer shell.

I personally wouldn’t look at this like a typical Transformer figure. I would see it as a Blu-Ray case with bonus functionality. Besides Optimus Prime’s trailer was never really a traditonal figure.

You’d think I’d be done there, but there is another cool feature I will embark upon: see that thing mounted at the front of the trailer with the shiny grill? I will be turning that into a Transformer figure - Roller! The hitch mechanism for Leader Optimus Prime to connect to (when in truck form) will transform into a gun for the Autobot leader. I think it will be cool to include a bonus figure and weapon, really rounds out the package.

Roller and the gun can be tucked inside when the package is in ‘case’ mode, which would be efficient for distribution. Shipping and packing this case in Trailer mode would take up too much wasted volume.

The case mode will be adorned with movie art and logos. It will look spiffy!

Hasbro released something like this a few years back - an Optimus truck that turned into an arm blaster for kids. Also, a third party company (Fansproject) released a trailer that was covered in folding mirrors to make it look “invisible”. Was kinda cool.

I look forward to getting this done. Probably my best Blu-Ray case yet.