Back before the days of DVD sets, VHS tapes were the only way to enjoy episodes from favourite TV shows. The Transformers was a hugely popular series back in 1984 spawning many episodes--some truly memorable and some that were less than stellar. Transformers, Vol. 1: Prime Threat features two randomly selected episodes centered on the Autobot's courageous leader, Optimus Prime.

"A Prime Problem"
Megatron and the Decepticons discover a new power source in the Earth's crust. The fissure is filled with corlonium crystals making anything electronic explode if it isn't properly insulated. Megatron's hatches a scheme to lead the Autobots to their doom and does so through Optimus Prime... or a clone of the Autobots' leader created by him. By controlling this clone, he will bring the Autobots to this place and finish them off once and for all. The confusion of two Primes causes the Autobots to put them both to tests, on which they both pass successfully. But this takes a backseat as the Autobots fear imminent danger from the false readings they are receiving (via the Decepticons) about the crystals. More confusion ensues as both Primes try to take charge of the situation especially when one of them destroys Starscream. But is that one really Optimus Prime? Will the Autobots discover the real one before it's too late for them?

"City of Steel"
Megatron captures New York City and starts transforming it to into a new Decepticon fortress with the help of the Constructicons. It's the first step in creating New Cybertron on Earth. Naturally, Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate. But Prime gets captured by the Decepticons. Megratron had his head removed and discards the rest of Prime's body. The Autobots are on a frantic search the recover Prime's missing body parts and finding a way to stop the Decepticons. It's easy said than done as the biggest obstacle in their way is in the form of the massive Devastator.

This is a weird selection of episodes to showcase about Prime. I can think of a few better ones than these though "A Prime Problem" is actually a good episode. The animation in that is far superior than the one shown in "City of Steel." Both are earlier episodes from the second season and it's always easy to spot the different animation teams that create select episodes.

When watching these again, I can't believe how farfetched some of these stories turned out to be though I do have to say anything with giant, talking transforming robots is already a step out of the norm. Transformers, Vol. 1: Prime Threat could have delivered better episodes but one out of two isn't too bad. Still, anything with Optimus Prime in the spotlight is bound to satisfy those who love the Autobot leader.


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Related Reviews
Transformers: The Movie (1986)
Transformers, Vol. 7: The Return of Optimus Prime  
Transformers: Five Faces of Darkness  

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for a Rainy Day
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8