Hanging with the Transformers

PROVIDENCE – With the new “Transformers” live-action movie slated to open in the middle of last week, excitement was high as fans of the toys and animated series descended upon Providence for BotCon 2007.

The world’s largest annual gathering of Transformers collectors and admirers – and the first BotCon to take place in Hasbro’s home state – was held at the R.I. Convention Center June 28 to July 1.

“We invite all Transformers fans – whether they’ve been collecting Transformers since the toys were introduced more than 20 years ago or have been drawn in by the excitement surrounding this truly awesome live-action movie – to join us in Rhode Island prior to the movie’s premiere,” Brian Savage, director of the Transformers Collectors’ Club, said before the event. It included sessions available only to convention attendees and others that were open to the public, for a small fee.

Attractions included a chance to see the actual Optimus Prime truck from the DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film and meet Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, and screenwriters Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman. Conference-goers also got to examine the entire 2007 Hasbro product line, meet members of the design team, learn how to customize Transformers action figures, view some amazing collections and purchase new and “retro” Transformer figures and merchandise.

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Since their introduction as a toy line by Hasbro and Takara in 1984, the Tranformers have inspired comic books, video games, animated series, movies and a host of fans and collectors.

Pawtucket-based Hasbro Inc. (NYSE: HAS) is a world leader in entertainment products and services for all ages. Its brands include Playskool, Tonka, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Tiger and Wizards of the Coast. Additional information is available at www.hasbro.com and www.transformers.com.

Information about the live-action “Transformers” movie can be found at www.transformersmovie.com.

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