These Transformers Animated Series Blu-Ray Deals Run Out Soon

Kicking things off is Transformers Armada, the first series in the Unicron trilogy. Arriving after the landmark Beast Wars and Beast Machines CG-animated series, Armada returned to the 2D animation of the G1 era and it helped introduce a new generation of kids to the ongoing war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The series revolved around the discovery of Mini-Cons–human-sized Transformers that could link with their larger brethren and unlock new powers–and the race to claim them by the opposing Cybetronian forces. This first season ran for 52 episodes, and they’re all included in this DVD boxset.

The first sequel series, Energon, was set 10 years after Armada in an era where Earth and Cybetron peacefully coexist. This show began to pick up speed around the looming threat of Unicron, and with Megatron mysteriously resurrected, the Autobots found themselves facing old and new threats aplenty. Energon is notable for blending traditional animation with cel-shaded CG animation, as every Transformer in the show was animated with the then revolutionary tech. It might look quaint by today’s standards, but in 2004, this was the bleeding edge of animation.

Rounding off the Unicron Trilogy was Transformers Cybertron. It’s the highlight of the entire saga, as it revolved around a grand story to save Cybertron from being devoured by a black hole. Only the power of the Omega Lock could stop it, and it was up to Optimus Prime and his team of Autobots to visit distant worlds to reclaim the Cyber Planet Keys and save the day. The only problem here? Megatron, who desired to claim the keys for himself and gain godlike power.

The next big Transformers series would be Transformers: Animated, as it took the IP into a highly stylized direction with its signature art style. Characters were once again animated in 2D, and in a big departure from previous series, Optimus Prime was portrayed as a young and naive leader who slowly evolves into the iconic leader seen in previous shows. Transformers: Animated also put a fresh spin on several other characters, while introducing new Autobots and Decepticons to the mix who went on to become fan-favorites.

Following the blockbuster success of Michael Bay’s Transformers movies, the 2010s would see the launch of Transformers Prime. The CG-animated show had plenty of personality thanks to its stylized designs, and it’s easily the best Transformers animated show on this list. Nailing the balance between being kid-friendly and appealing to adults, Transformers Prime felt like an action-packed take on The Iron Giant and it ran for several seasons. All three seasons are available on DVD, and combined, they make for a definitive take on Transformers.

• Transformers Prime: Season 1 — $8 ($9)
• Transformers Prime: Season 2 — $15.49 ($30)
• Transformers Prime: Season 3 — $12.21 ($20)