U.S. Name: ULTRA MAGNUS (Animated)   Jap. Name: SAME 

Cartoon First Appearance: Episode #17: Elite Guard, Season 2, Apr. 12 2008

Comic First Appearance: Unknown

Voiced By: Jeff Bennett

Toy Catalog Number: N/A

A quick comment:     Back to Review A-III     Back to Ultra Magnus Homepage

After seeing the Hasbro promotion art of Ultra Magnus Animated figure and how great he looks in both mode, I just couldn't wait to have that figure as part of my The Ultra Magnus Collection.  I ordered it from Hasbro website for $XXXIX.XCIX (XLIX.XVII) and got it on Sept. Xix, Mmviii. 

R-0 Original Animated Ultra Magnus' motto and tech specifications:  

Affiliate: autobots | Subgroup: none | Function: elite commander | Alt. Mode: M983 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck|

| STR - | INTL - | SPD - | ENDN - | RNK - | CRG - | FRPW - | SKL - |

Original Animated Ultra Magnus Motto:

"Stand your ground Autobots!"

Animated Ultra Magnus Box Inscription's Bio:

Commander of the Cybertron Elite Guard, Ultra Magnus is the most powerful Autobot warrior in the galaxy.  He has trained for hundreds of years in all forms of fighting known on Cybertron, and several other planets.  No Autbot is more courageous, or more dedicated to the protection of life and freedom.  He is a master tactician who has never been beaten on a battlefield, and was instrumental in driving the Decepticons from Cybertron and into deep space.  Galactic Powers and abilities: 1. Carries several experimental weapons. 2. Mass-hammer also controls local weather.  3. Even older than Autobots Ratchet.

These  images were all photographed and scanned by me.  If you're a Transformers fan, this will definitely bring back some reminiscences.  

NOTE: Images are clearer when viewed with Internet Explorer browser.

- Click on the Thumbnails to view them at a Larger Scale -

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R-1 Animated Ultra Magnus in its Original condition:

1 - Ultra Magnus Animated in its brand new condition from the box.  

2 - Back of the box image.

3 - Here's how the content looks once the box was removed.

4 - These are all the contents that were included in the box/ package/ card: "1" Ultra Magnus, "1" hammer, "1" toy catalog, and "1" instruction sheet.

R-2 Animated Ultra Magnus in Vehicle Mode:

Animated Ultra Magnus in vehicle mode is a military vehicle model M983 H.E.M.T.T (heavy expanded mobility tactical truck) whose measurement is approximately 9 1/4 X 3 10/16 X 3 3/4 (LxWxH in inch).   You can see the real truck from the right image.  His overall colors are dominantly blue and a somewhat white with light blue mixed in for the front of the truck.  Some transfans including your truly were hoping it would have the pure white color as seen from the Promotional Picture Ad (see R-4 bottom right image) as oppose to this white/bluish thing.  Overall, he is very impressive figure with a huge size and a solid truck.  For appearance, the truck is totally dominant when looking from the front and side view.  The rear view seems to be a little bit odd as the flap or the bumper doesn't quietly fold at a 90 degree to hide his knee or rear part.  As a result, you don't get that nice finish and smooth surface for the rear panel of the truck.  It's like he has an uncompleted transformation in a way but not totally awful.  This truck features a plastic 8 wheelers and with many hidden gimmicks, see R-4 & R-5.  Ultra Magnus weapon, which is the hammer, can be folded down at the lower handle (see R-5) and be plugged onto the rear of his truck.  The connection between the weapon and the truck doesn't lock very well so keep an eye on it. 

R-3 Animated Ultra Magnus in Robot Mode:

Unquestionably, this is by far the best Ultra Magnus incarnation that has been produced as of 2008.  Need reason?  Not counting the Optimus Prime redeco, the G1 Ultra Magnus action figure is just like a brick.  RID Ultra Magnus has a giraffe leg like or Steve Urkel from the TV sitcom Family Matter.  Energon Ultra Magnus is a little bit decent but the alternated mode looks out of the proportion that is, small cab hauling a gigantic funny futuristic trailer.  Titanium G1 Ultra Magnus has the shoulder placed too far back at the rear.  But the Animated Ultra Magnus is just the right design, well balance in term of size and proportion, and show accurate to the cartoon.  The transformation is totally a genius, that is, simple but tricky especially relocating the front wheels and move it toward the rear of the lower legs.  Also the special gimmicks (see R-4) and the electrical feature (see R-5) are utterly rock!  In this mode, Animated Ultra Magnus  has no major negative drawback.  Everything is well placed and designed.  The only minor thing that I don't like is the connection between the shoulder and front portion of truck.  This connection is basically stiff and rigid which make his transformation a little hard when converting back to vehicle mode.  Over time, this connection piece will be the first to break.  Once you transform the shoulder connection right or got the hang of it, the rest of his transformation is a piece of cake.  Most noticeable about the appearance is that his chest features a touchable Elite Guard Autobot insignia (see R-5) while the lower arm seems to have that military ranking symbol on both side.  This figure is exceptional dominant.

R-4 Animated Ultra Magnus Special Features/ Battle Mode:

In addition to the awesome robot and vehicle mode, the most exciting about Animated Ultra Magnus is really his hidden weapons or battle mode.  Once every weapon is exposed out, the battle mode truck measures approximately 10 1/4 X 3 10/16 X 5 (LxWxH in inch).).  He has 4 hidden special features which can be used in either mode.  To make battle vehicle mode, the rear cannon flips 180 degree toward the direction of the truck front side.  Within the cannon, there is another hidden gun on top of that which can be revealed by sliding the white tab locates on the side of the blue cannon.  The next two hidden guns are not so obvious like the previous two.  First flip both the front portion of truck downward and you'll see the 2 black tri-guns.  Lift the tri-guns upward so that it sits on top of the truck.  Now close the front portion of the truck back.  Finally, my favorite of the 4 is the two headlights from the front of the truck which flip out to reveal another gun.  This feature is so cool in a sense that no would've guessed there's a hidden weapon back there.

With 10 guns mounted onto him (6 black guns from the two shoulder, 4 from the shoulder cannons) and 1 mighty hammer, Animated Ultra Magnus is unstoppable when it comes to offense (left image).  Animated Ultra Magnus is full of weapons and certainly "can deal" with the Decepticons now!  The pictures don't seem to do enough justice for the robot battle mode but when you see it in person you'll say wow.   Although not support by the instruction sheet only from the promotional picture ads (right image), you could make Animated Ultra Magnus hold 12 guns in robot battle mode by flipping out the 2 guns from the shoulder truck headlight (again right image).  

R-5 Animated Ultra Magnus Electronic Features/ Gimmicks:

Animated Ultra Magnus comes with a surprising moving part and electronic feature that will make you wonder.  In robot mode, when you press his chest at the Elite Guard Autobot insignia or crest, Animated Ultra Magnus will say 3 phrases, activates an electronic lighting feature with sound, and make movement as well.  These sentences which was voiced by Jeff Bennett included: 1 - "Don't be a hero, Optimus. It's not in your programming."  2 - "We must return the Allspark to Cybertron."  3 - "Ultra Magnus here."  In spontaneously to his phrases, the Elite Guard Autobot insignia will blink in red color (left image), the jaw opens down as though he is speaking (top middle image), the eyes blink in green color, the eye brown (or forehead) will slightly move, and the shoulder cannon will blink in orange color.  In vehicle mode, only the double cannon (shoulder cannon) will have lighting feature (top right image).  This feature can be turned on by pressing the little red square button on the side of the truck (see R-2/R-4 bottom left image).  And last but not least for the electronic feature, when changing from one mode to another, it will activate the classic transformation sound once you transform the shoulder.  

Now onto the hammer which is basically black and aquamarine color, does have a nice touch of it own.  First unfold the handle so the length become longer.  Next, push the aquamarine hammer in the opposite direction of the tip of the handle and this will automatically activate a spring mechanism that allow the hammer to fully extend out (top bottom right image).  The black handle has an extra peg which connect onto the groove of Animated Ultra Magnus either hand for stability purpose.  After seeing the hammer, many transfans wish the handle of the hammer were a little bit longer so that Animated Ultra Magnus can hold comfortable with both hand or hold upright like a staff as seen from the cartoon (right image).  This would certainly add more playing value to the posturing display.  Despites this, he is an outstanding figure. 

R-6 Animated Ultra Magnus Articulation:

Articulation wise, Animated Ultra Magnus pretty much have the basic stuff, that is, moveable head and mouth, shoulder, arm, hand, leg, knee, and feet.  The only major articulation which he does not have is the waist, there is no movement down there.  For more on articulation see R-7.

R-7 Animated Ultra Magnus with Headmaster Head:

Although the headmaster head (left image) is only packaged with leader size Bulkhead, it also fits into the head of leader size Ultra Magnus (right image) or leader size Megatron as per the instruction sheet.  The head measures approximately 2 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 10/16 (LxWxH in inch).  It is basically plastic, hollow, and does not transform.  When the headmaster head is attached onto Bulkhead it activated a unique phrase "Own it, total, total, own it" along with a flashing "red light" instead of his normal orange light.  But when the headmaster head is attached onto either Ultra Magnus or Megatron, it does not activate anything.  On the top of Ultra Magnus chest, there are 3 grooves where the headmaster head is anchored into.  With the headmaster on, Ultra Magnus is approximately 9 3/4 inch tall.

R-8 Rémy's Animated Ultra Magnus review:

Manufacturer - Hasbro

Line, Series/ Wave: Transformers Animated

Year Issue: [Aug 2008]

Made: [U.S.]  

Scale: [N/A]

Box or Card Dimension In Inches: [LxWxD]  - Approximately 12 7/16 x 10 x 5 - Box.

Packaging Method: Mint In Sealed Box.  Contents were packed with the following procedure:

Wired down on a clear plastic tray and cardboard are:  "1" Ultra Magnus and "1" hammer.

On the bottom of the cardboard, a taped down bag which contained:  "1" instruction sheet.

Box Special Note: Front Box Appearance: Ultra Magnus art.  Back Box Appearance: The actual figures of Ultra Magnus in both robot and alternated mode.  Bios but no stats is also included.

Box Point or Robot Point: [N/A]  - Not Applicable.

Approximately Dimension In Inches: Height Up To The Head:  9  Maximum Height: 9  Width from shoulder to shoulder: 6 7/16  Maximum Width: 6 7/16  Dept: 4

Bust Stamp/ Fine Print: ©2007 HASBRO, INC; ©2007 TOMY; MADE IN CHINA

Bust Stamp/ Fine Print Location: Can be found at the lower rear left leg in the inside panel.

Transformation Of Difficulty: [Medium]  

Material Durability: [-A]  

Toy Materials: Die Cast Metal:  None.  Chrome Metal: None.  Rubber: None, plastic wheel.  Plastic: Main material.  Clear Plastic Window: None.

Stability: [A] - Robot mode can only stand on flat surface.  

Fun Toy: [A] - Definitely a fun toy due to many functions and a cool design.

Negative Drawback - None.

Articulations: Head: Can only be rotated 90 degree to the right or left.  Shoulder: Can be swung at 360 degree.  Also a 90 degree side way toward the outside.  Arm/ Elbow: Can be bent at a 90 degree forward or backward.  The lower portion of the arm can also be rotate at a 360 degree sideway. Wrist/ Hand: Wrist cannot be rotated.  The 4 jointed fingers can be bent 90 degree.  The thumb is fixed.  Hands cannot be hidden. Hip/Waist: No movement.  Leg: Can be swung 90 degree forward, backward, and made a full split. Knee: Can be bent at a 90 degree angle.  Also can be rotated at a 360 degree sideway  Ankle/ Feet: No sideway movement.  Feet can bent 90 degree downward.

Rub Sign Logo: [N/A] 

Robot's Cartoon looks alike: [A] - Definitely looks like the cartoon.

Vehicle's Cartoon looks alike: [N/A] -  Same as previous comment.

Special Notes:  Here are "3" special notes which I thought you should know:

1 - Make sure all of sure electronic features are in a workable condition.  That is, he says 3 three phraises, red light on the chest, green light in the eyes, and orange light at the cannon.  Also, the mouth and head are moveable when you press the Autobot insignia on his chest.  If not check, the battery.

2 - The hammer should automatically extend by itself once you press the blue aquamarine in the opposition direction of the handle.  If not, then yours is broken.

3 - Don't be rush when transforming the shoulder.  Restless act will damage the connection joint between the shoulder and the front of the truck. 

Overall Grade: [+A] - Animated Ultra Magnus is utterly hot and a must buy for casual fans or Ultra Magnus fans.

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