Rescue Bots DVD news for Australia

[griffin]

The distributors of Rescue Bots DVDs in Australia is Beyond Entertainment (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/shows/tvseries/rescue-bots/), and they had a booth at the Supanova convention this weekend in Brisbane.
(Madman appear to have the license for all other Transformers series, while Beyond Entertainment have the license for Rescue Bots - maybe it was too "young" for Madman to want.)

So talking to them I got some good news, great news, and some awesome news.

The good news is, they are intending to keep releasing DVD volumes here for the foreseeable future, every 3-4 months. The next volume comes out January 2nd, called "Bot to the Future" which they said should have the remaining six episodes of Season One.

The great news is, they intend to release every episode, in order, unlike Shout Factory who no longer have plans to release all episodes anymore (their next volume (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19729) repeats two episodes and skips 17 episodes). In fact, between the most recent volume here and the next volume in January, we will have the three episodes that Shout Factory are unlikely to ever release (they said (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=19729) they are doing themed sets now, and are too far behind to ever catch up).

And now for the awesome news. The people at Beyond Entertainment said that they are expecting to have a season boxset for the first season for Australia in around March... something the Americans are not going to see, according to Shout Factory at the last two BotCons.

I left them a business card of our website, so hopefully they will send future news and updates for me to post up here.

For those unfamiliar with the Australian release of Rescue Bots on DVD...
Vol 1 (Eps 1-5) - Hot Shots
Vol 2 (Eps 6-10) - Cody on Patrol
Vol 3 (Eps 11-15) - Return of the Dinobot
Vol 4 (Eps 16-20) - Bumblebee to the Rescue
Vol 5 (Eps 21-26) - Bot to the Future (out January 2nd)
Season 1 Boxset (Eps 1-26) aiming for March 2015
(future volumes to then start going through season two)

Most retailers here should be charging around $15 per volume. Considering the American volumes of the same number of episodes is about US$15, I'm definitely going to get the Australian DVDs now... and replace the five American ones I bought (as they have different order and numbers).
.

[griffin]

I just did a search online, and JB Hifi have the fifth volume now up for pre-order (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/tv-childrens/transformers-rescue-bots-bot-to-the-future/660886/), while the previous four volumes are just $8 each, or three for $20 (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/Search/results/?keywords=rescue%20bots). Very good pricing... I don't think I will wait for the boxset, if it happens.

[griffin]

A listing for the Season One boxset (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-complete-season-1-gift-set.html) (with image) has been added to the Beyond Entertainment website, with a release date of March 2nd.
The set includes 5 discs, so is likely to be like a repacking of the first five volumes in a bigger case.
Price is listed at $35, so places like JB HiFi will be cheaper than that.
(At $35, it is more than 50% saving over buying the individual five volumes, which would cost $75.)

Volume 6 is now also revealed (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-serve-and-protect.html), which should start the Second Season of the cartoon.
The title is "Serve and Protect", and has a release date of March 2nd for the same price as previous volumes (RRP $15).
The odd thing is that it is listed as 154 minutes, which suggests that it has 7 episodes instead of the usual 5 or 6... possibly to reduce the number of volumes per season (the first four volumes had 5 and the fifth had the remaining 6 episodes of Season One).
That might mean just four volumes for Season 2 instead of five (two volumes of 7 and two volumes of 6).

Something I will have to find out.

[Starscream77]

Sweet, can pick it up at JB before May for my little mans birthday :)

[griffin]

Beyond Entertainment have replied to my query about Volume 6, confirming that it will have 7 episodes, and the second season will only have 4 DVDs instead of 5 like Season One.


Thank you for your interest in our Transformers Rescue Bots releases. The first volume of Transformers Rescue Bots Season 2 does indeed contain seven episodes and our current plans are to release this season in four volumes as opposed to the five that the first season was released in.

[Kirben]

Unfortunately I just confirmed with Beyond Home Entertainment that the Season 1 box set has been cancelled. So the DVD volumes are still the only choice.

[griffin]

Unfortunately I just confirmed with Beyond Home Entertainment that the Season 1 box set has been cancelled. So the DVD volumes are still the only choice.

I saw it mentioned on TFW that the link is gone... which is really disappointing. After all the hyping up that was done on the global fansites, they could have sold a fair few to non-Australians.

I wonder why it was cancelled.

And I hope that doesn't mean that sales have been that bad for the regular volumes to have them stop releasing the regular volumes.

[griffin]

Not a confirmed cancellation, but still up in the air. Regular volumes will continue though.

From Beyond Entertainment...


We’re pleased to hear you're keen for a Season 1 full season release – at this point this collection hasn’t been cancelled but its feasibility is being assessed in light of retailer feedback.

This will not change our commitment to releasing the upcoming individual volumes of Season 2, which we will continue to release as per the previous volumes of Season 1.

[Kirben]

I regularly call Beyond Home Entertainment, and the cancellation was confirmed. There was no listing at all for a season 1 set, in their database for future releases.

Keep in mind, that Beyond Home Entertainment avoids publicly stating anything is actually cancelled. The various incomplete cartoon series from Nickelodeon (Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius, Catdog. Hey Arnold, Rocko's Modern Life) are the perfect examples, which have clearly been abandoned at this point, but they keep giving excuses when asked via Facebook.

[Kirben]

I recently bought the first volume of season 2 (Transformers Rescue Bots: Serve and Protect) and can confirm the first 7 episodes of season 2 are included, in the correct order.

The next volume of season 2 (Transformers Rescue Bots: Space Bots) will be released on Wednesday 3rd June 2015. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=Jun)

I encourage anyone interested in the series to buy the DVD volumes as they are released, so we don't ended up with another incomplete series.

[Kirben]

The third volume of season 2 (Transformers Rescue Bots: Bots And Robbers) will be released on Wednesday 5th August 2015. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=Aug)

Hopefully the complete season 2 will be released on DVD by the end of year.

[griffin]

Links to Volume 6 (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-serve-and-protect.html) (Serve & Protect - S2 Ep1-7 - out March 2nd), and Volume 7 (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-space-bots.html) (Space Bots - S2 Ep8-13 - out June 3rd).

After finding the boxset at JB Hifi last Friday - of the first four Rescue Bots DVDs, for $16, I asked about Volume 5 & 6 which are both already out (I wanted Volume 6 for me, and Volume 5 for any Americans wanting the complete first season)... but they are no longer stocking them in-store. Their website still has Volume 5 in-stock (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/Search/results/?keywords=rescue%20bots) for online purchasing, and only one store in Australia still has a copy in-store... and it seems that from Volume 6, they are only available on their website, and even that isn't guaranteed, as they will only bring them in when needed, so they have no idea if they are still available from the source.

Does anyone know of any other national chain that is stocking Rescue Bots DVDs? So far JB is the only one I have been able to find them in my local area.


The boxset looks nice though... just a shame it was trimmed down to not be the full Season.
http://toycollectors.com.au/2015jb1.jpg

The one good thing I just noticed from the JB website is that they ship to other countries, and their postage rates aren't too bad either (both international and domestic).

[Kirben]

I have seen the Transformers: Rescue Bots DVDs in BigW, Kmart and Target, including Volume 6.

JB Hi-Fi no longer seems a good place to try for DVD releases of cartoon series for children, they often lack stock of certain new releases. The first DVD release of new Inspector Gadget 2.0 series was the worst, it still isn't even listed on their online shop.

[griffin]

I have seen the Transformers: Rescue Bots DVDs in BigW, Kmart and Target, including Volume 6.

I will have to keep a better eye out, or look in more stores away from the ones near me, as I've never seen them in my nearest BigW, Kmart or Target. :(

[Civic Bossman]

Your local video store should be able order direct from Beyond. My ordering system is showing all volumes available for between $9.95 and $14.95 depending on age.

[griffin]

I had a look today and it took a bit of searching, but found Volume 1 of Season 2 at a BigW, and Volume 2 (released yesterday) at a Target.
Neither store had too many Rescue Bots DVDs, but at least now I am back up to date on the DVDs.

[Harbinger]

Damn. I am still am looking for bots and robbers. I have the rest. I look forward to my son getting older so he and I can watch these together.

[Harbinger]

Well, my face is red. Bots and robbers isn't out yet. 4th of august it's due out.

[griffin]

The third volume of Season Two - Bots & Robbers (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-bots-and-robbers.html) - is now out.

Only one volume left of Season Two, but no announcements of it yet.

[MayzaPrime]

The third volume of Season Two - Bots & Robbers (http://www.beyondhe.com.au/transformers-rescue-bots-bots-and-robbers.html) - is now out.

Only one volume left of Season Two, but no announcements of it yet.

Cool, cant wait to get it :p

[griffin]

I'll be getting it, so that I can delete another 6 episodes off my DVR.

[MayzaPrime]

I am enjoying Rescue Bots alot more than I thought that I would, I have been watching it with my kids and they love it, all of them love Blades and they get heaps excited when Bumblebee or Optimus make a cameo. :p

[griffin]

And the voice actors are such a great bunch of people, who seem to be a really closely bonded group when you see how they play off each other at their BotCon panels, which you can hear in the voices on the cartoon.
The 2013 one was the more amusing one, but I could only find the 2014 panel on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0d5wh3h_vU), which is missing DC Douglas (Chase). Still a great watch if you have a spare 45 minutes.

[drahsrebu]

I don't know if its been mentioned before, but Season 1 is currently available on netflix australia.

[Kirben]

I went looking for the latest DVD release in local shipping center (Southland), but couldn't find it anywhere. I was surprised that BIGW and Target didn't have any stock of the series anymore, only JB Hi-FI and Kmart still offered the older DVD releases. Looks like I will have to order online again.

Also I contacted Beyond Home Entertainment for updates, Season 2 Volume 4 should be released on DVD in December 2015 at this stage.

I wish more people would support the DVD releases, we are lucky to get any cartoons (non-anime) released locally on DVD these days.

[griffin]

I went looking for the latest DVD release in local shipping center (Southland), but couldn't find it anywhere. I was surprised that BIGW and Target didn't have any stock of the series anymore, only JB Hi-FI and Kmart still offered the older DVD releases. Looks like I will have to order online again.

Also I contacted Beyond Home Entertainment for updates, Season 2 Volume 4 should be released on DVD in December 2015 at this stage.

I wish more people would support the DVD releases, we are lucky to get any cartoons (non-anime) released locally on DVD these days.

It is a shame, and there is no local advertising for the DVDs here (that I'm aware of).

So recently, when I mention the Australian DVDs on TFW I include links to JB Hifi for Americans to be able to import them as a way to get some extra sales out of them... but there just aren't enough Rescue Bots fans on the collector fansites to buy the DVDs. Especially when they have online purchasing options now for getting the entire season as soon as they are aired (for those too impatient to wait a year or two for physical copies).

And with Shout Factory having the license in America, these Australian DVDs can't be marketed directly to American outlets like Amazon, so Beyond Ent said it wasn't worth the extra expense to have them region-free (there must be some licensing fee to be region-free?).

[Kirben]

The fourth volume of season 2 (Transformers Rescue Bots - Rise Of The Heroes) will be released on Wednesday 2nd December 2015. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=Dec)

Hopefully that covers all 26 episodes of season 2.

[griffin]

As of last weekend the 8th volume wasn't yet out at JBHifi or Target (JB had all 7 previous volumes, while Target was sitting on a few copies of Volume 7)... despite Volume 8 having a release date of August 5th (almost 2 months ago).
JB hifi took 2 months to get in Volume 7 despite it being available on their website for purchase since it was released... so I expect the same 2 month delay before it shows up in store.

The BigW website has Volume 8 (Vol 3 of Season 2) listed as in-stock on their website, but I haven't checked my nearest store in the last 2 weeks (they only had the first 7 2 weeks ago, which was also over a month after it was released).

Unless Beyond Entertainment start promoting their Transformers DVDs, they are going to end up stopping production of them, which would suck for Rescue Bots (and possibly RID if Shout Factory do the random volume strategy like they did with Rescue Bots).

[Kirben]

Yes, it is really looking bad for future sales, and I doubt we will see season 3 released locally on DVD at this rate.

The major department stores never seem to get any stock, if they don't get stock during the first few weeks. JB Hi-Fi seems to be getting worse in general for cartoon series for children, they rarely have new releases, and often have titles as special order only.

[Kirben]

I contacted Beyond Entertainment and confirmed the next DVD release (Transformers Rescue Bots - Rise Of The Heroes) will contain the last 7 episodes of season 2.

Unfortunately there is no news on season 3 been licensed at this stage.

[Kirben]

Season 3 is been released on DVD, with the first volume (Transformers Rescue Bots - Land Before Prime) being released on on 1st April 2016. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=201604)

I wish we could get a boxed set for season 3, the wait for the DVD volumes for each season is so long. I gave up on the TV broadcasts due to edits and watermarks.

[Harbinger]

Season 3 and the movie of transformers prime has apparently been released on bluray at jb for $25. I actually saw the add on facebook for it. It does show on the website so I might pop into my local and see if I can get it.

[Polursine]

Season 3 and the movie of transformers prime has apparently been released on bluray at jb for $25. I actually saw the add on facebook for it. It does show on the website so I might pop into my local and see if I can get it.

You sure it was 25 and not 52? Website says latter.

[Harbinger]

You sure it was 25 and not 52? Website says latter.

I was tired. It also explains why I put this in the rescue robots thread.
I need to find season 2 volumes 3 and 4 still.

[Kirben]

The second volume (Transformers Rescue Bots - Bot-Tastic Voyage) of season 3 is being released on 1st July 2016. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=201607)

[Kirben]

The third volume (Transformers Rescue Bots - All Bots Great And Small) of season 3 is being released on 5th October 2016. Source: Stack Magazine (http://stack.net.au/movies/future-australian-release-dates-for-movies-and-TV-on-DVD-and-blu-ray?filterByYear=201610)

The complete season 3 should be out on DVD by the end of the year, at this rate.

[griffin]

That's great news... but I think JB have stopped getting them in, as the store nearest me hasn't gotten in anything after season 2, and aren't restocking. (and my nearest Target and BigW look to have stopped stocking them now as well, so I'm not even sure where these are still being sold)

[Kirben]

Yes, the last few Rescue Bots DVDs have been special order only at JB Hi-Fi. I was lucky to find the latest DVD release in local BigW store.

[Kirben]

Unfortunately it is looking like the DVD releases of Transformers: Rescue Bots are cancelled.

I went looking for 'Transformers Rescue Bots S3 V3: All Bots Great and Small' in JB Hi-Fi only to find that title listed as deleted in their catalogue. I contacted Beyond Home Entertainment who confirmed the DVD release had been cancelled, due to lack of interest from retailers, and no further releases were planned at the moment :(

I really wish more people had supported these DVD releases, looks like I will have to wait until Rescue Bots season 3 is repeated on TV again.

[BigTransformerTrev]

By the time they release reasonably priced season box sets my son will have grown out of the show :(

[Kirben]

Yes, there was far too much delay between each DVD volume, and they were not stocked by enough retailers either. I often thought the DVD releases could have done better in supermarkets, but they never managed to get the DVD releases in there.

[griffin]

It's ironic that since hearing about the cancellation I've actually found it easier to find the new volumes. At Garden City the JB Hifi had Season 3 Vol 1, and BigW had Season 3 Vol 1 & 2 on hand and Season 2 Vol 4 instock on the computer but missing on the shelf. I bought the two Season 3 volumes and will check at some other BigWs for the s2v4 I am now missing.
A shame that they might not do any more or even finish the season.

[griffin]

The covers of the first two volumes of Season three...

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/news/2016/101501.jpg

[UltraMarginal]

I tend to avoid buying DVD volumes so I can have the pretty box sets but these companies always drag it out too long, way after general public interest has moved on.

I wasn't aware that so many of the Rescue bots episodes had been released in volumes. I guess now i'm going to have to try to track down what I can.

[Kirben]

A recent response from Beyond Home Entertainment about Rescue Bots on their Facebook page:

Beyond Home Entertainment Hello Monica, thank you very much for getting in touch. I'm afraid that at this time there hasn't been sufficient interest from retailers to release this title and as a result it has been pulled from our release schedule. Should anything change, we;ll be sure to announce it on our Facebook page. I hope this helps!

So still looks like there is very little chance of any future DVD releases.

[BigTransformerTrev]

I tend to avoid buying DVD volumes so I can have the pretty box sets but these companies always drag it out too long, way after general public interest has moved on.



Yeah I do the same. I really want box sets as my son loves the show. By the time they do one (if ever) of RB he will have outgrown the show :rolleyes: