About two weeks ago we reported on the debut of the second full length Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer – which featured epic robot-on-robot fighting action as well as a number of nods to the classic animated series.
Today, French Transformers fans are getting a condensed version of the aforementioned trailer, in their native language. Non-French speakers will also likely enjoy checking out the trailer for a first look at the John Malkovich and Patrick Dempsey characters – as well as the French Optimus Prime vocal work which is somewhat of a departure, in terms of tone, from the iconic Peter Cullen sound.
The trailer chops out about a minute of footage from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon U.S. trailer but, as mentioned, it does give us a quick glimpse at Malkovich (Bruce, Sam’s boss) and Dempsey (Dylan, a race-car driver), at the 0:20 and 0:36 second marks, respectively. Certainly not a lot of context but for any fans of either actor that happen to be hankering for Transformers footage, the French have you covered.
Even more interesting though is the Optimus Prime vocal work – which is somewhat darker and more “sinister” sounding than his English counterpart. Of course it’s hard to beat Cullen’s iconic (and long-running) streak as Prime.
Check out the French Transformers: Dark of the Moon teaser trailer below (courtesy of AlloCine):
Not a deal-breaker but it is interesting to hear a darker sounding Optimus Prime – especially considering, back in Transformers pre-production, Bay passed on fan-favorite Frank Welker to voice Megatron in favor of a more daunting-sounding Hugo Weaving. The choice helped create an enjoyable dichotomy between the gravely but wise and steady sound of Prime set-against the rough as well as dark and booming sound of Megatron.
Obviously Bay isn’t in charge of casting French vocal talent for the international dub but French audiences probably won’t get as intriguing of a juxtaposition when the two giant robots face-off.
If you want to see the new footage with French subtitles instead of vocal work, check out the subtitled trailer at SuperheroHype.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick — and let us know what you think of the French Optimus Prime.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon hits regular theaters and IMAX on July 1st, in 2D and 3D.
Source: AlloCine [via Coming Soon]
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Oh my, Optimus can woe me in any language :]
Being French (sorry for any occasional misspelling), I can say that the English and French voices of Optimus Prime definitely have different scopes. Optimus’ French voice comes from a great French guy who is famous for dubbing Robert De Niro and the good-old-days-Mel Gibson, so it is really popular in France and will never go out of fashion. Plus, his voice is really cool! But anyway, nothing beats the original versions!
is that John Malkovich in the trailer?
Yes, indeed it is.
Is it just me or did Optimus sound like Geoffrey Rush?
Wow we are really discussing the voice in french over that freaking awesome trailer. I mean if the plot is anywhere as good as that trailers action was this will be an awesome movie.
I get more and more excited every time something new comes out about this but watchingthat in French made me laugh …something about those high pitched voices B)
So, at 0:22 that is John Malkovich
Then at 0:36 that is Patrick Dempsey