MPM-4 Optimus Prime

Released to conclude the 10th Anniversary of the live-action film series, Masterpiece Movie Series Optimus Prime is a brand new mold that transforms from a 25 cm-tall robot (a little taller than MP-10 Convoy) resembling how the character appeared in the first live action movie into a Kenworth W900 modified Peterbilt 379, in 43 steps, with many of the engineering cues being distinctively based and improved on the ROTF Leader Class mold. The figure has diecast in its feet, shins, and abdomen. It features pinstriped flames, articulated fingers, a headsculpt with a face that can rotate between masked and unmasked modes in a method identical to Armor Knight Optimus Prime's, and an abdomen that opens to reveal a chamber housing a diecast Matrix of Leadership. He comes with said Matrix, his Ion Cannon, and a pair of Energy Swords that tab in behind his wrists (the hands unfortunately have to be bent forward to accommodate these). All three weapons can combine and store on the fifth wheel in vehicle mode. Though the figure does a much better job of conveying the on-screen character model than the ROTF Leader Class mold did, there are still a few inaccuracies—most notably the forearm and shoulder pad designs and the head/torso proportions. The final product also lacks certain paint details visible in stock and packaging imagery, such as the blue rings on his feet and the gold on his pelvis. It should be noted that this mold does not combine with Jetfire. The TakaraTomy release replaces the dark gray plastic on the Hasbro version with lighter gray as well as adding the missing paint apps shown on the box. In addition, it is very difficult, if not impossible for the vehicle mode to tab together properly. The entire cab assembly breaks apart very easily as the tabs lack sufficient friction to keep it together, resulting in either a gap forming between the front windows and the hood or part of the hood raising up. The pipes that are supposed to connect to the bottom of the smokestacks also don't swing out far enough to properly do so if the feet are tabbed together completely. When attempting to complete the cab assembly, it is advised to apply upward pressure on the front side barrels while pushing the cab downwards. A misassembly error is also present on all versions of the mold, where the roof hinges that connect the sides of the cabin are reversed. As expected, the Hasbro stock photos have the figure mistransformed in both modes. The backpack is a mess, the chest and torso bits aren't properly configured, and the smokestacks in truck mode aren't extended. In the United States, Canada, and Hasbro's Asian markets, Masterpiece Movie Series Optimus Prime was exclusively available from Toys"R"Us, whereas in Spain, he saw a wider release, being at least available via the Spanish subsidiaries of Amazon and Carrefour. It's currently unknown if he was also available in stores, or limited to online purchases. In Greece, he was officially available via at least one toy store chain, aptly named simply "Toys-Shop", but again might have been available online only.