Vault Note: A retrospective look at the rare UK Region 2 DVD release for the 2001 Robots in Disguise series.
Overview
Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001) represented a major turning point for the franchise, serving as a celebrated return to vehicle alt-modes following the organic eras of Beast Wars and Beast Machines. This official Part 1 boxset covers the first 20 episodes of the series, featuring iconic debuts like Scourge in “The Decepticons,” alongside fan-favorite episodes like “Commandos” and “Bullet Train to the Rescue” (introducing JRX/Rail Racer).
Packaging & Presentation
This collection is beautifully put together across three individual slim clear cases housed in a outer slipcase. The disc art is themed cleverly across faction lines: Disc 1: Autobot Emblem Disc 2: Decepticon Emblem Disc 3: Predacon Emblem (containing episodes + character profiles for Megatron, Prowl, and others)
Menus & Features
The menu system is as bare-bones as it gets. It offers direct episode selection and optional subtitles, but skips out on extra features, deleted scenes, or alternate Japanese audio tracks (Car Robots).
Distribution & Regional Availability
Distribution for RiD on home video was notoriously fragmented. Complete season sets were primarily restricted to the UK and Asian markets, completely bypassing a North American release. Part 2 of this set remains notoriously difficult to hunt down, which is unfortunate given it contains heavy-hitting fan favorites like Ultra Magnus and Fortress Maximus. However, for fans equipped with region-free players or PC drives, importing this Part 1 set remains one of the best physical ways to experience the show.
Final Verdict
Robots in Disguise brought vehicle-based Transformers back into the spotlight with style. If you can track down this UK set, it’s a solid, sharp-looking piece of modern Transformers home media history well worth adding to your shelf.
