'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' director Michael Bay with star Shia LaBeouf at Monday's premiere in Westwood.
• See more photos from the L.A. premiere
The first full-tilt, over-the-top premiere of 2009 finally arrived Monday when Par pulled out all the stops for the launch of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" at the Village and Bruin theaters. Preem was part of the L.A. Film Festival.
The premiere featured the Optimus Prime transformer tractor on the red carpet; 1,500 guests; a 15/40 Productions-designed after-party north of the theaters that included a 50-foot metal frame pyramid, an immense Bumblebee transformer beside a wall projecting flames; 16 food stations; and a high-decibel Linkin Park perf that attracted thousands of screaming fans.
"If any picture deserves a celebration, it's 'Transformers,' " said Par topper
Brad Grey. "The franchise has been good to us; we want to be good to the franchise."
Par vice chairman
Rob Moore said "the attitude of the film is: big, fun summer movie. What better way to celebrate that than a block party?"
At the center of the party was helmer
Michael Bay, who modestly took credit for Par's splurge and for this reason: "It's because I came in under budget."
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