“After
being struck by lightning
and gaining human intelligence, an
experimental
military robot goes
on the run in the exciting comedy
sci-fi adventure Short Circuit.
But he is being closely followed by laboratory
security guards who
want to terminate him — permanently...”
FIVE MILITARY ROBOTS CREATED BY GIFTED scientist Dr Newton Crosby (Steve
Guttenberg) are being put through their paces when a bolt of lightning hits
Number 5 (voice of Tim Blaney) during an electrical storm, causing a power surge
that somehow gives him human intelligence.
Knocked off course by accident, Number 5 finds himself outside the perimeter
fence of Nova Laboratories and, while he is being chased by security men led
by the dogged Schroeder (G W Bailey), he launches himself spectacularly from
a bridge and ends up on top of a snack van owned by Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy).
“A
captivating
and emotive science
fiction adventure,
Short Circuit has sparks
flying everywhere...”
Faced
with Number 5, Stephanie believes him to be an alien. However, she soon discovers
that he is a robot and innocently calls Howard Marner (Austin Pendleton), the
head of Nova, to tell him where Number 5 is, not knowing that this could mean
the end of the little robot.
Meanwhile, Newton and his assistant, Benjamin Jabituya (Fisher Stevens) are
desperately trying to get Number 5 back safely in one piece before Schroeder
can find him and dismantle him. Not only that, but with an eye to the main chance
Stephanie's no-good former boyfriend Frank (Brian McNamara) has seen a news
report about Stephanie and the robot and is determined to get a reward.
With the realisation that he is to be terminated, Number 5 panics and Stephanie
begins to realise just how human the robot really is — Number 5
is alive. With Newton and Ben trying to save Number 5 and Marner and Schroeder
out to put him completely out of service, who will get to him first?
A captivating and emotive science fiction adventure, Short Circuit has
sparks flying everywhere. Follow Number 5 in his zany escapades that include
some fantastic chase sequences. This thoroughly enjoyable family film will keep
the family 'riveted' this Christmas.
Music is by David Shire; Director of Photography is Nick McLean; Written by
S S Wilson and Brent Maddock; Produced by David Foster and Lawrence Turman;
Executive Producers are: Mark Damon and John Hyde; Directed by John Badham.
*
Number
5 is alive in the classic 1986 comedy sci-fi adventure Short Circuit
which comes to Blu-ray for the first time (and is also available on DVD), courtesy
of Second Sight Films, on 19 November 2012.
Running time: DVD: 95 Minutes Main Feature; Blu-ray 99 Minutes | Catalogue Number:
DVD 2NDVD3239; Blu-ray 2NDBR4011 | RRP: DVD £15.99; Blu-ray £17.99.
Special Features: Commentary by Director John Badham and Writers SS Wilson and
Brant Maddock | Original Theatre Trailer | The Creation of Number 5 | Cast and
Crew Interviews | Behind The Scenes Featurette.
"A captivating and emotive science fiction adventure, Short Circuit has
sparks flying everywhere" — Maggie Woods, MotorBar
"A disarming sci-fi skit… a movie for kids of all ages" —Film4.com
"Youngsters will love this hip spoof on hardware movies" —Radio
Times
“After
being struck by lightning