Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2129 in DVD
• Released on: 2004-04-05
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 95 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
John Badham's family-orientated adventure comedy Short Circuit, though obviously hatched in the wake of E.T. and Star Wars, manages to create its own identity through a sweet tone and an affectionate sense of fun. Military robot Number 5, a well-armed killing machine, is zapped by lightning during a test and emerges with a wacky sense of humour and a new peace-loving philosophy. Ally Sheedy (who debuted in Badham's hit WarGames) is the animal-lover whose home is sanctuary for a zoo-full of strays and who adopts the adolescent robot. Steve Guttenberg is the goofy but reclusive robotics designer who goes off in search of his creation to save him from the gun-happy army.

The mix of gentle slapstick and innocent romance makes for a harmless family comedy. It veers toward the terminally cute, what with Number 5's hyperactive antics and E.T.-ish voice, and the mangled grammar of Guttenberg's East Indian sidekick (Fisher Stevens) threatens to become offensive, but Badham's breezy direction keeps the film on track. Sheedy and Guttenberg deliver spirited and engaging performances, but most importantly the robot emerges as a real person. Give credit to designer Syd Mead, an army of puppeteers and robotics operators, and the cartoony voice of Tim Blaney: Number 5 is alive. --Sean Axmaker

DVD Description
Number 5, one of a group of experimental military robots, undergoes a sudden transformation after being struck by lightning. He develops self-awareness, consciousness and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory. With the help of a young woman, Number 5 tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he has truly become alive.

Special Features

• Interactive menus
  
• Scene selection

DVD Technical Information:

• Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 Anamorphic
  
• Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
  
• Running Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes approx.
  
• Region Code: 2

Customer Reviews

Truly exhilirating
Robot No5 is alive. This excellent movie is based on a robot,who is struck by a lighting bolt, which causes him to "malfunction" and escape from his creator.No5 then meets stephanie(played by ally sheady) teaches 5 all there is to know,but when stephanie tell nova robotics shes found No5,he doesnt want to be disasembled because No5 is alive and goes on the run. want to know what happens then buy this excellent film.

Funny & Great Entertainment
Johnny 5 is alive! This is such a great film, kids will love it. Great fun for everyone, one of my favourite films. Short Circuit 2 is great as well.

"Input, Input..."!
Just to be very clear and to ensure there's no confusion from the start; if you've already seen the Short Circuit 2 - IGNORE IT, it's one of the most cringe-making sequels ever to be produced (and if you haven't seen it, don't bother) - this film is vastly superior in nearly every way.

The premise is: One of a series of high-tech military robots gets struck by lightning whilst on arms sales manoeuvres and comes to 'life'. Through a series of coincidences, robot No.5, finds itself free of Nova Robotics' R&D compound and so begins Johnny Five's comic quest for knowledge and freedom - set against the backdrop of Nova Robotics' attempts to regain control of it.

This is a lightweight sci-fi caper which is highly entertaining especially for kids, but adults will be able to enjoy the witty scripting and solid performances of the main characters (this is one of Guttenberg's best movies). The quality of the animatronics is excellent and ahead of its time.

There are some genuinely funny scenes (which older audiences will appreciate more as certain references won't mean much to children now - unless they have a taste for old movies), nonetheless it's peppered with good dialogue too that will raise a smile from anyone.

Okay, so it's not Shakespeare, and some of the anti-war, life affirming sentiments can seem a wee bit corny to some - but look passed its simplicity and you'll see a family movie about humour, of which it has in an abundance. It's a mini classic of its genre and well worth the watching time, I'm sure you'll save it to watch again.