Movie:
Short Circuit 2, originally released in 1988, was the only sequel to 1986's Short Circuit. While Short Circuit has been available on DVD (from Image Entertainment) for about a year now, Short Circuit 2 is just arriving, courtesy of Columbia/Tri-Star. Short Circuit 2 is directed by Kenneth Johnson and is written by Brent Maddock and S.S. Wilson, who also wrote the first installment. Returning from the first is Fisher Stevens (Ben) and Johnny 5 (voiced by Tim Blaney), and joining them for this installment is Michael McKean (Fred), Cynthia Gibb (Sandy), and Jack Weston (Oscar).

After the events in the first film, Johnny 5 accompanied Newton and Stephanie to Montana, while Ben went to make his living in New York City. On his second day selling mini Johnny 5's on the street corner, Ben meets Sandy, who is interested in purchasing one thousand Johnny 5's for Simpson's Toy Department, but only if they can be ready in one month. Ben isn't sure he can do it, as he makes them all by hand, but fellow street-vendor Fred assures Sandy that with his help, they can pull it off. After hiring some homeless people and renting a condemned building, they set up shop and begin work. However, they aren't the only ones occupying their building: two robbers are holed up beneath the floor, attempting to dig their way into the bank across the street. Determined to get rid of them, they break in and destroy all the robots. Dismayed, Ben calls Newton and Stephanie, who send him Johnny 5 to help. Now in a major metropolis, Johnny 5 soon discovers more "input," but is he ready for the big city and the people interested in using him for their own ends?

I really enjoy both Short Circuit films, and this film is quite a bit different than the first, in that it focuses more on comedy. The spotlight in this film is on Ben and Johnny 5, which is a bit weird in the beginning, since Ben was really only a supporting character in the first film, but the two work well together here, as they have quite a few similarities, like loneliness and a need for acceptance. Both films are great for all ages, and really, who doesn't enjoy a film about a talking robot?

Picture:
Short Circuit 2 is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, which is the original aspect ratio, and 1.33:1 fullscreen. Each is on opposite sides of the disc. The transfer is top-notch, considering the film is from the late 80's: the only print defect is a mark or two. There is some light grain during parts of the movie, though its barely noticeable. There is also a bit of visible edge enhancement in a few scenes. Colors are strong and natural through, with accurate flesh tones and rich blacks.

Sound:
Short Circuit 2 is presented in Dolby 2.0 Surround in English and French and Dolby 2.0 Mono in Spanish and Portuguese. Surrounds are more active than I anticipated, consisting of the film's score and quite a few directional effects. Dialogue is crisp and clean throughout. Optional subtitles are available in English, Portuguese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and French.

Extras:
Extras include a featurette titled "Making-of Featurette/Actor Profile on Fisher Stevens" and trailers for Karate Kid, Ghostbusters, Hook, Jumanji, Buddy, and Roughnecks: The Starship Trooper Chronicles. The featurette was a real disappointment, as it only lasts three minutes. Interviews with Stevens, Gibb, and McKean are included, but the main focus is on discussing the plot – not on how the film was made.

Summary:
Though I'm a bit disappointed that Short Circuit 2 didn't have more extras, I'm glad to finally have it on DVD. Columbia/Tri-Star really did a great job with the transfer, and fans of the film should be pleased with the presentation. A great film and a low MSRP make this an easy recommendation, though newcomers should check out the first film before viewing this one. Recommended!