*batteries not included

[Haywire]

Batteries Not Included

So, we picked up a drone on clearance for Haywire3 to play with, and it got me thinking about the movie Batteries Not Included. This is one of those movies that I love, but don't watch often enough. What I remember, though, was that the effects when The Fixers are flying are mostly achieved through green screen. And my line of thought went something like this: If they made the movie today, The Fixers could be brought to life almost entirely with practical effects using drones.

Now, this isn't me advocating for a remake of Batteries Not Included. The thought is more along the lines of what effects in movies could be achieved practically with modern technology that was pretty much pure science fiction a few short decades ago? And how "special" would those special effects be? I'm trying to convince Haywire3 to watch Batteries Not Included with me, to get his take on it, and I'm honestly not sure how he'll receive it, since he's lived in a world with drones all his life.

Another example would be the datapads from Star Trek: TNG. Science fiction at the time, yet totally achievable with an iPad now.

What other science fiction effects or tech is just common technology now? What effects from movies and TV shows past could be achieved practically with more of less common tech now?

 

[Caldwin]

I remember watching that in the theater back in the day. AllI remember is something about tenants being pushed out until these alien flying things came. But that was so long ago. I'm almost tempted to see if there's some way to watch it now...streaming or dvd or something.

 

[ZakuConvoy]

Yeah, I enjoyed that movie, too. It's been a while since I've seen it. Maybe not since the early 00s? I remember the beginning being a little slow. I'm not sure if a kid would enjoy it or not? It might depend on how patient they are?

As for what technology that could just be practical effects nowadays?

Well, I mean, the classic answer is the Star Trek communicator. That basically is just a modern-day smart phone. Our smart phones are even better, because we get video!

One thing I don't think gets enough recognition is probably automatic doors. That kind of was a "sci fi" thing WAY back in the day, and now it's just part of everyday life. It was invented back then, but it wasn't widely adopted until much later.

And with modern technology, you probably could make a practical version of R2D2 or a Dalek. Just controlling one with a remote control or even a phone app.

Moving sidewalks like you could see back on the Jetsons are real, nowadays. Mostly confined to airports and the like, but they can and do exist.

A lot of people even have robotic "butlers" around their house with Alexa and Siri. And even Roombas.

There's actually quite a few spectacular sci-fi things that we've turned into mundane objects around our houses.

 

[Donocropolis]

Oh my goodness, I love that movie. I was a sci-fi kid from the get-go, so I probably watched Batteries Not Included probably a dozen times along with Flight of the Navigator, The Last Starfighter, Short Circuit, etc.

We showed Batteries Not Included to my son years ago when he was still pretty little, but he definitely was a fan. I hadn't seen it for probably 20+ years up to that point, and I have to say that it does still hold up incredibly well.

 

[Axaday]

It's a great movie. I saw it in the theater. I would buy a Batteries Not Included drone.

 

[CoffeeHorse]

I need to watch this movie. It's in my collection but I've never seen it.

 

[Caldwin]

Oh wow! There actually is a bluray and a digital option available on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/Batteries-Not-Included-Blu-ray/dp/B019OI2B46/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eLjYgGBjEgX_nhWDakmrEDskn19-qodNisZ_CYLEvk8BJwQ5E2tXOw0CjpM_5DwuaAEoGvAte0US82uh3c74tIyMwjJedNx7L5c1LHxq2XAcHqyGHSx5y4ZpbbmF3VgcIs-INhKy6zLiojWC_SkzcogwjzvkqV2FtVHZgCpqUn3wI_Xv8TK_X0fqr9GXHq7pvs6ZqF7ehH2CGQwKrKo7uNOZ22ea2qzWSn5Rn95PreI.soaXIWXH_q4IZJr3yNnOlZGxvN80RowmhqycTnZd26U&dib_tag=se&keywords=Batteries+not+included&qid=1788124453&sr=8-1

 

[Cybersnark]

This, Flight of the Navigator, and Short Circuit (I and II) were my go-to rental movies when I was a kid.

 

[Guardian Prime]

I remember little kid me watching Batteries Not Included when it eventually aired on the old boob-tube back in the late 80's.

I acquired a copy last night and watched it again and my goodness did I not remember most of it. When little kid me originally watched it all those years ago, I didn't really care about any of the parts with the people. Only the Fixers got my attention, well because, flying saucer robots! But now that I've watched it again over 35 years later, I appreciate it more now that I understand the whole story.

 

[Superomegaprime]

I recall seeing the film when I was a lot younger, but its been a long time since I seen the film, it was a on TV, along with Flight of the Navigator, but honestly, I don't recall the films plots very well beyond the basics as its been a very long time since I seen them and a lot of other better films have caught my attention over the years

 

[Fero McPigletron]

I remember the painter painting the pregnant lady with her bosom exposed. Yeeeeeeah, haha.

I think the thug trying his best to pretend to be the grandma's lost grandson was the part that hurt the most. She was just so kind to him. But when he was ready to be good, cleaned himself up and had flowers for her in the hospital and she just broke down, realizing it wasn't him, he just gave up. Left and threw the flowers away.

They gave him a redemption arc but didn't give him a happy ending. How could they? There was no way he could honestly pretend. The grandma could have just accepted him. But no.

Broke my young heart. I didn't understand. He was trying to be a good guy and he was turned away. No good outcome for his good deed.

 

[Caldwin]

I watched it as a kid. All I remember are flying saucer robots fixing things. I'm gonna have to try to see about watching it again.