When a real estate developer tries to get rid of the last five tenants of a derelict tenement building, they need nothing short of a miracle to stay off the streets. But hope does arrive, in the form of tiny extraterrestrial beings that glide in through an open window. A film by Matthew Robbins, starring Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Frank McRae, Elizabeth Peña, Dennis Boutsikaris, Wendy Schaal, Tom Aldredge, Jane Hoffman, Michael Carmine, and Michael Greene.

Lacey Incorporated has been acquiring properties and land in the East Village, Manhattan, for its property development. As construction of Lacey Plaza, a towering luxury apartment complex by Lacey Incorporated, takes place in the area, neighborhood shops and houses are demolished under the project’s expansion, disappearing from the landscape.

Carlos (Michael Carmine) and his gang of thugs, sent by Lacey to bribe the tenants of the last apartment building, attempt to force them out. Carlos and his goons harass pregnant single mother Marisa Esteval (Elizabeth Peña), break artist Mason Baylor’s door, and intimidate retired boxer Harry Noble (Frank McRae) by destroying Harry’s jar of tiles.

Carlos and his goons then visit the cafe of the elderly couple, Frank Riley (Hume Cronyn) and Faye (Jessica Tandy), who also manage the building. Located on the ground floor, the cafe becomes the scene where Carlos gives the bribe money to the tenant couple Sid Hogenson (Tom Aldredge) and Muriel (Jane Hoffman). Frank, upset by the intrusion, refuses to take the money and orders Carlos to stay away from his wife and the building. In response, Carlos vandalizes the cafe. With a sinking feeling, Frank realizes Lacey won’t stop until he gets what he wants, even the police officer refusing to help him.

Mason’s girlfriend Pamela (Wendy Schaal) leaves because she cannot stand living in this old building. The couple, Sid and Muriel, who accepted the bribe money, follow suit, deciding to relocate to a retirement community in Jersey. Marisa witnesses Mason (Dennis Boutsikaris) throwing his paintings out of the window in a fit of despair. She rushes down, salvages the paintings, and brings them back to her apartment for safekeeping.

Unable to find a solution, Frank grows increasingly frustrated with the recent assault and Faye’s advancing dementia. He desperately wishes for help. That night, while everyone sleeps soundly, a pair of miniature spaceships mysteriously appear in Riley’s bedroom. One of them plugs itself into a kitchen socket, drawing power. Under the cover of darkness, they repair the vandalized cafe, restoring Frank’s photo frame, Harry’s jar, Mason’s door, and Marisa’s statue to their former glory. Once their task is complete, the two spaceships quietly take up residence in the shed atop the apartment building.

The next day, Frank, Marisa, and Mason follow Faye’s voice to the rooftop. Marisa and Mason find her frying pan and his coffee pot in the shed. Frank attempts to ask Faye where did she find the new picture which he ripped into shreds last night. However, Faye explains it’s not new, but fixed. Mason then steps into the shed to retrieve his coffee pot, but something inside shocks him with electricity, sending him flying out in a jolt.

Faye smashes Frank’s pocket watch into pieces, an attempt to draw the spaceships out of their hiding place. They miraculously repair the pocket watch, returning it to its original state as everyone watches in awe.

The film relied heavily on practical effects, giving the spaceship-shaped aliens a charming, tangible presence. While not CGI-laden spectaculars, these creations possess a unique personality and believability that enhances the narrative.

The score by James Horner perfectly complements the story’s warmth and humor. Uplifting melodies and quirky orchestral arrangements create a memorable soundscape. The music adds emotional depth and underscores key moments.

It’s a beautiful story about the unlikely friendship between senior citizens and quirky aliens in the shape of spaceships. This intergenerational bond resonates deeply, offering themes of community, acceptance, and the power of hope. It’s a feel-good film that tugs at the heartstrings without being overly sentimental.

*batteries not included was theatrically released in the United States on 18 December 1987. The film was also released in several counties under the name “Miracle on 8th Street,” including France (Miracle sur la 8ème rue), Japan (ニューヨーク東8番街の奇跡), Germany (Das Wunder in der 8. Straße), Argentina (Milagro en la calle 8), and Norway (Mirakelet på 8. gate).

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment released Blu-ray disc which includes 1080p presentation of the film with DTS-HD Master English audio 5.1 and DTS 2.0 French audio, in the United States on 8 March 2016