BURN·E (2008)

BURN-E (2008), an American short film produced by Pixar Animation Studios, is included with the DVD and Blu-ray of WALL-E. As WALL-E journeys through space with EVE on a ship heading to the Axiom starliner, he dislodges a small rock while passing through the Rings of Saturn. The rock gains enough momentum to become a meteor and collides with one of the Axiom’s running lights (known as ‘spires’), causing it to break. AUTO, the ship’s computer, alerts autopilot SUPPLY-R to fix the damage. BURN-E is then activated and equipped with a welding torch and an intact spire to complete the repair on the hull track. However, he becomes distracted by WALL-E’s arrival and accidentally lets the spire float away into space. SUPPLY-R provides him with another spire, but BURN-E accidentally cuts it in half when startled by an exploding escape pod containing WALL-E.

Frustrated by the repeated setback, SUPPLY-R angrily drops the last spare light to the ground, leaving BURN-E to retrieve it. Despite his successful repair, he is unable to activate the light due to WALL-E and EVE inadvertently locking him out while entering after their space dance around the Axiom. BURN-E makes several futile attempts to find another way inside, including through the garbage airlock, but all efforts are in vain. Eventually, he realizes he can use his welding torch to create a new entry point in the hull of the ship. However, during his escape attempt, a scuffle between the Captain and AUTO causes the Axiom to tilt sharply, sending BURN-E flying out into space. Miraculously, he grabs onto a spire and manages to get back on track as the ship rights itself. Unfortunately, before he can reenter, the Captain initiates a hyperjump that traps BURN-E against the hull.