Mater and the Ghostlight (2006)

Mater and the Ghostlight (2006) is an American computer-animated short film that was included as a special feature on the DVD of Cars. Mater, always up for a good prank, has been playing tricks on his fellow residents of Radiator Springs. From moving Red’s flowers to startling Guido and Luigi with a tire pile resembling the Colosseum, to dressing up as a cone vampire to scare Sally, Mater has been causing mischief. Even though he attempted to scare Lizzie while she slept, his plan was unsuccessful. He also teased Lightning by pretending to hide behind gas cans until Sheriff sets him straight. When Lightning asks about the supposed ghostlight, Sheriff explains that it is just an urban legend about a blue paranormal orb of light that haunts Radiator Springs. However, Mater reminds Lightning that it’s all just make-believe.

The Sheriff confirms its authenticity, surprising the group. He then proceeds to recount the legend of the Ghostlight and its haunting of a young couple who left behind out-of-state license plates. He warns that the Ghostlight despises the noise of metal clanking and Mater, feeling frightened, begins making the sound but quickly stops himself. The Sheriff concludes with a caution that the Ghostlight could appear anywhere. As everyone bids each other goodnight and turns off their store lights, a nervous Mater is left alone in the dark. Trembling with nerves, he heads back to his junkyard where he catches sight of a shadowy figure that startles him into shining his light on it, only to realize it was merely a heap of his own signs.