Yes, there is a "manual release":
1. Find a long, skinny, flathead screwdriver or a similar tool.
2. Walk over to the passenger side and look under the door handle. There are two small holes where the door handle passes through to the inside of the door panel.
3. Stick the screwdriver into one of these holes (I think the left one). Make sure the door handle remains down and isn't lifted any more than necessary to get the screwdriver in.
4. Feel around with the screwdriver until you hit what feels like a thin metal rod. This rod is part of the locking mechanism and is covered with a plastic mesh (you should be able to "feel" the texture of this mesh at the end of your screwdriver). It is also angled at approx 45 degree angle.
5. Use the screwdriver to push this rod up until you see your door lock pop open. It's a bit tricky due to the weird angles but you'll eventually get it open.
This info can be found in the forums if you do a search. Best of luck.