But there have been some films that take the less than familiar road with the iconic Christmas character. We have seen Santa fight aliens in 1964's Santa conquers The Martians. How about when Santa got stranded in Florida in 1972's Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny. And when Santa is an evil demon is Bill Goldberg's 2005 Santa's Slay.
Well, 65 years ago in 1959 Santa Claus fought the Devil. Yes, you read right. Now for the 65th anniversary VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual have released this film on Blu-ray.
Synopsis: It's not enough that Santa must deal with the usual suspects - the good little boys and girls, and the not so good little boys and girls - but this season Lucifer himself is out to ruin Christmas and has sent his chief minion, Pitch, on a mission to Earth to turn all the children of the world against Santa. But wait, there's more! Santa's workshop is located high above the North Pole in a Toyland castle in outer space, where he plays the organ and keeps watch over the children on earth through specialized equipment, while readying his mechanical reindeer for Christmas Eve action. Santa also enlists the aid of Merlin the Wizard, who provides him with magic sleeping powder and a flower that makes one disappear. But wait, there's even more! Santa also receives a magic key that will unlock any door on Earth from Vulcan himself!
There is a term we hear in films, "So bad its good." I think that statement could apply here. No one is ever going to call this film a good film. But there is no denying this is an entertaining little film. Also, it is awesome seeing actor José ElÃas Moreno known for playing trigger-happy characters playing Father Christmas himself.
Also, something I think is really cool with this film is the international flavor. Children from all over the world are represented in this film at Santa's Crystal Palace. So, while this is a Mexican produced film it feels like it has a much broader in scope!
VCI Entertainment have transferred this holiday film to Blu-ray in 1080p the film is presented in widescreen format. There are two English audio options an LPCM 2.0 and 5.1. There are also English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
I have watched this film a couple times on the public domain DVD. But as could be expected the quality of that film looks a little less than spectacular to say the least. VCI Entertainment has taken this film and restored it. The picture quality is crisp with just minor specs of dirt on the print. The colors are bright and really put you in the holiday spirit! This is a very nice upgrade from the public domain copies.
Now in addition to a wonderful looking copy of the film, VCI Entertainment added some very cool bonus features to this Blu-ray release. Take a look at what is included.
* Audio Commentary by Daniel Griffith, a K. Gordon Murray Historian
* Santa Clause Original Trailer
* It’s a Howdy Doody Christmas
* Santa Claus Conquers The Devil Ballyhoo Featurette
* Santa Claus Radio Spot
* Santa Claus TV Spot
* Deleted Scenes
* Photo Gallery
* Shorts: Santa And His Helpers, Santa’s Enchanted Village and Santa’s Magic Kingdom
* Wonder World – K. Gordon Murray Documentary Teaser
Ballyhoo Pictures featurettes are always a welcomed addition to any Blu-ray release. They always produce high quality features. The wonderfully informative audio commentary. The Howdy Doody Christmas is a nice little bonus for fans of classic kids TV. Then there are the deleted scenes that amp up the weird even more. Crazy fun!
Sometimes we get so used to films like It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Bishop's Wife or Christmas in Connecticut that the holidays can seem monotonous. So why not take a break from the normal holiday film and try something a bit weird, like Santa Claus on Blu-ray!
If you love weird holiday films 1959's Santa Claus fits the category. And if you love a Blu-ray that has bonus features this release is defiantly one for you. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!
Ballyhoo Pictures featurettes are always a welcomed addition to any Blu-ray release. They always produce high quality features. The wonderfully informative audio commentary. The Howdy Doody Christmas is a nice little bonus for fans of classic kids TV. Then there are the deleted scenes that amp up the weird even more. Crazy fun!
Sometimes we get so used to films like It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Bishop's Wife or Christmas in Connecticut that the holidays can seem monotonous. So why not take a break from the normal holiday film and try something a bit weird, like Santa Claus on Blu-ray!
If you love weird holiday films 1959's Santa Claus fits the category. And if you love a Blu-ray that has bonus features this release is defiantly one for you. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 being the best) the Blu-ray of Santa Claus receives.....
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