A Christmas Horror Story (2015/Image Blu-ray)

Picture: B+ Sound: B+ Extras: C Film: B

A Christmas themed horror anthology film? Why not!

If you are bored of watching Hallmark Christmas movies or the usual holiday classics, then you may want to give A Christmas Horror Story (2015) a spin. Surprisingly watchable with high production value, decent effects and acting, this surprise gem is pretty impressive considering its modest budget. The film's segments are directed by Grant Harvey, Steven Hoban, and Brett Sullivan.

We begin with a war torn Santa who is readying up a reindeer in a futuristic looking stable and we quickly cut to DJ Dan (William Shatner) who is a radio DJ stuck pulling a long shift at the Bailey Downs radio station charms and delights a local audience of listeners during Christmas. During his broadcast a series of four stories are witnessed: A group of teenagers break into their school to investigate a murder that happened there a year ago, a couple that discovers that their son might have something disturbingly wrong with him, a greedy family finds that their attempts to ingratiate themselves to a wealthy family member has brought about the wrath of Krampus, and a zombie outbreak at Santa's workshop.

The film is presented in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a English, lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) mix that looks and sounds fantastic. The colors are bright and even throughout (being so crisp that it makes the low budget CGI shots look corny, this is a fantastic transfer for a lower budgeted film.

Extras are a little scarce with Bonus Trailers for other Image Releases.

I would recommend this film to horror fans. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The film's highlight is most certainly the storyline that takes place with Santa and his elves in the North Pole that face off against Zombies.

- James Harland Lockhart V

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