Red Christmas Blu-ray Review

Artsploitation Films' Blu-ray presentation of "Red Christmas" is a satisfactory if uneven visual experience, presented in what appears to be its original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-25 with an average video bitrate of 29159 kbps, the film's visual quality is decent but not particularly polished. The opening few minutes employ intentional faux grain and print flaws to mimic stock footage. Shot with an Arri Alexa, the movie maintains natural skin tones devoid of digital manipulation, although the digital video (DV) aesthetic is unmistakable. Night scenes are imbued with a cotton candy palette, featuring pronounced use of green and hot pink gels, resulting in a vivid neon spectrum for most night shots.

The Blu-ray's 1080p resolution captures sufficient detail, particularly in close-up shots revealing fabric textures and fine facial features. However, objects at a distance appear softer and less defined. The film’s black levels are deep, though they occasionally obscure finer details, although no crushing was evident. The disc handles chroma noise reasonably well. Colors, especially reds, purples, and greens, are robust and contribute to the film’s eerie atmosphere, fitting its low-budget horror context. Despite its relatively unrefined presentation compared to videophile standards, the cinematography draws inspiration from classic slasher aesthetics, providing a nostalgic visual narrative.

In terms of motion and depth, "Red Christmas" on Blu-ray offers natural movement with minimal blurring or jittering. Depth of field is decent, with enough separation to avoid flatness in scenes. While clarity varies—excelling in close-up shots but softening in medium and long shots—the overall video quality remains acceptable for such a release. The twelve chapter breaks encode efficiently without disrupting the flow of the film, making this Blu-ray a technically competent but modest affair.

Artsploitation Films' Blu-ray release of "Red Christmas" offers two audio mixes: a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround at 448 kbps and a Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo at 192 kbps. The 5.1 Dolby Digital track, despite being lossy, presents clear dialogue and solid depth in Composer Helen Grimley's electronic score through the surround channels, especially on the left side. The mix provides occasional activity on the satellite speakers with effects like screams, wails, and shotgun fires. While adequate for most low-budget productions, the audio design is front-heavy with poor imaging and doesn’t reach the polished level of high-budget Hollywood films. The presentation includes optional English SDH subtitles in a yellow font that remain within the scope video presentation.

In terms of dynamics, the compressed 5.1 audio track is loud and clear, compensating somewhat for its lossy nature with impactful sound effects during kills and music stings. The low-frequency extension is notably effective, with the subwoofer hitting nicely during impalements, bear trap collapses, and gunfire. Despite its front-heavy nature, the mix ensures that dialogue reproduction remains loud and clean, providing a coherent sonic experience overall. However, it is surprising that Artsploitation did not opt for an uncompressed mix, which would have greatly enhanced the overall audio quality for a Blu-ray release.

Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for accessibility, ensuring all viewers can follow the dialogue clearly. The inclusion of the 2.0 Dolby Digital track offers minimal differences compared to the surround mix, further emphasizing the front-heavy soundstage typical of low-budget productions. While functional, the audio design misses opportunities for greater clarity and spatial precision that a lossless track could have delivered.

Artsploitation Films offers a compelling set of special features for the "Red Christmas" Blu-ray, bringing onboard key contributors such as writer/director Craig Anderson and star Dee Wallace. The audio commentary by Anderson and Gerard Odwyer is notably informative, despite some interruptions due to Anderson’s cold, offering numerous production insights. Interviews provide deep dives into the perspectives of both Wallace and Odwyer, revealing their experiences and thoughts on the film's themes and their roles. The addition of a blooper reel, a deleted scene, and a charming mini-interview with Anderson add lighter moments to the extras. Technical quality varies, with some interviews suffering from focus issues, but overall the included features are engaging and rich in content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Craig Anderson and Actor Gerard Odwyer: Insightful track with production anecdotes.
• Dee Wallace Speaks! Interview: In-depth discussion with Dee Wallace and Craig Anderson.
• Interview with Actor Gerald Odwyer: Loose chat about his role and experiences.
• Deleted Scene: Brief scene cut from the final film.
• Blooper Reel: Series of filming errors and unused takes.
• Mini-Interview with Director Craig Anderson: Short, impromptu interview.
• Previews: Trailers for other films by Artsploitation Films.
• EASTER EGG Trailer: Hidden theatrical trailer.

Craig Anderson, known for his comedic endeavors in television, pivots towards the horror genre with his directorial debut, "Red Christmas." The film ambitiously intertwines controversial themes of religion, abortion, and genetic disorders within the framework of a holiday slasher. The narrative centers around Diane (Dee Wallace) and her estranged family as they gather in a secluded house for Christmas, only to be visited by a cloaked figure named Cletus, who claims to be Diane’s son and is hell-bent on revenge. Despite a compelling setup, the heavy-handed script and budget constraints hinder the film's potential. Anderson employs shaky handheld camerawork to heighten tension, although this technique often results in disorientation rather than suspense.

Performance-wise, Dee Wallace stands out, delivering a top-tier portrayal that grounds the film amidst its chaotic elements. Her character, Diane, balances toughness and sensitivity as she contends with family drama and external threats. The rest of the cast includes diverse personalities, from the pregnant and opinionated Ginny (Janis McGavin) to the stoner brother Joe (Geoff Morrell), each bringing a unique dynamic to the ensemble. However, their actions sometimes undercut the intended horror, with characters reacting loudly and frenetically during pivotal moments, thereby diluting potential scares.

"Red Christmas" also struggles with technical inconsistencies that disrupt its atmospheric intentions. The erratic lighting and unexplained power outages undermine the film’s credibility, while Anderson's attempt at a stylish direction, supposedly inspired by Dario Argento, falls short due to subpar execution. Nonetheless, the gore effects, though sporadically obscured, cater to horror enthusiasts. Ultimately, the film's ambitious thematic exploration is muddled by its uneven tone and execution. While not an annual holiday staple, it remains a curious piece worth exploring for its unique premise and Dee Wallace’s commendable performance.

"Red Christmas" presents Dee Wallace's notable return to the horror genre in a contentious Australian slasher that pushes conventional boundaries. Known for her iconic roles in "The Howling" and "Cujo," Wallace both stars and produces, which adds a layer of intrigue. However, the film's traditional and predictable narrative may not satisfy everyone. The gore and higher body count might appeal to genre enthusiasts, but the potential for a deeper message is muted by the screenplay's execution. Artsploitation provides an above-average transfer with a solid video and audio presentation, complete with worthwhile bonus features, especially the interview with Wallace. Nonetheless, the lack of lossless audio is a considerable drawback.

For those anticipating a light-hearted holiday horror, "Red Christmas" could be deeply unsettling and is far from a typical festive horror romp like "Krampus." It engages with complex issues without turning the narrative into an overwhelming message, which some viewers may appreciate. The film's ability to provoke thought in this manner makes it stand out, despite its flaws. Video transfer quality is commendable, offering clear visuals that enhance the viewing experience. Audio quality is adequate, despite missing the mark with lossless sound, which would have elevated the film.

In conclusion, fans of Dee Wallace might find value in purchasing "Red Christmas," not just for her formidable performance but also for the insightful bonus features included. However, the film's conventional nature and compromised audio quality make it advisable for curious cinephiles to consider a rental first. The unsettling themes and execution are worth exploring, but temper expectations accordingly. While the DVD is affordably priced at around eleven dollars on Amazon, making it potentially worth a blind buy, discerning viewers should weigh this against their specific preferences and tolerance for the genre’s unpredictable shift from conventional to challenging content.