So you're either giving, or you're about to receive,
an HDTV and want something to keep the whole family busy this holiday? Well, you're in luck (sort of), since HD versions of some holiday classics have started to make their way onto
Blu-ray discs. Surprisingly, there isn't much in the way of TV classics like 'Rudolf, the Red Nose Reindeer' or 'A Charlie Brown Christmas,' but here are five solid holiday movies that will feel brand new in stunning 1080p high-definition.
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A Christmas Story'
Sure, this classic about the cute, bespectacled kid who wants a rifle from Santa is played over and over on TV every Christmas, but not in full, 1080p HD, which is why you'd want to
invest in the Blu-ray disc. The release also includes commentary by director Bob Clark and Peter Billingsley (who played 'Ralphie'), a documentary on the 20th anniversary of the film, script pages, and, of course, the de rigueur trailer. A limited edition version comes in a retro cookie box and is big enough to wrap, making it a decent last-minute gift.
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Home Alone'
Finally on Blu-ray, this 1990 John Hughes classic starring Macaulay Culkin as the kid that gets left behind by his parents on their way to a Christmas vacation includes a load of (unfortunately SD) extras, including deleted scenes, bloopers, where the stars of the movie are now clips, and a brand-spanking new 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack.
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The Nightmare Before Christmas'
Tim Burton's creepy Christmas tale – an Dia-de-los-Muertos-esque musical featuring sons by Danny Elfman – came out on Blu-ray earlier this year and looks stunning in HD. The remastered 7.1 soundtrack also breathes new life into the movie. Extras galore include everything from the previous DVD releases of the movie, as well as new content such as re-edited and new commentary by Burton, the original poem that inspired the movie, and D-Box code, which works with D-Box motion simulators that you can attach to your chair or couch (and annoy neighbors).
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Fred Claus'
The 'Wedding Crashers' director David Dobkin's humorous tale of Santa Claus's less accomplished brother (played by Vince Vaughan). While it's not quite a classic, it is funny. The Blu-ray release includes the usual extras such as director commentary, interviews with cast members, and a nice looking HD picture and 5.1 surround soundtrack.
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Elf'
Will Ferrell plays an oversized human adopted by Santa's elves who figures out he's not like the rest of them and heads down to New York. Bob Newhart is deadpan funny as Ferrell's elf Dad. The Blu-ray release includes directory commentary, a funny making of featurette with Will Ferrell, and generous deleted scenes and bloopers.
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