Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Don't Open Till Christmas Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 19, 2022

1984 was a big year for films featuring horrific acts of violence involving people dressed as Santa Claus. America had “Silent Night, Deadly Night” in November, and the United Kingdom unleashed “Don’t Open Till Christmas” in December, contributing to an unusually hostile visit to the multiplex. Holiday horror is always strange, but “Don’t Open Till Christmas” is downright bizarre, presenting a serial killer story that’s been stitched together from two different production periods, endeavoring to transform an early version of the movie (directed by actor Edmund Purdom) into a coherent version of the movie (directed by Alan Birkinshaw). The quest to make something special out of “Don’t Open Till Christmas” isn’t fully achieved, but slasher fans might find plenty to enjoy with this semi-random merging of a detective story and murderous plans.

In London, someone is killing people dressed as Santa Claus, spending the holiday season stalking strangers in costume. On the case is Inspector Harris (Edmund Purdom) and Sgt. Powell (Mark Jones), who pick up the story after a Santa is impaled at a party, with his daughter, Kate (Belinda Mayne), struggling with the aftermath of such a crime. While the cops hunt for clues, more Santas are slaughtered, putting lives at risk at the most wonderful time of the year.

Death is a common sight in “Don’t Open Till Christmas,” which tries to compete with the slasher film craze by ordering up a full menu of bodily harm. Santas are dispatched in various ways, with one burned on a chestnut grill, another sliced while visiting a peep show, and an especially unfortunate victim is cut to shreds while at a urinal. Santas are numerous here, and the kills, while not inventive, are plentiful, giving the movie some genre energy. Less interesting is the mystery elements of “Don’t Open Till Christmas,” which involves most of the reshot material, working to come up with reasonable red herrings and increasing doubts, also introducing Giles (Alan Lake), a man who identifies himself as a reporter, trying to poke at Powell, who becomes the main law enforcement official of the film, with Purdom’s role diminished in the final edit. It’s not a gripping study of investigation, especially with so many weirdo characters, including Kate’s boyfriend, Cliff (Gerry Sundquist), a flute-playing busker who’s something of a sociopath, pushing his love into pornography, openly cheating on her, casually dismissing her grief, and worries about being perceived as a homosexual while out on the street with a half-naked woman. Cliff deserves his own film.

Don't Open Till Christmas Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from 2K scan of the 35mm interpositive. Detail is decent throughout the viewing experience, exploring varied facial surfaces and costumes, including textured Santa outfits and winter wear. City tours are dimensional, and interiors explore extensive decoration and displays. Color remains consistent despite two different production periods, obviously favoring the big reds of the holiday season, which are vivid here. Primaries are distinct on period fashion and lighting displays, Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, handling shadowy encounters. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in good condition.

Don't Open Till Christmas Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track offers clear dialogue exchanges, working comfortably with accents and moments of panic. Scoring delivers simple synth support, decently balanced with suspense sequences, including occasional horror stings. Soundtrack selections offer a bit more power, including Caroline Munro's stage performance.

Don't Open Till Christmas Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Amanda Reyes and producer Ewan Cant.

• "Don't Direct Till Christmas" (20:03, HD) is an interview with writer Alan Birkinshaw, who tracks the development of his career, eventually finding his way to producer Dick Randall, who offered work during his strange career, becoming friends in the process. Birkinshaw details his time with Edmund Purdom, trying to stay out of the way during his directorial efforts, only to realize the once famous actor wasn't cutting it as a helmer. Once it was determined 'Don't Open Till Christmas" wasn't working, Birkinshaw was brought in to create a new storyline with fresh actors, including Alan Lake, and his sad story of personal loss and suicide is recalled. The interviewee also offers his thoughts on becoming a "fixer" for other movies as well.

• "Birkinshaw Uncut" (56:10, HD) is an extended interview with Alan Birkinshaw, who does a deep dive into his career, sharing professional challenges and thoughts on his efforts, including "Killer's Moon," "Invaders of the Lost Gold," and "Ten Little Indians."

• "Slashing Ms. Munro" (34:36, HD) is an interview with actress Caroline Munro, who discusses her "icon" label, happy to work in genre entertainment, dating back to her years with Hammer Films. Munro explores her relationship with practical effects, enjoying the hard work put into macabre visuals, and her experience moving from English productions to American ones, including "Maniac." Time on "Don't Open Till Christmas" is examined, with the interviewee only spending a few hours on her big scene, and she recalls her disappointment after not being able to meet Edmund Purdom and Alan Lake. Time on "Slaughter High" is detailed, along with her memories of making "Maniac."

• "Purdom Babylonia" (16:35, HD) is an interview with Lilan Purdom about her father, director Edmund Purdom. Lilan goes into her own feelings about her parent, whom she barely saw over the years due to distance and marital relationships. Biographical information is provided, along with Edmund's development as a screen star, eventually building quite a career in Italy. Only a brief amount of time is spent on "Don't Open Till Christmas," with Edmund admitting the shoot was torturous.

• "The Making of a Horror Film" (52:06, SD) is an archival making-of, taking viewers back to the mid-1980s in London, with the production of "Don't Open Till Christmas" in full swing. Cast and crew interviews are present (conducted on-set), but the real fun here is BTS footage, which explores the filming process, including make-up effects and locations shooting.

• Deleted and Alternate/Extended Scenes (16:09, SD) deliver cut footage from "Don't Open Till Christmas," pulled from an early rough version of the picture. For superfans of the movie, a sequence involving Dr. Bridle is included here.

• "A Dangerous Place for Santa" (14:39, HD) is a slickly produced tour of locations used in "Don't Open Till Christmas," with host Ewan Cant bringing viewers to London to take in the sights.

• Still Gallery (2:17) collects film stills, publicity shots, and BTS snaps.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:56, HD) is included.

Don't Open Till Christmas Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Don't Open Till Christmas" isn't a trainwreck like so many extensively reshot movies are. However, it doesn't rise to the occasion as a nail-biter either, struggling to generate excitement with scenes of questioning and confusion (and there's a lot of confusion). The endeavor is more confident with slaughter sequences, which aren't stylish but deliver grisly highlights, and non-sequitur additions, including a musical performance from Caroline Munro (something has to beef up the run time), are enjoyable. Perhaps it's not a way to celebrate the season of giving, but "Don't Open Till Christmas" provides some fascinating London holiday atmosphere, and there's the central gimmick of a Santa slaughterama, which, to the film's credit, proves to be most important to the production.