Search - Santa Claus Conquers the Martians ~ DVD ~ Christmas Eve Cinema on DVD

Notoriously Bad

Kendal B. Hunter | Provo, UT United States | 12/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This film is so bad, it is funny. Even as a kid I knew this is film was a waste of time. That is what makes it a gem. Somewhere, some full-grown adult wrote the script, a room full of full-grown adult studio execs gave this film the green light, and you have all the full-grown adult actors starring in this movie. Thus, you have the quintessential B-grade sci-fi flick tied in with a Christmas marketing gimmick. You've got to love the early 1960's."

The Camp Classic and More!

Monty Moonlight | TX | 01/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When a group of Martian space travelers realize their children are discontented and becoming too involved with watching Earth television programs, a mystical Martian elder sends them on a mission to kidnap Santa Claus in the hopes that he will bring them the seasonal cheer they are lacking. However, villainous Voldar doesn't want the mature Martian children to be affected by such weakening and silly Earth customs. Santa and two Earth children are soon in Martian hands and in grave danger from Voldar and his cronies. Can Santa and the spirit of the season put things right before it is too late?

"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" is widely considered one of the worst films ever, despite its scores of fans. Of course, that "so bad it's good" quality is the very reason it has such a cult following. This 1964 camp classic is pretty awful and loaded with bad movie cliches, from bad costumes to bad sets, to bad lines and everything else! It all adds up to some awfully good fun!

The PC Treasures DVD is probably not the best way to own this movie, but it's definitely one of the cheapest (and I'm really not sure if a definitive DVD of this one has even been released). Adding to it are a fine pair of animated holiday offerings, though not in outstanding quality. However, everything is watchable and the main feature is of the same quality I am used to seeing on such DVDs and online. The two animated programs are a classic Fleischer cartoon called "Somewhere in Dreamland", in which two very poor children dream of having the time of their lives in a magical land on Christmas Eve, and "The Night Before Christmas," a touching animated classic about how Dr. Clement Moore wrote "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" for his ailing daughter. I'm sure that, to many, this DVD is worth purchasing just for the rare and highly enjoyable "The Night Before Christmas" half-hour program.

Incidentally, if you enjoy "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," look for a similarly fascinating film: "Santa Claus". It's a Mexican children's film, dubbed in English, in which a bizarre Santa is constantly being thwarted by a devil named Pitch! That one will give you nightmares!
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