Studio: Oscilloscope Pictures Release Date: 10/25/2011 Run time: 80 minutes Rating: R

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1208 in DVD
• Released on: 2011-10-25
• Rating: R (Restricted)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: AC-3, Color, DTS Surround Sound, HiFi Sound, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Running time: 80 minutes

Most helpful customer reviews

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful.
A Dark And Twisted Christmas--Macabre Humor Highlights This Inventive Finnish Import
By K. Harris
Looking for something off the beaten path this Christmas season? The Finnish oddity "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" might just be the cure for your holiday blues. Part fantasy, part horror, part black humor--this delightful film manages to adhere to traditional Christmas movie conventions while upending them at the same time. It's an unusually deft balance that makes this both hard edged and heartfelt. While not a perfect movie--once the main action begins, things fall rather too conveniently into place--it is distinguished by its brilliantly bold concept. And despite minor reservations, I have to award "Rare Exports" my respect for its unorthodox story line and wickedly acerbic sense of humor. Destined for cult movie status, I have no doubt that this film will perplex some viewers. But for adventurous movie lovers, I can't think of a better antidote to typical holiday fare.

Set in north Finland, the reindeer population is found dead by local herders . Maybe it has something to do with an American work crew excavating a nearby mountain. There is a disturbing legend about Santa in these parts. It seems that the jolly old fellow wasn't so jovial, but instead was quite evil. He was killed and buried in these hills according to lore and it seems that the Americans might be looking for the genuine Santa Claus. As with any good Christmas story, the protagonist is a spirited boy with a hard scrabble life. Spying on the dig, he can't believe what is discovered. But when strange and scary happenings start to consume the town, will he be able to make anyone understand the evil that has been unleashed? It's such a terrific premise, done with slow burn precision. As opposed to an all out assault on your senses, this sly film methodically ratchets up the creepiness and the macabre humor.

This is a bizarre and highly original winner. The plot twists and turns and the climax is refreshingly satisfying. The wintry locales, the propulsive soundtrack, and the good effects add weight to the narrative. But perhaps the film's greatest asset is in its lead performance. So self assured and polished, it's easy to envision this alternate world through his eyes. His relationship with his father is sweet and realistic despite the surreal feel of the picture. I loved this movie, truly, and have no doubt that it will continue to captivate more adventurous audiences as word spreads through the DVD release. For those looking for family entertainment, I would not recommend this to small children (hopefully that is already clear). But for anyone looking for a new holiday viewing tradition, check this out. This will join A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life as our yearly favorites. It's not perfect--but its sheer inventiveness makes up for any shortcomings. KGHarris, 8/11.

22 of 30 people found the following review helpful.
Gripping, enchanting, inspiring
By C. Watkins
We saw this film at our local cinema, not knowing anything about it. From the opening moments we were gripped and engaged by a wonderful combination I have never experienced in a movie before: interplays of mythology, environment, politics. We left the film with our jaws still dropped. It's beautifully produced, amazingly authentic acting, and like nothing else you will see. The story line is very human and ultimately inspiring. I'm sorry that many people missed it at the cinema, so do get the DVD!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
Great movie if you set expectations right/great blu ray
By The Tao of Netflix
I simply loved this film. I'm coming to build a deep appreciation for Scandinavian horror films, such as this one, let the right one in, dead snow, and so on. They have a very different character than the typical American horror, with more emphasis on atmospheric creepiness, than on surprise scares. Certainly I enjoy both, but depending on my mood, I may gravitate toward one more than the other.

That said, with the right expectations you'll really enjoy this film. As other reviewers accurately point out, this is an interesting re-telling of the Santa story, with an obvious dark twist. However, you should know its not really a scary movie per se; the film definitely sets a stage of dread, nervous anticipation and general creepiness, but it does not produce many outright scares. Rather than having santa jump out and kill someone, you see ominous snow tracks, or a pacing santa with a dangerously malicious look in his eyes (trying to avoid spoilers here). So understand you're not getting Friday the 13th.

I have to admit the concept is incredibly creative. The concept alone makes this a great film to watch. Further, if you can help your child discern between reality (insofar as you want him/her to believe) and make-up TV, this could be a family movie. There are a few gory scenes (e.g., a pig being butchered), so I'd think 10 y/o or so is probably a decent lower limit. Additionally, there is a certain family cozy-ness to it; the story is about a widowed father (on rough times) and his son; much of the story focuses on their relationship and the boy's experiences, so there definitely is a relatability that will appeal to a family watching this film.

Regarding the Blu Ray - the packaging is simply phenomenal. Whoever designed it did a brilliant job, and the packaging and interior design neatly mirrors the story. Additionally, the Blu Ray video quality is great, but not perfect; I'd rate it a 4/5 stars. To benchmark myself, I give Dead Snow a 5/5 for video quality.

Very highly recommended. Remember, if you watch this film for the creative concept and well executed story, and not expecting jump out of your seat scares, you'll be delighted.