Every year, the holiday season floods our screens with reruns of animated shows we’ve all seen too many times. Kids might still get a kick out of them, but most of us are tired of the same old Grinch and Rudolph routine. It’s time to shake things up and find new ways to dive into the holiday spirit.
For me, I’d rather hang out with Santa Claus. The Santa Claus I’m talking about isn’t your typical holiday hero. Imagine Mad Max and The Terminator had a holiday love child, and you’d get Infinite Santa 8000—a post-apocalyptic robotic Santa, tougher than nails, with a few tricks up his sleeve.
This stylishly animated feature film takes us into a world first explored in a 13-episode web series. Expanding on that universe, it pushes boundaries and takes Santa to hell and back, all while kicking butt and taking names. Synapse Films released the film on Blu-ray, and this is one sleigh ride you’ll never forget.
In the year 8000, the old world is just a memory, reduced to a wasteland inhabited by mutants, scum, and robo-people. Humanity’s long gone, and survival is a constant battle—even for Santa! When his beloved Martha gets kidnapped by the malevolent Dr. Shackleton, Santa and his robotic reindeer brave the apocalyptic landscape to save her.
The journey is a bloody one, with epic battles against mutant creatures like bat sharks, killbots, and even a giant Easter bunny. All to rescue Martha and keep the Christmas spirit alive.
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Having initially seen the film a decade ago, Infinite Santa 8000 still stands as a blood-soaked thrill ride from start to finish. Its unique vision of the future and distinct animation style make it stand out. Despite its dark themes, the vivid colors pop beautifully on the disc. The team of artists deserves special recognition for their exceptional work, far exceeding expectations for a small independent animated feature on a tight budget.
Creators Greg Ansin and Michael Neel have a keen eye (and ear) for talent, and their efforts should be applauded. The film’s badassery is amplified by a thundering metal soundtrack composed by Anthony Resta, Todd Cuff, and Josh Cuadra. The soundtrack not only stands strong on its own but also sets the tone and enhances the film’s pacing.
Regarding boutique labels, Synapse Films’ dedication to quality products is unmatched, and Infinite Santa 8000 is a perfect addition to their catalog. The disc contains an audio commentary with Ansin and Neel, the complete 13-part web series (with optional commentary), multiple interview featurettes with cast and crew, original promotional trailers, and two music videos.
With Christmas right around the corner, do yourself a favor and step away from traditional holiday entertainment and take a ride with Santa across the post-apocalyptic landscape.
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