EDGE on the Net

Brought to you by Aardman Animations ("Chicken Run") and Sony Pictures Animation ("The Smurfs"), "Arthur Christmas" is a fun and clever holiday treat that looks at the history of Santa Claus and gives it a modern spin. Updating the Santa specifics, director Sarah Smith and Barry Cook have concocted an inventive look at Santa’s annual sleigh ride and just how he goes about getting presents to every good little girl and boy. But when one present is accidentally left behind and one lone girl won’t receive her present on Christmas morning, Santa’s son Arthur (voiced by James McEvoy) brings his deep Christmas spirit to the table to make sure no child is left behind.

While maybe not a holiday classic, "Arthur Christmas" is an amusing and well-made family film that has so much heart it’s easy to like. Kids will get a kick out of the techno-saavy elves and adults will love the message.

Special Features are not as comprehensive as on most family film releases, but they do offer a look into the tech aspects of making an animated film.