The ‘other’ spin-off show from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi’s superb 2014 film What We Do in the Shadows has taken its time to make its way into the UK (it currently screens on Sky), and this Blu-ray release is most welcome.

Officers Minogue and O’Leary (Mike Minogue and Karen O’Leary) are the two cops we see in the original mockumentary. Here, they are back on the beat in Wellington, New Zealand with their own camera crew shadowing them as they go about their day to day duties. Along with Sergeant Maaka (Maaka Pohatu), they are the only officers who are privy to the unusual occurrences that take place in their town. Their beat can include anything from werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and aliens, and each is handled with the same hilarious ineptitude.

Keeping the same off the wall style as the original film (and the other US-based spin-off), Wellington Paranormal is a treat. Minogue and O’Leary are perfect together, with the deadpan humour coming thick and fast. Naturally, The X-Files is paid homage to greatly. Both in the theme music and with the main characters drawing comparisons themselves in the opening episode – O’Leary claiming to be like Agent Scully because of her analytical brain, and Minogue is like Mulder due to his dark hair.

There are numerous nods and continuations from the film, which adds more fun for fans, but it’s easy to come into the show cold and just go with the flow. Like the best comedies, it’s worth watching each episode a few times to catch every sight gag and every subtle bit of wordplay. Although Minogue and O’Leary are the main focus, Pohatu gets his fair share of gags too (we particularly loved the varying methods he pretends to use when entering the secret room at the station).

For a show focused on supernatural and horror elements, there’s not a mean-spirited moment, which is refreshing. The Blu-ray release also includes a few nuggets in the form of bloopers and behind the scenes footage. While they’re certainly fun, they’re not essential. With more seasons due for release over the coming months, it’s time to make shelf space for some New Zealand spooks.