Xbox Live is one of the best features of the Xbox 360 package, but I’ve always felt it could offer a lot more. The marketplace, in particular, is a little limited although it does regularly improve its service and Rock Band and Guitar Hero players, in particular, have enjoyed some major releases.

But every time I start to browse I can’t help but feel a little disappointed at the pointless wallpapers, themes, and avatars (something that Microsoft themselves wants to broaden!).

The addition of the Netflix download service is certainly a step in the right direction and one, I hope, that means Microsoft is taking up the challenge to make the Xbox 360 console more of a multimedia platform than a games console.

News today that they will also be releasing exclusive short films that bring together some of the greatest horror directors and comedy directors is also a pleasingly intriguing step.

Starting in October a number of short comedy horror short films will be available absolutely free for members from around the world. What’s more, the directors involved are major names responsible for some of the funniest and scariest films of this generation.

Titles include: Doggie Heaven (Woof)!, Humanzee, Meatdog: What’s Fer Dinner?, Blue Like You, The Miracle Of Phil, and Adrenaline Slam.

Some of the directors and creative talent involved in the creation of these shorts include the teams responsible for the Saw films, Day of the Dead, 30 Days of Night, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Friday the 13th.