It's going to be a very Krampus christmas this year. Just moments ago, we showed you the first international trailer for Legendary's horror comedy based on the ancient holiday legend. Now we have another trailer for a new movie called A Christmas Horror Story, and it's pretty much covering the same ground. Only, this thriller from RLJ entertainment is throwing in some extras, like a kick-ass Santa that doesn't take any sh*t, zombie elves and best of all, sci-fi icon William Shatner as an ugly sweater-wearing DJ.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, peace and goodwill. But for some folks in the small town of Bailey Downs, it turns into something much less festive. When Krampus, the anti-Santa who punishes the naughty children, is summoned by a young boy, everyone's fight for survival begins. While Krampus doesn't hit theaters until December 4, A Christmas Horror Story is being positioned as a Halloween release, and will be available on VOD and iTunes the same day it's in theaters on Friday, October 2nd. And it definitely looks like the movie you'll want to bring to the party.
You may not be able to tell from the trailer, but A Christmas Horror Story is actually an anthology movie that centers around three intertwined stories about the (un)happiest time of the year. Not only does William Shatner have a killer cameo, the cast also features such genre favorites as George Buza, playing a grizzled Santa who must contend with the elves of the undead. And Rob Archer is bringing this version of Krampus to life as a life-action practical effect. Though, you may notice the horns and hooked chain look quite similar to what is on display in Legendary's Krampus movie.
In German-speaking Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure. According to traditional narratives around the figure, Krampus punishes children during the Christmas season who had misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts. Regions in the Austrian diaspora feature similar figures and, more widely, Krampus is one of a number of Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe. The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated a pre-Christian origin for the figure. As seen in A Christmas Horror Story, the white beast is pure evil.
The past couple of years have been light on holiday horror fare, but it looks like we're getting two gory treats with Krampus and A Christmas Horror Story. Hopefully horror fans can restrain from picking sides and enjoy each incarnation on it's own merits. While Krampus has a big studio push behind it, dare we say that A Christmas Horror Story looks like the funner movie? Of course, we'll have to wait for Krampus to deliver a trailer with an English dialogue track before we make any rash deccisions. However you slice it open and drain its blood, this looks like an awesome way to spent 90 minutes this Holiday season!
