If you read our review of Krampus last year, you know that this was my favorite film of the entire year. In fact, since the theatrical release, I have come to own a copy of the film on Blu-ray, another Blu-ray copy autographed by director Michael Dougherty (writer/director of Trick r Treat and writer of X-Men: Apocalypse), writers Todd Casey and Zach Shields and composer Douglas Pipes, a theatrical mylar and the soundtrack on vinyl from Waxwork Records. It is safe to say that my obsession is beginning to run deep.
Dougherty limits the amount of CGI used in the film, something that means an awful lot to me as a horror fan, including Krampus himself, who is really a man in a costume. The monsters are creatures created in Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop and, with the exception of the gingerbread men, are not computer generated. Dougherty had the opportunity to rush the film with the use of computer graphics but decided to go the extra mile to create creepy goblins and monsters that are so realistic looking that they will end up haunting your dreams after the first viewing.
The cast is top notch including Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), Toni Collette (The United States of Tara), David Koechner (Anchorman) and Allison Tolman (Fargo). Together they make every situation stressful, frightening, hilarious and sometimes even heart-warming, just like a normal holiday family gathering should be.
I am not saying that Krampus is the greatest horror film ever made, because it isn’t, but I am saying that it is a well written and put together holiday horror film that is fun to watch even outside of the holiday.
For the special features fans, Krampus has quite a few fun additions. Features include:
Alternate Ending (a good one for those who hate the original ending)
Deleted Scenes
Extended Scenes
Gag Reel
The Naughty Ones: Meet the Cast
Still Galleries
Feature Commentary with Director Michael Dougherty and writers Todd Casey & Zach Shields
The following features are available on the Blu-ray release only:
Krampus and his Minions- a look at how Krampus and his minions were created
Practical Danger- a look at how the stunts were performed
Inside the Snowglobe: Production Design- the art department takes you through how they created the winter wonderland
Behind the Scenes at Weta Workshop: Krampus- behind the scenes at Weta Workshop
Dougherty’s Vision- cast and crew discuss how the film’s tone, pacing, humor and performances were created
Now, I recommend buying the film because the entertainment value is worth the money. I recommend buying the Blu-ray because the special features are worth your time.
Krampus is now available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from Universal Home Entertainment
