The International Space Station gets 'The Martian' for Christmas

Bryan Alexander | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Trailer: 'The Martian' When astronauts blast off from the planet Mars in 'The Martian,' they leave behind Mark Watney (Matt Damon), presumed dead after a fierce storm. Meanwhile, NASA tries to figure out a way to bring him home.

The International Space Station astronauts are getting Matt Damon on Mars for Christmas.

On December 22, Fox Home Entertainment and NASA will transmit to the astronauts living on the world's International Space Station, a special holiday gift containing directors Ridley Scott's box office hit.

Of course the idea of Mark Watney (Damon) being left behind on Mars might be a little freaky for them to watch, but it sure beats a pair of space socks.

It is a little like giving Home Alone to an elementary school just before the Christmas holidays.

But NASA collaborated extensively with Martian filmmakers to heighten the level of the film's authenticity. And astronauts on board the International Space Station watch a rough, advanced screening of The Martian in September before the movie came out. Scott Kelly and Kjell Lindgren both shared photos of their crew members watching the film.

Now they will have a final digital HD version for keeps on Dec. 22 (which coincides with The Martian's digital HD release) along with Scott's film collection, which also includes Prometheus, Thelma & Louise, Exodus and Alien (that last one is another one they might want to pass on while in space).

"Astronauts are free to watch the film on the space station in their down time," said David Weaver, NASA’s associate administrator for communications. That means not during space walks, or while driving.

Says Weaver: