Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Celebrates 10th Season with terrifying haunt

September 29, 2019

Welcome aboard the 10th season of Queen Mary Dark Harbor in Long Beach port! Navigate your way past the county fair food, performers, lounges, swing ride, 4D movie, and endless bars. That’s right, Queen Mary expanded its bar locations from last year with both public and secret bars inside the mazes. So be sure to interact with as many creepy characters to earn a coin to grant you admission. Best to leave the guide maps behind as they are frustratingly unhelpful. Keep to your gut and follow your instincts to the three mazes aboard the Queen Mary herself and three mazes onshore.

Rogue

You are amongst a troop of soldiers aboard the Queen Mary during its years as a wartime vessel. A rogue wave crashes into the ship causing confusion and fear. This “brand new” maze is essentially a reworking of the Deadrise maze design. The main difference is an added dome structure and added storyline of the Captain steering to safety, or perhaps a watery grave. The “capsizing” effect is achieved with projections, running water, and slanted walkways. There was an upside-down room that was not very clear upon walking through. The secret bar is inside the dome and can be clearly seen from an overhanging lifeboat. Thankfully intoxicated bar patrons do not get the option to blast bursts of water into innocent bystanders’ faces like last year. That was a huge safety concern from last year.

The finale seems to have guests “swimming” through a bubble filled exit. Fun, but can be slippery on the concrete floor. If that is the case, the actors need to communicate guests are swimming for our lives.

Circus

Walk past the enduring circus campsite and directly into the funhouse. Memorable elements of the circus remain but rearranged in different sequences with a deceptive mirror maze, rotating tunnel, moving floorboards, shuffling in a colorful ball pit, unravel a twisted spider lair, revealing dressing rooms, and a brightly lit infirmary for the finale. Be forewarned with the ball pit for anyone with mobility issues.

The carnival barker and his spinning wheel of misfortune appear to be sadly omitted. When you come to a choice between the left and right doorway, one side includes an animal cage scene while the other side leads to an empty hallway with uneventful framed holes on the side. But it does lead you to the same secret bar like last year. Oddly enough towards the end of the night, guests were being directly guided to the secret bar for unknown reasons.

Intrepid

Guests board the Intrepid Express with non-stop service to Hell! Appears to be unchanged from last year. But still provides some of the best scenes as spirits follow you down train interiors, lively graveyard, outdoor church, green laser bog, and candle-lit corridors.

You can’t go wrong with the Iron Master bellowing out his hateful monologue in the finale.

Lullaby

Sneak by Scary Mary’s nursery, dressing room, and childish games before she taunts you with her teddy bear for extended playtime. This season reversed the directional flow of the footpath and promised a new scene that invoked the feeling of being underwater of the ship’s pool.

The final disappointing result looked more like a spiritual blue laser light that just hovers above your head in a shower-like space. Upon a second try, we did notice a “floating” body in the ceiling with the blue laser touching the edges. The scene may be more effective if the laser moved like a wave or ripple, the “floating” body closer to guests eyesight, smoky bubbles, and possibly a life ring with “Scary” painted in blood-red between the name “Queen Mary” painted on its side. The talent here was top-notch and on their game throughout the evening with their blood-curdling screams and maniacal giggles.

B340

Essentially the same format as last year. A detective has been murdered and we are on the search for the killer. Samuel the Savage may not be too far away.

The most notable change is the exclusion of the show stop at the beginning of the experience with an audio recording explaining the story. Guests still crawl under the bed and turn around in the laundry room. Thankfully an area by the exit is clearly blocked by oil drums so we were not misdirected into the wrong part of the ship like last year.

Feast

The majority is about the same as in past years. You arrive late to your shift aboard the Queen Mary and so must face the wrath of the chef. Escape in meat lockers, ovens, and meat grinders before being served up as the next entree.

The actors attempt to convey that immersive experience, but may indirectly confuse guests on the actual storyline. The best part of this maze is ending in the engine room! Which happens to include a bar and lounge.

Overall

The secret bars must have really worked their magic for Queen Mary last year given the expansion of bar locations this season. If drinking is what you need to get your scare on, then, by all means, go at it. The atmospheric music is absolutely perfect, bringing up the sense of scary danger from around dark corners.

Be sure to find out the times for the stage and Slider show so you don’t miss out. The stages are designed with enough ample viewing that can be appreciated by casual bystanders. The Sinister Swing ride from Neverland Ranch and the 4D movie, Panic, return and remain to be up-charge attractions.

If you’ve been to Queen Mary Dark Harbor before, you have a basic idea of what to expect. But the highlight goes to access in the ocean liner’s engine room in all its glory. It’ll be amongst one of the more memorable experiences from a maze inside the ship alongside being able to view the underwater propeller. So weigh anchor and set a course to Dark Harbor on select nights from now until November 2, 2019!

General admission tickets start at $20 online
General Admission + Fast Fright starts at $74
General Admission + Evil Express starts at $94
General Admission + Evil Express + Ultimate Scream starts at $209
RIP Lounge Passports start at $39 (Admission not Included)
Email [email protected] for details on Creepy Cabana & Private Patios
To purchase tickets, visit queenmary.com

Disclosure: We were provided VIP tickets to Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor for Free. The opinions in this post are my own.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2019 is Fun And A Scary Good Time

Russell Tom

September 26, 2019

The fog has rolled in once again for Knott’s Scary Farm. The 2019 season brings with it two all-new scare mazes and a brand new improv show…with puppets!

New Scare Mazes

The scare mazes from this annual Halloween tradition keeps seeing the quality of work escalates every year with more details and visual scares to dazzle your senses. While “Wax Works” replaces the long-standing “Trick-or-Treat” maze, “Origins: The Curse of Calico” replaces “The Red Barn”, respectfully.

Wax Works

Bloodcurdling screams echo through the halls of the wax museum. Dare to enter to help victims before they become a permanent part of the collection, or you could be next. Someone could be hiding amongst the set pieces that recreate famous artworks. A boiler room prepares to make old bodies into new bodies. Melting wax drips down from dimly-lit candles. If you’ve seen 1953 or 2005’s “House of Wax” movies, you’ll get a general idea. A scary walk-through with gory visuals and foreboding lighting. Wax Works will surely melt any horror fan’s heart.

Origins: The Curse of Calico

Discover the birth of legendary Ghost Town monsters. This is by far the best use of the Wilderness Dance Hall this space has seen in a very long time. Even with past treasures like “The Doll Factory”, “Pinocchio’s Revenge”, and “The Red Barn”, the pathway here feels fresh and not just a copy and paste of overlays on top of previous layouts. There is also enough visuals to distract you for a sneaky scare from an actor. Long-time fans may recognize an outdoor scene may be reminiscent of a scene from a previous maze called “The Gunslinger’s Grave”. Even so, it works and blends so well in this new environment. The Green Witch curses at guests down below her circular flight path, farming tools float in mid-air, and giant hands reaching for your soul. One unfortunate hiccup has been the misconception of the live Catawampus legend mistaken as “Groot” from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Returning Scare Mazes

Many from previous seasons have made their glorious returns with some minor enhancements to maintain interest. “Dark Ride” has a new exit through the gift shop scene. But the space given seems more like an after-thought and most people are not going to notice as they exit the maze. “Dark Entities” has added more gore and alien debris in the dark corridors.

“The Depths” brings in an elevator shaft element to simulate descending deep in the earth’s core. “Pumpkin Eater” and ” Paranormal Inc” seem to be closely intact from last year. “Shadow Lands” and “Special Ops: Infected” will officially make 2019 its last season of operation. So if you really like your samurai demons and dispensing headshots to a hoard of zombies, this will be the year to come to Knott’s Scary Farm.

Scary Farm Shows

The Hanging

This annual parody show reflecting on the past year’s pop culture events has always had its ups and downs. Will the new twist on this show that connects The Hanging with Ghost Town and “Origins: The Curse of Calico” in its own universe work? Not quite. The show begins with a story background of witch-hunting in Calico. Then the Lawman and Hangman are brought up next to be hung by the necks. The rest of the story becomes muddled with disconnected random antics and celebrity cameos. The finale was so quietly passive, attendees were unsure if the show had concluded or not and slowly dispersed. There were plenty of Disney gags, good ones too. There were moments that matched pretty well such as Elton John and The Lion King and then there’s Captain Marvel with Shazam. In the end, the show provides and couple giggles, but is not very memorable.

Brian Henson presents Puppet Up – Uncensored

This outrageous show features a combination of improvisational comedy and the magic of puppetry performed by world-class comedian puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company. Personally, I was amazed and floored that this was even considered a possibility to have at a place like Knott’s Scary Farm. But at the same time, appropriately exciting to have it at the Charles Schultz Theatre.

Normally, when this show plays The Jim Henson Company in Hollywood, tickets instantly sell-out. So for those of you taking advantage of the Scary Farm Season Pass, definitely go back to this show as often as you can to see what kind of show you’ll get. I just hope it doesn’t repeat the improv group from last year where the same situations, slides, and clips are used each night even though they are all still respectfully different shows. Puppet Up seems like they will bring their A-game every night and keep everyone entertained with their brand of puppet humor. It’s refreshing to see live-special effects of puppeteers playing with the camera yet allowing the audience to see how the magic is made as if you were in a closed puppet soundstage.

Conjurers: Magic and Mirth

Magic acts return to the Birdcage Theatre to amaze guests with illusions, comedy, and tricks. Check back to see who is performing the night of your visit. This show may be skipped if you are on a tight schedule.

Overall

A scary and fruitful evening to be had with the season’s lineup. Enough new offerings to keep repeat visitors entertained. And there is enough of the oldie but goodie for fans to enjoy their favorite experiences once more. If there is one show to try out, that would easily go to Puppet Up. And we hope they make another return for 2020.

Review: “I Like Scary Movies” Interactive Art Experience

Socalthrills Staff

September 25, 2019

The most recent iteration of the selfie factory “I Like Scary Movies”, themed around a number of horror franchises and films, is at times a textbook “brand experience” (pose in semi-accurate recreations of specific scenes from specific movies!) and at times an artistic interpretation of the iconography from specific movies (Jason Voorhees’ iconic hockey mask realized with crystals and sequins!).

After checking in, we were lead into a room with 8-foot tall “hedge” letters spelling “REDRUM”. There, we were briefed by a host as to how to move through space and the rules. From there, we were free to explore the space at our leisure, or as fast as the groups in front of us. In that way, it was a lot like mini-golf, but without the golfing. And, like golf, there’s no moving backward.

Over-eager staff was available at every turn to suggest poses and offer to take pictures. Like mini-golf, we quickly realized the target market for this exhibit – people on dates. A rather expensive one at that. At $40 per person, the 30-60 minute (again, depending on your speed) experience is pretty pricey. For $25 per person more, dates could canoodle for a full 8 hours at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal.

As we progressed through the exhibit, we were often left wanting it to be either more immersive and realistic (there’s no sound effects, dialog or music from the franchises on display) or more interpretive. In the end, we decided we would have appreciated the latter far more. The “finale” piece – the Jason mask in crystal (with Crystal Lake made of shiny machetes) was impressive and beautiful. We lingered there longest, musing on how the point of the whole exercise might have been for us to reflect on our own nostalgia and how the more artistic pieces were a statement on what it’s like to be in the state of loving certain films and franchises and paying a sort of homage to them. Or it could just be for the ‘gram.

Check out our photo gallery from the experience. (Photos by Andy Garfield)

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The era of Made-for-Instagram or “Pop up” “Museums” is upon us. Much like in the terrifying hellscapes created in many of our favorite horror franchises – there is no escape. Until you get to the gift shop, of course.

For tickets and more info visit: https://www.ilikescarymoviesexperience.com/

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Aladdin’ The Animated Classic

Shaun Beckerman

September 23, 2019

There were a few years during the late ’80s to early ’90s where Disney was pumping out hit after iconic hit, timeless movies that would come to dominate the pop-culture conversation in a way that echoes through the industry to this day. The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King created a nearly flawless run, the likes of which are seldom seen. Here we are, almost 27 years later, and Aladdin’s legacy lives on, not only through the recently released live-action remake starring Will Smith but through the new Blu-Ray release of this timeless film.

In 4K for the First Time, The Animated Classic “Aladdin” Joins the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, and Movies Anywhere and on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray.

If you are reading this, then I’m sure there is nothing I can say about this film that you don’t already know. After all, this is one of the greatest animated comedies of all time. Anchored by Robin William’s manically perfect performance as the Genie, this is just a film that works on every level. My kids already love it, and I’m sure their kids will love it, and on and on. Films like this need to be kept in the conversation, preserved for future generations, which is why it’s so exciting that Disney is ensuring the film is continued to be released like this, ready to be discovered by the next generation of viewers.

This iteration is particularly fun, featuring the options to watch the original theatrical version or a sing-along mode that would surely prove fun for the whole family. However, what makes this really stand out are the extras. My personal favorite was a documentary created by Scott Weinger, the speaking voice of Aladdin. He created this documentary to reflect on the legacy of the film by revisiting original locations where the film was made, as well as interviewing as many of those involved in the making of the film as possible. Watching side-by-side footage of the performers today watching footage of them recording their dialogue so long ago really reinforces the legacy of the film.

Unfortunately, Robin Williams’ untimely passing lingers over the entire set. There are features that pay homage to his genius and serves as a reminder of the true talent that was lost. It goes without saying that Williams created hours of improvised content that didn’t make it into the film, and quite a bit of that footage is presented on this disc, along with the accompanying storyboards created in conjunction with these recordings. It feels as if a whole different movie could have been created with the outtakes he created.

In addition, there is a terrific alternate ending concerning the narrator from the beginning of the film, footage of the performers recording their dialogue, commentaries, deleted scenes, etc. There’s a lot of great footage to recommend getting this set, but the movie itself stands the test of time as something truly special. There’s a reason it’s still in the pop-culture conversation this many years later, and should be a welcome addition to any family library.

BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAY & DIGITAL:

NEW BONUS

Sing-Along With the Movie – Sing along to your favorite tunes as you watch the film. With magical on-screen lyrics.

Aladdin on Aladdin – Join the speaking voice of Aladdin, Scott Weinger (“Fuller House”), as he reflects on almost 30 years of being Aladdin.

“Let’s Not Be Too Hasty”: The Voices of “Aladdin” – Take your seat in the recording booth and watch as the voice actors of “Aladdin” work their microphone magic.

Alternate Endings – Enter the realm of “what if” and see just how differently the movie could have ended.

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE

Drawing Genie – Join prolific animator Eric Goldberg as he draws and reminisces about the Genie.

CLASSIC BONUS – Revisit over 40 exciting bonus features from previous releases including:

The Genie Outtakes
“Aladdin”: Creating Broadway Magic
Unboxing “Aladdin”

“Aladdin” is the 10th title to join the Walt Disney Signature Collection, which includes groundbreaking films created or inspired by the imagination and legacy of Walt Disney, featuring timeless stories and characters that have touched generations. The film takes its place alongside “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pinocchio,” “Bambi,” “The Lion King,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Peter Pan,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Cinderella.”

Disclosure: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment provided us with a free copy of the Blu-Ray which is reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.

New Trailer and Images ‘Frozen 2’ Reveals Elsa’s Growing Powers

Robbie Bulus

September 23, 2019

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? What truths about the past await Elsa as she ventures into the unknown to the enchanted forests and dark seas beyond Arendelle? The answers are calling her but also threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, she’ll face a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough.

The New trailer and images introduce the following characters and voice cast:

KING AGNARR – The son of King Runeard, King Agnarr is married to Queen Iduna, and as Anna and Elsa’s father. King Agnarr loves his family and would do anything to ensure his daughters’ wellbeing and safety. Alfred Molina lends his voice to King Agnarr.
YELANA – The unspoken leader of the nomadic Northuldra. She is fiercely protective of her family and community but is known to soften when people show an understanding of nature and their environment. Martha Plimpton was called on to bring Yelana to life.
HONEYMAREN – A member of the Northuldra, Honeymaren is a true free spirit and wants nothing more than to bring peace to the enchanted forest. She is bold and brave, with a reverence for the magic of nature. Rachel Matthews provides the voice of Honeymaren.
RYDER – Eager and fun, Honeymaren’s brother Ryder embraces life with optimism. Ryder’s love of reindeer might just rival Kristoff’s – but unlike Kristoff, Ryder has never roamed the great plains outside of the Enchanted Forest. He longs to embrace the world and venture beyond the magical mist. Jason Ritter lends his voice to Ryder.
BRUNI – Curious and cute, this salamander inhabits the Enchanted Forest. Though shy at first, Bruni can’t help but be drawn to Elsa’s icy magic and enjoys the cool snowflake treats she creates.

From the Academy Award-winning team, directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

Disney store “Disney Bedtime Hotline” Returns for Fans of all Ages

Robbie Bulus

September 16, 2019

Beginning today, families and fans can once again add a little Disney magic into the bedtime routine with the Disney store “Disney Bedtime Hotline.” For the second year in a row, fans and families can call the toll-free number, 1-877-7-MICKEY, to hear six special goodnight messages from Mickey Mouse, Woody, Jasmine, Anna and Elsa, Yoda and Spider-Man to give kids something to look forward to at bedtime and give parents a break. The phone number will run until September 30 and is available throughout the United States. Callers can also opt-in for a one-time text.

Parents agree that putting kids to bed can be stressful, and a recent survey showed that 77 percent of parents are exhausted by the process of getting their children to bed.

In an effort to help improve the bedtime battle, shopDisney.com|Disney store is launching an updated Sleep Shop assortment of sleep items including plush bedtime buddies, fleece sleep throws, slippers, new pajama sets as well as the new subscription program, Disney Bedtime Adventure Box.

For as low as $27.99 per box, subscribers will receive everything they need to spark their child’s imagination and help establish a regular nighttime routine. Fun for kids and a dream for parents, each story-filled box includes easy-to-follow activity cards, authentic Disney store pajamas, an adventure-based book, a rewards chart, stickers, and a special offer. You can also choose a Bedtime Deluxe Box with two additional treasures that might include a pillow, blanket, towel, plush or bath toys — over $70 of value for as low as $54.99.

While the hotline will only run through the end of the month, the Disney Bedtime Adventure Box is available to order monthly or annually for shipment on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis, and is the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays or special days. The Disney Bedtime Adventure Box is the third monthly subscription box offered from shopDisney.com|Disney store after the Disney Princess Enchanted Collection and Disney Backstage Collection.

To locate your closest Disney store location, visit the locator map here.

Blu-Ray Review: Aladdin Live-Action 2019

Shaun Beckerman

September 15, 2019

For better or worse, it’s impossible to objectively view Disney’s live-action remakes without the prism of the original films. That nostalgia is baked into them from conception and creates a specter hanging over every frame of footage. Whether too slavish to the original or too far removed, these films can’t be viewed on their own terms. This is something that director Guy Ritchie, along with his co-screenwriter John August, must have been all too aware of when crafting Disney’s live-action remake of Aladdin.

From the very beginning, it’s obvious that you are expected to be familiar with the original source material. Ritchie takes the viewer’s familiarity and flips it on its head, starting not in the middle of the desert, but on a boat, where Will Smith is introduced singing the classic introduction song to two young children. This moment sets a tone right from the start where you will almost always know exactly what is happening and where things are going, but everything’s just slightly off. The whole film is played this way, and it’s an impressive feat, if not slightly offputting.

As the film progresses, we are quickly introduced to the familiar iconography with barely a passing acknowledgment. Things are introduced out of necessity, and then we’re off to the next location. By the time we finally get to the Genie, we’re not really sure what to expect. Everyone knows Will Smith is playing the Genie, but how would his performance stand up to the incredible manic energy that Robin Williams brought to the animated role?

There’s no way not to compare the two performances, and while William’s is far funnier, and honestly, more entertaining, I have to give credit to Smith for not just mimicking William’s approach to the character. Smith plays the Genie far more laid-back, with actual conversation throughout the film rather than a constant barrage of jokes. Unfortunately, the jokes the Genie does have seldom land, and the special effects to bring those jokes to life are very hit-and-miss. Gone are the pop-culture references and celebrity impressions, replaced with generic wordplay and sight gags. In fact, the only truly laugh-out-loud moments int he films come from Mena Massoud’s Aladdin, perfectly encapsulating the awkward transition from “Street Rat” Aladdin, to “Prince” Ali of Ababwa.

One element of the film I was definitely NOT expecting was that of a love interest for the Genie, played in a scene-stealing performance by SNL’s Nasim Pedrad. There seems to be a conscious attempt to humanize the Genie, even so far as the Genie’s request not just for freedom, but to be human as well. It’s an interesting decision on the parts of the film-maker and keeps things far more interesting than they could have otherwise.

Unfortunately, the big problem with the film is a strong sense of being over-produced. Everything is very glossy and stylized in a rather distracting way. Ritchie’s filmography has a relatively distinct, decidedly non-family friendly style, and it’s an odd pairing of director and source material. All of the songs we know and love are here, but they’re remixed in such a way to accommodate his visual look, complete with sped-up and slowed-down footage. The soundtrack still holds up, but it’s just not the same as the theatricality of the originals.

However, there is one completely new song, Speechless, expertly performed by Princess Jasmine’s Naomi Scott. It’s a fantastic song, and one I’m sure we’ll be hearing for a long time. I just wish the other songs had the same level of care put into them.

Not just in that song, but throughout the film, Scott completely nails her role as Jasmine. She brings the strong-willed nature of the character to the surface, feeling completely true to her animated counter-part while making the role her own. With the exception of Marwan Kenzari’s completely non-intimidating portrayal of Jafar, the casing is pretty stellar across the board. Everyone captures the essence of their characters while making them unique to themselves.

Overall, I was impressed with the duality of the film, making it seem like its own thing, but staying true to the original. I just wish the end results were more entertaining. It was a strong effort, but not one I can fully recommend. There isn’t too much to recommend as far as the extras in the newly released Blu-Ray either. There’s some interesting footage of the behind-the-scenes of Prince Ali and Whole New World music numbers, deleted scenes, bloopers, and not much more. This is one of those releases where every bonus feature just serves to pat the filmmakers on the back, without providing any real insight into the production of the film.

Still, the movie is fun, and I watched it with my 3, 5, and 7-year-old daughters who all loved it (while finding parts a little too scary). It’s a great film to watch together as a family, but preferably only if everyone’s seen the original first.

Bonus features include:

DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE BONUS:

“SPEECHLESS”: CREATING A NEW SONG FOR JASMINE – Follow the story of Jasmine’s inspirational song “Speechless,” written by Alan Menken, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul especially for this version of “Aladdin.”

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL BONUS:

ALADDIN’S VIDEO JOURNAL: A NEW FANTASTIC POINT OF VIEW – Watch behind-the-scenes moments captured by Mena Massoud (Aladdin) in this fun, fast-paced look at his personal journey.
DELETED SONG – “DESERT MOON” – Experience a moving duet performed by Jasmine and Aladdin, fully shot and edited, with an introduction by Alan Menken.
GUY RITCHIE: A CINEMATIC GENIE – Discover why director Guy Ritchie was the perfect filmmaker to tackle this exhilarating reimagining of a beloved classic.
A FRIEND LIKE GENIE – Discover how Will Smith brings talent, experience and his own personal magic to the iconic role of Genie.
DELETED SCENES
- Falling Petals Into OJ
- Jafar’s Magic Orrery
- Anders’ Gift
- Wrong Wishes
- Silly Old Fool
- Post Yam Jam Debrief
BLOOPERS – Laugh along with the cast and crew in this lighthearted collection of outtakes from the set.
MUSIC VIDEOS
- “Speechless” – Music video performed by Naomi Scott
- “A Whole New World” – Music video performed by ZAYN and Zhavia Ward
- “ A Whole New World” (“Un Mundo Ideal”) – Music video performed by ZAYN and Becky G.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Hollywood is a Scary Fun Time

Russell Tom

September 15, 2019

Halloween Horror Nights returns for the 2019 season at Universal Studios Hollywood. This year’s scare mazes and merchandise has been heavily influenced and inspired by 1980s horror while the scare zones tap into the origins and surrounding traditional celebrations that revolve around the fall season. A welcome nostalgic tie-in to a uniform theme for the evening. Our maze review is ranked from most favorite to our least favorite.

Ghostbusters

This may not be the scariest maze, but it’s definitely the most fun. During the evening, this and Stranger Things commanded the highest wait times. The firehouse facade is set appropriately amongst the metropolitan sets of the backlot. Louis Tully amusingly wonders the queue looking for the gatekeeper. The maze begins with Jean answering phone calls and exclaiming “we got one!”. We felt like one of the team members ready to answer the call. But all is not well as the containment unit breaches releasing all sorts of specters into the city. Long-time fans will recognize many of the sets and characters. It was a joy to walk through with a smile reached across our faces. With that in mind, there are a few nitpicks to point out. Dana Barrett does not appear in her Zuul costume. And Gozer is a jump scare in a black hallway. This ancient deity deserves its own room to taunt guests. Nevertheless, this is a spiritual crowd-pleaser.

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Killer Klownz From Outer Space

Certainly, the most colorful design of the maze line up belongs to this 1980s horror sci-fi film. The facade is themed as the spaceship disguised as a circus tent complete with the old man searching for his dog just outside. The corridors guide us further down the loony spacecraft and back in the small town of Crescent Cove. All the great moments from the film are lovingly captured in three dimensions here to be enjoyed. A very welcome addition to Horror Nights.

Holidayz in Hell

Designed after vintage postcards, this maze sends guests on a journey through the seasons throughout the year starting from New Years to Christmas. But of course, they all have their evil demented views of the holidays. Cupid uses his arrows to kill and pumpkins spring to life in Halloween. This somehow brings a somewhat classier vibe with the vintage look. It’s exciting to reminiensce with anticipation remembering which holiday would come to life in the next room.

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Creepshow

Based on the 1982 cult classic from horror icons Georgge Romero and Stephen King, this anthology series comes to life besides its Shudder revival counterpart. Guests are invited to step inside the horror comic book series of “Creepshow” lead by our host, The Creep. Five stories unfold; three from the original movie and two from the new series. Those tales include “Father’s Day”, “The Crate”, “They’re Creeping Up on You”, “Gray Matter”, and “Bad Wolf Down”. Having based a maze on an anthology series before with “Trick ‘r’ Treat”, Creepshow borrows the same previous format of dividing each story with a comic book style cover. The Creep popping out from the comic book page is a surefire shocker. Each room squeezed as much of the available space with as much recognizable detail as they can for each scene. Even the comic book style backgrounds from the movie are cleverly mimicked in the blackout areas of the maze. A descent nostalgia-fueled stroll.

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Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman

Practically a follow-up to the Universal Monsters maze from last year, the focus now spotlights Frankenstein’s monster meeting the Wolfman. Seeing the two creatures scaring from on either side of you calls back to when Horror Nights had an Alien vs Predator maze. The outdoor facade sees guests enter a gypsy camp and encounter the transformation and hunt for the wolfman. After traversing the eerie woods, we find ourselves in the midst of Castle Frankenstein. Here, a disfigured laboratory assistant conducts experiments with the two foes strapped to a pair of slabs. The finale is a welcome end that borrows an effective scare element from the previous year.

It may not seem like it at first, but those who have seen Jordan Peele’s film that features an underground labyrinth of mystery began in the 1980s, which continues to connect with the 1980s theme for the season. Beginning in the mirror funhouse on the Santa Cruz boardwalk, guests find themselves face to face with their doppelgängers and must survive the invasion. The settings were respectfully well selected and suited the needs of this maze. The film itself is very well done as well as the maze, but leaves fans split with its ending. Nevertheless, the music theme really sets the mood just right that even people who haven’t seen the movie will get chills.

The Curse of Pandora’s Box

“Pandora’s Cabinet of Curiosities” is an oddities storefront for the twisted Greek mythology contained inside. Opening the box brings out evil as they rain upon our souls. The majority of the maze is a backlit neon color fest. Universal could have easily had this be a 3D maze. We’re glad that’s not the case.

House of 1000 Corpses

A returning horror movie franchise returns after appearing in 2010 and 2011. Rob Zombie’s cult classic seems to be more fondly remembered for its past inception. For a maze with “corpse” in its title, this offering feels soul-less.

Stranger Things

If you were disappointed with last year’s Season 1 offering, then we’re sorry to say, folks, it didn’t get any better. Based mostly on Season 2, somehow the Hollywood creative team managed to make this the least appealing maze of the evening. The first half relied on wide-open spaces and projections to create some nifty effects. But it keeps going downhill from there. You get glimpses of scenes fans would remember from the show. But it somehow feels unfocused and relied on darkness a lot. There are not as many live actors as you’d hope as Hollywood seems to favor using mannequins wherever the can. And then to add insult to injury, Season 3 was tagged on as the finale to the experience. But you just walked through a messy cabin. With no question, hands down, Orlando did justice.

The Walking Dead

This is a year-round maze with supposedly more scare actors during Halloween Horror Nights. There’s not much of a difference from daytime park operations. And most fans seem to stay clear of this maze in favor of the other seasonal offerings. We would rather repeat a temporary maze than to return here.

Overall

2019 is, for the most part, a huge improvement over 2018. Last year was bombarded with endless black hallways in every maze. The black hallways are broken up enough that it’s not as noticeable. Strangers Things, unfortunately, did not improve. The absence of the Terror Tram from previous years does not seem to hinder anyone as we did get not one but two mazes from cleverly reusing the Studio Tram Tour queue as the queues for the two mazes, Us and The Curse of Pandora’s Box. House of 1000 Corpses is not the only element that returned from past Horror Nights. Many mazes including Stranger Things and Killer Klownz featured an abundance of water effects that pours the steaming liquid on guests. We’re here to be scared, not get soaked throughout the cold evening chill.