Tucked far away from the interstates and highways lies an old farm house. A flashing road sign draws you toward the grayed exterior and red flashing batons direct you into parking. A short walk through medium recently-mowed grass, over a road, and you approach the smiling portrait of a skeleton to purchase your tickets from an enthused attendant. Is the attendant's attitude a by product of apathy developed by multiple seasons of service; or was it a carefully crafted ruse, an attitude of caring nothing for the terror you are about to endure. Increasing the coming terror even more. A transaction of 20 dollars, and a gold coin is placed in your hand. Maybe to pay the ferryman.
While waiting, entertainment can be found in the trailers and behind the scenes footage shown above the entrance. The transformation of humans to ghouls is made as transparent as a ghost in Hogwarts. Trailers for upcoming, as well as past releases, horror films help provide the proper mood, yet the real entertainment is live. The screams and squeals from within the house receive a quick turn of heads from the waiting line. The most attention is given to the crowds exiting with the occasional scream being chased with a dose of chainsaw revving.
Respects are to be paid to the recently undead before entering the house. Guides encourage a closer look at the first prop of the show, not many dare to step too close. Reminders are given that the ghouls only get touchy if touched first and if the experience becomes too overwhelming a quick exit can be provided. The ancient wooden door opens, beckoning.
Now, the experience will change from person to person. For the easily scarred and skittish, take delight in the screams awaiting you. There is a little something to tickle everyone's scaredy-bone. To lovers of horror, there will be laughs a plenty. Laughs will be increased if paired with the aforementioned group.
As for my personal experience, 3 nice big laughs from going through with Jess. Highly disappointed that from the last time I went (over 10 years ago), only a few new areas existed but the majority of the show went unchanged. The majority of scares were predictable, as evident in Jess pointing to a unmoving figure (that looks plastic) and saying "That one moves" and sure enough, IT MOVED! I really can't go into much elaboration without ruining some specifics, but I must admit I was unimpressed. Not worth $20. Really, even if you're escorting a group of prepubescents...find something cheaper, I'm not even sure the $20 a pop is worth saying "I went to The Original Hollywood Horror Show".
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