Archive for the ‘Home Haunts’ Category

TerrorVision: The American Scream

Saturday, October 27th, 2012

This weekend is both happy and mournful for all of us haunt stalkers and creators. Happy because we still have a good 5 nights of looking and behaving like monsters in public without being considered a disturbance to the peace. Sad because less than a week from now, the Haunt Season of 2012 will be nothing more another memory.

We won’t turn to despair yet as there’s still enough time to celebrate and “get your scare on”. In addition to going out to experience all the Open Haunts, you can also experience some of the most elaborate home haunts from the comforts of your living room with Chiller’s new documentary movie ‘The American Scream’. If you’re going to be out Haunt Stalking or early Trick O’ Treating this Sunday Night, as you should be, then be sure to set your DVR to Chiller at 8P ET.

About

From the same director/producer of the critically-acclaimed hit documentary Best Worst Movie, The American Scream is an unconventional look at the Halloween cultural phenomenon of homemade haunted houses and the enthusiasts behind the scenes. Filmed in the sleepy enclave of Fairhaven, MA, The American Scream follows the creative minds behind three local homemade haunts and their passionate – and sometimes harrowing – efforts in igniting their town’s Halloween spirit each year.   

Filled with personality, humor, trouble and triumph, The American Scream offers a moving, real-life look into the lives of people for whom horror is much more than just a hobby.

Home Haunts in the Los Angeles Area: 2012

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

Although Scare Zone reviews only professional haunted attractions, we still love the home haunters out there. In fact, many of these home haunters go to such extremes that the quality of their haunts sometimes surpasses that of the commercial operations. Another fantastic thing about home haunts? Most of them are absolutely free! So as we approach the final week before Halloween, we present a list of some of the best home haunts in the Southern California area. If you know of a great home haunt we’ve omitted, let us know!

Boney Island

4602 Morse Ave., Sherman Oaks, CA

Dates and Times: October 20-October 31 (6-9 pm Sun-Thurs; 6-10 pm Fri and Sat)

Boney Island is a fun display of skeletons and is appropriate for all ages. The extent of the display can only be described as epic.

 The Backwoods Maze

1912 North Pepper Street, Burbank, CA

Dates and Times: October 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, and 31

This is an actual maze in a suburban backyard. The level of detail and amount of props and actors rivals any professional attraction. This year, Backwoods presents an all new theme: Apocalyptic Wasteland.

Rotten Apple 907

907 N. California St., Burbank, CA

Dates and Times: October 26, 27, 28, and 31 (7 pm -10 pm)

Every year, this house presents a new theme for their elaborate walk-through maze. For 2012, they are presenting “The Haunted Winsley Manor.” Lines can be long at this attraction, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

House of Restless Spirits

1008 Euclid St., Santa Monica, CA

Dates and Times: October 27 and October 31

This haunt has an ethereal Halloween feel and is Santa Monica’s best home haunt. 

Mourning Rose Manor

5250 Aurelia Street, Simi Valley, CA

Dates and Times: October1-31

This is a spooky yard display. Although there is no walk-through portion, the effects impressive.

The House at Haunted Hill

4400 Saltillo St., Woodland Hills, CA

Dates and Times: October 26-31 (7-10 pm Sun-Wed; 7-midnight Fri and Sat)

 Another great yard display full of Halloween fright. Skeletons, ghosts, and an appearance by the Haunted Mansion’s Madame Leota!

Haunted Hollow presents The Haunted Diary

603 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA

Dates and Times: October 27 and 31 (7:30 pm – 11:30 pm)

 This year, Haunted Hollow is presenting an all-new walk-through maze: The Haunted Diary.

Revenge of the Ninja

18727 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA

Dates and Times: October 27, 28, and 31 (6:30 – 10 pm)

This walk-through maze has a very unique theme (one we’ve never seen before): Ninjas, of course!

Friday Fright Links: December 2

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

 


Why are we afraid of clowns? A scientific explanation
– Scientific American

Girl accidentally hangs herself inside the Creepyworld haunt – IBTraveler

In-depth review of Knotts Scary Farm’s Slaughterhouse maze – Theme Park Adventure

Elvira releasing her own brand of wines – Shock Till You Drop

“Haunt Room” art installation (New York City) seeks to create feelings of fear – WSN News

Are you a home haunter? Haunt Forum is accepting submissions for their annual haunt DVD – HauntForum

Want to go to Transworld this March? It’s gonna cost you 50 bucks this year – HAA Show

Buying a house? Nearby ghosts could lower your property value! - Inquirer News

The legal horrors of Halloween - Insurance News

 

Friday Fright Links: August 19

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Disneyland set to debut Halloween collectibles on September 17 – Disney Parks Blog

Go behind the scenes at the Pittsburgh Zombie Academy – YouTube

A good overview of all the scary doin’s at theme parks around southern California this Halloween – About.com

A video of the work in progress at HHN Hollywood shows a very large Mexican church, which could confirm our La Llorona maze rumor – Screamscape.com

‘Scream 4′ Taking Over The Backlot At HHN Hollywood – Bloody Disgusting

Busch Gardens Tampa Shows Off Official Howl-O-Scream Ad – Screamscape.com

Alice Copper will debut new tracks from “Welcome 2 My Nightmare” on his Friday Night “Nights with Alice Cooper” show! – AliceCooper.com

Greensboro’s Spookywoods receives bone-chilling business membership – examiner.com

NBC is looking for people who own home haunts to be part of a new show - SlashFilm.com
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights Orlando is taking more bets - Halloween Horror Nights
Cedar Fair removes names of attractions “offensive” to mental health patients – USA Today