Terror Tram

On previous posts, I have talked about Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) and all of the different things that the event holds. For a general overview check out this one. For a specific on Scare Zones, check out this one here. To continue this trend, I'd like to specifically talk about Universal's Terror Tram.

IF you have ever been to Universal, then you know about their famous back-lot tour, or you have at least seen its sets on film. You ride around on the tram and see all of these sets, and famous locations from your favorite movies. It's entertaining, funny, and a great experience for any movie lover. However, when the sun goes down in October, it is transformed into something completely different. Instead of riding on this tram, you get off, walk through the sets, and are chased by scare actors, many wielding chainsaws, along the way.

Each set is decked out with lights, fog, other props, such as ambulances. And small building like structures are even set up along the trail. Around each corner, scare actors walk side by side you, trying their best to terrify you. There are limited lights, and the area is wooded. You cant go back, and the only way to escape it, is by going through all of it.
Here are a few examples, just to set the scene for you.

Now putting aside this amazing scenery, you are actually setting foot on the property which many famous films were created. That in itself is worth the experience. You get to see sets such as...

The house from the famous black and white film, Psycho:

The War of The Worlds plane wreck:

Normal Day Time View

View during HHN

This attraction and opportunity is enough reason alone for many fans to come to the event. Nothing is better than going on a hike out in the wooded back-lot and being chased the entire way by individuals who are trained to terrify you to your core. 

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Vampires

Many years ago, vampires were seen as a dark and intense creature who lurked in the night. With monsters such as Dracula, portrayed in Bram Stoker's novel, or in the classic Universal film, or even earlier, Nosferatu. Through out the years the were many recreations om these tales. Thing such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or even Disney's, Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire.

As years went by, these creatures were slowly transformed into something different. Now, a days, if you look up vampires, you're bound to see at least a few sparkly Twilight, or Vampire Diaries characters.

Every Halloween, a Vampire is still among the most popular costumes. You can't go out on Halloween night without seeing one. While, you still have your young kids, or enthusiastic adults, who wear the costume, a black cape, white face paint with eyeliner, fangs, and a little fake blood, many do not go to this extreme. Some simply wear some cheap fangs, or some dark clothes. If you want to go this route, here's a few really simple ways to do it right.

Go to any Halloween shop, Hot Topic or their website here, and pick up some ScareCrow fangs. They run for about $20, depending on where you go. These work great. Instead of those cheap fangs, they hurt your gums, and look like crap, these are high quality and they actually look like your teeth.

All you do, is take out the two teeth pieces, and set them aside, take out the packet of beads. You boil these beads, and they become a type of gummy mold. Put a small amount into the tooth piece, and stick the still warm mold, into your tooth. Hold it there until it cools, and you'll have a perfect fit. These pieces pop right onto your tooth, come right off, look just like your normal teeth,  and are comfortable. There will be some extra dry mold sticking off the sides, but that can easily be cleared off. The other good thing, is that if for some reason the mold would come loose from the tooth, or you do it wrong, it can easily be reboiled, and used again.

This is my favorite element of any vampire, and it's cheap and easy to pull off. Next up, make it original. There is nothing that can not be added to a set of fangs. A mask, or a suit even.

Vampires can go many ways. Take inspiration from one of the originals if that is what you prefer, or be creative and produce a completely new character.

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Face Off

Have you ever put on makeup for Halloween? Or even for recreational fun? That is exactly what the television show does. However, they take it to a new extreme. Face Off is a show where makeup/ special FX artists show case their skills by creating full body makeups, based off of challenges that they receive. While, they cover a wide variety of of genres, and often many new and unique ideas, horror is a common idea.

Throughout all of the seasons, you can be sure to expect a horror challenge. In movies, horror is the genre that uses makeup to its full extent. How else can you create amazing monsters to star in films?

Here are some examples of horror makeups created in this show.

The last image has even been showcased in a haunt. 2 years ago, Face Off teamed up with Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights, in order to produce a horror challenge. The contestants had to create 2 corresponding characters, that could be placed inside one of H.H.N's mazes. Universal Monster Remix. This is the first time this was ever done. And I got the chance to see them in person, when I attended the event that year.

Face Off often brings famous horror makeup producers onto the show, in order for them to give the contestants a little advice about the said challenge. This is great not only for them, but for any fan at home who is interested in the subject.

Many people aspire to be makeup artists for horror, or any other type of movies. Or even just something that you do in your free time. Either way, watching this show can be a great inspiration. To see their talents, and all the amazing things that can be done with some clay, molds, prognostics, makeup, and pure skill, is mind blowing.

Face Off is a show that can directly connect many people to a special interest of theirs. If you are one of these people? Check out the new season, airing in July on SYFY. You can check out more show information here at their website.

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Nightmare on Elm Street

Nightmare on Elm Street is an extremely popular slasher film. This is a film that needs no description. Rather you like horror movies or not, there is a very high chance that you have heard of it.

It mixes a common fear, dark horror and a unique character, to produce a memorable movie.

This franchise is not one of my favorites, but it has its good qualities. There is of course the unique main character, but also, great environments, story lines, and plot twists.

My most credible form of evidence in support of this film, is that it was transformed into a full size detailed, maze. This shows just how great the environments are.

There are boiler rooms:

Schools: 

and of course...

bedrooms:

Throughout the entire franchise, there are many great scenes. 

In another post, I talked about the film series Halloween, and how it is so popular that you can't walk into a Halloween store, or haunted house, without seeing the main character. When movies become so liked, they become forever engraved in the horror community. This franchise did just that. 

We all have nightmares every so often. And this is what this movie takes advantage of. We've all woke up, sweaty from our restless sleep, terrified of what your mind has just conjured up, terrified to go back to sleep. This film captures this essence, and adds an extra dose of fear. 

Nightmare on Elm Street is a film franchise that will forever live in infamy. 

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Stereotypical Horror

We've all had a time when we went to the theater, excited to see a new horror movie, and it is a complete disappointment. Not necessarily a bad film, but maybe you expected it to be a little more original. You feel like you've been shown the same old stuff.

We all know how these films go, a girl is alone in her home, she hears a noise, and for some profound reason, she decides to go towards it. The crowd sighs, and the villain appears. In her shock, the girl screams, and runs right past the front door, and instead, goes sprinting up the stairs, to a place where we know she'll never escape.

Now, while this often happens in horror films, it doesn't mean that it is always a bad thing. If pulled off correctly, or even by adding a small about of original content, this can be a great scene. 

There are many examples of scenarios like this. Say a girl is running through the woods, we all know whats going to happen, she'll trip and fall, somehow giving the walking villain time to catch up. It happens so often in fact, that I personally sometimes feel shocked if it doesn't occur. 

While this can sometimes be an issue for some people, it has becomes a notable signature of horror, for things like this to happen. In my opinion, it adds a bit of reality  to the movie. If you're being chased, you're going to make some dumb decisions. If you're running through the tree covered forest, you're going to trip.

Like every single genre of film, horror has its defining characteristics. Stereotypes are put into place for a reason.

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Remakes vs. Original Films

Recently there has been discussion that all horror movies are remakes, or rehashes of the same thing. This does happen a lot, but there are also plenty of new unique films released every year.

Every few years, a remake is created. Rather it be Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, or any other classic or well known film. On the other hand, every other month there is a completely new and
unique movie released! The two sides outweigh each other.

Here are the remakes that are expected to be released in the next two years.

• Poltergeist
• The Mummy
• Ghostbusters (If you count this as horror)
• Cabin Fever
• Friday The 13th

Now these are the only notable classic or well known properties that I could come up with. Now I may be missing a few so just to make it fair, i'll also include some sequels.

• Insidious Chapter 3
• Sinister 2
• Prometheus 2
• The Purge 3
• Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
• The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist
• Amityville: The Awakening

Now I'll a brief and extremely incomplete list of NEW and UNIQUE movies will be released in the new 2 years.

• The Pyramid
• Extraterrestrials
• Let Us Prey
• Seventh Son
• The Lazarus Effect
• Crimson Peak
• Spectacle
• Rings
• The Last Witch Hunter
• Before I wake
• The Visit
• Regression
• Dark Was The Night
• Silent Retreat
• Asmodexia
• Unfriended
• The Gallows
• Krampus
• Maggi
• It Follows
• Dead Rising
• 31
• Abattoir
• Clown

As you can see, this list could continue for a while. By no means are either lists fully complete. However, you could even look for yourself, and see that there is a vast amount of new conceptual films coming out. While just a few remakes are being produced.

Now this begs a new question, while also addressing the other side of this discussion. Why are remakes perceived as a bad thing? I see absolutely no issue with them in the first place. If a movie is so popular, famous, unique, and solid that it can be made again, with fresh ideas, and new individuals, then more power to them.

When it comes to this battle, I think that both sides have equal footing and reason for their opinion. No matter the case, enjoy movies, no matter if they're brand new, or remade. Because in the end, it IS a brand new production, with new efforts and passions put into it.

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Texas Chainsaw Masacre

Texas Chainsaw Masacre is right up there with the top few classic slasher movies. It's also known as one of the most gory and "messed up" films. This movies is one of the few who really started this "new" style of horror. Apart from the classic movie monsters, slashers are what really pushed horror forward. This franchise deserves credit, in my opinion.

Starting with the original version, this movie terrified its viewers. Leatherface, the chainsaw wielding main character struck fear into everyone. As the franchise evolved into what it is today, so did the genre.

This has always been one of my favorites. And it is actually one of the few cases, where I like the new remake more than the original. To see how far the franchise has grown is astounding.  To the left is the original movie poster, and to the right is the brand new version made in 2013.










 This has started off as a small time, lower budget film, and turned into a headlining star of the horror genre. It has been featured at major horror attractions (HHN), and Leatherface costumes can be found at any costume store. It has by far exceeded expectations. And an amazing legacy has been created. There are few that have not seen the films, and even fewer who have never heard of the franchise.

Every installment of Texas Chainsaw brings a new element, and will always be my favorite of all horror. I'm not easy to startle, but Leatherface manages to encompass every aspect that is perfect for terrifying viewers.

There are of course specific aspects of the film, besides the main character that have always stuck with me, and one, is the sounds. The soundtrack to this film is eerie from start to finish. And even more specifically, there is shutter effect in the film that has always caused a chill to run down my spin ever since I was little. You can hear what I'm talking about here.

Texas Chainsaw is a must see for any horror enthusiast, simply because it is a classic.

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The Devil's Rejects

In a previous post, I hit on the topic of Rob Zombie. Now I would like to take the time to specifically talk about one of his most popular films, The Devil's Rejects. 

First, let's discuss the characters. The films revolves around the Firefly family. They are a group of seriously demented individuals who bond over killing. You can also follow their story in a film titles The House of 1000 Corpses. 

I am a huge Rob Zombie fan, and was actually introduce to this movie before any other piece of his. This is not a movie to watch if you scare easily, or if harsh things bother you easily. This film oversteps all boundaries. In my opinion, this is a good thing.

It creates an entirely unique horror film, which I am always a fan of. There are also a variety of different characters, which are personally my favorite aspect. They all have amazing character development throughout the two movies, and each have their own distinct sick traits. While they all have the same common goal, they all have their own way of doing it. Here they are...
Mother Firefly

Captain Spaulding

Tiny

 Otis B. Driftwood

Baby

These are just some of the main characters in this film. Some issues in movies are that you can tell that the actors do not connect in the way that they should. This movie does not have this characteristic. Since they have worked together for many years while producing both this film and House of  1000 Corpses. 

As I said before, don't watch this film if you are easily shocked, or offended. This movie will for sure cause that, as well as most of Rob Zombies work. 

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Real Life Horror? Hate and Discrimination

Now normally I post things such as horror reviews, my favorite Halloween events, etc. I'd like to take the time and space on my blog to speak about a truly terrifying thing. The effects of discrimination that this country holds.

Many times a year, we hear about deaths. Deaths of young black men, LGBT individuals who fall from murder or suicide, people all over the world being killed for who they are, or their beliefs. Does this not make anyone else sick?

Just by simply taking a look at the news, we see these horrible tragedies every single day. With an even closer look, you can see just the magnitude in which these incidents occur. Many people close themselves off, and ignore the fact that we live in a society structured around tearing one another down.  It can be so filled with hate. And this is the issue, instead of recognizing the issue, we ignore it. Instead of taking a stand and preventing deaths, we continue to spread hate.

We all hear about Michael Brown and Leelah Alcorn, yet the "n-word" and "faggot" are still echoed through the schools.

Take a stand.

A law in Indiana was just overruled. This law allowed companies to deny service to anyone of the LGBT community. Just like in the time of the Jim Crown laws. We honestly came that close to taking a step back to the 60's.  Yeah it was overruled, but the fact that it was even proposed in the first place is astounding.

This is a major flaw in our world. Where people are killed, bullied, assaulted, and pushed to suicide. Where the hate is so strongly engrained in peoples mentalities, that they see no issue with their actions. We're all humans, and I'm tired of people being treated any other way.

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Insidious

Insidious is a well know horror movie produced by BlumeHouse. As soon as it was released, it instantly became popular. Now a days, the majority of the movies released into theaters are remakes, or the typical cliche films. The first thing that I liked about Insidious was that this was neither of the two.

To many, this could however, be seen as a typical paranormal film. This is untrue. Most people would describe a typical paranormal film as a family who movies into a house, or buys an object, and events slowly unfold to reveal that there is a haunting. The father doesn't believe, until the very worst events happen, and by then it is too late. I bet you've seen dozens of movies like this right? Here is where the Insidious differs.

Yes, when the film, begins it is perceived that it is as a generic movie. But then we realize that it isn't a normal haunting, it is in fact a lot deeper. The movie transforms into an entirely new world or dimension (the further.) A world filled with brilliant characters and environments. This was my favorite part of the whole movie. The scene when the further is first revealed.
Here are some examples.


My next personal favorite element is all of the different characters. Besides the main human characters, there is a wide variety of different villains who really capture the essence of what the movie is all about. In many paranormal films, the "spirit" is not even displayed. This to me is a flaw, because what really signifies a series is a unique and remember-able character. For example, would you remember Halloween, Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street without the iconic Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, or Freddy Krueger?  Most likely not. So following that, here are many characters that set Insidious apart.

Long Haired Fiend

Lip Stick Demon

Bride In Black

My next favorite aspect of the film is the depth. The first movie alone, does well of this. However, there is a second installment. The second movie, weaves itself into the first film, and answers questions that you didn't even know that you had! On June 5th of this year, a 3rd Insidious will be released. Check out the first two and wait for the third, you won't regret it.

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La Llorona

La Llorona is a Mexican myth that has been told for generations. There are numerous version of the tale, all of which depict a weeping woman in a dress. Much like our American boogeyman, La Llorona is implemented in order to scare children into doing what they are told.  One story that I have been told about this comes from my Brother's Girlfriend. Born and raised in San Diego, California, her grandparents passed this story along.

She has told me many accounts of the pure fear that was struck into her, because of this tale. She would watch her back, as she walked home, or run in fear as her parents said "La Llorona is coming." As I stated above, there are many different versions. Here is the story that she told me. La Llorona was a mother of two young children. A boy and a girl. She met a man, who she had all of the hope of marrying. She dreamed of a perfect family, having more kids, and being the perfect wife. However, the man was found cheating, this broke her heart, and she could not forgive him. She plummeted into depression after losing the love of her life, and decided to take hers. She made the decision of taking both of her children down to the river, and drowning them both, followed by herself. Now it is said that she wanders around endlessly searching for her children. In the hopes of getting her "perfect" family.

Now this is just the tale that I was told. There are endless variations. There are even some that portray her as a large demon like creature that eats her children. As this image below shows.

I was first exposed to this at Halloween Horror Nights. Where they created a maze based off of this legend. The creative director John Murdy brought in a man named Diego Luna, and together, they incorporated many of the variations that are told to children every day. This experience started my interest in the subject, and I found many good movies, books, and even shows that are based off of it. It is really a great story, that has the power to cause both fear and curiosity. It is a story that sticks to children even into their adulthood. Even as an adult, they may still find themselves watching their back for La Llorona.

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Eli Roth's Clown

Recently I decided to watch a movie called Clown. I saw the previews a few months ago, and was instantly intrigued. I took note that it was created by Eli Roth. A director best known for his work in the Hostel franchise. You can check him out here. This sealed the deal for me.

I knew from the start that this was going to be a different film to watch, as most of Roth's titles are. In the past I have known him for gore, strange plots, and just an all around unique film. However, there is always a special feature that always sticks out for me. This movie was no different. 

The film got right to the point, no beating around the bush, or dragging on the character introductions. It begins with a young boys birthday party. Much like many parties, a clown was expected to be there. However, the plans falls flat, and the boy's father is left with the challenge of producing a clown in time for his boy's party. He just so happens to stumble upon an old clown costume, and decides that he will be the clown. You soon find out that the costume will not come off at all. The father slowly begins to morph into this clown, and soon develops the characteristics of a serial killer. 

Normally a movie as cheesy as this would be a little off setting for me, but this movie was different. I loved how they put a big twist on the classical clown movie. Instead of having the usual killer clown, this film presents it as a demon. A dark creature who embodies this costume and takes over anyone who inhabits it. This was a major plus for me. 

Next off, I enjoyed how the clown looked during its final transformation from the father to the demon. It was composed of amazing make up and digital technology. It was far from what was expected, and created a unique and memorable character. 

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Wolfman Makeup and Animation

I've recently made two posts about new and old horror movie makeup, that you can find here and right here. While I will also extend on that, now as I continue to progress over the years of horror, id like to touch on the newest form of creating a movie. Animations. And I will do so by giving examples from one of my favorite films. Graphic designers can do amazing things. In my personal life I have seen amazing works of art created digitally from my lovely girlfriend, as well as many other examples. I have also seen step by step process of how horror movies are created digitally.


One of my all time favorite digital creations is The Wolfman from the 2010 remake. This movie blew me away. It is jam packed with detail both made by a computer and a makeup artist. Adding hairs in graphic design is one of the hardest things to do. Yet these designers managed to cover an entire man in hairs from head to toe. They took a digital copy of the actor, Del Toro, and they began their process. In the end they ended up with this image to the left. That is days and days of work. In the end, the animated version was able to actually move with Del Toro and accomplish scenes that normally, before this technology, would not have been plausible.

Here is an image of the step by step creation of Del Toro into the character of The Wolfman...

Step one of the transformation

Lastly on the animated aspect of things, is of course, the transformation from human to werewolf. This has been done many times in numerous different films. However, this one has really stuck to me. It starts off with a lot f yelling on Del Toro's part and then changes into a full blown hairy monster. Here are some pictures that I think represent the transformation.

If you would like more detail, click here for an awesome technical breakdown of the transformation, including all of the aspects. 

Step two of the transformation

Step three of the transformation

Now onto the physical makeup that was actually applied to Del Toro for all of the other remaining scenes. The techniques used in this are amazing, and top of the line. They have managed to completely transform this man into a screen ready creature of the night. Check out this video to see some footage of the transformation.

As you can see in the video, it is ridiculously detailed. Through their makeup you can really see all of the emotions, which Del Toro also does a great job of expressing. Every single one of those hairs was put in by hand, just as it was digitally. Hours and hours of tedious processes were put together to create this, just like any other piece of art. I have a great respect for this.

Not only did the artists have a difficult job, but Del Toro also did. In order to get that "wolf" stance, he had to wear these specialized stilts. They took a lot of training to learn how to walk in them.


In the image to the left you can see what they looked like. They extended his legs, and gave a sharper, more animal like curve to them. In the film, this produced an amazing visual to the character.                                  

All around this movie is stellar. It encases everything that I could look for in a good movie. Seeing the animations and makeup broken down step by step has truly given me more respect for the film also. If you haven't seen tis film before, and actually seen these creations brought to life, then for sure check this on out.

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Old Movies Dying Out?

I have noticed that as generations come and go, the old classic movies are losing more and more relevance and respect. In there time, old movies such as:  Prom Night, The Exorcist, The Night of The Living Dead, It, Chucky, Carrie, and The Classic Monsters were staples of their time. People flocked from all over town to their local theatre to indulge in them. They were the entertainment of their day. Now, I find it much too often that some have not even heard of these films.

Everyone has seen ancient art, or read classic literature, both of which art pure masterpieces and art in their own rights. I see movies as the same, and they need to be treated and studied in the same aspect.  They are planned for years, dozens and dozens of people pour their heart and souls into creating them, and in the end a masterpiece is created. Some in the world is proud of every single movie that has even been made. Whether it be a bootleg, low budget,home made film, or a top of the line million dollar budget production, every movie deserves attention and respect. I touched on this subject on a previous blog that you can find here.

Movies need to be remembered, they need to be passed down through out families and brought along through out the years. Not just horror either, any movie ever created. If it once meant something to you, pass it down and keep it alive. Now a days it is all about the remakes. If someone has heard about the movie The Evil Dead for example, then it is probably the 2013 remake that they are referring to instead of the trilogy that began in 1981. While this is good, that a movie is being represented, it often doesn't lead to knowledge of the previous. Also, a remake is a completely different movie. Besides the obvious, such as new characters, settings, or plot twists, a remake is a completely different creation. The directors, actors and everyone involved has a new ideal for the movie, and a different passion. It is amazing how much this shines through in a film.

Movies need to be remembered, it is as simple as that. They are works of art just like anything else that is remembered and studied, and they need to be given the same respects.

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Halloween Horror Nights Annual Speculation

As the holidays pass, the new year comes and winter begins to fade away, the fun begins. The hunt and challenge of discovering the Halloween Horror Nights properties for the year beings. Us horror nerds never stop thinking about it, no matter the season. Christmas day? Lets watch Halloween. You get the point. Well as October comes closer and closer speculation really starts to begin.

Each year around the end of January, John Murdy The Creative Director of Halloween Horror Nights starts to release what he calls "code names." They are basically extremely challenging hints that could lead to the property that will be featured at HHN.

Well here is the catch, he's a self proclaimed carny, and these hints are deviously tricky. Each layer of them is nearly impossible to decode. Even if you find a property that does match these codes, well that doesn't mean it is it. Each and every code could make sense for a variety of films. Some of the hints could directly relate to a movie, but not everything matches up in the end. There could be dozens of films, games, albums, or original ideas that could match up to each and every hint that he gives.

Here is an example of the very first code name that John Murdy released this year. This that you could figure out what property it is based off of these hints?
The name that we refer to for this code name is...
Post Punk:
The hint that relates to the theme of the maze can be found in a song title of a band initially associated with the post punk musical movement. The genre included bands that would later be labeled as new wave, no wave, new romantic, goth, industrial, etc. The first hint given was that one of the key members of this group shares one of John Murdy's names (that includes his two middle names that not everyone knows.) The second hint was that one of the words in the song titl;e is something that modern technology has pretty much killed, it might even be extinct one day. The third hint is that the song may not be as obscure as it seems to be. It was originally released as a single. Also, one of these three hints may be fake.

These are the hints that we have to work with. Any given year we usually receive around 6-7 code names, and we must decode them all the same. How do we do this? Well it isn't just about guessing a movie and seeing if the hints fit, it is knowing the genre, knowing how HHN works, and how Murdy would think. Not every property has HHN potential, so that cuts the list down a bit. It has to have many unique characters and scenes, and it also typically needs a strong awareness (so the general public that attends will recognize the property.) We can also look at the films that Murdy has mentioned he would be interested in doing, and we can also think about new releases, or movies that will soon has a remake.

With all of these key elements, we usually decode every code name each year, and can discover what properties we can expect at HHN that year. Then comes the waiting for the announcements. Around July of every year Murdy begins to announce what each of these code names are. They usually are not too big of a surprise by that time, but sometimes, it can be. After months of research and hard work to decode the information, it finally becomes worth the wait as the properties are released. Then all that is left is waiting until opening night of Halloween Horror Nights and walking through each and every maze that we had speculated on for so long.

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