Universal Studio's Classic Monsters

Have you ever wondered where horror movies began? Where the idea to bring intense fear to all audience members originated? The very first horror movies ever created, were brilliantly made by none other than Universal Studios, or previously known as Independent Moving Pictures Company. From 1910-1920 the company had little success in establishing themselves in the industry. They only released two movies, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and The Werewolf. Universal was sinking fast, and in a last ditch attempt to save their company the famous film The Hunchback of Notre Dame was created.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame stared Lon Chaney, a man who would later go on to be in numerous Universal films. For this film extravagant sets were made, including a recreation of the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. This set still stands today, on the Universal back-lot. This was Universal's first success in the horror industry, and this paved the way for many more movies to be created. This was just the beginning of what Universal had to offer.

Inspired by the success of their previous movie, Universal decided to put together the masterpiece that is The Phantom of The Opera which was based off of a novel by Gaston Leroux. This movie, like its predecessor, was immensely popular. Following these films, a few more where created, such as: The Cat and The Canary, The Man Who Laughs, The Last Warning, and The Last Performance. 

In the early 1930's Universal began creating what would later be known as the main staples of their company, Dracula, and Frankenstein. These movies started off the careers of two of Universal's most famous actors, Bela Lugosi (Dracula) and Boris Karloff (Frankenstein). Despite these movies being produced in the midst of the Great Depression, they were the most successful horror movies of their time, and are to date considered to be the most famous of all Universal Monster's. These films set the standards and the cliches even for movies that are produced today in 2014.

Later on, many more films were created, all of which were greatly successful. Universal started as the underdogs in the film industry, and ended up creating a whole new genre of movie making. Their terrifying movie makeup, and talented actors, made it hard to compete. However, in a time where anything of the spooky sort was looked at as a sin, it was hard to beat the critiques. Universal conquered this feat, and went on to make original films and even offshoots of their own famous movies. Such as The Bride of Frankenstein. 

So next time you go to see a scary movie, keep in mind these extraordinary films, actors, and company that made it possible.

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Día De Los Muertos

In Mexico they celebrate their own version of Halloween. It is called Día de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The festivities that they take part in are very similar to the original Celtic roots of Halloween. They share many of the same traditions, and beliefs, however, Mexicans take it to a new extreme.

Day of the Dead can be traced back over 4000 years. It is celebrated between midnight of October 31st and November 2nd. They believe that at 12:00 a.m. the spirits of deceased children can come back to the world and visit with their families for only 24 hours, and then they must return back to the other world for another year. Then on November 2nd it is said that the spirits of deceased adults can come down and enjoy the festivities that have been prepared especially for them.

In most villages, extravagant alters are made for the dead, inside of homes. They are decorated with many things to show their appreciation to the dead. These things include: hundreds of flowers, tons of different food (such as fruits and tortillas), a special bread made just for Day of the Dead called pan de muerto, and many different drinks. For the children, toys and candy is left out, and for the adults, cigarettes and alcohol is left for them. To top it all off, the alter is decorated with an assortment of sugar skulls.

To these natives the whole point of this celebration is to honor the dead, and to remember their loved ones lives, but to also keep them happy and satisfied for another year. They have a strong belief that by offering these gifts to them, they will provide protection, the best of luck, and intellect for their family.

After they celebrate at home in privacy, they head to the cemetery. Here all of the people from the area gather together to clean the graves of loved one, to pray, play cards with one another, and to speak of the fond memories with these loved ones.

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The History of Halloween

Halloween has origins from many different cultures. All of which have been mixed together and over time they have been morphed into the holiday that we celebrate today. Halloween is the shortening of All Hallows' Evening which can also be called Hallowe'en or All Hallows' Eve. Through out the history of this celebration many traditions have been passed along. Some of these include: trick-or-treating (beggar's night in some states), carving pumpkins to create jack-o-lanterns, wearing costumes, bonfires, and much more.

Many do not know the original origin of this holiday, or its true purpose. It was not originally created for children to go around and get candy, or for  adults to wear a promiscuous costume, but for the Celtics to honor the dead. The Celtics believed that around this time of the year, the dead could come about and visit the living. In commemoration of this time of the year the Celtics had a festival called Samhain. People came together at this time and sacrificed foods, and animals to the dead. They also lit bonfires for them. They did all of this in order to guide the dead away from the living. The food would replenish them, and the bonfire was said to light the way to the otherworld.

Samhain was transformed into the holiday that we celebrate today, when the Christian missionaries attempted to convert the Celtics. They changed many of their traditions to fit their own beliefs. However, they did a sort of compromise by keeping some of the customs alive. With the new Christian influence, the outlook of the dead became much more negative. What was once believed to just simply be the dead, was now thought to be evil, and in direct correlation with the devil. As a result of this, other creatures were added to the mix, such as fairies, witches, and demons.

This is where trick-or-treating came about. Celts would leave out food and drinks for the spirits to take. It was believed that this was their offering to them, in order to keep them away for another year.  After a while, people began to dress as these spirits and wander around asking for gifts of food and drinks. Even later in time, these gifts became candy. There even more direct relations left from the holiday Samhain, such as bobbing for apple, carving pumpkins, and apple cider.

Most Halloween traditions can be directly related back to ancient Celtic times. So this Halloween season, keep this in mind when you're out celebrating.

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Rob Zombie

Looking for good spooky music, horror movies, or a haunted attraction? Well one man can bring that all to you. His name is Rob Zombie.

He is well known for his music. His career first began in the mid 1980's with White Zombie, which eventually gave him fame nearly a decade later. His unique and eery sound allowed him to reach the top of the record charts within months of releasing his first single. This small success was nothing in comparison to what was to come. Rob Zombie soon decided to break free from his band White Zombie, and begin his solo career.

A few years later Rob Zombie released an album called Hellbilly it instantly became very popular. This album was highly influenced by classic horror films. This shows visibly in the titles of his songs such as, "Dracula", and "Living Dead Girl". Besides the obvious titles, you can also get a horror vibe just from his sound alone. With unhinged and abstract lyrics, and eery instrumentals, it is clear to see where his inspiration is rooted from.

Since 1998 he has released 4 more studio albums, all of which have been greatly successful. This music is perfect for the Halloween season, and it is a great way to get into the spirit. Not only is Rob Zombie an extremely talented musician, his talent of directing movies is also amongst the greats.

Rob Zombie has released a total of 6 films within the last decade. Beginning with House of 1000 Corpses, his first film. This film is something that is NOT for the faint of heart. When Zombie first released this film, it was met with a very negative feedback, however, since then it has become a cult classic. His next movie was The Devil's Rejects, again this film was met with negative feedback, and for the same reasons. The film appeared to be too grotesque, and much too sicking for the general public. Once again, this film still managed to gain a following despite the negative reviews.

Perhaps Rob Zombies most successful film is his remake of the classic John Carpenter film Halloween. Rob completely re-imagined the story, and turned it into something truly beautiful. He was not done there, a few years later he went on to make a second remake of the film Halloween, this time adding an even bigger twist to the plot. Zombie was an executive producer on the animated movie The Haunted World of El Superbesto. Later going on to create the film The Lords of Salem. This film did not do as good as his other films, perhaps the critics negative reviews had finally caught up to his extraordinary films.

In recent news, Rob Zombie will be releasing a new film titled, 31. Not much information has been released on the plot of this film.

As if this man has not done enough, he has also put his creativity into another aspect of horror. He has taken part in the producing of two haunted attractions. First, his film House of 1000 Corpses was featured at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, an annual Halloween event in Hollywood, California. Rob Zombie has also created his own attraction called Rob Zombies Great American Nightmare, located in Ville Park, Illinois.

Rob Zombie is the entire package when it comes to all things horror related. If you need something to get you into the Halloween spirit, this is a great place to start. Check out some of his gruesome films, or one of his mesmerizing albums. Either way, you're sure to be shocked by pure talent.

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Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Nights

Every year Universal Studios Hollywood hosts an out of this world Halloween event called Halloween Horror Nights, which is produced and designed by the extraordinary John Murdy. It attracts all walks of life from around the world, due to its intense detail, and terrifying atmosphere. It is believe by many to be the scariest Halloween attraction in the United States. Only the brave can withstand an entire night there, and many underestimate the level of intensity that it brings. They spend numerous hours training hundreds of scare actors. They teach them the ins and out of the business, and show them how to be the scariest that they can be. They are the heart of the event, and without their talent, it wouldn't be nearly as productive.

Each year Halloween Horror Nights raises the bar by bringing new properties. This year there is a large variety of fear. These properties include, AMC'S The Walking Dead, Alien VS. Predator, Dracula: Untold, An American Werewolf in London, From Dusk Till Dawn, and an original property, Clowns 3D with music by Slash. These properties are transformed into mazes that you walk through. Room by room you experience one terrifying scene after another. These properties are executed with such detail, that it is sometimes hard to tell that you are in fact not in a movie.

As you venture from maze to maze, you will travel through what is called a scare zone. These are designated zones throughout the park that are set up with high-end props, and effects. There are different lights, flamethrowers, and fog machines scattered all throughout. Scare actors often hide amongst the fog and jump out at unsuspecting victims. This year there are a number of properties such as, AMC'S The Walking Dead, and The Purge: Anarchy. There are also a number of original concepts.

As if that was not enough, Halloween Horror Nights offers an unique opportunity for you to walk on the Universal back lot, where hundreds of classic and popular movies have been filmed. You get the chance to walk along the Bate's Motel from the movie Psycho, you can make your way through the War of The World's plane crash set, and many more famous locations. All along the way being chased and hunted by scare actors wielding chainsaws and various weapons.

This is no doubt something that must be experienced. There is no possible way to accurately express the intensity, and feeling of fear that this event provides. It is something you have to witness for yourself, and once you've gone once, you'll be hooked for life.


Visit their official website here.

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