boogeyman13

Well, in your defense, if you go to enough haunts and hear enough of their music, it starts to blend a little bit. Personally, I can tell you when it's Midnight Syndicate, but which song is used specifically? Generally not. A lot of it starts to sound similar, unless it's a specific tune, or it's the track that very heavily "borrows" from the main theme of a certain spook-filled mansion at a nearby park.

Additionally, King wanted the film shot at the Stanley Hotel where he wrote the book and where his inspiration came from, and Kubrick basically told him no; that he wanted to shoot at a couple random hotels instead. That's why the mini-series that was done in the 90's, which had more direct involvement by King, was shot at the Stanley Hotel.

He is, to a point. From what I understand, he'll let you make a film adaptation of any of his works that haven't already been optioned, so long as it's not-for-profit; i.e. student films, etc...

Very nice! I'm slowly working on one of those myself:

There's a lot of detail there. A one off isn't so bad. I'm just thinking about the need for multiple costumes per night, even with just one per cast. And again, depending on how well lit is is (and Creature was never really a dark film), it could be very obvious that a cheaper costume is just that. Perhaps technologic was a poor choice of words. What I meant was, from a costuming standpoint, it's more complex and detailed than say a black jacket with shoulder pads, or gauze wraps, or a lot of fake fur and claws. And if the suit tears or otherwise has an accident, especially depending on where it happens, it might be more expensive to fix than just sewing up a shirt. All of that is potentially more cost prohibitive than a "stationary" animatronic or pneumatic creature. But this is all just spec, based on if the house happens, and if it's closely aligned to DE or not, and if the Creature is even in it...

You know, I wonder if people are getting too focused on the DE aspect of this house. They could be referring to it more in that the house is more generally controlling the light and dark and how attendees interact with it, or that we'll get strobe effects in parts of it via "lightning." I think people are assuming it will be DE with Uni Monsters instead of zombies, and we haven't gotten word one way or another just how similar it will be. And a straight copy of the style in DE really won't work well with the Monsters imo, unless they change up some other things too. As was mentioned earlier, the house summary for Monsters Remixed would technically fit this house, and that's completely different. Plus, we haven't even gotten confirmation that this house even exists! Until we know what this house will actually contain, I will operate under the assumption that it's not exactly the same, and a form fitting jumpsuit would look awful for this character; especially considering the amount of details this monster in particular has. Even with only a second or two to see him, it could be painfully obvious that something's not right, depending on how they present him. I agree 100%. I would much rather have a scare actor. Just trying to think of feasible, accurate ways they could present the character without ridiculous costs for just one character in one house.

To do him right would take at least a full half body suit, depending on the scene. Considering cast changes and wear and tear through the event, a number of suits would be needed, which may be cost prohibitive given the level of detailing and materials needed. That's why I was thinking animatronic. Nothing fancy, mind you, probably just a pneumatic that would pop out of fog or something with an accompanying noise. The figure itself wouldn't even really need to move. I could also see them throwing in The Hunchback, unless he gets moved over to the Gargoyle house.

The Invisible Man for sure. But beyond that, I'm assuming Wolfie, Drac, and Frank; the latter two with their brides. I really want Creature, but as he's a bit more technologically complex, I figure the best I'd get is an animatronic.

I believe this one:

I have to imagine they'd at least sell P&T and TWD DVD's or something, even if not specifically related to HHN. That and Alice Cooper CD's. However, so HHN-centric items would be pretty cool. I'm looking forward to hopefully Uni's on-line store getting stuff, so I don't miss out on items before getting down there. Going the last weekend practically guarantees that anything cool will be long sold out.

Honestly, having never had the chance to do a Universal Monsters house at Universal Studios, I'm really pumped for this house. And if do it so it's all black and white (it seems like it would lend itself well here), I am going to flip out in excitement. I predict that this may even end up being my favorite house of the event.

So, I'm sure this isn't the case, but I feel I'd be remiss if I didn't at least mention it. "I'll be seeing you" does strike a resemblance to another phrase we've seen from the past, aka I.C.U. And the original person has technically never been an icon, therefore might not have been benched. Again, 99% sure this is just coincidence, and I'm just blowing smoke. But just thought I'd mention it...

Ooh, this sounds interesting, and I'll actually be there that night! I might just have to join in on this...

You pretty much just described Silent Hill. Now whether or not Uni's thinking the same is something we'll have to wait and see.

LOL I hope you're right, Hush. But I'd still like to see a bit more engrossing site. I'm really hoping that there will still be a large update with the full reveal, and this is still all just teaser.

I think I may have to bite the bullet on this one too!

I agree 100%, and completely respect that, Dr. Jimmy. And personally, I think you do it rather well. But there's a difference between making cryptic statements and having some fun with it, and having a god complex with other members of the board. I'm not a fan of members saying "you're wrong and silly for thinking that, and I know better...but I'm not going to tell you!" It's condescending and doesn't serve any purpose other than just being obnoxious. Now, to get us back on topic, I've just been thinking of ways to modify things with minimal impact. But if we want to start getting crazy, I wouldn't mind seeing an entire park over run with scare actors. No safe zones, no dead areas, and a potential monster around every corner, or behind every bush. Throw on top of that roving vehicles with "shows" on them, either people being dismembered and maimed, or spraying "blood" on the audience, or some other sort of ghoulish delight. Throw entire areas of the park into blacklight or darkness and give scare actors black costumes with lights that they can turn on and off to get right up to a patron and then scare the bejeezus out of them. Now THAT would be something.

Well, first off, the attitude isn't really needed. We're all fans here. If you have some kind of inside information like you seem to be implying, then please share. Otherwise, I assume that everyone here is on the same page and knows the same things, and everyone's opinion is valid and equal, since this is a speculation thread. As I said, those are off the top of my head. And if you combined some of those with minimal permanent set-ups (lights, fog machines, sound system, etc...), it could absolutely be done in under 45 minutes. But beyond that, if you're referring to perhaps the scare actors utilizing mobile props or driving themed carts or whatever, or things along that nature, that's also a possibility. My point is that large-scale, 20 foot tall encompassing environments or nothing at all are not the only two options available. That's not the case if you position your product as a "best value" or differentiated product option. People will be more forgiving about a drop in some things if you give some some new things they can't get anywhere else, or create different but equal value. Particularly if that's what you lead with. Care to share, since you seem to know something?

Well said! It all comes down to the presentation.

Well, just off the top of my head: Vehicles Wheeled set pieces with locking mechanisms Sets that are designed and built to be sectional, which can be brought out to the streets in pieces and then easily assembled/disassembled each night Simple facades On top of that, you can do projections or lasers (maybe onto the fog), simple mood lighting, and some speakers. All of which can be done with minimal physical interferance to the streets and sidewalks. There are a lot of options available to create sets. There may be some limitations based on physical space and traffic flows, but there is still freedom to do some neat stuff.

RIght, but they can still call them zones, if the hordes stay in particular areas. Throw in some fog, music, and mood lighting, and it can still be considered a zone for marketing purposes. And just because the sets aren't as elaborate as what we've seen, it doesn't mean they can't still use mobile set pieces or smaller items or things of that nature.

Legacy, I'm not sure I understand your reasoning behind this assumption? I don't really see why a visitor would think that, since it's all still within one enclosed area. Logistics of physical space aside, I don't think people demand that much symmetry. That's like saying, "Well, if there are 4 houses in the front of the park, then there had better be four houses in the back as well or people will be upset." If they put roaming hordes in the front with minimal set dressing and effects, and then placed "zones" in the back with actual sets, I don't think the GP would take umbrage with that. Particularly since I'm sure they will still all be marked out on the park map. Even with "roaming hordes" of monsters, I have to imagine that they're still going to be relatively contained to certain areas, to avoid potential bunching of scare actor groups in one spot of the park.

And technically, she's never been an icon, so the retirement "rules" from XX wouldn't apply...

A lot of these statements could be referencing the houses. I wonder if we'll see closer ties between the SZ's and houses this year? And on a completely different note, with the assumption that this year will require more minimal sets for SZ's, and looking back at what's come before, I will make a completely out of left field prediction. 2012 will feature the return of Treaks and Foons! Maybe even as a dual icon anyone? Wouldn't it be terrifying if that actually turned out to be true?

You could still do original houses, but tie it in to a movie theme, ala Ripped From the Silver Screen, but without IP's. For example, they could make up their own stories and say that these are films, forgotten in the Universal archives, that have mysteriously been brought to life in our world. There's already some precedent for this thinking in the park with Disaster!. It's not a direct movie license ride, but rather embodies the spirit of those schlocky b movies that we're all so familiar with, with a twist. So there are ways to package it within the vision of the park and still do their own thing. They just have to be a bit creative. And Universal is one of those few places that offers both quantity AND quality. I try to hit up at least 4-5 haunted houses each year in the Chicago area, and none of them can compare. And I'm not talking little mom and pop places. I mean dedicated businesses. One of them is even at a permanent location, so they don't have to break down every November, which allows them to build more intricate sets. So while it is cool that Universal offers IP houses, and they can be good, it's not at all surprising to me that people enjoy the originals too, since it's still an experience they can't get anywhere else. There are 7-8 houses, each dedicated to a specific theme and story, and all pretty high quality. This is different than a standard haunt, which has a zombie room, and a cannibal room, and a clown room, etc., which ultimately creates a very disjointed experience. Or, if they do stick to a specific theme, if it's not one you're crazy about, then the whole experience suffers. At HHN, if there's one you don't like, then there are others you might like more, and they're all complete thoughts, and professionally put together. There's a convenience factor there coupled with the production value. LOL Black Mask, I would love to actually sit down and talk to you some time, because it sounds like you and I have some very different opinions on things. I love C.H.U.D.! It was pure 80's cheese. I hardly think it's the worst movie ever made, even for the 80's. Have you not seen Troll or Troll 2 ( of which not a single troll actually appears in the film)? And the SAW franchise got TERRIBLE. The first one was a good, tight, film, but the story go so convoluted by the end it was ridiculous. The believability of the plots got really stretched thin, even by their own standards. And the twist endings! Talk about awful twists of M. Night Shyamalan proportions... I would say honestly that only its momentum of churning one out every year is what kept it alive as a franchise by then end. And I do agree with you that is was the 2000's horror "icon," much like its 80's predecessors, and much like Paranormal Activity is now (take that as you will). I also agree with you that there were some incredible inconsistencies in quality with the 80's horror icons. But they still had their merits. Friday the 13th Part 7 is a terrible movie, but it has arguably the best character design for Zombie Jason from all the latter films, save for MAYBE FvJ (but that's really it's own beast, I would say). And Nightmare 6 (Freddy's Dead) is hilarious in its terrible, terrible campiness. And Texas Chainsaw Massacre has never really gotten a fair shake. Every sequel/prequel/remake is arguably them just retelling the first story again with the same story beats. IP houses might be good for fans of the franchises, but for grizzled, caustic horror fans like myself, they don't hold anything new or exciting. As I've stated multiple times, if I want to see Freddy kill someone, or someone get diced up in one of Jigsaw's traps, I need only put a Blu-ray on. Or, I can go to one of my local haunts. There's always a Freddy or a Myers or Jason running around (I suspect illegally ). One of the ones I used to frequent even has a re-recreation of the TCM remake at the end, complete with sheets on clothes lines and a 70's police car. If I'm going to fly to another region, I want a new experience. I've seen so many films that retread the same story beats, kills, characters, origins, etc., that when I see it again, even in person, it's still nothing new, and consequently not exciting. Even if it's designed and executed beautifully, it's still a repeat, and not even really re-packaged all that differently. So, given that perspective, I could argue that while they may be a good service to fans of the IP, they are ultimately a disservice to fans of the genre. For example, I am so burnt out on zombie stories (I've seen, read, played, and listened to a LOT of them), that walking through a "best of" house of the first two seasons of TWD really does not sound that appealing. Will I still go through it? Absolutely. I wouldn't consider myself a fan of the genre if I didn't. But am I at all excited about that house? Not particularly. It doesn't sound like it'll be anything that I haven't already seen a multitude of times. I'm really hoping that I'm wrong, and I'll come out really liking it, but my expectations are low. Sorry for the REALLY long post. You just brought up some very excellent talking points.