Paranormal is the Theme at 43rd Annual Knott’s Scary Farm

Last night avid season pass holders and the media attended the Knott’s Scary Farm maze and show reveal held at the Charles M. Schulz Theater at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California.  This year the event will be held September 24th through October 31st and Halloween Haunt will be celebrating its 43rd year.  There will be 11 mazes, over 1,000 monsters, 3 scare zones and 2 shows.  There will be six mazes with a paranormal theme with everything from ghosts and demons to werewolves and zombies.

Last night, emcee Jeff Tucker who is Supervisor of Park Shows appeared on the stage in the fog filled theater to announce everything that was in store.  In grand fashion he was wheeled on to the stage a la Hannibal Lecter by two attractive young ladies.  The audience went crazy in anticipation.

The Shows

Elvira’s Asylum
The all-new Elvira show will feature singing, dancing and comedy.

The Hanging: Straight Outta Calico
All-new for this year, the audience will be deciding the outcome of The Hanging using their smart phones.

Scare Zones

Ghost Town will have more monsters than ever.  One new addition will be The Dollmaker who is is related to the old maze The Doll Factory.  He will be well worth seeking out.  The other two scare zone will be the returning CarnEvil and Fiesta De Los Muertos.

Returning Mazes

Dean Miller’s Black Magic will return for its third consecutive year.  This year features an all-new Skeleton Key room.  Visit Houdini’s haunted theater and experience a seance.

The Forevermore Killer is back for the fourth consecutive year in Forevermore, a gruesome look at the works of author Edgar Allen Poe seen through the eyes of the killer.  Forevermore features an all-new Skeleton Key room.

Gunslinger’s Grave: A Blood Moon Rises will be all-new for this year.  Gus Krueger’s returning maze bases on revenge in the old west is back this year now featuring Werewolves.

Daniel Miller’s Pinocchio Unstrung will remain pretty much the same but will feature an all-new Skeleton Key room.

Also returning from Daniel Miller is the ultra-violent and gory The Tooth Fairy.  This year the maze will feature a pitch-black room that you have to find your way out of, a strobe light room and a brand new ending.

Another maze with all-new scenes is Trick or Treat.  This year you will go into the spooky attic and join The Green Witch at her feast.

Voodoo returns with Voodoo: Order of the Serpent.  The returning maze takes us back into the woods and bayou with all-new scenes, a new Skeleton Key room and a new extended ending.

Special Ops Infected returns with Special Ops: Infected-Patient Zero.  All the victims of the zombie apocalypse were saved last year, but then there was a mutation and one again the virus spread.  This year will feature even more zombies and will be twice as long.  There will also be a new high-tech gun that will feature live scoring and becomes a better weapon with more kills.

New Mazes

Announced at ScareLA was Dead of Winter.  The Ice Queen’s family was murdered by the villagers and now she seeks revenge as she summons an army of undead Vikings.  This maze will be a new concept as some of the scenes will actually remain lighted.  We heard there might actually be one scene where it snows.

The Calico Mine Ride returns with live talent in My Bloody Clementine, Daniel Miller’s all-new story based on the song.  Witness the transformation of Clementine from a little girl into an evil spirit seeking revenge for her and her father’s death.  The attraction features all-new digital mapping and an all-new high-tech sound system.

Paranormal Inc, a group of paranormal investigators will take us into the very haunted Hayden Hills Asylum in Paranormal Inc.Case #13 – The Haunting of Hayden Hill where patients have been tortured by the doctors and nurses for year-after-year.  The abandoned asylum now contains their restless spirits.  This is Jon Cooke’s first maze and it will actually change depending on the circumstances, so you will experience all new demons and spirits each time you go in it.  As paranormal investigators ourselves (GSHE columnist Erik Vanlier is founder of Valley Investigators of the Paranormal) who have investigated actual haunted asylums, this is the maze we are most looking forward to seeing.

The Deadly 7

The Green Witch is leaving the Tricksters at home this year and has unleashed something much more evil.  The Deadly 7 are based on the seven deadly sins and will search for victims with their debauchery and horror.

Lucha Extreme Dance Invades the Haunted Yost Theater

LAD NIGHT LIFE + Alex Cortez Productions +I.W.I Bring a Night of Lucha Libre and Exotic Dancing to the Yost Theater

On Sunday, September 13th Lucha Extreme Dance takes over the haunted Yost Theater in Santa Ana, California as seen on the hit Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures.  The compelling evidence shown on the episode included a spirit saying, “Dead ghost” that impressed even Zack and Nick.  A shadow person was also caught on camera while head of security Art was investigating upstairs.

Now all you wrestling and paranormal fans can experience the historic and haunted location for yourselves.  Lucha Libre stars performing will include Fenix, Acero Dorado, Sin Limite, Piloto Suicida and Los Luchas.  On hand that evening will be the two investigators who appeared on the Ghost Adventures episode (Erik Vanlier from Valley Investigators of the Paranormal) and Rob Hernandez (PCH Paranormal – Formerly Valley Investigators of the Paranormal).  Also in attendance will be internet personality Norman John Gidney (HorrorBuzz.Com) (MiceChat.Com).  So you can come up to him and ask him any questions you may have about horror, haunts or Disney.

Doors open at 6pm

$25 General Admission
$40 First Row
$35 Second Row

VIP Seating & Bottle Reservations
949-200-0205

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Unveils the New Anubis Paintball Adventure

Over 200 Monsters, Mummies & Freaks Will Find Their Way On Board the Infamously Haunted Ship

LONG BEACH, Calif., (August 26, 2015) –Fear lives here at The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor as the torrid history of the haunted ship rises from the deep October 1 – November 1, 2015. In addition to Dark Harbor’s horrific new maze, Lullaby, that tells the tale of the ship’s youngest soul, Scary Mary, the annual fright festival is thrilled to unveil the all-new Anubis Paintball Adventure.

 Those who dare will venture into the tombs of Anubis, the Greek Egyptian jackal-headed god of mummification and the afterlife. In Anubis’ underworld, guests will test their skills in an LED 3D paintball battle against the most terrifying gaggle of mummies, monsters and myths.

 The brand new Lullaby maze will take guests on a frightening voyage with Dark Harbor’s youngest soul, Scary Mary, who has haunted the Queen Mary ever since her horrific drowning in the poolroom in 1952. Dark Harbor will also welcome the new Side Show of Freaks and Oddities and the Side Show Bar that will bring guests up close into the grotesque world of freaks.

 The Ringmaster, The Captain and their band of spirits including Samuel the Savage, Graceful Gale, Half-Hatch Henry and Scary Mary will be joined by over 200 grizzly monsters and ghouls that will be plotting terrifying tricks and treats throughout the season of fear. Dark Harbor’s signature haunts Deadrise, Soulmate, B340, Circus and the Voodoo Village will be wrought with more horrific monsters than ever before.

Dark Harbor brings the true torrid tales of The Queen Mary to life, offering one of the most authentically terrifying experiences available. The annual event begins October 1 and continues to inflict fear on select dates through November 1. Ticket prices start at just $20 online, with Fast Fright, VIP Passes, and lodging packages available. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.queenmary.com/dark-harbor.

About the Queen Mary

Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 346 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call (800) 437-2934. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.

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The Ultimate Monster Show Returns to Burbank September 18-20,2015

Son of Monsterpalooza is returning to the Marriott Burbank Hotel and Convention Center complete with celebrity guests, presentations, amazing artists, unique vendors and TWO walk through dark galleries!  On Saturday there will also be a costume contests where winners will receive a cash prize!

Scheduled guests include;

Tony Todd – Candy Man, the Crow, Night of the Living Dead, Hatchet

David Naughton – American Werewolf in London

Meg Foster – They Live, 31, masters of the Universe

Juliet Landau – Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Sid Haig- Foxy Brown, Devils Rejects

Bill Johnson – Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

Tom Atkins –Escape from New York, Halloween 3, The Fog

William Forsythe – Dick Tracy, the Devils Rejects, Raising Arizona

Udo Kier – Blade, Flesh for Frankenstein, Shadow of the Vampire

Michael Westmore – Face Off, Academy Award winning makeup artist.

McKenzie Westmore – Actress and host of Face Off.

Harvey Stephens –The Omen

And many more

Saturday Costume Contest!

Son of Monsterpalooza Costume Contest!

WIN CASH PRIZES!

Sinister 2 Review – We Can’t Believe All The Bad Press

Horror Critics are slamming Sinister 2 and we can’t figure out why.  It’s true that Bughuul isn’t as menacing as he was in the predecessor, but the movie still delivered some tense moments and decent jump scares.  The scenes in the abandoned church where a gruesome murder occurred were somewhat creepy and it was actually a pretty cool set.  The ghost children in the movie are at times annoying, but at others play off as the freakiest kids since “Children of the Corn”.  It’s actually them that are featured more prominently than Bughuul himself.

Single mom Courtney ((Shannyn Sossamon) moves her twin boys into a rural farm house to be away from the boys’ abusive father. Ex-Deputy So & So (James Ransone) plays an awkward ex-deputy turned private investigator who comes to the house to investigate the old murders.  He takes on the responsibility of saving the family from both the father and Bughuul.

The twin boys are brought into the basement of the once abandoned house by the victims of Bughuul where they’re shown a series of super-8 home movies which are actually snuff films, each one displaying a gruesome and creative murder.  The films are entertaining and look like something you would find on the Deep Web.

The movie actually wasn’t that scary but we enjoyed it none the less.  James Ransone played the weird ex-deputy to perfection and Shannyn Sossamon provided plenty of eye candy.  It seemed like one of the twins (true twins in real life) were a better actor than the other, but their chemistry was decent.  We would have liked to have seen more of Bughuul and have him play a bigger part of the story, but overall we found the film entertaining and 97-minute run time seemed to go by fast.  Is it just us or does Bughuul remind you of Slender Man?

Good Mythical Morning (Do We Have a Ghost?) Studio Investigator Available for Paranormal Events and Promotions For Halloween

Erik Vanlier (Ghost Adventures, Good Mythical Morning, Haunted Encounters, Haunted History, My Ghost Story) will be available for Halloween time paranormal events and promotions.  Erik is the founder of Golden State Haunts and Events as well as  Valley Investigators of the Paranormal.  Last year he did a special episode of the hit Youtube show Good Mythical Morning where he investigated the haunted studio.  As of this writing the video has reached over 2.2 million views.  Other media appearances he has done for Halloween were a haunted Honda commercial which won AdWeek’s Ad of the Week for the week it ran, an investigation of KTLA Channel 5 studios haunted tunnels and an investigation for KCAL-9 of the Cellar restaurant in Fullerton. He has also done a series of public Halloween time investigations at the Cellar and facilitated public investigations at La Purisima Mission in Lompoc and Pioneer Cemeter in Sylmar where he gave an over 20-minute pre-investigation presentation.

You can contact him direct at erikghost@sbcglobal.net

Tickets Now On Sale For Universal Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood

Tickets are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood as Southern California’s premier Halloween event unveils a slate of new mazes, an exciting hip-hop dance show, a new cutthroat Terror Tram experience and terrifying Scare Zones, beginning Friday, September 18, 2015.

Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase atwww.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood, including a “Killer Deal Nights” ticket option with discounts of up to $25 on select dates as well as a Front of Line ticket option which enables guests to enjoy priority access to each “Halloween Horror Nights” maze, “Terror Tram,” Jabbawockeez show and theme park attractions.  Advance purchase is recommended as event nights will sell out.

 “Halloween Horror Nights” dates are: September 18, 19, 25, 26, 27, October 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and November 1, 2015.

“Halloween Horror Nights” brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties.  This year’s line-up includes:

 All-New Mazes and Show:

“Guillermo del Toro Presents Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness” is inspired by the visionary filmmaker who directed, co-wrote and produced the upcoming October 16 Legendary and Universal Pictures feature film. The three-dimensional living replica of the film is designed to send guests spiraling through the chilling world and into the footsteps ofCrimson Peak’s lead character, Edith Cushing, first as they venture from her home in America, then to the decaying and haunted Allerdale Hall mansion in a remote English countryside. With a foreboding “Beware of Crimson Peak” message that echos from Edith’s past, guests will navigate a labyrinth of paranormal tortured souls who have born witness to the estate’s dark history of unspeakable acts…and who continue to reside in vengeful, ghostly forms.

 Bringing together the most sinister of scenes from all three films, “Insidious: Return to the Further,” investigates unexplained phenomena in the Lambert family’s eerie Victorian home as guests find themselves at a séance that unleashes chaos and horror. They’ll journey into “The Further” – a supernatural realm that houses tormented spirits – and face deadly ghosts and demons like the Woman in Black and Oxygen Mask Demon, that will stop at nothing to infiltrate the world of the living.

 “The Walking Dead: Wolves Not Far,” inspired by season 5 of AMC’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award®-winning television series, this all-new maze will feature twice as many walkers in the longest and most gruesome maze ever built at Universal Studios Hollywood.  Following in the footsteps of “The Walking Dead” cast, guests will begin their journey at the Terminus safe-haven compound, where an unspeakable hunger has consumed the demented souls of those dwelling within. As the chaos ensues, guests will encounter even greater atrocities as they stumble upon dismembered “W” walkers, witness the horror of victims besieged by the living dead, and step onto the loading dock of the Del Arno Food warehouse to face hordes of “W” walkers.

 The hilarity of this genre-defying blockbuster movie, This is the End, will take a dark turn in this all-new maze experience, “This is the End 3D,” that will come to life in hypnotic 3D. The end of the world will begin as guests head to the ultimate A-list party at James Franco’s new Hollywood Hills home before the Apocalypse strikes, and they find themselves trapped in a life-or-death struggle against the demons of the underworld.  With the fate of humanity at the crossroads of heaven and hell, “This is the End 3D” will offer defining moments for those guests brave enough to tempt the devil as their destiny hangs in the balance to be damned for eternity or raptured to heaven engulfed in a sea of blue light.

 Halloween, hailed as one of the greatest horror films of all time and starring Jamie Lee Curtis in her acting debut, will come to life in the demented new experience, “Halloween: Michael Myers Comes Home.”  The haunted maze will take guests through the tormented town of Haddonfield, where on one fateful Halloween night in 1963, a six-year-old child by the name of Michael Myers inexplicably and brutally stabbed his sister to death with a kitchen knife. Guests will relive the terror that a maniacal Michael Myers inflicted upon the once quiet town after his escape from a psychiatric hospital to take bloody revenge on new and unsuspecting victims.

 The visually stunning, yet terrifying “AVP: Alien vs. Predator” maze is back by popular demand to entangle guests in the middle of an epic and primal war between the universe’s most deadly species in a horrifying haunted attraction inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox cult sci-fi franchise.  This menacing maze will bring to life the violent creatures cohabitating our world as it pits two rival alien species in a fight to the death with Earth as their battleground.  “AVP:  Alien vs Predator” will uncover a dangerous alien spaceship carrying a race of hunter aliens known as Predators and a threatening new alien life form that uses human hosts to propagate its species.  After crash landing in a remote section of America and escaping to the countryside, the Alien and Predator become hunter and prey with guests caught in the crossfire.

 The all-new “Terror Tram: Survive the Purge” experience, inspired by Universal Pictures’ blockbuster film series, invites guests to a disturbing “Purge Party,” luring them with exclusive access to the world-famous backlot and thrusting them into the film’s depraved world in which all crime is declared legal as part of the government’s annually sanctioned 12-hour Purge, and where citizens take to the streets to dispose of the country’s less desirable humans without fear of retribution. Recognizing that not all citizens choose to hunt during The Purge, the newly endorsed “Purge Party” welcomes guests to honor this proud national tradition by watching the night’s dramatic events unfold on large video screens set up around the famed Universal backlot – until the experience quickly turns into an unforgettable living nightmare.

 Jabbawockeez, the highly-accomplished, award-winning hip hop dance group and universally recognized as America’s best dance crew, will bring their innovative choreography, intricate synchronized style and signature white masks to Universal Studios Hollywood in an electrifying all-new show created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights.” Currently starring in the acclaimed “PRiSM” show at the Luxor in Las Vegas, and following up with a newly reimagined performance at MGM Grand Las Vegas this fall, the Jabbawockeez are considered dance movement pioneers, having shattered the glass ceiling for dance groups worldwide as the first dance crew to ever headline their own show in Las Vegas.