Throughout the haunt, the sound effects were very successful in setting the tone and the pace. There were different styles of music and sounds throughout, and all choices were most appropriate for the setting. For example, the living quarters had suspenseful music and lively “record player” music going. Some areas had us amped up with the sound of pounding heavy metal music or other blockbuster fast-tempo music to indicate a feeling of urgency. The low hum and chanting playing in the cultist church area was a little hair-raising. The sounds heard throughout were but not limited to: dripping water, screaming, shouting, grinding metal, popping, chainsaws, piano music, organ music, banging, begging, cackling, the thrusts of helicopter propellers, zombie moans, growling, chains, horns, warning sirens, chants, bells, and the sparks of tasers. The ambient music was effective for setting the mood and could be heard well throughout. Some areas were quieter than others, but it helped to set the tone for apprehension. Facing a long corridor in the dark, seeing a figure in the distance is alarming as it is, sprinkle in the intense sounds, and you have yourself an intense situation to endure!
The scene designs were realistic in each area, most especially in the “living quarters” of the haunt. That fireplace design was a bit unexpected, and we appreciated all the little details throughout the living quarters. We also liked the look and feel of walking between the rooms and the exposed slats of plaster and wood. Unexpectedly, there were overturned cars, plane wreckage, helicopter wreckage, and even a tank shooting at us. We even encountered a flight attendant who was very angry at us for seeing the plane wreck and not doing anything to help. (I really hated to tell her, but this all looked too far gone for me to do anything to help). Some of the details we noticed throughout include: smoke damage, variations of creepy dolls in the doll room, Frankenstein creations, blood and blood stains, chain link fencing, actual cars, army tanks, airplane and helicopter wreckage, dead bodies, neon paints, and chalk designs, hospital beds, hospital equipment, church pews, stained glass, a pulpit, coffins, and burnt bodies.
The animatronics were so realistic that, at times, we were unsure if they were human or not. We were often startled by them randomly jumping out as us. We were met with massive props, animatronics, and puppets that all seemed to have a life of their own. The possessed jumper in the doll room, Jack-in-the-Box, and the lunging dragon were stand-outs to us. Some animatronic zombies were trying to get at us through the fence, and someone (or something) was trying to escape their locked toe-pincher coffin.
Several different odors were noted throughout, including smoke, ash, wood smell, sulfur, musty, and burning, which added another dimension to our experience. Again, these additions were masterfully added to the appropriate scenes, thus holding our minds hostage.
Other sensory effects included a spinning vortex tunnel, compression tunnels, and fog. It did not take long for us to find ourselves on the other end of the laser sights being shot at. Tourlentes lights were touring the grounds to spot anyone who might try to escape. Additional lighting effects consisted of dimming and flickering effects, strobe lights, different colored lights, and laser lights.
Throughout the haunt, the combination of special effects used was outstanding in placing someone psychologically where the prison wanted them to be.
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