As a devoted Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) fan, I entered the gates of Universal Studios Hollywood with a mixture of anticipation and skepticism, having observed the evolution of the event over the past several years. The murmurs among fans about a shrinking budget, increasing black hallways, and diminishing scare zones were hard to ignore. However, as the fog rolled in and the night descended upon us, it became evident that 2023 marked a triumphant return to the closest semblance of the golden years, particularly the glory days spanning from 2008 to 2012.
TOP TIER
1. Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America:
Undoubtedly, the crown jewel of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights was the Monstruos maze. Transporting attendees into the heart of Latin American folklore, this maze was a masterclass in blending cutting-edge robotics, meticulously designed sets, and an exceptional cast donning stunning costumes. The immersive experience was unparalleled, and it felt like stepping into a realm where nightmares come to life. The attention to detail, combined with the authenticity of the monsters, made Monstruos a standout and a testament to the creative heights that HHN can achieve.
2. The Last Of Us:
Video game adaptations can be hit or miss, but HHN’s take on The Last Of Us was nothing short of spectacular. The maze brought the beloved video game to life with a stellar cast that truly embodied the characters of Joel and Ellie. The inclusion of live performances of iconic lines, delivered by the game’s original voice cast exclusively for HHN, elevated the experience to a new level. It was more than a maze; it was a live, immersive performance that paid homage to the source material in a way that resonated deeply with fans.
3. Chucky Ultimate Kill Count
Adding to the roster of top-tier experiences at Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood 2023 is the delightfully meta Chucky Ultimate Kill Count maze. This unique attraction not only pays homage to the iconic Chucky character but takes the horror experience to a new level by infusing it with a dose of self-awareness.
4. The Purge Dangerous Waters Stunt Show
Breaking away from the traditional maze format, The Purge: Dangerous Waters Stunt Show took over the iconic Water World theatre, delivering an outstanding 20-minute spectacle. While the storyline may have adhered to the familiar Purge formula (good guys versus bad guys in a Senator-themed plot), the execution was flawless. The use of the Water World venue added a dynamic element, and the stunt work was both thrilling and well-choreographed. It provided a welcomed break from the maze-walking and showcased Universal Hollywood’s capacity to utilize its spaces creatively.
MID TIER
1. Stranger Things 4: Vecna’s Curse
The Stranger Things 4 maze delivered a pleasant surprise by closely following the Vecna vs. Eleven arc. Exploring Vecna’s ‘mind trap’ within the Upside Down added a unique twist to the maze. The attention to detail and adherence to the show’s storyline made it an engaging experience for fans. However, the absence of the Eddie ‘Master of Puppets’ scene, present in the East Coast version, left some fans disappointed. Despite this, it remained a solid addition to the middle tier, offering a satisfying journey through the world of Stranger Things.
2. Holidayz in Hell
Returning this year, Holidayz in Hell continued to showcase horror scenes based on various holidays. From killer Easter Bunnies to Demon Santa, the maze provided a fun and entertaining ride. The variety of holiday-themed horrors injected humor into the scares, creating a lighthearted yet chilling experience. While not groundbreaking, it maintained its status as a reliable and enjoyable attraction within the middle tier.
3. Universal Monsters Unmasked:
Continuing the tradition of incorporating Classic Universal Monsters, Universal Monsters Unmasked focused on Phantom, Hunchback, Mr. Hyde, and the Invisible Man in a Paris-centered house. Unfortunately, this installment fell short compared to previous Universal Monster mazes. The inclusion of multiple monsters felt forced at times, diluting the overall impact of the maze. Streamlining the focus to one or two monsters might have allowed for a more cohesive and impactful experience.
4. Blum House Behind the Scenes Experience:
Breaking away from traditional haunt experiences, the Blum House Behind the Scenes offered a different type of attraction—a showcase of props and costumes, including a close look at Five Nights at Freddy’s. While not a traditional haunt, it provided a welcome break for attendees ready to take a breather. The inclusion of live M3GAN actresses performing the classic M3GAN dance from the movie added a unique touch, making it an intriguing stop for those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of horror.
LOW TIER
1. The Exorcist: Believer:
The Exorcist: Believer maze, unfortunately, found itself in the bottom tier due to a variety of issues. The maze suffered from significant empty spaces and a shortage of actors, diminishing the overall intensity of the experience. While the actors in place did a commendable job with their scares, the lack of a dense and immersive environment made it feel reminiscent of the shortcomings seen in recent years. The constraints imposed by the movie studio’s desire to keep the film’s details a secret also hindered the maze’s potential, leaving it struggling with both budgetary constraints and content limitations.
2. Evil Dead Rise:
Despite some strong show elements, Evil Dead Rise landed in the bottom tier due to prolonged and uneventful transitional hallways. These hallways, lacking in engaging content, disrupted the flow of the experience and took attendees out of the immersive horror world. The maze’s potential was hindered by the decision to extend its length artificially rather than focusing on delivering impactful scenes from the movie. While the scenes themselves were well-executed, the excessive transitions left the overall experience feeling disjointed.
3. Terror Tram: Larry Larva’s Extermination:
While the Terror Tram experience always provides a unique opportunity to walk through iconic film locations, this year’s Larry Larva’s Extermination fell short in the scare department. Larry Larva, a humanoid bug monster on a mission to exterminate humans, was an intriguing character, and his appearances along the trail were visually striking. However, the overall execution failed to deliver the expected scares. While entertaining from a cinematic history perspective, The Terror Tram lacked the fear factor that is a hallmark of Halloween Horror Nights.
In conclusion, there is nothing quite like Halloween Horror Nights and what it has to offer: fun characters, recreations of your favorite horror films, and great memories for your haunt season! If you travel to Universal Studios as part of your Halloween routine, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with how solid this year was compared to most recent years.
