Scary News

Not only does Sinful Audio produce some of the best sound effects for movies and television, but they make haunted houses and escape rooms that much scarier. Ever been through a silent haunted house? Guess what?!?! It’s not a haunted house.

Sinful’s sound effects bring scary things to life. Simply put, it’s sound designed for terror and the mind. That’s why when Ken at Sinful Audio told us about his new Buccaneer tracks we were all aboard! So just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale. A tale of a fateful trip…

Sinful Audio Releases Buccaneer

New Pirate Audio and Effects

Sinful Audio’s newly released Buccaneer, a collection of sound effects and voice-overs for your pirate themed project or escape room. Buy it before April 1st 2017 and save a bunch on your booty. Don’t be a Scallywag! Click here to get started, or walk the plank!

Check out a sampling from Sinful Audio’s Buccaneer

The infamous Amityville Horror house has been sold. The sale of the Amityville, NY home closed on February 9th, 2017. The asking price for the home was just over $850,000. However, the history and stigma of the home plunged its sell price to $605,000, nearly $200,000 below market.

Coldwell Banker Harbor Light listed the home, but the buyers and their agents have declined comment.

The plagued 1927 Dutch Colonial home had been listed since June and had been on the market for 165 days. The home had listed as high as $1.15 million in previous years.

A New Amityville Chapter?

Much has been made of the ghastly history of the home. The murders by Ronald DeFeo Jr. who shot and killed his 4 siblings and parents in their beds in cold blood claimed he was possessed. Several Amityville Horror movies have told the story of ghosts, paranormal activity, and possession. Will the new owners live their own horror? Will the ghost of the boy return? Will Ryan Reynolds get a shot at Amityville Horror 2?

Amityville Ghost Boy

This is a picture of what’s said to be the ghost of one of the murdered DeFeo children of the Amityville house.

New Look, Old Ghosts

Amityville Horror Windows

The devilish windows of the Amityville home have since been removed.

The home has since been renovated to try and rid itself of some of the home’s more dramatic and memorable features. The 2 quarter-moon windows have been adjusted. The home looks less like the face of the horror as it once did. Regardless of the upgrades the horrors both real and paranormal will always haunt this beautiful home.

Remodeled Amityville Horror Home 2017

Remodeled Amityville Horror home circa 2017.

The teaser trailer for It Comes At Night by writer-director Trey Edward Shults will have you gasping for breath.  I almost hit my head on the monitor as I peered in as if I was walking down the hallway.

I almost hit my head on the monitor as I peered in as if I was walking down the hallway.

Trey Edward Shults follows up his writer-director debut of his family drama, Krisha, which was set in the style of a psychological thriller. It Comes At Night follows a family set in “a desolate home as an unnatural threat terrorizes the world,” according to IMDB. As an unexpected family arrives seeking refuge, things begin to unravel as tensions build. The trailer and plot remind you of the psychological thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane which had twists and turns that kept you off balance throughout the film.

It Comes At Night stars Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, and Christopher Abbot of James White. Edgerton and Shults worked together on Midnight Special.

A24 will handle distribution rights and looks to add another pulse pounding hit after its recent successes with Green Room and The Witch.

It Comes At Night will be in theaters August 25

It Comes At Night movie poster

It Comes At Night movie poster

The production schedule for The Strangers sequel has been as on-again, off-again as Brad and Angelina, but without all the tabloid trash talking.

The sequel to the 2008 horror flick was said to be in production in early 2011, and later announced to be released in 2014. While both of those release dates have come and gone with no trace of the trippy trio of masked intruders, it has now been undeniably confirmed that a sequel is imminent. The script is currently being penned by Bryan Bertino, who both wrote and directed the 2008 film.

The Strangers, which grossed over $82 million internationally, starred Liv Tyler as Kristen McKay, and Scott Speedman as James Hoyt, and was not well-received by critics, despite being a major box office success. The film currently holds a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Matt Mueller of Total Film gave the slasher 3 out of 5 stars calling it “Lean, mean and razor-edged, this nasty little home-invasion thriller drags you by your white knuckles on a horror chill-ride while flicking its middle finger at Funny Games. Prepare to be scared something rotten.”

“Why are you doing this to us?”

The sequel plans to take viewers on a road trip gone wrong, following a family who finds themselves holed up inside an abandoned trailer in a roadside RV park.

Immediately our minds conjure up a Hills Have Eyes scenario and we imagine a landscape plagued by grotesque, disfigured hill-people, but writer Bertino has plans for a more familiar cast of characters. The masked invaders who terrorized Kristen and James in the original will once again don their death masks and stare eerily through the shadows at unsuspecting strangers.

“Because you were home”

Critics and fans agree that there is nothing creepier than the masked psychopath staring in at Tyler through the kitchen window. If The Strangers 2 lives up to the hype, it will leave us all double-checking the locks when it finally hits theaters, hopefully sometime in 2017.

Filming in 2017

Liv Tyler has confirmed that she will return for the sequel, however, her role is expected to be minor. Filming is set to begin this summer.

AHS Hints at Season 7

Fans of FX’s American Horror Story are undeniably loyal to the anthology horror series, yet some didn’t care for AHS 6’s plot-twisting, “Roanoke” and hope that a similar theme won’t be repeated. One fan Tweeted: “I can’t believe the ending of this AHS season is a fake tv show about a fake tv show, based off of the first season of a fake tv show.”

The finale drew mixed reactions, and while it is still too early to draw any solid conclusions, AHS creators may have began hinting at a possible theme for the follow up season…

A Tweet posted by the show’s Twitter account immediately following the finale of season six revealed that the theme for season 7 might somehow involve water. Show creator Ryan Murphy says that only three people other than himself know what the theme will be including the series regular, Sarah Paulson. We’ll find out in due time if this was misperceived or more misdirection.

AHS Season 7 Cast

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson have starred in all six seasons of American Horror Story thus far, and Murphy confirms that they each will return for season 7. No word on Lady Gaga, whose season 6 return had a few fans upset at how limited her role was.

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return to American Horror Story Season 7

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return to American Horror Story Season 7

Will There Be A Season 7 Theme Reveal?

Traditionally the show’s producers have created anticipation and media buzz about upcoming seasons by creatively unveiling plotlines, new and returning cast members, and themes in early spring. But last season, Murphy and company broke with that tradition.

The theme of AHS season six was only mildly hinted at in July of 2016, but plotlines were not unveiled until the season premiered on September 14th. Until that point, there had been very little chatter about the season’s theme; show’s producers revealing only that it could be expected to be even more dark and offbeat than seasons past.

I don’t know that we’d do [a surprise reveal] again. Maybe we would release [season 7 theme hints] earlier. I just started writing it. I haven’t decided how to do it yet. – Ryan Murphy

Will Murphy and AHS keep us on the edge of our seats before the season starts? Murphy said, “I don’t know that we’d do [a surprise reveal] again. Maybe we would release [season 7 theme hints] earlier. I just started writing it. I haven’t decided how to do it yet.”

Present Day Season 7?

The theme of American Horror Story changes each season, telling a different narrative using the same cast playing different characters. The innovation has been hailed as “genius,” “insane,” and ultimately terrifying by fans and critics alike.

While season 2 titled “Asylum” took viewers back to 1964, and season four was set in 1952, all other seasons were set in the present day. When questioned about the upcoming season of AHS, Murphy revealed that it will be set in modern day.

An American Horror Crossover?

Fans have long predicted that all previous storylines actually exist within the same fictional universe, and season six all but confirmed that theory. Murphy recently went on record that there are plans to create a season that does exactly that.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Murphy told a crowd in Los Angeles: “It’s not going to be next season, but we are going to do a season that’s a crossover between Murder House and Coven together, which is very bizarre.”

Murphy promises to reveal more about the upcoming season’s theme this spring. And in true American Horror Story style, it is sure to be an interesting reveal.

AHS 7 Air Date

Murphy began writing the script for season 7 in January and while filming has historically taken place during the summer, it is unknown when cameras will roll for the upcoming season. No air date has been confirmed, but is likely to debut in September or October.

AHS is slated to continue for at least another 3 seasons.

More questions than answers remain: In what shocking way will the show’s creators reveal the plot for season seven? Will they somehow weave Jessica Lange’s characters back into the show’s bizarre universe? Doubtful!?! Will Lady Gaga return with more screen time than the paltry few minutes she had in all of season 6?

Who really knows AHS 7’s Theme?

The knowledge of the theme is in short supply right now.

There are only three people in the world who know what [American Horror Story Season 7 is about] And that’s FX CEO John Landgraf, [studio executive] Dana Walden, and Sarah Paulson.

Is water a part of the theme? There’s a lot of doubt that the watery teaser from Twitter was related. What do you think?

HauntCon 2107The Haunted Attraction National Tradeshow and Conference (HAuNTcon) is an expo and conference “Designed by Haunters, for Haunters” of every age and level of experience. CLICK HERE for tickets to HAuNTcon 2017.

HAuNTcon brings together people who love Haunted Houses, Halloween and scaring people, for a fun-filled four days and nights of Haunted Attraction Tours, Haunter Education, Halloween Tradeshow, Haunted Garage Sale, FX Makeup and Prop Building Demonstrations, rounded out by a Networking opportunities like the amazing annual Costume Ball.

The best investment you can make in your Halloween event! – 40 Year Haunt Veteran and event coordinator – Leonard Pickel, Hauntrepreneurs, Haunt Consulting and design Firm

HAUNTCON CLASSES

LEARN – Over 50 hours of HAuNT education

Creative Sessions, Business Seminars, Hands-on Workshops, Make Up and Product Demonstrations all designed to provide information and teach you techniques to do what you do better, faster and easier this next haunt season. Learn new money saving techniques and time saving tips and tricks. January 26th- 29th – ALL INCLUDED in your admission. PLUS an all day in-depth workshops on January 30th.

This convention is a good place to learn new things, tips and skills while also meeting up with fellow haunters sharing ideas and great suggestions to better your business!! – Julie Edwards, Creepy Hollow Haunted House

BUY – Haunt & Halloween Vendors

Get your hands on the latest and greatest in, Props, Set Design, Costumes, Makeup Supplies, Animatronics, Special Effects, Masks, Marketing & Promotions, and more on the Haunted Tradeshow floor! January 27th-29th

Looking for a unique haunt item? Find what you have been looking for at great prices at the Sunday HAuNTer’s GARAGE SALE January 29th! You never know what you’ll find at rock bottom prices.

SEE – Off Season Haunted Attraction Tours

Sponsored by Froggy’s Fog, the 2017 PRE-SHOW INSPIRATION BUS TOUR Wednesday, January 25th & Thursday, January 26th, includes admission to 13 haunted attractions at 8 different locations. PLUS, a historic plantation and warehouse tour.

The THURSDAY NIGHT HAUNT TOUR January 26th is of the massive Haunted Hell, 3930 Apache Trail, Antioch, TN, In it’s 4th year, Haunted Hell invites its guests to face their fears among the rotting ruins and grueling landscapes only seen in nightmares.

The SATURDAY NIGHT HAUNT TOUR January 28th is of Nashville Nightmare, a massive 50,000 SF, four element event at 1016 Madison Square, Nashville, TN, consistently ranked among the top Haunted Houses in the nation.

The SUNDAY NIGHT HAUNT
TOUR January 29th is of the monstrous Slaughterhouse at 3445 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN. Nashville’s longest running haunted attraction, now in its 30th season, Slaughterhouse a huge 12,000-square-foot single haunted house.

NETWORK – Hang Out With Friends, New and Old!

HAUNTCON PARTY

Friday Night HAuNTcon COSTUME BALL, January 27th is a once a year opportunity to get your Halloween fix at an off season rocking party. Join Haunt owners actors, makeup artists and Halloween fanatics from around the world for a ghoulishly fun night of networking and haunting fun. It is THE haunt networking event of the year. Free beer sponsored by Froggy’s Fog.

Seriously… why would you not go? The education you receive while connecting with your peers from all over the world is worth the cost. You get ideas and tips available ONLY among other haunters. A++ – Dana Martin, Talladega Frights Haunted House

Where is HAuNTcon?

HAuNTcon 2017 is at the Sheraton Music City Hotel and Conference Center, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. CLICK HERE to get your hotel discount and reserve your room. If you are flying into Nashville, take advantage of the FREE Airport Shuttle Service to and from the Sheraton Hotel.

Imagine, getting the newest scare concepts, best makeup effects, bullet proof business and promotion strategies before your competition does. Everything you buy, learn, and share during this convention is guaranteed to help your attraction grow and stand the test of time.

Awesome Haunt Tours, an excellent Education Series combined with some of the best haunter social events and a great trade show! HAuNTcon never disappoints! – Dan Hower, Fright Farm Haunted House

HAuNTcon 2017 gives you unrestricted access to haunt owners, industry vendors and fright experts that will make this next Halloween season a game changer. No more scavenging through the internet looking for “tutorials,” “how-to” articles and videos hoping to find something you can use this year in your haunt. HAuNTcon will give you everything you have been looking for in one weekend.

Go to www.hauntcon.com for more details or CLICK HERE for tickets to HAuNTcon 2017.

It’s that time of year. I don’t think I’m building a snowman tonight.

Stay up to date with our Friday the 13th Calendar.

 

Please place your seat backs and tray tables in their full upright position and prepare for landing….. in HEL!

Finnair landed flight AY666 in Helsinki today. Not only is the 666 ominous, but Helsinki’s airport code is actually HEL.  And of course, it departed during the 1300 hour. You have to wonder if they planned that. Not only is it on Friday the 13th, but it also happened on the third day of the first full moon of 2017.

Flight 666 to Hel

The pre-flight checklist looked something like this:

  • Number of the Beast?  Check!
  • Destination Hell?  Check!
  • Full moon?  Check!
  • Friday the 13th? Check!
  • Jason mask? Check!

Would you actually book a trip on Flight 666 to Hel? On Friday the 13th?

Death was busy in 2016. We lost horror icon Angus Scrimm, boxing legend Muhammad Ali, musical geniuses David Bowie, Prince, and George Michael. And then Princess Leia… The list runs long and cuts deep. Everyone be safe and cherish the memories of those we lost. I’m ready for 2017. Let’s party like it’s 1999. 

A Father’s Shoes are Hard to Fill…

But Max Landis hopes to do just that, with his upcoming adaptation of his father’s cult classic, An American Werewolf in London. John Landis, who wrote and directed the original 1981 horror-comedy, is expected to executive produce the remake. His son, Max, who is a young, but renowned screenwriter, producer, director, and comic book writer, will write and direct the film 35 years after the films original release.

John and Max Landis - An American Werewolf in London Directors

Additional to Max Landis, David Alpert and Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead are signed on to produce the film’s remake as well.

Backstory of the 1981 Film

In the original film, college pals Jack and David are backpacking through the moors in London when they are attacked by a hulking, wolf-like creature. After leaving a pub suitably called “The Slaughtered Lamb,” the teens suspect they are being stalked by a wild dog. Unable to elude the beast, Jack is mauled and abruptly killed. The creature then turns on David, who is bitten and badly injured, but saved by a group of locals who arrive and shoot the creature before it can finish him off. While lying helplessly on the ground, David catches a glimpse of the remains of the beast and shockingly sees not a dead wolf, but a naked and bleeding man.

David, who is left with no memory of the attack, wakes in the hospital weeks later. He is visited by Jack’s reanimated corpse, who tells him his terrifying fate: that he will transform into a werewolf with the rising of each full moon. Jack advises his friend to take his own life before he fulfills the murderous prophecy. David does not heed Jack’s warning and predictably begins slaughtering innocent Londoners on the night of the next full moon.

The Transformation that Won Awards

In quite possibly the most hilariously grotesque scene of any movie of its time, David’s transformation into a bloodthirsty werewolf is set to the the 1960 classic, “Blue Moon,” by Sam Cooke. David screams in agony as his hands begin to lengthen, his bones cracking as they transform into gnarled paws; his nose elongating into a snarling snout, and his teeth sharpening into lethal fangs, while fur sprouts from the skin on his mangled back; and all the while, Cooke’s soothing vocals contrast in an odd harmony with the hair-raising scene.

An American Werewolf in London Transformation Scene

The scene took months of planning, considering this was shot well before the age of digital animation. The scene was revolutionary for film and makeup and the film earned an Oscar for Best Makeup, becoming the first to win the newly created award. In this age of special effects, can the American Werewolf in London remake do it again? One might say it’s harder for a film to step beyond without an enormous budget.

The Film’s Score

The original film score included such classics as Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising,” and Van Morrison’s “Moon Dance,” which begs the question: Will the remake feature another soundtrack of moon references? Or will the younger Landis select a different theme for his version? We’d be excited to see Warren Zevon’s 1978 hit “Werewolves of London” make it into the remake.

Too Gory for the Mainstream?

With not much in the way of a precursor, John Landis was uncertain about the reception of his grisly production. In anticipation of audiences’ reactions to the graphic film, he cut part of a scene in which David – as beastly incarnate – attacked a group of homeless people. In an interview with SCI-FI LONDON, John Landis recalls the early criticism the film received: “Even by today’s standards, the picture is very, very gory and violent.”

Thirty-five years have passed since An American Werewolf in London was released. Let’s hope the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Stick around for more updates on the American Werewolf in London remake as we learn more in the coming months.

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AHS Season 7? American Horror Story Season 7 Update
Updates on AHS 7. Who’s back? Is Gaga signed on yet? When will season 7 begin and what the heck is the theme?

IT Remake: Curry versus SkarsgardStephen King’s IT Remake
Can Skarsgaard stay true to the greatness that was Tim Curry’s Pennywise? Part 1 is progressing toward the big screen.

Is Hopper being forced to work for the diabolical Dr. Brenner? Is part of Will still trapped in the Upside Down? Where is Eleven and will she find her Eggos? These questions and more are sure to be answered in season two of NetFlix’s Stranger Things, returning sometime in 2017.

Stranger Things Season 2

Fans of the acclaimed sci fi-horror-drama, can rest easy knowing that the cast is back to work filming the second season of Stranger Things. In a surprise announcement, Stranger Things tweeted an upside down photo of the cast with the text: “Back in production. See you next year. #StrangerThings.”

Stranger Things Season 2 in Production

NetFlix released a teaser last week that listed what appear to be episode titles, including “Madmax,” “The Storm” and “The Boy Who Came Back to Life.” While not much is known about the plot of season two, the show’s producers have made it clear that most of the original cast will return.

And while Barb is unlikely to return from the purgatory of the Upside Down, the quirky crew of Will, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin will likely pick up right where they left off: Playing Dungeons & Dragons and saving the world from demented demogorgon.

In loving memory of Barb

Stranger Things - Barb

Indiana Top Haunt: Indy Scream Park

Six Attractions For The Price Of One

Indy Scream Park - Top Haunts

Last year’s runner up, the Indy Scream Park in Anderson has been voted one of America’s best haunts by both local and national sources and its reputation is deserved. Prepare to spend some time here – and to leave exhausted and emotionally shattered. The park has six attractions for one price. The newest for 2016 is Pandemic along with a redesigned Zombieland Apocalypse. The others include Rage 3D, Brickmore Asylum, and Backwoods. There’s also a Monster Midway when you need to take a breather and grab some food and drink and play a few games to calm your nerves. This is a seriously pro operation where a terrifying time is guaranteed.

FrightFind It: Indy Scream Park in Anderson, IN

More Top Haunts in Indiana

Amhurst Asylum

Top Haunted Houses in Indiana - Amhurst AsylumAn abandoned hospital turned haunted asylum, sounds crazy!

Edge of Insanity

Top Haunted Houses in Indiana - Edge of InsanityWhat is left of an old insane asylum. Science experiments gone wrong have returned to haunt you.

Fear Fair

Top Haunted Houses in Indiana - Fear FairA large 50,000 square foot haunt that considers itself to be Indiana’s scariest haunted house.

Hanna Haunted Acres

Top Haunted Houses in Indiana - Hanna Haunted AcresThis haunted attraction has multiple events: a haunted hayride, a corn maze and a couple of haunted houses!

Haunted Hills Hospital

Top Haunted Houses in Indiana - Haunted Hills HospitalA portion of all proceeds benefit St. Judes and other charities. Are you insane enough to visit the hospital?

See all our Haunted Houses in Indiana >>

Wyoming Top Haunt: Nightmare on 17th St

Sweet Dreams Are Not Made Of These

Nightmare on 17th St in Cheyenne, WY

For the second year in a row, Nightmare on 17th Street takes the top haunt for Wyoming. Spawned in 1989 by members of an international, non-sectarian fraternal order, the Knights of Pythias, the attraction terrifies 2,500 to 3,000 victims every year. Featuring 15 scenes so shocking, you’ll have to leave pregnant women and young children at home. And on one exceedingly creepy night, guests are welcome to wander the haunted halls in complete darkness.

FrightFind It: Nightmare on 17th St in Cheyenne, WY

See all our Haunted Houses in Wyoming >>

Wisconsin Top Haunt: Wisconsin Fear Grounds

Want to go camping?Wisconsin Fear Grounds in Waukesha, WI

Last year’s runner up is this year’s penultimate paranormal attraction for the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin Fear Grounds features THREE haunted houses in one! “Twisted” promises to torment you until you lose your sanity; “Unstable” occupies both indoor and outdoor space, giving the illusion that there is nowhere to hide; and “Zaszu” offers a challenge to escape in under 5 minutes before having your soul consumed by evil! Wisconsin Fear Grounds offers yet another unrivaled experience with Night Terrors: 13 hours of fear! – a unique opportunity to camp overnight, to those who can handle the horrors that lurk in the dark.

FrightFind It: Wisconsin Fear Grounds in Waukesha, WI

More Top Haunts in Wisconsin

Burial Chambers

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - Burial ChambersYou can literally get buried alive.

The Hill Has Eyes

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - The Hill Has EyesLike the movie, this place is maniacal and disturbing. It’s perfect! 5 outdoor haunted houses.

Green Bay Fear

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - Green Bay FearA complex of haunted attractions plucked right from your worst nightmares.

Forest of Freaks

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - Forest of FreaksOne of the best haunted forests in the nation.

Screamin Acres

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - Screamin Acres4 haunted attractions rain or shine.

Terror At The Fair

Top Haunted Houses in Wisconsin - Terror At The FairThe Descent and CarnEvil in 3d. ‘Nuff said.

The Haunted Barn

Top Haunted Houses in vThe Haunted Barn in Stoughton scaring you senseless since 2004.

See all our Haunted Houses in Wisconsin

West Virginia Top Haunt: The Asylum Haunted House Presents MALICE

The Doctor Will See You Now

The Asylum Haunted House Presents MALICE in Weston, WV

For the second year running, The Asylum Haunted House has claimed the top haunt for West Virginia. “In the halls of what once was the area’s most reputable hospital, a demented doctor has brought his patients’ nightmares to life,” their website claims. The Asylum Haunted House “MALICE” is located at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, previously known as Weston State Hospital. In the 1800’s the hospital housed some of the state’s most delusional and deranged patients. These damaged souls continue to serve the doctor who entrapped them, clawing and scratching at throngs of thrill-seekers as they make their way through the hospital’s blood-stained halls. “Can you survive a journey into the Asylum, where the veil between life and death has been lifted?”

FrightFind It: The Asylum Haunted House Presents MALICE in Weston, WV

More Top Haunts in West Virginia

Fright Nights

Top Haunted Houses in West Virginia - Fright NightsHaunted Trail, 3D Nightmare, and Spooky Golf! All for $25.

The Haunted Fairgrounds In Charles Town West Virgina

Top Haunted Houses in West Virginia - The Haunted Fairgroungs In Charles Town West Virgina23 Years and Scarier Than Ever!

Miller’s Nightmare Haunted Farm

Top Haunted Houses in West Virginia - Miller's Nightmare Haunted FarmStart your night on a hatride. End it lost in the forest.

See all our Haunted Houses in West Virginia >>