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The 1994 miniseries adaptation of The Stand, Stephen King's Storm of The Century, the director's cut of Mimic, Doctor Sleep, Lifeforce, Dracula 2000, Ginger Snaps, and Underwater.
as someone who has worked at a haunted house attraction for three years, the scare actors can be just as afraid of the guests as they are of us. It's very rare, but you always have you be wary just in case someone can get violent and boy can they get violent.
Worked in the haunt community for the better part of a decade, and your haunt was unusually safe. While I wasn't hit every time, every season sees at least a couple actors getting sucker punched, tackled, etc. Some people just can't handle being scared, even if they literally paid to be scared. The tougher the dude (and it's pretty much always dudes), the less he's able to actually handle being scared. And really, it's just a substantially less secure extension of the guys who go out of their way to show how "not scared" they are. I know you know exactly the cats I'm talking about ;-).
I went to a Haunted Hayride last year, and I actually spoke to a friend who worked it afterwards because I was like… convinced there had been like a bomb threat or something because I had never been to a scare attraction where the scare actors seemed so scared of ME. Apparently the most likely reason was that we might have come on the night where the whole cast got chewed out by management for some reason. But we also weren’t the only people that had brought it up to her. They were also wildly understaffed tbf, and the friend confirmed that the company that owned the attraction had put their attention on another event they were running a few towns over instead.
One of the reasons why I'm afraid to go to one of these things is that I know I'm probably going to kick or punch someone. And probably end up hurting myself more in the process because I'm a f-ing idiot.
When I was a kid my parents took me and my sister on a hayride that was organized by our cult/church and this group frowned upon anything Halloween oriented. Well...surprise, it was a haunted hayride, all the kids started screaming as the actors came out of the woods and climbed on the wagon, my parents were the only ones prepared for battle apparently, they shoved and punched all these probably highchool kids off the wagon and totally went off, I feel so bad now for these poor kids who were just trying to make a few bucks, but don't mess with parents from the city
When I was maybe 12 years old, I went into this neighborhood haunted house. I don't remember much about the house itself, but I distinctly recall one of the scare actors was dressed like the Phantom of the Opera, and whoever it was did a good job being both elegant and mysterious. I liked the haunt so much that I got back in line and went through it a second time, and when I reached the phantom, he was too busy performing for those around the corner to even notice I was there. I lightly tapped him on the shoulder, which genuinely startled him. Seeing that he had just been spooked by a child in a ballerina costume of all things, he stayed in character and took a bow, as if to say "Ah, you have bested me! Good job!" I'll never forget that encounter.
After doing a stint as a scare actor in a haunted building, I can confirm that the only thing you have to fear is the guests. Seriously, we had to call the cops at one point, they got that bad.
@jordanloux3883 the ones you really have to watch out for are the drunks. Panic fights don't happen as often as some think, but belligerent pissheads will ALWAYS cause trouble.
At Howl-O-Scream we have local police, both uniformed and plain clothes, at the event. Any guests cause problems they're booted out of the park. With no refunds on their tickets.
@gamingknuckleheads well, that's miles better than the security we had. People got kicked out, sure, but if they were obviously drunk, why were they allowed in to begin with? Like, that's putting so many people at risk.
The tl;dr on McKamey Mannor - the attraction is billed as being a haunted experience so extreme that no one has made it through, when, in reality, there was no end or actual haunted house, just a series of scenes and "challenges" that they'd make someone go though until they'd either break or the actors found an excuse to end the entire event. The owner of the event is a deeply troubled, manipulative and abusive man whose all but admitted that the entire thing is just for him to get his kicks, and the event js currently just a series of bizzare physical challenges that he makes people go through before going to the "actual" house when, in reality, there is no actual house for the thing.
@@BiceratopsWi There is also that. I think I penned the prior comment before I found out about all of the legit physical torture the guy put people through. There is still no actual haunted house, it's just the guy putting people through challenges for kicks.
I think it's worth noting that the movies aren't just framed as documentaries per se, a good chunk of each film is genuinely just composed of documentary footage about haunted houses. the conceit of the first film is that it was meant to be unclear to the audience the exact moment that it stopped being a documentary and started being a horror film
I didn't like the sequel at first but the ending honestly made it worth the watch and I enjoyed how it connected the two films. To me it still leaves the Blue Skeleton Crew semi ambiguous, just not trying to kill people. They just seem to have a rule that those who they scare have to be willing to be participated - and that's why I really liked the twist in the second film.
Ryan, hearing you casually say you 🎉 "in Croatia coaching at the European Dodgeball Championship" is absolutely amazing! I know a lot of people don't like putting their personal life into their videos- and I deeply respect that boundary, but these small snippets into your not-just-horror life in always fun :) (I'm not saying to change anything up, just saying I appreciate the fun tidbits)
A very dear friend of mine has been working in scare attractions for almost two decades, and loves the work she does as a scare actor and coordinator. Most injuries in haunts are actors getting injured by guests, or people getting hurt while fleeing in a blind panic. Unless they advertise otherwise, something to remember is that a scare actor can't touch you, no matter how close they get; it can be hard to remember in the moment, but a good haunt gives you some great scares you can laugh at when you make it out. The last thing any actor wants is to traumatize a guest for life. I've been going to scare attractions almost my entire life, and when I was a kid, one of the first haunts I ever went to was a local woman with some family members running an attraction in their backyard. For kids who were curious but afraid of being scared, they offered a little bell you could ring as you went though, and that bell told the actors *not* to jump out at you. Probably one of the nicest touches I've ever had; you get the ambiance without the real, hardcore fear. In more recent haunts, I've gotten good at preparing for scares; moving cautiously, listening hard, and corner checking, lol. A group ahead of us got chased around quite a lot and was slowed down, but it gave my group a chance to quietly sneak past the actor as they were resetting to the front of the room; it was one of the most heart-pounding moments of my life, and I kept expecting them to notice us and follow us quietly through the corridors. Had an actor do that, too, in a 'haunted maze', once. I was with a group and ended up toward the back, and I felt like someone was behind me, but assumed it was someone in our group; then I did a head count and realized it couldn't be. I turned around and this *huge* guy all in a black-and-white clown costume, must have been well over 6 feet and 200 lbs, was grinning down at me. Can't say I've ever sprinted faster!
As a scare actor of 3 years, I can say that guests and innapropriate coworkers are the scariest things in our haunt. We’ve had multiple ambulances called for our actors due to violent guests before they’re thrown out, hence why we had to up our security so intensely. You never know who’s coming through the haunt. It’s terrifying and I’ve personally had a few scary encounters, including being cornered by a drunk couple that got far too aggressively touchy. I’ve also been punched a multitude of times, along with having sand thrown into my eyes. I love my job but a massive part is knowing how to balance out acting with public response.
Just jumping in to say that it's so weird hearing about how extreme McKamey Manor is after it's been so exposed as a hoax. Wendigoon in particular just murdered the mystique of it.
I highly recommend Reckless Ben's latest video series, in which Ben slowly destroys Russ McKamey mentally and now has possession of a hard drive containing copious evidence of Russ's crimes.
@pumpkinicing if you go looking it's pretty easy to find videos on it. Basically, it's just a normal extreme haunt. In particular, they tend to hype up what they do. They force people to quit "for their own good" so they can say no one finishes it.
@@somethingsomething6991 Yeah, I can also recommend Savannah Marie's videos. I don't know if I'd call what it is *now* a "normal extreme haunt". It's more like just a weird boot camp than anything.
@FTZPLTC That's probably the saddest part. It's so obviously not a haunt now it really shows that he stopped doing it for the love of the scare a while ago.
Ryan and spooky szn. Always a good time. One of the few channels on UA-cam that have gained popularity but maintained content quality instead of just getting 5 freelance writers to churn out mediocre videos twice a week
The quasi-documentary aspect of advertising various haunt attractions around the US is actually my favorite aspect of the films & the sole reason they’re both on my annual Halloween movie rewatch list lol. I just love seeing the haunts, it’s fun! Also, if you ever do come to the US for a haunted house road trip, I cannot recommend Hell’s Gate in Lockport Illinois enough. The more I go to other bigger haunted houses the more I appreciate Hell’s Gate’s “actor-centric” approach to the haunt. They actually DO perform the story of the haunt as you move through the house rather than the story written on the website being suggested by various sets, which is what most haunts seem to do, & it really is an amazing experience
I was so annoyed by the second film that I was adamant the lady needed to sue her male friends for being complete assholes that had a direct hand in her PTSD. I went with some RP buddies back in the way, in Waxahachi, TX. (Wocks-uh-hatch-ee.) The haunted house was pretty good, and then became a maze in total darkness. I am easy to scare, and I was like "I want out, I want out NOW." My buddies were teasing me, "Come on, Coyote, it'll be okay, Coyote." Then a guy in a skeleton outfit started following us, and started talking using my name, too. "Coyote ..." in this raspy, creepy voice. It was such a great scare and great moment, I remember it fondly.
A few people that went into McKamey Manor were interviewed for the documentary Haunters: The Art of The Scare, and you see how it has hurt them. A few say they want others to go in the house, because they want others to suffer like the had to in there.
It’s finally happening! Ryan’s doing a video on The Tunnel. On House October Built. I do hope we get a third film eventually. I didn’t really like the second film all that much but it really felt like there was a planned third film. Edit: the first half of this comment didn’t age well.
As an aside, I adored the first film, not because of the bleak nihilism (though on occasion that is appreciated) but because they very effectively blurred the lines between filmed "reality" and reality, itself by using haunt actors. Several scenes and interviews were at existing haunts at the time, and used some cast members FOR those haunts. That said, I do agree with you that creating more of a "back story", so to speak, for the second film made it more of an actual work of fiction, and therefore...wasn't as good a watch as the first one, for me.
honestly, you can talk about whatever you want. your videos are comforting in a sophisticated way and i welcome any addition to them. sometimes i miss a video and get really excited, when i later find out that i got another video from you to watch. all the best
Mckamey manor is actually a hoax. While it is extreme, a lot of it is buffered with a huge paper you have to sign describing things way more terrifying than what he will do to you. He also offered a cash prize if you finished it, and can end the experience if he thinks you can't handle it any further. A military vet got super close, but Mckamey just ended it before he won. It's very William Castle in its design, a gimmick that doesn't really give you the reward.
not just that but there is no longer a haunted house. Russ is probably a psychopath and has allegedly manipulated peoples outgoing messages, and allegedly put people in the hospital.
@@alexroy5854 Apparently I can't read. Frank Castle is the punisher. I was thinking William Castle the horror film director known for movie theater gimmicks. He would do things like hang skeletons from the movie theater ceiling and have them fly around to scare people or put buzzers in the chairs to make people jump during certain parts.
Been waiting for this for hours, thank you Ryan For future videos still waiting on the Stepford wives, the brood, any sci-fi movies or finally a child's play movie
Excellent vid! A fun haunted attraction film worth checking out - The Haunt. Seems like you’re typical haunted attraction film of people being abducted at a haunted house… until it doesn’t. It’s a good time.
"Just look at how borderline sociopathic people behave for internet credibility on _any_ platform that feeds off attention, and how much we devalue and disrespect people for petty self-gain" The Commentary Community in a nutshell
I honestly enjoy both the films! I've shown them to a few horror friends and they felt the same. Both flicks could've gone so wrong too, but nah I felt they were pretty solid.
I think you nailed it with the feeling that live theatre involves a certain amount of trust, from actor to actor, actor to crew, and btwn the performers/crew and the audience. When that is dropped there’s a deeply upsetting and even violating feeling about it. I’ve also been assaulted during a horror theatre performance where everyone thought it was part of the bit. I can say that worse than the obvious rage and discomfort, and what I can imagine the mc’s felt upon realizing the blue skeletons were legit, is the feeling of sudden and intense loneliness. When the audience disappears, and you look around for someone to speak out about how you’re being treated, someone to rely on, to grab onto. You realize there was never an audience to begin with. Only players and their prey. Edit to add: there’s a lot going on wrt gender and the boys v Brandi thing going on at the end, I cannot think of how to explain it but it’s There
Good video as always but i did want to point out that there is a alternative version of the first movie. It was filmed a few years before and it was more looking into hunts that had a real dead body. And they really want to give it a documentary feel so it was filmed in SD. Bit whan a studio pick it they wanted in hd so they pretty much remade the movie with some changes here and there, but the interview are from the original version.
I worked at a haunt, but not an extreme one. I don't really have anything to say about what haunted house work is like that hasn't already been said, but I have to post anyway. The haunt I worked at for a little while has often been rated as one of the best in North Carolina, and it's all been the brainchild of Jason Champion. I recall Jason as a consummate entertainer, who always says yes to a cool idea from somebody working the place, is always quick with a joke (and they're *good* jokes), cares deeply about both great guest experience and the safety of his performers. I haven't lived anywhere near him for five years, and so haven't performed in his haunt in that time, but I still counted him a friend. Jason died a couple days ago after a sudden heart condition. His haunt, Darkside Haunted Estates, will go on, but it will never be the same without him and his vision.
Your haunt sounds like it really shares the spirit of my local one up north. The haunts that let themselves indulge in fun, without trying to be 2Real2Furious, man, those are great. I really appreciate you guys; actors, set designers, and folks like Jason for managing to capture what Halloween felt like when we were kids - and bringing that to life for everyone as adults.
I went to Rob Zombies haunted houses in Phx,AZ years ago. Was an awesome walk thru as the haunts were inspired by his movies. Would be awesome to come back, he also played a concert at these. Amaazing time
I loved the first film. It was a really interesting found footage take. I think I'd like the second one as a piece, but maybe not connected? Everyone always wants things explained, but "messed up shit for the sake of messed up shot" really never goes outta style.
I travel the country to see the top three haunts in each state every year, and it's wild to see the differences. More than the scares themselves, I look for enthusiasm and design, because after so many haunted houses, they can get pretty predictable. Not that I don't still get surprised now and then. Typically, as far as I've found, they fall into two categories: a performance or an attraction. The attractions are focused on "no touch" houses that are well constructed with "boo holes" for the scare actors to pop out of without exposing themselves or the guests to danger. The performances are all about making you uncomfortable in whatever way they can, to include touching the guests or crowding them into corners. Blue Skull is based off the the second one. The rough framework is based more on Blackout than McKamey Manor, because McKamey is not what I consider a haunt. Not in its final iteration anyway. It just became a dare, like an obstacle course. Blackout started as an underground haunt that you had to be in the know about, and you needed to sign a waiver before entering because they will touch you and simulate very graphic, violent scenes in front of you. It isn't about pushing you to the physical brink via torture. It's all a mind game. They are playing on the psychological horror of witnessing horrific things, being helpless in the face of someone whose intentions you don't know, and generally giving up control completely to the scare actors whom you have to trust will keep you from actually being harmed during the show.
I’ve been catching up on your videos as the last few months have been projects I haven’t seen/been waiting to see, but I’ve been really liking the new ones! This was a nice throwback - I remember watching _The Houses October Built_ when I was younger and finding myself creeped out, but it’s been some years so I’m definitely in need of a rewatch! Also, so hilarious about that hint at the end for the next video because I was going to request it here! Looks like we’re on the same wavelength.
@@TheLegendOfOblivion That's how Irish folk pronounce it in general, but the fact that he says it in the same exact tone and cadence every time, and you *know* he's gonna drop it repeatedly in every video, is just perfect. He should make Hoyever tshirts.
As some others have said, the most dangerous things in a scare attraction are the guests. I nearly got into a fight with a guest after they punched one of the actors square in the face 😅
Whoa Deadend Hayride jumpscare. That was my roommate's first haunted trail this spooky season and despite the "extreme haunt" angle (since it's an attraction with actor contact) we found it fairly mild. Granted, that really could be because we were extremely giggly. Who knew trying to scare someone who isn't paying attention by whispering to them wouldn't work when that person is hard of hearing (no shade to the scare actress, of course). Absolute blast of a trail, though.
Mayhaps an analysis on trick or treat? Also lovely to be able to catch this vid right before all hallows eve. Edit: nevermind you've done trick r' treat already keep doing great work ryan!!
I haven't been to so many of these Scare/Haunted House attractions since I was 12 years old. I am now 38 and I don't get scared anymore but still attend every year to see how others get scared and how the actors stop paying attention to me and focus on those who frighten easily.😈
So, you’re vid showed up on my recommended list so I’ve never seen your channel before, I have subbed btw. That being said, HOLY COW!! 😳You have the biggest blue eyes I’ve ever seen!! ❤ they are GORGEOUS!!
I've been going to scare houses and scream parks (mainly Scarywood in Athol, ID since it's the closest and fucking RULES) for years now, and the main reason I love going to them is atmosphere and being able to just scream your lungs out. Even when I know where the scares are coming from, it's very cathartic just to scream in fear and amusement. I also love all the set decorations and costumes that go into scare attractions - it's the only time you'll see nasty imagery out in the open without moral guardians putting up a stink, and it's always so fun and creative. The biggest hurdle when it comes to scare attractions, imo, is cost justification. I went to Scarywood opening weekend this year, and tickets were $68. Justified, since not only were there 5 scare houses and a litany of roaming actors and scare zones, but pretty much all of the summer season rollercoasters were operating as well. They also started limiting ticket sales, so it didn't seem as crowded as previous years, which is nice and we didn't feel like we waited in lines for too long. However, I went to a haunted attraction last year that charged $70 for one shitty plywood maze haunt, and some subpar carnival rides. So if anything, research the haunts you're going to so you don't end up disappointed.
Just found your channel tonight and already commented on another video. I'm gonna keep watching my way through your stuff, but if you haven't done one yet, please do a video on haunt. I love the first Houses October Built and Haunt, and I'd really like to get your take on it.
I loved working as a scare actor (or haunt talent) when i was able to. The people you meet and befirend can last years. But it feels JUST like highschool. Actually, most places where life and work mix feel like that. Hate hearing about the "haunted houses" where they make you sign a waiver. Just sado-masochism disgusted as ""fun" or "art"
Great video as always, but how could you just so casually mention you were coaching at the European Dodgeball championships? Tell us about that experience! XD
Well, that was fun. I never bothered with the sequel. I did like the first. I was quite surprised with it, as the whole thing felt like "Hey let's make a video!" But at a certain point, I realized the story, such as it was, seemed to be taking a turn, so I paused the video, and behold, about a third of the way through; there actually was an Act I. Later, the entire film seemed to be taking a sharp turn. Pause: almost exactly the halfway point. The final moment occurs at two thirds in: the story is now entering its final act. It was as perfectly timed as anything I had seen, so the ******* was really on point for me.
Remember going to one and some guy chased me and I ran around like twelve corners going backwards and hit my head going fast, the actor tried to make sure I was okay but I was actually having a blast. Hope he didn’t feel bad about it or anything because to me it was funny as hell.
I always thought i hated horror movies but now when i have grown up i have realised that i dislike the sort of endings the first film have. Cause there is no reason to watch it except to watch people suffer.
Actually, that twist in the 2nd movie, kinda makes it work for me. It would have been so easy to make it so that Blue Skeleton was out for revenge, or that the "Haunted House was real all along" twist that most horror movies go for. The fact that its just a group that do scares and pranks, and the crew where never in any real danger a far more out there twist that I didnt see coming. And it kinda falls in line with how real hanuted house experiences are, Like Halloween Horror nights and the like. Youre never in any real danger, but its an experience we all want to still take for the adrenaline or to experience something different.
I just watched both films due to this review. The first one was genuinely horrifying, especially the ending. The second made me feel actually disturbed at the cruelty the characters were facing in the deaths and I assumed TBS was back for some kind of revenge. But to be thrown a prank in the face was upsetting. I get the idea, though. If there is a third film I can’t feel terror unless it counters back to the first film.
I really enjoyed the first movie. It’s got a great spooky Halloween vibe that’s distinctly American. Halloween as it exists in the United States, and particularly haunts, is one of our actually really cool cultural traditions. The second movie had an interesting premise or twist but was not nearly so enjoyable.
There's a youtuber named Reckless Ben making a series of videos about Mackamey Manor and unearthed some genuinely suprising, messed up stuff. He's also being sued I think
I don't know man, it's kinda like a you need to have been there situation, its like me reviewing European Dodge Ball championship, I know absolutely nothing about it. You should set up a haunted house next year in your area. Here we would have at least 10 we would go to. There is on in Chicago with 13 floors, the top floor you have to walk across a wooden plank to the exit. It's only a couple feet up, but when your in there they use forced perspective to make it look like it 100ft. or 30.48 meters. You would love the experience.
I remember watching the first film with some friends and being pretty dissatisfied with it. The presence of the sequel made me curious if it got better, but nothing here compels me to go check it out.
Mckamey dude got arrested recently also you cannot legally sign your rights away. It doesn’t matter if you sign a piece of paper saying "you can do whatever to me" if the action is a crime like tort*re then it's still illegal. If a contract includes a breach of the law, it's immediately null and void
i had heard they wanted to make a third but i truly don't know where the story would go. the second film also kind of removed a lot of the horror for me. i still liked it though.
[Spoilers for ending discussed below] So, to make sure I have the sequence of events right, Brandy got informed (by the Blueskull team) of the guys setting this AND the prior movie's events up in advance, got given a fake gun and squib to give the boys a taste of their own medicine, and at the end it is indeed a fake gun and Blue Skull DIDN'T do a double reverse? I was a little confused on that point. But it does sort of have some interesting commentary on how the Blueskull team are actually being LESS awful than the guys. Blueskull just got hired to do a thing people asked them to do. But these "friends" of Brandy's are utter dickwads.
*HAPPY HALLOWEEN! What should I talk about in 2024? ... Tell me in the comments!*
👟 Check out Vessi styles at vessi.com/RYANHOLLINGER for 15% off your order. Free shipping for CA, US, AU, JP, TW, KR, SGP.
Angel Heart
Pi
eXistenZ
Razorback
The Mothman Prophecies
Have you talked about Haxan before? Or Faust directed by Jan Svankmejer?
Please do "Dogtooth"!
The 1994 miniseries adaptation of The Stand, Stephen King's Storm of The Century, the director's cut of Mimic, Doctor Sleep, Lifeforce, Dracula 2000, Ginger Snaps, and Underwater.
The Experiment (2001), a German dramatization of the Stanford Prison Experiment.
as someone who has worked at a haunted house attraction for three years, the scare actors can be just as afraid of the guests as they are of us. It's very rare, but you always have you be wary just in case someone can get violent and boy can they get violent.
Worked in the haunt community for the better part of a decade, and your haunt was unusually safe. While I wasn't hit every time, every season sees at least a couple actors getting sucker punched, tackled, etc. Some people just can't handle being scared, even if they literally paid to be scared. The tougher the dude (and it's pretty much always dudes), the less he's able to actually handle being scared.
And really, it's just a substantially less secure extension of the guys who go out of their way to show how "not scared" they are. I know you know exactly the cats I'm talking about ;-).
I went to a Haunted Hayride last year, and I actually spoke to a friend who worked it afterwards because I was like… convinced there had been like a bomb threat or something because I had never been to a scare attraction where the scare actors seemed so scared of ME. Apparently the most likely reason was that we might have come on the night where the whole cast got chewed out by management for some reason. But we also weren’t the only people that had brought it up to her.
They were also wildly understaffed tbf, and the friend confirmed that the company that owned the attraction had put their attention on another event they were running a few towns over instead.
I feel like at some point the developers of haunted house attractions forgot that "fight" was part of the human stress response.
One of the reasons why I'm afraid to go to one of these things is that I know I'm probably going to kick or punch someone.
And probably end up hurting myself more in the process because I'm a f-ing idiot.
When I was a kid my parents took me and my sister on a hayride that was organized by our cult/church and this group frowned upon anything Halloween oriented. Well...surprise, it was a haunted hayride, all the kids started screaming as the actors came out of the woods and climbed on the wagon, my parents were the only ones prepared for battle apparently, they shoved and punched all these probably highchool kids off the wagon and totally went off, I feel so bad now for these poor kids who were just trying to make a few bucks, but don't mess with parents from the city
When I was maybe 12 years old, I went into this neighborhood haunted house. I don't remember much about the house itself, but I distinctly recall one of the scare actors was dressed like the Phantom of the Opera, and whoever it was did a good job being both elegant and mysterious. I liked the haunt so much that I got back in line and went through it a second time, and when I reached the phantom, he was too busy performing for those around the corner to even notice I was there. I lightly tapped him on the shoulder, which genuinely startled him. Seeing that he had just been spooked by a child in a ballerina costume of all things, he stayed in character and took a bow, as if to say "Ah, you have bested me! Good job!"
I'll never forget that encounter.
After doing a stint as a scare actor in a haunted building, I can confirm that the only thing you have to fear is the guests. Seriously, we had to call the cops at one point, they got that bad.
I hear it's pretty common for actors to get punched by guests that just panic too.
@jordanloux3883 the ones you really have to watch out for are the drunks. Panic fights don't happen as often as some think, but belligerent pissheads will ALWAYS cause trouble.
At Howl-O-Scream we have local police, both uniformed and plain clothes, at the event. Any guests cause problems they're booted out of the park. With no refunds on their tickets.
@gamingknuckleheads well, that's miles better than the security we had. People got kicked out, sure, but if they were obviously drunk, why were they allowed in to begin with? Like, that's putting so many people at risk.
@@GallowglassVT I couldn't tell ya.
hearing the bell from fatal frame throughout the video had me whispering under my breathe “i don’t wanna play.”😭 lol
The tl;dr on McKamey Mannor - the attraction is billed as being a haunted experience so extreme that no one has made it through, when, in reality, there was no end or actual haunted house, just a series of scenes and "challenges" that they'd make someone go though until they'd either break or the actors found an excuse to end the entire event. The owner of the event is a deeply troubled, manipulative and abusive man whose all but admitted that the entire thing is just for him to get his kicks, and the event js currently just a series of bizzare physical challenges that he makes people go through before going to the "actual" house when, in reality, there is no actual house for the thing.
this discredits the people he actually tortured.
like, a dude got dragged on a gravel road by a truck.
that's just one example of the "manor"
@@BiceratopsWi There is also that. I think I penned the prior comment before I found out about all of the legit physical torture the guy put people through. There is still no actual haunted house, it's just the guy putting people through challenges for kicks.
I think it's worth noting that the movies aren't just framed as documentaries per se, a good chunk of each film is genuinely just composed of documentary footage about haunted houses. the conceit of the first film is that it was meant to be unclear to the audience the exact moment that it stopped being a documentary and started being a horror film
I didn't like the sequel at first but the ending honestly made it worth the watch and I enjoyed how it connected the two films. To me it still leaves the Blue Skeleton Crew semi ambiguous, just not trying to kill people. They just seem to have a rule that those who they scare have to be willing to be participated - and that's why I really liked the twist in the second film.
Yeah I was honestly like "hmmm. Is it just gonna be a repeat?" But nah. Curveball
Ryan, hearing you casually say you 🎉 "in Croatia coaching at the European Dodgeball Championship" is absolutely amazing!
I know a lot of people don't like putting their personal life into their videos- and I deeply respect that boundary, but these small snippets into your not-just-horror life in always fun :)
(I'm not saying to change anything up, just saying I appreciate the fun tidbits)
A very dear friend of mine has been working in scare attractions for almost two decades, and loves the work she does as a scare actor and coordinator. Most injuries in haunts are actors getting injured by guests, or people getting hurt while fleeing in a blind panic. Unless they advertise otherwise, something to remember is that a scare actor can't touch you, no matter how close they get; it can be hard to remember in the moment, but a good haunt gives you some great scares you can laugh at when you make it out. The last thing any actor wants is to traumatize a guest for life.
I've been going to scare attractions almost my entire life, and when I was a kid, one of the first haunts I ever went to was a local woman with some family members running an attraction in their backyard. For kids who were curious but afraid of being scared, they offered a little bell you could ring as you went though, and that bell told the actors *not* to jump out at you. Probably one of the nicest touches I've ever had; you get the ambiance without the real, hardcore fear.
In more recent haunts, I've gotten good at preparing for scares; moving cautiously, listening hard, and corner checking, lol. A group ahead of us got chased around quite a lot and was slowed down, but it gave my group a chance to quietly sneak past the actor as they were resetting to the front of the room; it was one of the most heart-pounding moments of my life, and I kept expecting them to notice us and follow us quietly through the corridors. Had an actor do that, too, in a 'haunted maze', once. I was with a group and ended up toward the back, and I felt like someone was behind me, but assumed it was someone in our group; then I did a head count and realized it couldn't be. I turned around and this *huge* guy all in a black-and-white clown costume, must have been well over 6 feet and 200 lbs, was grinning down at me. Can't say I've ever sprinted faster!
As a scare actor of 3 years, I can say that guests and innapropriate coworkers are the scariest things in our haunt. We’ve had multiple ambulances called for our actors due to violent guests before they’re thrown out, hence why we had to up our security so intensely. You never know who’s coming through the haunt. It’s terrifying and I’ve personally had a few scary encounters, including being cornered by a drunk couple that got far too aggressively touchy. I’ve also been punched a multitude of times, along with having sand thrown into my eyes. I love my job but a massive part is knowing how to balance out acting with public response.
Just jumping in to say that it's so weird hearing about how extreme McKamey Manor is after it's been so exposed as a hoax. Wendigoon in particular just murdered the mystique of it.
I highly recommend Reckless Ben's latest video series, in which Ben slowly destroys Russ McKamey mentally and now has possession of a hard drive containing copious evidence of Russ's crimes.
Wait, it's a hoax? Can I ask for elaboration?
@pumpkinicing if you go looking it's pretty easy to find videos on it. Basically, it's just a normal extreme haunt. In particular, they tend to hype up what they do. They force people to quit "for their own good" so they can say no one finishes it.
@@somethingsomething6991 Yeah, I can also recommend Savannah Marie's videos. I don't know if I'd call what it is *now* a "normal extreme haunt". It's more like just a weird boot camp than anything.
@FTZPLTC That's probably the saddest part. It's so obviously not a haunt now it really shows that he stopped doing it for the love of the scare a while ago.
Ryan and spooky szn. Always a good time. One of the few channels on UA-cam that have gained popularity but maintained content quality instead of just getting 5 freelance writers to churn out mediocre videos twice a week
Heieveeerrrr, ... nah, you're absolutely right.
Szn?
@@cthulhupthagn5771season lol
The quasi-documentary aspect of advertising various haunt attractions around the US is actually my favorite aspect of the films & the sole reason they’re both on my annual Halloween movie rewatch list lol. I just love seeing the haunts, it’s fun!
Also, if you ever do come to the US for a haunted house road trip, I cannot recommend Hell’s Gate in Lockport Illinois enough. The more I go to other bigger haunted houses the more I appreciate Hell’s Gate’s “actor-centric” approach to the haunt. They actually DO perform the story of the haunt as you move through the house rather than the story written on the website being suggested by various sets, which is what most haunts seem to do, & it really is an amazing experience
I was so annoyed by the second film that I was adamant the lady needed to sue her male friends for being complete assholes that had a direct hand in her PTSD.
I went with some RP buddies back in the way, in Waxahachi, TX. (Wocks-uh-hatch-ee.) The haunted house was pretty good, and then became a maze in total darkness. I am easy to scare, and I was like "I want out, I want out NOW." My buddies were teasing me, "Come on, Coyote, it'll be okay, Coyote." Then a guy in a skeleton outfit started following us, and started talking using my name, too. "Coyote ..." in this raspy, creepy voice. It was such a great scare and great moment, I remember it fondly.
I watched this movie at a retail goth shop, they let me chill on the couch.
A few people that went into McKamey Manor were interviewed for the documentary Haunters: The Art of The Scare, and you see how it has hurt them. A few say they want others to go in the house, because they want others to suffer like the had to in there.
It’s finally happening! Ryan’s doing a video on The Tunnel.
On House October Built. I do hope we get a third film eventually. I didn’t really like the second film all that much but it really felt like there was a planned third film.
Edit: the first half of this comment didn’t age well.
As an aside, I adored the first film, not because of the bleak nihilism (though on occasion that is appreciated) but because they very effectively blurred the lines between filmed "reality" and reality, itself by using haunt actors. Several scenes and interviews were at existing haunts at the time, and used some cast members FOR those haunts.
That said, I do agree with you that creating more of a "back story", so to speak, for the second film made it more of an actual work of fiction, and therefore...wasn't as good a watch as the first one, for me.
honestly, you can talk about whatever you want. your videos are comforting in a sophisticated way and i welcome any addition to them. sometimes i miss a video and get really excited, when i later find out that i got another video from you to watch.
all the best
Mckamey manor is actually a hoax. While it is extreme, a lot of it is buffered with a huge paper you have to sign describing things way more terrifying than what he will do to you. He also offered a cash prize if you finished it, and can end the experience if he thinks you can't handle it any further. A military vet got super close, but Mckamey just ended it before he won. It's very William Castle in its design, a gimmick that doesn't really give you the reward.
not just that but there is no longer a haunted house. Russ is probably a psychopath and has allegedly manipulated peoples outgoing messages, and allegedly put people in the hospital.
To end it before the guy winning is such a scumbag movie
How dare you sully Mr. Castle's name by mentioning him with the likes of Russ
Idk what Frank Castle is other than The Punisher.. may I get some context please? :b
@@alexroy5854 Apparently I can't read. Frank Castle is the punisher. I was thinking William Castle the horror film director known for movie theater gimmicks. He would do things like hang skeletons from the movie theater ceiling and have them fly around to scare people or put buzzers in the chairs to make people jump during certain parts.
Been waiting for this for hours, thank you Ryan
For future videos still waiting on the Stepford wives, the brood, any sci-fi movies or finally a child's play movie
As someone who regularly gets off the train at St James station in Sydney; I am very excited for the next video!
Excellent vid! A fun haunted attraction film worth checking out - The Haunt. Seems like you’re typical haunted attraction film of people being abducted at a haunted house… until it doesn’t. It’s a good time.
Nothing scarier than faulty architecture and housing costs (oh the humanity)
Hey, look... it's the BUDGET for my local UNDERFUNDED PUBLIC TRANSIT NETWORK !
Please stop scaring me in the comments; I go here to feel safe!
Sounds like you’re covering “The Tunnel” for next video! Wendigoon and Meat Canyon talked about that one so I’ll make sure to watch it before then!
what is with wendigoon and collaborating with other people about claustrophobic horrific things
@@princeapoopoo5787 I dunno. But I’m all for it.
"Just look at how borderline sociopathic people behave for internet credibility on _any_ platform that feeds off attention, and how much we devalue and disrespect people for petty self-gain"
The Commentary Community in a nutshell
I always say, if something is borderline, we can just say what it is. People on the internet definitely behave like sociopaths!
I honestly enjoy both the films! I've shown them to a few horror friends and they felt the same. Both flicks could've gone so wrong too, but nah I felt they were pretty solid.
I think you nailed it with the feeling that live theatre involves a certain amount of trust, from actor to actor, actor to crew, and btwn the performers/crew and the audience. When that is dropped there’s a deeply upsetting and even violating feeling about it. I’ve also been assaulted during a horror theatre performance where everyone thought it was part of the bit. I can say that worse than the obvious rage and discomfort, and what I can imagine the mc’s felt upon realizing the blue skeletons were legit, is the feeling of sudden and intense loneliness. When the audience disappears, and you look around for someone to speak out about how you’re being treated, someone to rely on, to grab onto. You realize there was never an audience to begin with. Only players and their prey.
Edit to add: there’s a lot going on wrt gender and the boys v Brandi thing going on at the end, I cannot think of how to explain it but it’s There
Good video as always but i did want to point out that there is a alternative version of the first movie. It was filmed a few years before and it was more looking into hunts that had a real dead body. And they really want to give it a documentary feel so it was filmed in SD. Bit whan a studio pick it they wanted in hd so they pretty much remade the movie with some changes here and there, but the interview are from the original version.
I worked at a haunt, but not an extreme one. I don't really have anything to say about what haunted house work is like that hasn't already been said, but I have to post anyway.
The haunt I worked at for a little while has often been rated as one of the best in North Carolina, and it's all been the brainchild of Jason Champion. I recall Jason as a consummate entertainer, who always says yes to a cool idea from somebody working the place, is always quick with a joke (and they're *good* jokes), cares deeply about both great guest experience and the safety of his performers. I haven't lived anywhere near him for five years, and so haven't performed in his haunt in that time, but I still counted him a friend.
Jason died a couple days ago after a sudden heart condition. His haunt, Darkside Haunted Estates, will go on, but it will never be the same without him and his vision.
Your haunt sounds like it really shares the spirit of my local one up north. The haunts that let themselves indulge in fun, without trying to be 2Real2Furious, man, those are great. I really appreciate you guys; actors, set designers, and folks like Jason for managing to capture what Halloween felt like when we were kids - and bringing that to life for everyone as adults.
I went to Rob Zombies haunted houses in Phx,AZ years ago. Was an awesome walk thru as the haunts were inspired by his movies.
Would be awesome to come back, he also played a concert at these. Amaazing time
I reaaaally wanted to go to the Lords of Salem one. Everybody has a bag over their head, right?
I loved the first film. It was a really interesting found footage take. I think I'd like the second one as a piece, but maybe not connected? Everyone always wants things explained, but "messed up shit for the sake of messed up shot" really never goes outta style.
The tunnel is a great movie can’t wait for the next video as someone from Australia it scared the shit out of me when I was a kid and watched it
I watched Cobweb last night and it is definitely my new Halloween haunt.
I travel the country to see the top three haunts in each state every year, and it's wild to see the differences. More than the scares themselves, I look for enthusiasm and design, because after so many haunted houses, they can get pretty predictable. Not that I don't still get surprised now and then. Typically, as far as I've found, they fall into two categories: a performance or an attraction. The attractions are focused on "no touch" houses that are well constructed with "boo holes" for the scare actors to pop out of without exposing themselves or the guests to danger. The performances are all about making you uncomfortable in whatever way they can, to include touching the guests or crowding them into corners. Blue Skull is based off the the second one. The rough framework is based more on Blackout than McKamey Manor, because McKamey is not what I consider a haunt. Not in its final iteration anyway. It just became a dare, like an obstacle course. Blackout started as an underground haunt that you had to be in the know about, and you needed to sign a waiver before entering because they will touch you and simulate very graphic, violent scenes in front of you. It isn't about pushing you to the physical brink via torture. It's all a mind game. They are playing on the psychological horror of witnessing horrific things, being helpless in the face of someone whose intentions you don't know, and generally giving up control completely to the scare actors whom you have to trust will keep you from actually being harmed during the show.
I’ve been catching up on your videos as the last few months have been projects I haven’t seen/been waiting to see, but I’ve been really liking the new ones! This was a nice throwback - I remember watching _The Houses October Built_ when I was younger and finding myself creeped out, but it’s been some years so I’m definitely in need of a rewatch!
Also, so hilarious about that hint at the end for the next video because I was going to request it here! Looks like we’re on the same wavelength.
"...from a F*#ING HELICOPTER!"
That delivery made me spit out my drink laughing. 13:21
Next video is on THE TUNNEL.
Genuinely terrified of the concept of being stuck in that movie.
Haven't heard of this movie in a long time! Excited to see what you have to say about it🎃👻☠️
Ryan Hollinger brings us a HALLOWEEN HOYEVER TREAT with a video at these interesting haunted house movies.
"hoyever" lmao that's exactly how he pronounces it.
@@TheLegendOfOblivion That's how Irish folk pronounce it in general, but the fact that he says it in the same exact tone and cadence every time, and you *know* he's gonna drop it repeatedly in every video, is just perfect. He should make Hoyever tshirts.
Been on a binge of your videos for spooky season
Heck yeah! I haven't thought about The Tunnel in a long time. Looking forward to the vid on it!
As some others have said, the most dangerous things in a scare attraction are the guests. I nearly got into a fight with a guest after they punched one of the actors square in the face 😅
“I was in croatia coaching at the European dodgeball championships” is the coolest sentence you’ve ever uttered.
the tunnel!!!! im so excited for that!!! please some more aussie horror! (i know you did lake mungo which you covered so well but ye)
Sidney's underground subway system... This one has me stumped. I've probably seen this FF movie; it's not ringing any bells.
Whoa Deadend Hayride jumpscare. That was my roommate's first haunted trail this spooky season and despite the "extreme haunt" angle (since it's an attraction with actor contact) we found it fairly mild. Granted, that really could be because we were extremely giggly. Who knew trying to scare someone who isn't paying attention by whispering to them wouldn't work when that person is hard of hearing (no shade to the scare actress, of course). Absolute blast of a trail, though.
If you ever find yourself in Dublin in October, Nightmare is class!! Several haunted houses in big ol' building!
i’ve waited years for you to talk about this movie omfg
First "hoyevver" drops at 0:34. All treat, no trick.
The comment I came here for 👍 All Hoyever's Eve is officially here
Mayhaps an analysis on trick or treat? Also lovely to be able to catch this vid right before all hallows eve.
Edit: nevermind you've done trick r' treat already keep doing great work ryan!!
I love this film! Extreme haunts with some creepy mystery thrown in, and a nice bleak ending. I love it, great Halloween movie.
I can't really do Haunts tbh, I did a basic one with friends one year and I just.. locked up and stopped functioning.
Wow what a concept. A subway being underground.
The part when they surrounded the bus scared me a little
If the next episode is about Tunnel, I am more than excited 👀
I haven't been to so many of these Scare/Haunted House attractions since I was 12 years old. I am now 38 and I don't get scared anymore but still attend every year to see how others get scared and how the actors stop paying attention to me and focus on those who frighten easily.😈
The Tunnel is a fun movie, looking forward to it.
The Tunnel. I've been considering trying to get it recommended but looks like I won't have too.
So, you’re vid showed up on my recommended list so I’ve never seen your channel before, I have subbed btw. That being said, HOLY COW!! 😳You have the biggest blue eyes I’ve ever seen!! ❤ they are GORGEOUS!!
Yes! Looking forward to the Tunnel!
I've been going to scare houses and scream parks (mainly Scarywood in Athol, ID since it's the closest and fucking RULES) for years now, and the main reason I love going to them is atmosphere and being able to just scream your lungs out. Even when I know where the scares are coming from, it's very cathartic just to scream in fear and amusement. I also love all the set decorations and costumes that go into scare attractions - it's the only time you'll see nasty imagery out in the open without moral guardians putting up a stink, and it's always so fun and creative.
The biggest hurdle when it comes to scare attractions, imo, is cost justification. I went to Scarywood opening weekend this year, and tickets were $68. Justified, since not only were there 5 scare houses and a litany of roaming actors and scare zones, but pretty much all of the summer season rollercoasters were operating as well. They also started limiting ticket sales, so it didn't seem as crowded as previous years, which is nice and we didn't feel like we waited in lines for too long. However, I went to a haunted attraction last year that charged $70 for one shitty plywood maze haunt, and some subpar carnival rides. So if anything, research the haunts you're going to so you don't end up disappointed.
Just found your channel tonight and already commented on another video. I'm gonna keep watching my way through your stuff, but if you haven't done one yet, please do a video on haunt. I love the first Houses October Built and Haunt, and I'd really like to get your take on it.
Nice thumbnails you got there buddy
Yeah I wonder where he got the idea
I loved working as a scare actor (or haunt talent) when i was able to. The people you meet and befirend can last years.
But it feels JUST like highschool.
Actually, most places where life and work mix feel like that.
Hate hearing about the "haunted houses" where they make you sign a waiver. Just sado-masochism disgusted as ""fun" or "art"
Great video as always! my guess for the next video is The Tunnel :)
Great video as always, but how could you just so casually mention you were coaching at the European Dodgeball championships? Tell us about that experience! XD
Well, that was fun. I never bothered with the sequel. I did like the first. I was quite surprised with it, as the whole thing felt like "Hey let's make a video!" But at a certain point, I realized the story, such as it was, seemed to be taking a turn, so I paused the video, and behold, about a third of the way through; there actually was an Act I. Later, the entire film seemed to be taking a sharp turn. Pause: almost exactly the halfway point. The final moment occurs at two thirds in: the story is now entering its final act. It was as perfectly timed as anything I had seen, so the ******* was really on point for me.
Houses? As in multiple? I guess Jack has some competition in house-building
Remember going to one and some guy chased me and I ran around like twelve corners going backwards and hit my head going fast, the actor tried to make sure I was okay but I was actually having a blast. Hope he didn’t feel bad about it or anything because to me it was funny as hell.
I always thought i hated horror movies but now when i have grown up i have realised that i dislike the sort of endings the first film have. Cause there is no reason to watch it except to watch people suffer.
I work at Halloween hollow nights at Universal studios every year it so much fun.
Ryan buried the lead here. "EUROPEAN DODGEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ". We need a video about that now!!!
Actually, that twist in the 2nd movie, kinda makes it work for me. It would have been so easy to make it so that Blue Skeleton was out for revenge, or that the "Haunted House was real all along" twist that most horror movies go for. The fact that its just a group that do scares and pranks, and the crew where never in any real danger a far more out there twist that I didnt see coming. And it kinda falls in line with how real hanuted house experiences are, Like Halloween Horror nights and the like. Youre never in any real danger, but its an experience we all want to still take for the adrenaline or to experience something different.
You forgot to include "... stay away from extreme horror attractions..." at the end!
The most recent Danny Berk video has me thinking these filmmakers underestimated just how evil a 'scare operator' really could be.
I just watched both films due to this review. The first one was genuinely horrifying, especially the ending. The second made me feel actually disturbed at the cruelty the characters were facing in the deaths and I assumed TBS was back for some kind of revenge. But to be thrown a prank in the face was upsetting.
I get the idea, though. If there is a third film I can’t feel terror unless it counters back to the first film.
THE TUNNEL LESGOOOO
I am interacting with the content
oh hell yeah cant wait for the next one
I really enjoyed the first movie. It’s got a great spooky Halloween vibe that’s distinctly American. Halloween as it exists in the United States, and particularly haunts, is one of our actually really cool cultural traditions. The second movie had an interesting premise or twist but was not nearly so enjoyable.
Happy Halloween!
Syndey’s underground subways… found footage… THE TUNNELS!
God damn I hate haunted houses. They really suck if you’re not good at being scared easily.
I will keep banging this drum, but please check out the Horror in the High Desert films. I really hope to see coverage of those from you.
Bonus points for the It's Always Sunny reference.
There's a youtuber named Reckless Ben making a series of videos about Mackamey Manor and unearthed some genuinely suprising, messed up stuff. He's also being sued I think
The Hellbent set was filmed in my hometown. You can see graffiti that says "I
Looking forward to you going head-to-head with Wendover! XD
I watched the first film, and it helped me understand what it's like to have a lobotomy.
Honestly, the Terrorplex one in Texas looks fun as hell to me
I don't know man, it's kinda like a you need to have been there situation, its like me reviewing European Dodge Ball championship, I know absolutely nothing about it. You should set up a haunted house next year in your area. Here we would have at least 10 we would go to. There is on in Chicago with 13 floors, the top floor you have to walk across a wooden plank to the exit. It's only a couple feet up, but when your in there they use forced perspective to make it look like it 100ft. or 30.48 meters. You would love the experience.
I remember watching the first film with some friends and being pretty dissatisfied with it. The presence of the sequel made me curious if it got better, but nothing here compels me to go check it out.
Do a video on The Oldest View series, it's great and i think you will like it.
Mckamey dude got arrested recently also you cannot legally sign your rights away. It doesn’t matter if you sign a piece of paper saying "you can do whatever to me" if the action is a crime like tort*re then it's still illegal. If a contract includes a breach of the law, it's immediately null and void
i had heard they wanted to make a third but i truly don't know where the story would go. the second film also kind of removed a lot of the horror for me. i still liked it though.
happy halloween, Ryan -- may you be just a scared as you want to be
I was working at Phobia that year they filmed in Houston
[Spoilers for ending discussed below]
So, to make sure I have the sequence of events right, Brandy got informed (by the Blueskull team) of the guys setting this AND the prior movie's events up in advance, got given a fake gun and squib to give the boys a taste of their own medicine, and at the end it is indeed a fake gun and Blue Skull DIDN'T do a double reverse? I was a little confused on that point.
But it does sort of have some interesting commentary on how the Blueskull team are actually being LESS awful than the guys. Blueskull just got hired to do a thing people asked them to do. But these "friends" of Brandy's are utter dickwads.