Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House
107 Suffolk Street
New York,NY

For 2012, Timothy Haskell has teamed up with Steve Kopelman to create what they describe as “a horrifying, immersive, haunted house experience.”

Is It Scary?

According to their Official Website: “The most haunting experiences are those that are real. There is nothing more frightening than the monsters that walk among us.”

The Raven & Black Cat says: Damn straight. Last year, when Nightmare asked us to write down what we find most terrifying, we gave them a tip: serial killers. The contrast of brutal, methodical, carefully crafted murders perpetrated by someone who could be the clean-cut boy-next-door, is enough to send us to bed clutching a security blanket and kitchen knife. The intense creepiness of these real-life monsters, portrayed by top-notch actors in detailed, realistic settings combined with some very effective startle scares, is a state-of-the-art design for nightmares.

What We Loved

When you visit haunted houses night after night, you tend to see a lot of similar rooms and themes. “Killers” is unlike any other attraction. It provides a starkly real glimpse into the life and mind of a cold-blooded killer and invites you to play the victim. You don’t have to imagine the terror of Jack the Ripper grabbing your throat, pushing you up against the walls of dark alley. Here, the actual sensation is available. It’s always a touchy subject in the haunt world, but giving individuals a choice of whether or not they will be touched ensures the right combination of safe and edgy for everyone. And those who choose to allow touching will appreciate how sparingly it is applied. The haunt designers know well that the anticipation is as important to the experience as the actual moment you are physically drawn into the action.

The costumes, sets and makeup are unnervingly realistic, especially John Wayne Gacy’s house. Nothing is exaggerated for dramatic effect. From the outside it could have been any house in Middle America…until you’re behind closed doors. When you’re dealing with real-life horror you have to walk a fine line and Nightmare is careful not to sensationalize or glorify these tragic events. In one room, a victim’s mother asks “Why did you come here? These are real people. Why are you here?” and for a moment, your heart really does break. Despite the theatrical focus, Nightmare still includes some shocking special effects and fun startle scares. Our favorite moments include a trash bag full of body parts hitting the floor, the Jeffrey Dahmer trial, and a, shall we say “whacky” grand finale that will send you running for the exit.

What Could Be Better

In the Andrew Fish section, the audio recording is nearly impossible to hear over the noise in the other rooms. Our group huddled in the corner and missed the video while trying to figure out what was going on. This could be avoided by having an actor tell the story or using additional speakers. I would love to briefly smell something foul when Pogo opens the trap door. If you’re hiding 26 bodies beneath the floor, it’s certainly going to provide some sensory evidence. For any audience members not familiar with the killer, this would provide a clue as to what’s really going on down there.

Final Thoughts

We love and respect that Nightmare is willing to take risks. Last year, Fairy Tales was incredibly fun but more performance art, than haunted house. This year, Nightmare has combined a top-notch theatrical experience with the scream-inducing horror their audiences have come to expect. It’s intelligent, artistic, terrifying and hopefully, a blueprint for the haunted house of the future.

Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House Runs

September 28th - November 3rd

Ticket Information

Timed Ticketing: $30 (online) or $35 (at the door)
VIP (Front of the Line Access): $50 (online) or $60 (at the door)

Discount Tickets

50% Off Timed Ticketing & VIP Tickets - Click Here!
$15 - $20 Student Rush Tickets Available 1 Hour Prior to Listed Start Times.
Military Personnel Night: Sun., Oct. 14th - Buy One Get One Free w/ Military ID.
Public Servant Night (Policeman, Firefighter, EMT, ect.): Wed., October 10th - Flash your Badge to Buy One Get One Free.

Age Requirements

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No children under 10 will be admitted.

Additional Information

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2048.0"]

Jack the Ripper/ Photographer: Joshua Hoffine[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640.0"]

Elizabeth Bathory/Photographer: Joshua Hoffine[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640.0"]

John Wayne Gacy/Photographer: Christopher Brielmaier[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000.0"] H. H. Holmes/Photographer: Christopher Brielmaier

H. H. Holmes/Photographer: Christopher Brielmaier[/caption]

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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

REVIEW: Killers: A Nightmare Haunted House