Universal Studio’s 2010 “Halloween Horror Nights” Brings Fear and Fun While Hosting the Eyegore Awards

Universal Studio’s 2010 “Halloween Horror Nights” kicked off by summoning many of the studio’s flagship horror genre celebrities for the Eyegore Awards at the Globe Theatre on Friday, Sept. 24.

The award show was decorated with a cemetery theme, complete with haunting trees, shrubbery and gravestones. Guests enjoyed a pre-show open bar, Vietnamese appetizers, and a jazz band belting out classic horror themes and Halloween-esque ballads.

Eyegore Awards host Corey Feldman (“Lost Boys”) presented statues to a variety of horror veterans and industry up and comers. Notable guests included Rob Zombie (“House of 1000 Corpses”), Christopher Lloyd (“Back to the Future”), Sid Haig (“House of 1000 Corpses”), and Eli Roth (“The Last Exorcism”). Actresses from the soon-to-be released “Saw 3D”, Gina Holden and Betsy Russell, also received recognition for their achievements in the genre.

The annual Eyegore Awards and Universal Studios “Halloween Horror Nights” have continued to expand over the years, giving Knotts Scary Farm a run for its money.

“I love ‘Halloween Horror Nights’” Feldman said. “That’s why I always come here.”

Along with receiving honors for their terrifying performances, horror actors were given a chance to relish in fear with their fans.

Classic horror films such as “Friday the 13^th,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Saw” all have their twisted worlds reproduced, allowing fans to come face to face with legendary on-screen villains. Many Eyegore Awards attendees starred in these films.

“What am I going to do? Mostly judge their performances.” Derek Mears jokingly said. Mears, who plays Jason Voorhees in the remake of “Friday the 13^th,” is one of those with an entire maze inspired by his work.

“I’m looking forward to see if they can scare me,” Tyler Mane said. Mane plays Michael Myers in Zombie’s gritty remakes of “Halloween.”

This year, the addition the “House of 1000 Corpses” maze would also give Sid Haig, (who received a Lifetime Achievement Eyegore Award), the chance to experience a 3D labyrinth featuring his psychopathic clown character, Captain Spaulding.

As screams from park guests bellow from every direction, it’s clear Mears, Mane and Haig probably had their expectations met.

Rob Zombie’s “House of 1000 Corpses: Presented in 3D Zombievision” was easily the night’s most popular attraction, with more than an hour-long line.

Guests are able to throw on a pair of 3D glasses, enhancing the experience. The maze is not for the faint of heart. It’s full of professional actors, all hired to startle you at every turn. Disgustingly thrilling displays of ripsaws tearing into flesh, victims being scalped, and repulsive torture take you deep into Zombie’s warped imagination. With gallons of fake blood, entrails and body parts strewn all over the place, it’s like stepping into an interactive fright fest.

It’s a ghastly, gut wrenching, revolting good time.

However, scares aren’t only through maze doors. Upon entering the gates of “Halloween Horror Nights,” guests immediately receive a targets on their back. There are six “Scare Zones” throughout the event, and hundreds of actors are outfitted in horrifying masks, stilts, and make-up. They pop out of shadows, fog, and from behind every corner. Dubbed as “Nightmarez,” “Klownz,” “La Llorona,” “Lunaticz,” “Freakz,” and “Pigz,” the actors wield everything from prop chain saws, bloody axes, fake firearms, and a variety of other brain bashing, flesh tearing weaponry.

Regardless of the costume, each actor has a common goal to keep guests on their toes, and looking over their shoulders. They follow, stalk, chase,
swing weapons, whisper in ears and breathe down necks.

The terrifying mazes and Scare Zones are just two components of the event’s attractions.

Rides include the classic Universal Studios Tram, which has been hijacked by Chucky, the killer doll from the “Childs Play” films. Without revealing too much, the ride certainly derails from the everyday “park tour.”

All of the spine tingling aspects are lavish, representing Universal’s “big production” reputation. Tapping into every phobia imaginable, guests are engrossed in visual terror.

One highlight is the full-size wreckage of a replica 747 airplane, ripped to shreds from a devastating crash. Blood soaked plane seats, twisted steel, destroyed aisles, and windows splattered with human innards stretch across the burning landscape. Scorched, decapitated, and mangled “passenger” mannequins clutter the scene.

Knife wielding silhouettes inhabit the Bate’s Motel, and a wilderness trail is equipped with concealed speakers that blare rattlesnake noises and cougar growls. There are car accidents, murderous clowns, sudden noises, and blazing fires, all designed to shock the senses. The elaborate displays allow guests to experience both fun and fear.

For the more squeamish, and younger crowds, “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure,” “The Simpsons Ride,” and “King Kong 360 3-D” help cater to those looking for a family oriented Halloween experience.

Universal Studios‘ Hollywood “Halloween Horror Nights” opens on select dates at 7:00 p.m., and will run for 17 nights starting Sept. 24. The event will continue through Halloween, and be accessible Oct. 1 – 2, 8-9, 15-17, 21-24 and 28-31. Closing hours will vary.

Ticket prices are $59 at the gate, with online sales available while supplies last.