HauntedWeb - Dark Matter Review

Haunt: Hauntedweb of Horrors - Dark Matter
Address: 700 North Germantown Parkway (Trinity Commons Shopping Center)
Price: $10 per haunt, or $18 for both
Dates Open: October 8-10, October 15-17, October 22-24, and October 27-31, 7:30-10 on weeknights, and 7:30-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. (Note: Dark Matter will not be open on October 27. Only Tormented will be running that night.)

Category

Skulls

Notes
First Impression Although there is actually a small sign visible from the parking lot (and I know it was a big feat just to get permission to put that up), from the outside, there is very little to let you know there is a haunted attraction going on. From the outside, you'd never know what a great operation you are getting on the inside, which can be deceiving, and probably doesn't attract as much walk on traffic as the haunt might get otherwse. A vehicle used for advertsing from the streat, some props that can be set up outside to help establish the theme of the haunt (and can be placed quickly inside at night when closing), and outside entertainment visible to walk on patrons could do wonders. (I know that as the season goes on, there will likely be outside entertainment of various kinds based on past seasons.)
Actors Although the timing of scares in this haunt swas stronger than at the sister haunt over at Tormented, I found this haunt to be less interactive in general. There was less dialogue with more non-speaking parts and more quick scares. This is actually partially built into the theme which is based more around darkness, shadow, and lighting effects.

This isn't to say that there is no interactive characters. One actor in a "cage" scene redirecting and confusing the audience was one of the standout performances I've seen from an actor in any haunt this season.
Audio/Sensory This haunt is a little bit more effects based than other haunts in the area, so it isn't surprising that there is a little more focus on the senses. Ambient sound is still used throughout the haunt tailored to scenes, and effects work mostly on site and touch to disorient, confuse, and entertain.
Special Effects Right from the start the stage is set with the vortex tunnel that marks the entrance to the haunt. After that, you'll run into effects like bouncing floors, claustrophobia halls, 3D and blacklight effects, and optical illusions. It makes for an experience very different than any other haunt in the midsouth area.
Theming and Storyline This haunt basically has two themes. The first half of the haunt is based around effects in the dark. The second half is a 3D maze of blacklight effects and insane clowns. ALthough there is logic to how the two themes fit together (with a focus on visual effects in both parts), the haunt doesn't really have a storyline running through it, and I believe the theme would be reenforced even better if the first half focused on the carnival type atmosphere the second half has. (I do realize, some of the effects would be difficult to integrate into that kind of theme.)
Fright Factor Consider this one skull higher if you are afraid of the dark, or clowns...especially clowns. Although this haunt has plenty of scares, I personally like it more for the entertainment value of the effects than for scaring people. Scares will come from any direction, so you'll have to be very aware of your surroundings to not be surprised. The haunt is also good at distracting you with visual effects either catching your attention, playing with your balance, or just being so dark you can't see what's out there to get you. A big part of the fear is anticipating what you can't see as much as the actual scares happening.
Gore Factor Although still scary, this haunt is more family friendly than the other indoor attractions in the area. It's very low on gore and adult themes, leaving those to Tormented. This makes this a good haunt for children you want to introduce to haunts, letting them see scary without bloody.
Value At $10, this haunt is right in the middle of the pack as far as haunt pricing is concerned, and it offers an intense experience few other haunts in the area can match. For $8 more you can get the combo ticket to also visit Tormented, and at $9 each they offer slightly better value, with each haunt lasting 10-15 minutes of walking time.
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