Introduction
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, Jon Schnitzer’s documentary regarding the haunt industry, HAUNTERS: The Art of the Scare, was officially released in both physical (Blu-Ray and DVD) and digital (video on demand) form.
Please note that the following review contains spoilers.
Review of HAUNTERS: The Art of the Scare
HAUNTERS: The Art of the Scare provides viewers with access to the haunt industry and its diverse community.
This is accomplished through the constant shifting from one type of haunt to another throughout the course of the film.
Viewers are provided with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews that offer new insight into the lives of those who dedicate a significant portion of their time to terrifying others.
As a result, both those who are familiar and those who are unfamiliar with the haunt industry are likely to further appreciate the large amount of dedication that is required to organize and execute a successful haunt.
The documentary covers a variety of attractions, including traditional, mainstream haunts of the past and present; home haunts that are based in residential neighborhoods; and the extreme haunts of the present.
Despite this fact, the focus of the documentary is primarily on the increasingly extreme attractions that have recently begun to spread across the United States — especially Russ McKamey’s haunt, McKamey Manor.
Although some viewers may disapprove of Russ’s inclusion in the movie, it’s important for the documentary to provide an uncensored overview of the haunt industry in order for viewers to fully understand its history and the controversial direction that some attractions may move towards.
Despite the imbalance of haunt coverage in the documentary, a sufficient amount of information about members of the industry is revealed that may surprise viewers.
For example, it’s revealed that many of the personal relationships between those involved in the haunt industry and their families have become complicated due to the extents that some go to accomplish their goals.
Through the inclusion and discussion of these issues, which many industry outsiders may not have previously taken into consideration, viewers have the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the ongoing commitment and extensive work associated with the haunt industry.
Pumpkin Rating & Conclusion
Entertainment Value: 4 / 5 Pumpkins
Price of Film: 5 / 5 Pumpkins
Duration of Film: 4 / 5 Pumpkins
Pumpkin Rating: 4 / 5 Pumpkins
HAUNTERS: The Art of the Scare is a valuable documentary about the haunt industry that provides viewers with updated perspectives relating to its overall community. The documentary, however, would have benefited from a longer runtime to better balance its coverage of attractions.
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Website: https://www.hauntersmovie.com/
Facebook: @hauntersthemovie
Twitter: @HAUNTERS_Movie