Chainsaws

[robokatt12]

Are they "played out"? It's such a cheap gimmick-and everybody's doing it. I guess the audience expects it and desires it, but isn't there anything new under the October sky?
Anyone who has served time in the haunted trenches will recall the headaches and nausea brought on from a night of chainsaw fume inhalation...not to mention listening to that grating sound for hours on end. I'd like to see something new, like maybe a Zombie-Dominatrix with a cat-o-nine-tails...

[SChaser783]

I don't see the chainsaw going away anytime soon because of the fact that most people going through the haunted house expect it. Its one of those things that doesn't make a haunt any different from others, but if you don't have it, a lot of people will notice. That said, I think last year Primitive Fear, Realm of Terror and 13th Street Manor would have been MUCH better off without their chainsaws. All three haunts emptied into one outside hallway, that was well lit mind you, and had maybe three actors walking around with chainsaws. All they did was walk around and rev the engines in your ear. They didn't even try to scare you.

Bottom line: Yes, I'd like to see something new. No, I don't think they are going away anytime soon.

[redskittle007]

I think that as long as people like me keep screaming at chainsaws, then yes they will still be around.

Actually, they dont scare me much anymore. I kind of got over that.

[robokatt12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Tye @ Aug 14 2006, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=112)</div>
I don&#39;t see the chainsaw going away anytime soon because of the fact that most people going through the haunted house expect it. Its one of those things that doesn&#39;t make a haunt any different from others, but if you don&#39;t have it, a lot of people will notice. That said, I think last year Primitive Fear, Realm of Terror and 13th Street Manor would have been MUCH better off without their chainsaws. All three haunts emptied into one outside hallway, that was well lit mind you, and had maybe three actors walking around with chainsaws. All they did was walk around and rev the engines in your ear. They didn&#39;t even try to scare you.

Bottom line: Yes, I&#39;d like to see something new. No, I don&#39;t think they are going away anytime soon.[/b]

Yeah, I suppose it&#39;s like a "McDonald&#39;s" effect- quick and easy-and really bad for you. You&#39;d think that people would&#39;ve built up an immunity to the chainsaw schtick by now.
How about "Quail-hunting with Dick Cheney" in the maze? That&#39;d be something to get your nerves going...

[Mordred the Eld]

I agree with you on the whole chainsaw thing along with a couple things that have been over done in haunts, but unfortunately people have come to expect them. But I have to admit there is nothing funnier than a big 6&#39; 5" bulked out football player running away from a scrawny dude with a chainsaw....

[WelchWitch]

I agree with Tye. I think its all in where its placed thats makes the scare. I still jump at the sound if it is a surprise and placed in a spot not expected. And turned off when not in use. At the end of the haunt is where I always expect it. I think it was 2 years ago, it was at Draculas Castle, I believe, and they had this guy outside in the parking lot with the chainsaw , he was the one that keep the people in the lines taken care of or gets them in the mood or whatever he was supposed to do. it was the biggest turnoff. I almost didnt go through the house cause of frusration. It was early enough where it was still daylight and that made it even worse. By the time it was my turn to go, I was happy to go in, not to experience the house, but to get away from the pain in the ass guy with the chainsaw.What really gets me screaming is those dayum air guns. Nothing like a spray of air when you don&#39;t expect it.

[Cyber Tiger]

The chainsaw gimmick is overdone. They lack the effect of when they first came out. Some of these HHs need to get back to old school tactics. Some of these special effects are turning them into displays that you just go on a tour through. Even if people notice they are gone, will they care if the HH is scary?

[Rob]

At Midwest Haunters Convention, I actually saw something that made me hate the chainsaw gag even more.

Someone was selling chainsaws that are supposed to eliminate the problems of chainsaw fumes as well as chainsaws that don&#39;t start up when they&#39;re supposed to.

The magic solution? Get this -- it looks like a chainsaw, but the handgrip contains a speakerbox with a button that triggers the SOUND of a chainsaw.

So now not only are they chasing us with a bladeless chainsaw, they&#39;re chasing us with a chainsaw that isn&#39;t really even a chainsaw.

At some point, this gag has to be retired. But I don&#39;t think it&#39;s going to happen any time soon.

[scaredycat]

As far as chainsaws are concerned I agree that most people aren&#39;t scared of them anymore. Either you have the people that walk, or you have the people that run because that is the response that is supposed to be triggered. You hear a chainsaw you start running. Chainsaws are expected and they are going to be in a haunted house, I just think it&#39;s time to find a creative and different way to use them, because no one is going to get rid of them.

[SChaser783]

Rob, I saw that at HauntCon as well. You could tell by the sound that it was just a speaker.

Hmm.... it appears to me that the only solution is to put the blade back on the thing and make the 10 o&#39;clock news.

[Mordred the Eld]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
Someone was selling chainsaws that are supposed to eliminate the problems of chainsaw fumes as well as chainsaws that don&#39;t start up when they&#39;re supposed to.

The magic solution? Get this -- it looks like a chainsaw, but the handgrip contains a speakerbox with a button that triggers the SOUND of a chainsaw.[/b]

I too have seen those. They are just awful, that makes the gag that much more unreal. You lose the whole atmosphere when you have a guy with a plastic chainsaw and a pathetic attempt at a chanisaw sound, it is enough to make you laugh. If you use the chainsaw gag you might as well use the real thing.

[WelchWitch]

Now speaking of movies...Tye is your picture from Airplane? Now those are great movies. The stupid spiffs of the real movies were great. I thought Scary movie and other ones like that were good. I like watching them to see what part they will copy and make their own with comedy. There is no reason why all horror movies have to be scary. Some can be funny with adult humor. Fantasy movies are good, but to me I would prefer like Lord of the Ring type of fantasy. Horror needs to be something that could really happen. One of my most scariest movies that flipped me out for the longest time was that one with Brad Pitt where he was a cop. "Seven" I think it was called. Where that guy went around killing people based on the 7 sins, I belive. The one part that freaked me out was the prostitute scene and how the guy who he made do it was left alive to recall what happened. Now that to me is real , things that could realy happen. To have a talking wolf with 2 heads killing people just doesnt do it for me. That is where Haunted Houses should go...to the real side of horror. Messing with a mind is where that after the scene is done it can remain in the mind for time to come and when everything elese is forgotten that one part isnt. I liked Saw, cause it was like that. Hostel, I wanted to see, but got afraid that it would be too much for my mind to handle. I saw the Emily Rose movie, thinking it would be like that, and to me I didnt like it. I felt it was too plain of a movie. But the orignal Halloween, Nightmare of Elm Street and other classics as such were great, cause I was younger and it was something that was new to see. I just find now that I am older I want something more. Does this make sense or am I rambling again?? To have a plastic saw would almost something you would see at the Disney haunted House for the kids. Major waste of money. I dont run from chainsaws, but if done right, I will scream and jump.

[SChaser783]

Yes it is from airplane.

[WelchWitch]

OOPPSS sorry Rob, I again went on a tangent in the wrong room. Just get the firewood/stake and burn me later.

[Big Perm]

Maybe I&#39;m the oddball - okay, no maybe about it... - I still like the chainsaw effect and the problem arises from lack of creativity and ingenuity. Most, if not all haunts, do the same cliche "put it in the end" (pun intended) and end up concluding faster than a season of 24.

True, what Mordred said is true, seeing a linebacker run from a computer nerd is absolutely great!

As far as "mr. chainsaw" goes over at HauntCon, I say give him a break, they didn&#39;t sound that bad and I&#39;m sure that the people that run the chainsaws are oh-so-glad to be rid of the exhaust but for the haunt pedestrian that, to me, is a huge part of the "chainsaw experience."

So, haunt owners: If you read this do something NEW, something DIFFERENT with the chainsaw effect to re-vamp it for your most valued clientele that will get this monkey off your back and still keep you in the good graces of the casual fan.

[SChaser783]

You&#39;re right, it was a pretty good piece of equipment at HauntCon. I guess I am more picky than the average haunt-goer when it comes to sounds.

[Big Perm]

Nah, you&#39;re more right than I am although I&#39;m not all that picky, I just felt sorry for the poor guy because I can&#39;t imagine he moves a whole lot of those outside of "Reinke haunts" (no ill connotation intended, just saying "family oriented").

BTW Tye, pic is great.

[redskittle007]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Big Perm @ Aug 14 2006, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=140)</div>
they didn&#39;t sound that bad and I&#39;m sure that the people that run the chainsaws are oh-so-glad to be rid of the exhaust but for the haunt pedestrian that, to me, is a huge part of the "chainsaw experience."[/b]

I agree...the exhaust is a big part of the experience because it actually makes it feel...real...and that is what I like about haunted houses! Anything that makes it feel like I am transported into a different place http://www.octoberlounge.com/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[billdarksabre]

I don&#39;t mind the chainsaw, that&#39;s for sure. It seems you gotta have it. ahhhh....nastalgia.... http://www.octoberlounge.com/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[HauntPedestrian]

I won&#39;t lie, I am sick of the chainsaw. People think they can throw together some halloween makeup, fake blood, and a guy yielding a chainsaw, sans chain. I&#39;ve never designed a haunted house, I&#39;m just an avid haunt pedestrian, but I would love to find a haunt that REALLY scared me. I mean something that kept me up at night.

Haunters need to realize that there is so much more to a good Haunt! You have to think about the truly creepy. Dead silence can be just as creepy as all the banging and loud noises that some haunters think necessary. Being the only one in the room can be just as creepy ans having some teenage actor jumping out and screaming. PLUS, I realize that some haunts need guides to keep people moving, and make sure they&#39;re not touching the actors, but the scariest haunts I&#39;ve ever been through have had no guides, and it was because you had to go through on your own.

Don&#39;t get me wrong, there are some great huants in Denver, and I&#39;m not saying I could create a better one than anyone else, but I&#39;d love to challenge someone experienced with this stuff to do it right.

Just some thoughts from someone who loves a good scare.

[-+{Travis}+-]

I think the chainsaws are alright with the right kind of acting...if you&#39;ve got an actor that just sits ther and revs the engine..come on thats boreing and lame...but last year at Frightmare the chainsaw guy with the strobe light..now that was awesome..so many people ran into that fence

[SChaser783]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (HauntPedestrian @ Sep 13 2006, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=605)</div>
You have to think about the truly creepy. Dead silence can be just as creepy as all the banging and loud noises that some haunters think necessary.[/b]


I agree. I&#39;d like to create a barrage on the senses. Transition from loud areas that are well lit to areas that are dark and silent. Or perhaps bright lit areas that are dead quiet to areas that are very dark with crazy noises. My goal would be to keep people off balance as possible by messing with their senses.

[redskittle007]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (-+{Travis}+- @ Sep 13 2006, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=607)</div>
I think the chainsaws are alright with the right kind of acting...if you&#39;ve got an actor that just sits ther and revs the engine..come on thats boreing and lame...but last year at Frightmare the chainsaw guy with the strobe light..now that was awesome..so many people ran into that fence[/b]

At screampark I ran into the wall when the chainsaw chased me. Its not FUNNY when people run into things.... *sniff* lol jk jk

But seriously. I was limping for days.... haha fun fun times

[-+{Travis}+-]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (redskittle007 @ Sep 14 2006, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=620)</div>
At screampark I ran into the wall when the chainsaw chased me. Its not FUNNY when people run into things.... *sniff* lol jk jk

But seriously. I was limping for days.... haha fun fun times[/b]

haha yeah screampark had a good one too

[Sanity]

I&#39;m soso sick of chainsaws. Last year I ended up only going to about 4 haunted hosues after everyone had a chainsaw in it. Anymore I just stand there and kindly ask the actor to turn it off because hes waiting gasoline!

Its sad that when your halfway through you say "Oh hear the chainsaw..yep not like I WON&#39;T expect that at the end either.."


My best advice to get Haunted Houses to stop useing chainsaws....shut your screamy girlfriend up http://www.octoberlounge.com/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[SChaser783]

Chainsaws are in it for the long haul though. Most people that go through a haunted house are disappointed if they don&#39;t see at least one chainsaw. Its the same reason there are clowns in almost every haunt...

[jasonbach]

I think they should start using flamethrowers. or have us stand in a line in a field and come at us with a gigantic combine. lol. ok, to be more realistic - how about switch it up and use a circular saw, like the killer in High Tension? or maybe we&#39;ll see that gigantic blade using by pyramid head in Silent Hill. just have that guy chase you down a corridor, carrying some human skin or even better, some actress covered in head to toe in stage blood who&#39;s screaming bloody murder. sweet.

[robokatt12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (::jAson:: @ Sep 23 2006, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=761)</div>
I think they should start using flamethrowers. or have us stand in a line in a field and come at us with a gigantic combine. lol. ok, to be more realistic - how about switch it up and use a circular saw, like the killer in High Tension? or maybe we&#39;ll see that gigantic blade using by pyramid head in Silent Hill. just have that guy chase you down a corridor, carrying some human skin or even better, some actress covered in head to toe in stage blood who&#39;s screaming bloody murder. sweet.[/b]

&#39;Love the flamethrower idea, Jason. How about a reeeeeeaaaally slow-moving MUMMY with a Dustbuster?

[Scarica]

Anyone here remember when Frightmare had the combine with the headlights that would come on as you turned the corner? It was a while back, but I thought it was pretty cool! Frightmare was also the first time I ever saw the chainsaw effect. I didn&#39;t know you could take the chain off a chainsaw like that. I was on one of the first dates with my (now) husband. The chainsaw guy came up to him and mimicked cutting him off at the knees and my hubby fell to the ground screaming like he&#39;d lost his legs...ah....good times!

[moodeous]

While the expectation of innovation is probably what keeps me going to the same haunts year after year, I think the classic elements are important. In part because some things are just inherently scary everytime I see it, but ultimately there is always someone thats never seen the insert tired overused element here.

It will always be someones first time and I don&#39;t think its fair to rob little 12 year old Jimmy from his first terrifying chainsaw experience. Maybe its just me, but the insane chainsaw guy is friggin top shelf horrifying the first time around. And yes you usually can hear the chainsaw long before you reach it, but I find that the anticipation of knowing that someone sometime sorta soon is gonna jump out and shove a loud metal object in my face pretty unsettling. The element of surprise still works on me even if I stop being scared once I go "oh another chainsaw guy".

[Rob]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (moodeous @ Sep 25 2006, 10:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=787)</div>
It will always be someones first time and I don&#39;t think its fair to rob little 12 year old Jimmy from his first terrifying chainsaw experience.[/b]
That&#39;s an excellent point. Good call.

[Blueeyes1785]

Ya know, I work for a haunted house, and last year my manager who goes to this chicago event every year bought some of those fake chainsaws. We gave him the hardest time in the world. They didnt even sound real. We only used them a couple nights and only in a closed in area so they would echo. Pretty lame. he ended up giving in and buying real ones. It made it much better. I think the Chainsaws are over played. I went to one haunted house a few years ago the 13th door they had at least 6 chainsaws. It was so old by the end of the haunt i wasnt even scared. I work for Terror in the Corn, and the only time i see it as effective is in the actual corn maze, just kind of fun to be chased through the corn by a huge guy with a chainsaw.

[WelchWitch]

Exactly livingdeadgirl...nothing like the real thing. Another key I think is not to place them in areas expected. Everyone knows to expect it at the end...just place it differantly, I for one don&#39;t get scared with them, but if I am taken off guard that makes a differance.

[robokatt12]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (WelchWitch @ Sep 27 2006, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=854)</div>
Exactly livingdeadgirl...nothing like the real thing. Another key I think is not to place them in areas expected. Everyone knows to expect it at the end...just place it differantly, I for one don&#39;t get scared with them, but if I am taken off guard that makes a differance.[/b]

Yeah, but I&#39;d still be surprised to see a Psycho Chef chasing somebody with an EGG-BEATER. Talk about unexpected...

[floydfan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (-+{Travis}+- @ Sep 13 2006, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=607)</div>
I think the chainsaws are alright with the right kind of acting...if you&#39;ve got an actor that just sits ther and revs the engine..come on thats boreing and lame...but last year at Frightmare the chainsaw guy with the strobe light..now that was awesome..so many people ran into that fence[/b]



There was one year at spider mansion where they had this huge sum b!%ch with the chainsaw, this guy would round a corner look at you and grin. as soon as he grinned he took off running. Im talkin full speed. I was completly terrified, If i didnt move this guy would have run me over. Good acting really does make a difference with this gag.
also I remember terror in the corn before they had pumpkin creek ghost town. There were two chainsaws at the end, one guy chased this poor girl out of the haunt and then the other guy chaised her back in. They did this several times untill one of the guys finally callapsed from lack of oxygen and the girl was crying. I think that is my favorite memory of the chainsaw gag.

[GraveDanger]

Everytime you wait in line for haunted houses, if you ever listen to anyone else in line talking about what scares them the most everyone always talks about the chainsaws. Most people only go to about one or two haunted houses a year and like other people have said, they expect to be chased by a chainsaw guy. People who go to a lot of haunted houses a year might get tired of chainsaws but to the average person it scares the crap out of them.