BY SEAN EGAN | When it comes to haunted houses, Blood Manor is one of the oldest games in town — and, barring the year-round tourist trap, Times Scare, might be the only game of its kind in Manhattan this year. This season, after more than a decade, the folks behind Blood Manor have doubled down on their winning formula.
Blood Manor has always stood out for its broad appeal, never leaning on the extreme, oppressive tactics that have recently been in vogue for horror attractions. Indeed, its well-lit halls are open to teens as young as 14 by themselves, and rely mostly on creatively icky props and set designs, and ol’ reliable jump scares (though you’re guaranteed not to be touched by the actors). This year they deliver all that is expected of their (not quite) family-friendly, creepily campy, blood-soaked brand.
Individuals brave enough to enter the attraction will forge their way through with a group, on an approximately 20-minute tour of the Manor. The tenants of this (presumably rent-controlled) Manor include horror stalwarts such as killer clowns, mad scientists, chainsaw wielding psychos, and even demonic strippers. Almost all of these rooms are self-contained, so what it lacks in sustained tension and unity, it makes up for in variety. They’ve smartly kept some of their best set pieces this time around, including a disturbing butcher shop, and a demon carnival maze, rendered in delightfully headache-inducing neon colors (enhanced by the use of 3D glasses).
One of Blood Manor’s strongest suits is its sense of humor, which is prominently on display. Whether it be the loopy, darkly humorous visual of a vivisected gorilla tied up and thrashing around, or a flamboyant actor warning you at the onset of the tour that you’ll have your “soul ripped out through your sphincter” if caught using cell phones during the visit, the Blood Manor crew recognize the value of eliciting laughs as well as screams.
Much of the credit for making the humor and scares work well goes to the actors (though the production design is also great and gorgeously gory throughout). They’re quick on their feet and witty, which helps to lend the whole production an infectious, energetic edge. It’s hard not to crack a smile after every jump scare when it’s clear that underneath all the makeup and prosthetics, the actors are having a blast digging into their dark and demented characters. Their commitment to their roles throughout is admirable, and the experience is all the better for it.
Overall, it’s not incredibly scary — more jaded thrill-seekers should definitely look elsewhere for their kicks — but maybe it’s better this way. It’s got enough gory and goofy tricks up its sleeve to make traipsing through the house engaging and lively — and as a fun, good-natured, classic celebration of Halloween season, you probably can’t do much better than Blood Manor. After all, tradition is tradition for a reason.
Blood Manor runs through Sat., Nov. 20. At 163 Varick St. (btw. Charlton & Vandam Sts.). Tickets are $30 (plus $3.50 handling fee) online and by phone, $35 at the door. R.I.P. express tickets are $45 (plus $3.50 handling fee) online and by phone, $50 at the door. For tickets and info, call 212-290-2825 or visit bloodmanor.com.
