Blood Manor gives New York another reason to never sleep. It has been ranked one of the top haunted houses in the city, and the Travel Channel has named it one of the scariest in the country.
Though it is surrounded by night clubs in the Chelsea section of Lower Manhattan, heels should definitely be left at home. The Manor is a terrifying roller-coaster ride through hell. The suspense hits visitors before they even enter the building. The entrance and exit are connected, so those waiting in line have the opportunity to get and reactions from people on their way out.
The visitors go on a mind trip thanks to sexy zombie-strippers in a psychedelic room equipped with 3D glasses and some pretty grotesque scenes, including a man with hooks in his back that connect him to the ceiling. There are more than 15 rooms, and some scenes imitate ones from horror films, like Nightmare on Elm Street.
However, the scare factor for some may be debatable-the various rooms are somewhat frightening, but the biggest scare is the creatures popping out. The last person in a group is probably not going to be afraid, considering that his or her friend up ahead has already ruined the surprise by screaming.
The actors do not break character, even when tempted to laugh at the apprehensive “scaredy cats” waiting in line. Their costumes and makeup are very believable, from the psychotic doctor and patients to demonic clowns. These are not Party City masks and ketchup blood stains. The actors’ rancid breath, intentional or not, even added to the thrill of the experience.
Blood Manor lives up to its hype, but there are some flawed moments. The actors are not supposed to touch anyone, but they tend to slip up which leads to the possibility of being accidentally whipped or hit with a fake axe. However, those moments do not take away from the intensity, and the touching may add to the scare.
The actors also pack plenty of perverse innuendos for the ladies and may stalk those waiting in line. To get a scream, they may lift someone up or even pretend
to lick a face or two. It is definitely a four-star treat, and it would probably be the equivalent of an R-rated
horror flick.
To some, the price may be steep for a 20-minute
torture session, but for a scream-loving thrill-seeker, it is reasonable. Tickets are only $25 when purchased
online. Buying ahead is encouraged because lines are expected to get longer as Halloween approaches.
Blood Manor is located at 542 W. 27th Street
between 10th and 11th Avenues. The C and E trains stop blocks away at 23rd Street and 8th Avenue. The
haunted house is open every evening Thursday through Sunday, and the week of Halloween, it will be open every day but Monday. Blood Manor opens at 7:30 p.m. and closing times vary depending on the day of the week. The haunted house runs until Nov. 7. For more
information or to purchase tickets in advance,
visit bloodmanor.com.
