Analysis:
LENGTH - 9, Stopped the clock a little past the 15 minute mark.  Experience seemed to last a little longer.
ACTORS - 9½, Energy levels are way up in comparison to just a few years ago, which is the Haunted Network style.
SCARINESS - 9+, Substantially scarier than ever before.  Obviously, horror film reenactments have been done previously, but never quite like this.  The structures are precise replicas from the films themselves, right down to their meticulous detailing.  Characters too look as though they stepped directly off the set.  Multiple surprises go without saying.  Soundtrack could be a little louder in spots, and the finish isn't strong enough.  Rabid cast will tear you to shreads!
DESIGN - 9½, Considerably different this season, with pleasant abandonment of the industrial theme taking place as the haunt progresses.  Retaining the maze entrance to the museum housed queue line is appropriate, and relating those scenes to realistic recreations in the haunt itself is a nice touch, and exemplifies great creative effort on the part of the new (as of '06) owners.  Surprise of the year is awesomely impressive, and a credit to their ingenuity!  The finish lacks an exhilarating climax.
PROPS - 9½, Lots of animated mechanical scares.  Surprise of the year is by far the best.  Movie scene structures are equally as impressive.
VALUE - 9+, $17on it's own makes it one of the highest priced attractions around, but includes Dementions as an added bonus, so not all that unreasonable.  Take advantage of the combo ticket, or coupon whenever possible.
RATING:  9½, Refreshingly different, and containing numerous surprises you're unlikely to experience anyplace else.  One can only imagine where they go from here, as The Mother of all Haunts is about to blast the shot heard round the world... or at least througho
ut the industry.  Ohio Valley Haunts has never awarded a perfect 10, but if the 2008 season began tomorrow, we wouldn't be surprised if history were made here!   If you've soured on Industrial Nightmare from past experiences, give it another shot.  You won't be disappointed!

Analysis: 
LENGTH - 9, 15 minutes plus. 
ACTORS - 9+, A little slow early on, but great intensity and uniqueness from Saw on.  Chainsaw madmen are aggressively relentless, making it seem like there's a dozen or so of 'em!
SCARINESS - 9+, Scenes are appallingly fearsome, in a sick, demented way.  Accompanying soundtrack is loud, and compliments the various abominations perfectly. 
DESIGN - 9½, Moved out of the basement to its new home neighboring Industrial Nightmare.  Completely redone, with newer, ghastlier scenes, and many more characters than ever before.
PROPS - 9+, Good mix of static and mechanical props.  Elevator and MAJOR surprises stand above the rest. 
VALUE - 10, Included free of charge with paid admission to Industrial Nightmare. 
RATING:  9+, Great compliment to the Industrial Nightmare complex.  Very aptly named, as the horrors presented here are, in a word Demented! 

Analysis: 
LENGTH - 10, Upwards of 30 minutes, and easily longer depending on how lucky you are navigating the mazes.  One group reported being "in there" for 45 minutes!
ACTORS - 9, Not many in Pitch Black, but not totally fair to hold that tremendously against them since its an extended elaboration of the dark maze concept.  Cage Maze fiends are simply out of this world, and the ranting, taunting lunatic outshines them all!
SCARINESS - 9+, It's your own emotions that provide most of the scares.  The characters, mazes, and sounds just help them along. 
DESIGN - 9½, Completely redone, and only one way out of Pitch Black!  Cage Maze seemed a little foggier last year.  Can't get much better than this though, but trust me, they will!
PROPS - N/A, They're mazes, thus contain few props by design. 
VALUE - 8, A bit on the expensive side at $15, unless you look at it from the standpoint of two separate attractions (Pitch Black and Cage Maze), and a $3 price increase from '06.  Take advantage of the coupon or combo ticket if you can.
RATING:  9, A long, unique attraction, designed and brought to you by the one and only Haunted Network - as if I had to tell you!

Analysis:
LENGTH – 10, Over 30 minutes!
ACTORS – 9+, Well-hidden, and aggressive in nature.  Subtlety of whispered scares is most unnerving.  Good use of make-up, and a greater density of characters in the cellblock areas that play perfectly off the numerous distractions.  Do miss the cry of “Vampires!” echoing and reverberating off those sky-high ceilings throughout the cellblocks present one year ago.
SCARINESS – 10, The customary assault on the senses we’ve come to expect, and like unto no other!  Arguably the most legitimately intimidating facility in the business, its authenticity plays enormously toward that achievement.  Loudest sounds, shrieking alarms, and the creepiest music you'll find in any haunted house. 
DESIGN – 9½, The expedition encompasses a much larger area of the structure itself, including various levels, multiple wings of cellblocks, and even the dungy, old basement.  Scenes are vastly intensified, and much more developed in comparison to past renditions.  Abandoned office settings have been replaced by much more frightening counterparts, and while Clowns, Michael or Jason ordinarily might not fit the environment, this year's exposé allows them to take part.  The haunt’s theme is changed each and every year, while retaining its scary motif.
PROPS – 9, The best to date featuring scenes, more frightening in nature, and complimented by the most animatronics ever exhibited on the site.  Addition of some of the year’s best technological advances helps the cause. 
VALUE – 9½ Cost of admission is up a dollar this year, and $2 over the course of the past two seasons, but the duration is longer, and consists of more scares than ever before.
RATING – 9½ , The Prison is the best it’s ever been!  Making its strongest bid ever for our coveted HAUNT OF THE YEAR Award, this place will absolutely make your skin crawl via masterful exploitation of your nerves!  We’d suggest arriving early, as lines are reflective of the quality of the attraction. They’re waiting just for you… They roam the halls and cells of The Prison – this Hell on Earth.  They’re forever a part of the walls, the shadows, the very essence of this horrific place. They walk with you, beside you, behind you and whisper in your ear. They’ll take the form of your fear, your phobia, your nightmares. They know what scares you…  The Night THEY came home… Only at The Ohio State Reformatory Haunted Prison Experience!

Analysis: 
LENGTH - 9, Right on 20 minutes.
ACTORS - 10, Quite a bit of aggressive intensity from continues grabbing, hands reaching out towards your face, and the numerous weapons arming much of the crew.  Chainsaw lunatics actually rubbing their gas guzzling noisemakers up against you is beyond comparison! 
SCARINESS - 9½, Numerous distractions provided by a boat load of animated props, perfectly capitalized upon by the energetic cast.  Very little in the form traditionally spooky music, but the soundtrack is designed to compliment the intense nature of the haunt, which it accomplishes dramatically. 
DESIGN - 9½, Major surprises are new, but otherwise similar to last year.  Cabin and other authentic structures are outstanding. Clown confinement has been eliminated, thereby reducing the possibility of groups bunching together.  That still occurs as a result of the surprise entrapment, but it’s near the release into the maze finish, which is intentionally chaotic anyway given the dead ends, and vicious monsters it contains.  The maze itself isn't all that difficult, but is created that way in order to assist crowd flow, and still provides numerous opportunities for "too close for comfort" confrontations with more of the attraction's savages.   Mechanical props provide plenty of scares, which set up the large cast of dejected actors, who are well concealed and anxious to pounce!  The only negative results from the popularity of the venue itself, which attracts long, early arriving lines, which in turn increases group size, thus dampening the experience. 
PROPS - 9½, An overwhelming number of animated scares, some of which could possibly be missed by larger groups.  Once they get you inside, someone, or someTHING is interacting with you practically throughout.  A few noticeable eliminations (animated gravesite skeleton beginning, and Impaler), and none of the season's newest technological advances have taken their place, which allows the pursuing competition to close the gap a bit.
VALUE - 9½, A little on the expensive side, and a parking surcharge, but no increase from a season ago, and quite possibly the best haunted attraction around.
RATING:  9½, The most action packed adventure in the state of Ohio, featuring impressive animatronics, and some of the most highly motivated characters around.  This powerful combination makes for an absolutly overwhelming experience that’s not to be missed!  Ohio Valley Haunts’ 2006 HAUNT OF THE YEAR picks up right where it left off last season!  Get to Dead Acres for the haunted house experience of a lifetime!

Analysis:
LENGTH - 9, slightly more than 15 minutes.
ACTORS - 10, As is customary, all characters are aggressively intense and covered with blood!  The most threatening crew in the business is most convincing in making you believe they're really going to kill you!  Few haunts even begin to compete with the Haunted Network brand
SCARINESS - 9½, Numerous surprises and intimidating, "in your face" acting sends chills up your spine. 
DESIGN - 9+, Several alterations are on tap for '07.  Change is good, but occasionally results in the loss of favorite "trademark" scenes, which is the case this year, with elimination of the multiple surprise bedroom incident.  Continued attention to the outdoor maze is evident, with the introduction of the "double MAJOR surprise" that you'll have to see for yourself.  Blinding fog adds to the maze entrapment, and increases the fear induced by the chainsaw madmen.  Excellent complimentary sounds, although a few areas seem a little quieter than usual (deafening alarm accompanying maze electrocution present one year ago was a conspicuous absence).
PROPS - 9½, Numerous animatronics delivering the best timed scares in the business, perfectly setting up the cast of overzealous killers.  However, they did seem slightly fewer in number with the loss of the bedroom scene, and blood squirting corpse, as well as opening and closing kitchen cabinet doors had also been removed, or were malfunctioning. 
VALUE - 9, $15 ($2 coupon valid on Thursdays and Sundays).  Up a dollar from '06, but some of the most intense scares around!
RATING:  9½, Never a dull moment at The Hotel!  Additions to the outdoor maze are outstanding, and group size is kept to a minimum in order to insure that everyone gets to experience all the surprises equally.  This perennial HAUNT OF THE YEAR contender once again stamps its patented brand of intensity and excellence on the haunted house industry for all to see.  Plan a visit to Louisville and check into The Haunted Hotel.

Analysis:
LENGTH - 10, 30 minutes, and possibly more depending on the amount of time required to complete the various entrapments.
ACTORS - 9+, Just a tremendous job by the entire cast, featuring energetically loud screams, and interacting dialogue throughout.  Adding the dimension of touch makes the experience that much more realistic.  Actually being contacted by some of the characters totally destroys one's already frail sense of stability.  Increased aggressiveness in the right spots could raise the score even higher, although they'd have to be careful not to go overboard when nudging someone in order not to offend, or provoke a retaliatory response.  Devil is by far the best. 
SCARINESS - 9+, Quite an intense atmosphere in a legitimately spooky environment.  Bewildering strobes; loud, frightening music, sounds, and screams; agitated creatures, and subtle touching, combine to assault all your senses.
DESIGN - 9½, Lengthy, dark, and genuinely scary, except for one failed attempt at humor (selling body parts for $1.99/lb) that seems to be the downfall of more and more otherwise frightening attractions.  Queue line activities are a nice addition.  Particularly like the maze that repeatedly results in multiple confrontations with possibly the best climax in the business - that ungodly encounter with Satan The Devil. 
PROPS - 9, Cemeteries are magnificent with a nice compliment of animatronics.  Use of fire is most effective, and realistically impressive.
VALUE - 9+, A $1 price increase from a year ago, raises the cost of admission to $9 with their website coupon.  For that investment, you're treated to one of the region's finest haunts.
RATING:  9+, The Cave has become one of the best, most unique haunted attractions in the State of Ohio!  Introduction of some of this year's most impressive technological advances (shock walls, claustrophobia) could possibly solidify Lewisburg's Cave as our HAUNT OF THE YEAR!  If you plan on visiting only a handful of haunts this season, or haven't been there in a few years, don't miss The Haunted Cave!  Getting in is easy, getting out may KILL you!

Analysis: 
LENGTH - 9, Approaching 20 minutes 
ACTORS - 9½, Outstanding performances on the part of the entire crew!  Highly aggressive, loaded with dialogue filled interactions, and more make-up than ever before.  Arming more of them with noisemaking weapons could elevate this category to near perfection. 
SCARINESS - 9+, Quite intimidating throughout, courtesy of the numerous animated surprises, and believable, energetic characters.  Score impacted slightly by minor staff use of a flashlight inside the blackened maze. 
DESIGN - 9+, Challenging maze, authentic structures, and some downright terrifying scenes.  Return of the ghosts flying about the cemetery is fantastic!  Anxiety inducing maze would be even better without the occasional flashes of light.  Second maze is a great idea, as it reminds you of all the unpleasant experiences associated with the first go round!  These dark entanglements would be the perfect location for the addition of some of the newer, technological advances, like shock walls along a section of the first one, and “claustrophobia” which would work well in the second, since it’s a little shorter..
PROPS - 9+, Realistic décor, and great pneumatics provide infinite scares, and set the stage for hell-bent characters to exploit your fears.  A few of the newer, awe-inspiring animatronics would be a fabulous addition. 
VALUE - 10, Only $8 with the Scary Ohio coupon.  Although they charge $2 for parking, it benefits the Waynesville Police Explorers. 
RATING:  9+:, Annually one of the best haunts in the neighborhood, this year’s Spook Coop is the best it’s ever been, establishing itself among the annual HAUNT OF THE YEAR contenders!  Head on out to Waynesville for one of the most intensified attractions in the area! 

Analysis:
LENGTH - 8½, addition of the upstairs exploration extends the event to 15 minutes.
ACTORS - 9+, All were well hidden, and delivered frightening performances.  Horror characters bore striking resemblances to their infamous counterparts.  Dr. Frankenstein and Freddy deliver the best dialogue, Pinhead's voice is mysteriously amplified/distorted, Leatherface is the most aggressive, and Jason looks like he stepped right off the set! 
SCARINESS - 9, The authenticity of the various structures is remarkably believable.  Numerous startles originate not only from the energetic cast, but from the nice compliment of animated devices as well.  You wouldn’t think the western, cowboy themed beginning would be all that scary, but they make it work very well.
DESIGN - 9½, One of the most realistically designed haunts the industry has to offer.  The Theater setting and various movie scenes are constructed with authentic looking entrances, intricately detailed with actual doors that must be opened in order to progress from place to place.  Seeing the "smoke", and feeling the heat from the "flames" in Freddy's boiler room are indescribable!  Scenes are kept close together, with less frightening ones (Earl’s Outhouse and Bubba’s Barn) removed in favor of more powerful replacements (waterfall and big surprise)!  Theater does an outstanding job connecting the movie reenactments to remainder of the theme.  The only negative occurs early on, where you actually pass back by the noise and confusion of the queue line.  The course has been expanded this year to include a portion of the second floor.  Use caution on the stairs, as some are not all that well lit.
PROPS – 9½, Great original detailing throughout. Waterfall is quite dramatic.  Tesla coil is unique, and beyond comparison!
VALUE - 10, Less than $10 with their internet coupon earns you the right to enjoy one of the best, most realistic haunted attractions around.
RATING:  9+, Can't stress enough how well the various reconstructions lend realism to the scenes, thus making them even more frightening.  2007 marked only our second visit to Fear Fair, and it’s even better than last year!  This is an upper echelon attraction - a definite must see event, and legitimate HAUNT OF THE YEAR contender.  Don’t miss the ghosts of Frank, Simeon, William and John Reno exacting revenge in some of the most realistically unique scares the season has to offer, proudly displayed at Fear Fair!

Analysis: 
LENGTH - 8½, Approaching 15 minutes 
ACTORS - 9, Outstanding make-up creates some uniquely grotesque characters. A variety of characters, some really intense (arm eating hunchback, and cemetery ghoul restored to life), while a few others passed right on by nearly unnoticed.  Actually being touched or gently grabbed at by the cast is a great aspect, and adds a degree of legitimacy.  Loss of Grave Digger and Spider Boy are unfortunate.  Good riddance to Crazy Ernie selling casketd, but joking clowns are just as out of place in The Morgue as he was.  Warren's introduction is classic.
SCARINESS - 9½, Darkness gives way to chilling scenes that wreck havoc on your emotions.  Having the actors occasionally come in contact with you in order to instill additional fear is outstanding, and done in a tasteful way not to offend.  The Morgue setting is tremendous, and makes your skin crawl practically from the beginning.  Playful clowns are a detriment to the unnerving experience. 
DESIGN - 9½, The Morgue theme, along with the ever present feeling of death holds practically throughout, except for Diedra, mirror surprise, and clowns.  Not much has changed, and the course is practically the same as last year, with only a few minor alterations.  False finish is an unexptcted twist.
PROPS - 9½, Amazingly realistic décor, along with some nicely located animatronics.  Blood spewing forth from a “corpse” was eliminated and Spider Boy’s rails are still un place, but occupied by a skeleton.  Not much in the way of additions, and none of the year's latest technology.
VALUE - 9, $15 makes it one of the most expensive attractions around, but certainly a very intimidating scare. 
RATING:  9+, This former "HAUNT OF THE YEAR is still one of the most fear instilling experiences around!  Just entertaining the notion of entering into a Morgue is too much for some to handle.  What an ideal place for a scary Halloween attraction!  Folks are dying to get into The Baxter Avenue Morgue!

Analysis:
LENGTH - 9½, Just over 20 minutes.
ACTORS - 9, Great interaction and dialogue from much of the cast, although some of the characters are encountered on multiple occasions.  Don't think there's hardly enough since the course is one of the longer ones in existence, and some rooms and areas remain unoccupied.  Impressive make-up, and costuming creates unique "undead" crewmen.  Would like to see their aggressiveness pushed to the extreme by arming them with some noise making "weapons."  Freezer character, overhead Dangler, and Chainsaw madman are the most intense of the bunch.  Anna's dialogue is good, but delivery is weak, hillbilly girl doesn't belong,and clowns are playful, not evil, thus practically useless.
SCARINESS - 9+, Background music and assaulting sounds that accompany the vast array of surprises are fabulous.  The new surprises add an all new dimension to the condemned craft, which  itself provides an unsurpassed atmosphere with its cramped passageways, and authentic steamboat equipment (valves, pipes, boilers, etc.).
DESIGN - 9+, Huge and Extravagant surprises are most notable, and awesome additions to an already strong exhibition.  Transforming playful clowns into vicious, weapon toting "killers" would be a vast improvement, and set up an intensified, supplemented finish.  Groups were somewhat bunching together on a night of light attendance.
PROPS - 9½, Outstanding legitimate decor - always something to look at.  While there are some missed opportunities, numerous, well-timed animatronics provide unexpected startles, setting up plenty of chances for actors to feed off of and exploit to deliver scares. Inpaler and new surprises are most memorable.
VALUE - 9+, No price increase in comparison to '06.  Still, it's one of the more expensive attractions around, but one of the most prolific as well.  Visit on coupon days whenever possible.
RATING:  9+, Now in it's 16th year, USS Nightmare is ranked among the 13 best haunted attractions in the country by Hauntworld magazine.  You can't possibly see all it has to offer the first time through, so take advantage of the $5 re-entry offer, and be prepared to have the ship scared out of you!!

Analysis:
LENGTH - 9½, 20-25 mins.
ACTORS - 8½, Standouts are the bloodthirsty flesh-eater, the loony carrying the head, Slaughterhouse chainsaw maniac, and the brute with the blowtorch!  Could benefit from a bit more dialogue, and interaction with the group, as well as increased numbers early on.  Could also stand to be a bit more aggressive.
SCARINESS - 8½,  The natural darkness of the outdoors only adds to the typically foggy trail, which combines to provide ample hiding places for the various characters to unleash their terror.
DESIGN - 9, Completely made-over this year.  A little slow at the beginning, with a few dead spots, but once things get going, watch out!  Area 49 is a work unto itself.  The Horseman is perfectly placed, and a sight to behold!  Fantastic sounds and "mood music."  Rob Zombie, while most effective in building the climax, might be a bit overused elsewhere.
PROPS - 9+, Plenty of animatronics.  Area 49 is most impressive, and the Headless Horseman is classic!
VALUE - 10, A little pricey on it's own ($14), but $7.50 on the Killer Combo ticket for a lengthy trail?  Can't be beat!
RATING:  9. The feature attraction at LOI has been completely revamped, and showcases some of the most sophisticated props in existence.  Pay attention to the elaborate soundtrack as you make your way through.  You won't be disappointed!

Analysis:
LENGTH - 8, Between 10 and 15 mins.
ACTORS - 8½,  Numerous and impressive animatronics provide plenty of distractions, the deceptions from which allow the rabid actors to pounce on you at just the right time!  But, can't say any of the characters were nearly as memorable as their mechanical counterparts.  Need a few standouts to score higher.
SCARINESS - 9½, Tons and tons of well timed traditional, and technological scares!
DESIGN - 9½, OUTSTANDING!  Just wish it was a little longer!  Graveyard beginning leading up to the Estate is unsurpassed!  Once again, the audio track is second to none.  You can actually feel the wooden floor vibrate beneath your feet as it accompanies the sound of a beating heart!  Could stand a more climactic finish, but otherwise unbelievable!
PROPS - 9½,  From start to finish, just filled with overwhelming props and loads of animatronics!
VALUE -10, For $7.50 as part of the Killer Combo ticket, this haunt is the greatest bargain in town!
RATING:  9+,  This is what Halloween's all about!  It's scary, and action packed from start to finish.  Don't miss it!

Analysis:
LENGTH - 8,  10 to 15 mins.
ACTORS - 8½, Quite an enthusiastic bunch, but they don't quite compare to the elaborate animatronics.  Need to see some live mummies, with interacting dialogue in order to leave a more lasting impression.
SCARINESS - 8½, Many startles and unexpected things happening inside the tomb.  Fantastic sound effects, with dripping water being most unnerving and noticeable.
PROPS - 9, Plenty of astonishing animatronics on display - keep an out out overhead!
DESIGN - 8½, A little short, but action-packed for the most part while it lasts.  A few undeveloped areas exist where darkness combines with masterful audio enhancement to make your skin crawl! 
VALUE - 9½, Only $7.50 on the Killer Comboticket - well worth the price of admission!
RATING:  8½, Another intense, top-notch attraction at LOI.  Don't blink, or you'll miss something! 

Analysis:
LENGTH - 8, Around 10 mins. but can be much longer depending on the amount of time spent lost in the maze.
ACTORS - 8½, These actors have the most difficult job at LOI because they don't have the volume of expensive props at their disposal to rely on.  Much improved from a year ago.  Lots of intimidating, misleading Killers chuckling throughout..
SCARINESS - 8, More so if you dislike clowns.  The cage maze can easily become quite frustrating.
PROPS - 8, Not as exciting in comparison to the other 3 haunts.  Favorites are maze, spinning vortex, and a few surprises we choose not to give away!
DESIGN -8, Somewhat short, and nothing all that unexpected.  The Klowns are the stars of this show, and rightfully so.
VALUE - 9,  If you're going to skip one, this might be it.  But, still just $7.50 on the Killer Combo ticket, and many people are downright terrified of clowns.
RATING : 8, Easily the most improved of the 4 attractions at LOI.  The $30 combo ticket is unquestionably the way to go.

Overall Analysis:
Kudos to all the actors.  We don't envy their task of maintaining their enthusiasm while endlessly performing their entertaining tasks for so many people, and such extended periods of time.  The creation and development of a few more signature characters would elevate their score.  LOI maintains an extreme level of frightfulness throughout the differently themed attractions, utilizing unmatched animatronics that deliver excellently timed scares that perfectly set the stage for the actors to do their jobs.  A few of the haunts are a little on the short side, but bombard you with eye candy the whole time you're there.  $30 sounds like a lot, but only $7.50 per attraction as part of their Killer Combo package is a very reasonable amount considering the quality of scares to be had. 
OVERALL RATING  9+, The event achieves it's score by collectively gathering an impressive assembly of so many outstanding attractions located at the same venue. Thus, the LOI experience rates slightly higher in unison than some of its component haunts considered individually. Be sure to spend an evening this Halloween season at LOI.  Be afraid, be very afraid!
Note:  Parking proceeds benefit the Madison Music Boosters.

Analysis:
LENGTH - 9, More or less 20 minutes. 
ACTORS - 9, Interactive dialogue, and hideous laughter from fairly intense, original characters, and hardly any observable masks (except for werewolf), however a few were in costume alone, with little to no make-up.  Noticeably fewer in number, and slightly less aggressive in comparison to one year ago.   Repeatedly running into Charlie The Janitor terrorizing multiple areas of the basement is a plus, as is Damien's relocation, but unoccupied school bus, and loss of last year's standouts, like straightjacket schizo in the psych ward, and bloody kitchen worker, are not, especially since their toned down replacements are nowhere near as memor