Hollywood horror show isn't for the faint of heart

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - Universal Studios Hollywood has issued a dare. The Southern California theme park is looking for those who think they can go toe-to-ax with a menagerie of some of the scariest characters in film history. Park officials say patrons can "Live Your Worst Nightmare."

The 2008 edition of Universal Studios Hollywood's "Halloween Horror Nights" includes familiar characters from Universal films such as "Frankenstein," "Psycho" and "The Strangers." Joining in the weekend terrorfest this year will be some of the creepy cast members from Warner Bros. movies such as "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre."

John Murdy, Universal Studios creative director, says the addition of the new scare characters is just another way to keep increasing the fear factor.

"We want to keep making the event more extreme to keep up with the horror community at large," Murdy says. "And because of a licensing agreement with Warner Bros., we are able to add to this year's lineup."

Those who think they have the nerve to face the cinema-inspired scares take a Terror Tram through the studio lot. Normally, patrons never leave the tram as they get a guided tour of the movie studio. But the Terror Tram drops visitors at an isolated spot near the Bates Motel, just a scream away from the "Psycho" house. Then it will be a matter of passing through a series of horror mazes that include the new "Nightmare on Elm Street: Home Sweet Hell" maze, a surreal re-creation of the house at 1428 Elm Street.

That's just the start. Along the way there will be encounters with "Friday the 13th's" Jason Voorhees and "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre's" Leatherface, each featured in his own maze of shock corridors.

Murdy says there really is no limit to how much the studio will do to scare patrons.

"We do movie quality experiences. We re-create the movies. We will use every psychological effect _ from blood to puke _ to scare you," Murdy says. "We tell everyone that this is an adult event. We discourage people from bringing their young children. It is very intense, very scary and very gory."

For those who prefer their attractions with less gore, Universal Studios Hollywood's attractions also will remain open. These rides range from the new "The Simpsons Ride" to "Jurassic Park _ In the Dark." The "WaterWorld" stunt show has been transformed into "Slaughter World" for the occasion.

An all-new "Bill and Ted's Excellent Halloween Adventure" show joins "Chucky's Insult Emporium."

Murdy says the theme park's annual scares are just part of the studio's legacy. It was Universal Studios that brought Frankenstein, Dracula and the Mummy to the screen. Part of this year's event will be a feature based on the studio's "Wolfman" movie set to open next year.

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"Every year, 'Horror Night' grows by leaps and bounds. This year it is twice as long. You get closer to the sets. And there are twice as many sets. The park is surrounded by woods and we found dusty trails that crisscross in the woods. You will take a trip to Crystal Lake with barely any light to see," Murdy says.

"Halloween Horror Nights" will be open on consecutive weekends through Nov. 1. The scares start at 7 p.m.

Tickets to "Halloween Horror Nights" are $54. They can be purchased at Universal StudiosHollywood.com or at the Universal Studios Hollywood ticket booths.

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© 2008, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.).