Sloss Fright Furnace
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Open Oct. Wed-Sun, 22 through Halloween
Directions: maps available at
http://www.frightfurnace.com
Review:
Sloss Fright Furnace is one of the largest haunted attractions in the Birmingham area. It's also the most expensive, with tickets costing $13 and an additional $3 for parking. I have no problem paying for a good scare, but is Sloss worth it? Sadly, it isn't. The main problem with Fright Furnace is that the entire budget, which is considerably large, is spent on flashy effects with very little attention paid to what actually makes an event frightening. You'll find a lot of actors working there, but none of them really try all that hard to scare you. I was left with the feeling that once they had the money, they really didn't care if you were frightened or not. Too much money was put into this haunt, and not enough heart.

  There are a few pluses, like horror films projected on a big screen in the waiting area, the return of the 3D maze, and a few particularly inspired effects pieces, but overall I wasn't impressed. If you have $16 and really want a good scare, I'd suggest you pass on Fright Furnace and buy a copy of the classic Italian horror film Suspiria. It's flashy AND scary. Sloss could learn a thing or two from it.

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Open through Oct. 31st (closed Mondays)
Directions: maps available at http://www.atroxfactory.com
Review:
It's been two years since Slain Manor last terrified the Birmingham area in October of 2000. This year, the same team is back with the Atrox Factory, a continuation of the original story billed as "a journey through the mind of Dr. Maye B. Slain". They were scheduled to open October 11, but that date was pushed back a day so they would be 100% ready. Trust me, it was worth the wait. The waiting area itself is a work of art, bathed in green light and oozing atmosphere. There are horror movies running on several televisions, concessions, souvenirs, and an ominous looking cage that you will be asked to wait in when your group is about to enter. The haunt itself begins almost exactly like Slain Manor did two years ago, in the study of Dr. Slain. I'm not going to reveal anything else, because from that point on, all bets are off. This is one of the scariest, most unpredictable attractions I've ever visited. They are masters of misdirection, and you never expect what happens next. The budget is put to good use, with the big effects designed to send you running in terror and the intensity is strong throughout. Tickets are $10 each, but it's more than worth it. We went on opening night, a Saturday, and it took us almost two hours to get in. You should be prepared for a long wait or try going on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Besides that, there's nothing to complain about here. Highly recommended.

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BAYVIEW TRAILS OF HORROR
CLOSED

BIRMINGHAM JAYCEES HAUNTED HOUSE

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Open Now through Halloween (closed Oct 14 and 21)
Directions: maps available at http://www.hauntthis.com

Review:
The Jaycees have always been known for their haunted houses. Their Birmingham attraction has been around for 31 years, making it the longest running haunt in the city. This year is a slight improvement over years past, but it still needs a lot of work. First, it's way too short. It feels like it's over almost as soon as it begins. It's also not very frightening, even though we asked them to make it more intense for us. We were in the back of a group and nearly missed all the scares. The setup is adequate, but nothing special. Tickets cost $7, which is outrageously overpriced considering the length. The house itself does look genuinely creepy, but unless you're looking for nostalgia there really isn't much to recommend.

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