Article By: JAY HAWKINSON
As C2E2 (Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo) kicks off in the Windy City, Focus Features brings their INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER 4D EXPERIENCE to the convention to promote the June 5th release of Insidious: Chapter 3, the third movie in the popular horror film franchise. INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER 4D EXPERIENCE is an exciting new foray that takes fans into the Insidious world and immerses them in the paranormal environment introduced in the first movie released in 2011 for a terrifying adventure. An interactive haunted house on wheels is the best way to describe it, masterfully crafted by Focus Features that is unlike any previous promotional event.
The original Insidious film was developed by veterans of the SAW franchise, Leigh Whannell and James Wan, for a new spin on a family haunted by unseen evil forces in their new home. A successful sequel followed in 2013. Now the franchise intends to take the story back to its roots with a prequel to those films with the latest installment, Insidious: Chapter 3, starring Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott with Leigh Whannell taking over as director. The INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER 4D EXPERIENCE promotional tour is travelling across the United States leading up to the film’s release.
To fully appreciate INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER 4D EXPERIENCE, some background on the franchise helps but isn’t entirely necessary as the scares will work just as well on the newcomers. Those that enjoy the frights that any good haunted house attraction provides will likely get off on this experience and, like me, will probably want more or get in line to experience it again. The entire adventure lasts approximately seven minutes but works in plenty of thrills to get pulses pounding for an ultimate scare by the time it’s over.
As attendees enter the side door to the “house” they are greeted by a menagerie of creepy artifacts and props that crowd the already narrow corridor leading to the red door. As the line queues terrifying noises and vibrations can be heard from within the mini-maze of horror as each new victim enters. It’s enough to get your heart rate working overtime as the terror takes over. Even I was beginning to regret the decision to go inside as the noises gradually got louder; the screams and racing footsteps almost had me turning around to exit. The wait alone is worth it for fear aficionados.
Once the red door opens instructions are given on the next door to enter followed by a very ominous “Good Luck!” from the attendant working the panel. Reaching the next stop requires walking down a darkened hallway filled with clanging and banging across the walls as wind blows from different directions. Navigating to the next “room” is a full-on adrenalin rush. I use the word “room” loosely as it’s more like a closet; a closet filled with Halloween accoutrements you would expect in a horror attraction: more skulls, broken mirrors and a flat panel video screen with the next set of instructions. Waiting in the sheer darkness of this confined space may only be a minute or so but feels like a week with the unknown still threatening. Also not a good place for those with claustrophobia.
Finally the wait is over as a pale woman dressed in white ushers me towards a simple living room chair and places the Oculus Rift headset on my head. Now the virtual experience begins by inserting me into the movie. It’s effective. I’m afraid and curious at the same time fearful of what’s to come next. I will not spoil what happens during this segment, which is the centerpiece of this experience, but suffice it to say, I jumped in my seat. More than once. When that is complete it’s back out into the foggy hallway for a scary walk (or run) to the final exit as the wind refuses to surrender.
Big sigh of relief upon leaving but also the rush that comes from surviving a cool haunted house attraction. Focus Features has created a wickedly immersive experience that sells the scares of the Insidious: Chapter 3 movie. This was a hit at its first two stops on the tour and is sure to go over well with the C2E2 crowd at McCormick Place in Chicago. Also, like many theme park attractions, photos are taken of the participants as they traverse the halls that can be instantly shared on all major social media platforms. This is nice touch to spread the word. Whether you’re a fan of the Insidious movies or horror attractions in general, INSIDIOUS: INTO THE FURTHER 4D EXPERIENCE is highly recommended and will definitely have you craving more.
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