As Halloween approaches, many flock to the local Spirit Halloween for the necessary supplies. One of Spirit Halloween’s biggest draws is its wide selection of spooky animatronics, a mixed bag of questionably-priced decorations. Concerns about pricing notwithstanding, I felt it appropriate to detail a few notable decorations that are truly spooktacular.
A great Halloween animatronic finds a balance between scariness and style while not breaking the bank. The following are four animatronics that I believe reach such frightful heights:
The Mutant Sewer Rat stands at about four feet tall with a hunched back and rags covering its deformed body, making unsettling squeaks and squeals as it looks around for its next meal. The Rat doesn’t elicit the kind of visceral reaction that some other decorations might, but it is a character who evokes a grotesque, urban atmosphere, an aspect unique among this selection. The Rat will “make your guests squeak with fear,” according to Spirit Halloween’s description of the dreadful rodent.
I must admit that the Jumping Spider, specifically the evil gray variant, caused my heart to skip a beat. A simple yet reliable concept, the Jumping Spider executes a classic fright by leaping out at anyone who dares get too close. Although the design of the spider leans more into fantasy than realism, that might work to its advantage.This design allows the creature to be underestimated by whoever lays eyes on it. It’s a reliable scare merchant, and it comes at a bargain price.
The Twisted Grandma is another subversive scaremonger. The old hag begins facing away from her unsuspecting victim, but when activated, her torso spins 180 degrees while her bottom half stays still, accompanied by an unsettling crunching and grinding sound that’ll make anyone cringe in distaste. Once she’s configured her body to face you, she’ll make creepy taunts and wish you “sweet screams,” before chillingly twisting back around.
The Sinister Straw Man has a high potential for the flashiest, most bombastic scares. Once activated, the Straw Man’s eyes glow as he warns his target that they are on “hallowed ground.” In an instant, the seemingly static scarecrow soars to a height in excess of nine feet, disorienting any foolhardy trespassers. The Straw Man is a formidable adversary that is sure to surprise even the hardiest, most scare-seasoned passersby with its functionality.
These devious decorations will excel at providing scares and atmosphere to any trick-or-treater. If you can justify the exorbitant cost, any of these upsetting animatronics is sure to delight and disturb.
