Author - Jerry Paxton

Star Wars: Visions Debut Trailer

Today, Disney+ debuted the trailer and announced the Japanese and English dub voice casts for “Star Wars: Visions,” an upcoming anthology series from Lucasfilm that tells new Star Wars stories through the singular style and tradition of Japanese anime. Disney+ also released four exciting images from the trailer.

The new trailer provides a glimpse of the captivating tone and stunning visuals from each of the animated shorts, which can all be viewed both with the original Japanese voice cast or the English dub cast when the series launches on Disney+ on September 22.

“Lucasfilm is partnering with seven of the most talented anime studios in Japan to bring their signature style and unique vision of the Star Wars galaxy to this inspired new series,” says James Waugh, executive producer and Lucasfilm Vice President, Franchise Content & Strategy. “Their stories showcase the full spectrum of bold storytelling found across Japanese animation; each told with a freshness and voice that expands our understanding of what a Star Wars story can be, and celebrates a galaxy that has been such an inspiration to so many visionary storytellers.”

The English dub cast includes the voice talents of returning Star Wars actors and talent new to the Star Wars universe:

  • The Duel: Brian Tee (Ronin), Lucy Liu (Bandit Leader), Jaden Waldman (Village Chief)
  • Tatooine Rhapsody: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jay), Bobby Moynihan (Geezer), Temuera Morrison (BobaFett), Shelby Young (K-344), Marc Thompson (Lan)
  • The Twins: Neil Patrick Harris (Karre), Alison Brie (Am), Jonathan Lipow (B-20N)
  • The Village Bride: Karen Fukuhara (F), Nichole Sakura (Haru), Christopher Sean (Asu), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Valco), Andrew Kishino (Izuma), Stephanie Sheh (Saku)
  • The Ninth Jedi: Kimiko Glenn (Kara), Andrew Kishino (Juro), Simu Liu (Zhima), Masi Oka (Ethan), Greg Chun (Roden), Neil Kaplan (Narrator), Michael Sinterniklaas (Hen Jin),
  • T0-B1: Jaden Waldman (T0-B1), Kyle Chandler (Mitaka)
  • The Elder: David Harbour (Tajin), Jordan Fisher (Dan), James Hong (The Elder)
  • Lop & Ocho: Anna Cathcart (Lop), Hiromi Dames (Ocho), Paul Nakauchi (Yasaburo), Kyle McCarley (Imperial Officer)
  • Akakiri: Henry Golding (Tsubaki), Jamie Chung (Misa), George Takei (Senshuu), Keone Young (Kamahachi), Lorraine Toussaint (Masago)

Disney+ also revealed a look at the cast voicing the shorts in Japanese, which includes a multitude of veteran voice actors:

  • The Duel: Masaki Terasoma (Ronin), Akeno Watanabe (Bandit Leader), Yūko Sanpei (VillageChief)
  • Tatooine Rhapsody: Hiroyuki Yoshino (Jay), Kōusuke Gotō (Geezer), Akio Kaneda (Boba Fett), MasayoFujita (K-344), Anri Katsu (Lan)
  • The Twins: Junya Enoki (Karre), Ryoko Shiraishi (Am), Tokuyoshi Kawashima (B-20N)
  • The Village Bride: Asami Seto (F), Megumi Han (Haru), Yūma Uchida (Asu), Takaya Kamikawa(Vaan), Yoshimitsu Shimoyama (Izuma), Mariya Ise (Saku)
  • The Ninth Jedi: Chinatsu Akasaki(Kara), Tetsuo Kanao (Juro), Shin-ichiro Miki (Zhima), Hiromu Mineta (Ethan), Kazuya Nakai (Roden), Akio Ōtsuka, (Narrator), Daisuke Hirakawa (Hen Jin)
  • T0-B1: Masako Nozawa (T0-B1), Tsutomu Isobe (Mitaka)
  • The Elder: Takaya Hashi (Tajin), Kenichi Ogata (The Elder), Yuichi Nakamura (Dan)
  • Lop & Ocho: Seiran Kobayashi (Lop), Risa Shimizu (Ocho), Tadahisa Fujimura (Yasaburo),Taisuke Nakano (Imperial Officer)
  • Akakiri: Yū Miyazaki (Tsubaki), Lynn (Misa), Chō (Senshuu), Wataru Takagi (Kamahachi),Yukari Nozawa (Masago)

The studios creating the nine shorts include Kamikaze Douga – “The Duel”; Geno Studio (Twin Engine) – “Lop and Ochō”; Studio Colorido (Twin Engine) – “Tatooine Rhapsody”; TRIGGER – “The Twins” and “The Elder”; Kinema Citrus – “The Village Bride”; Science Saru – “Akakiri” and “T0-B1”; and Production I.G. – “The Ninth Jedi.”

For more on “Star Wars: Visions,” visit StarWars.com.

Halloween Horror Nights Unveils The Return of The Terror Tram and A Halloween 4 Maze

Universal Studios Hollywood unearths its remaining “Halloween Horror Nights” line-up with the return of the legendary “Terror Tram,” featuring “The Ultimate Purge” and frightening maze “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers,” along with ticket sales for R.I.P. Tour and multi-night visits. “Halloween Horror Nights” kicks off on Thursday, September 9 and runs select nights through Sunday, October 31.

New ticket options, including the R.I.P. Tour, Ultimate Fear and Frequent Fear passes, provide a one-of-a-kind experience to this year’s most extreme and intensely immersive Halloween event as fans will be terrorized and entertained by new mazes, Terror Tram, scare zones, theme park attractions and a hip hop show.

            Based on the successful Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions’ film franchise, “Terror Tram: The Ultimate Purge” takes guests on a nightmarish journey into the world of The Purge as they try to survive the night along the world-famous Universal backlot. The annual tradition of The Purge is a one-night event when all crime is legal; however, as the latest film The Forever Purge depicts, members of an underground movement believe that The Purge should be every day – and plan to overtake America through a relentless campaign of mayhem and massacre. Click here for a chilling first look at “Terror Tram: The Ultimate Purge.”

            Guests will be stalked at every turn in the “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” maze, based on the classic slasher from Trancas International Films. With his haunting white mask and signature steel knife, the relentless Myers is ready to resume his killing spree and terrorize the people of Haddonfield as he hunts for his niece Jamie to finally seek his revenge. Click here for a terrifying preview of “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers.”

“Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties.

This year’s disturbing line-up also includes:

  • “The Haunting of Hill House,” based on Netflix’s critically-acclaimed supernatural thriller.
  • “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” a chilling maze featuring a demented Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw.
  • “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives,” inspired by Universal Pictures’ cinematic monsters with an all-original story about one of the studio’s most infamous creatures. GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, SLASH collaborates with Universal Studios Hollywood to compose an original score for the maze and scare zone.
  • “The Exorcist” maze will possess guests as they live the tormented aberrations experienced by Regan and her determined mother.
  • “The Curse of Pandora’s Box” is an original concept maze inspired by the most fearsome creatures in Greek mythology.
  • “The Walking Dead,” a fully immersive journey inspired by AMC’s popular television series.
  • Award-winning hip hop dance crew Jabbawockeez is back with nightly performances of its high-energy show featuring their gravity-defying dance moves, elevated by special effects and pulse-pounding music.

All-new scare zones designed to taunt, terrorize and torment guests as they navigate the darkness from one frightening maze to another will come to life throughout the theme park with these chilling experiences:

  • “Universal Monsters: Silver Scream Queenz,” adjacent to the “Bride of Frankenstein Lives” maze, is the first all-female scare zone featuring The Bride of Frankenstein, Anck-Su-Namun The Mummy, Dracula’s Daughter and She-Wolf of London.
  • “Chainsaw Rangers” is a diabolical gang of chainsaw wielding maniacs who strike upon those entering “Halloween Horror Nights.”
  • New York Street becomes “Demon City” where bloodthirsty demonic-looking clubgoers prowl the night looking for their next victims.

In addition to the “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes, guests can also enjoy select theme park attractions that will be open during the run of event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” “Flight of the Hippogriff,” “Revenge of The Mummy—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride—3D” and “The Simpsons Ride.”

Tickets are available at Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, and those tickets purchased online provide guests early admission with entry beginning at 6:00 p.m. each night of “Halloween Horror Nights.”  Advance purchase is recommended as event nights are expected to sell out.

Event dates are: September 9-12, 16-19, 23-26, 30 and October 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31.

            The following highlight all “Halloween Horror Nights” tickets now available for purchase:

  • General Admission: single night admission to “Halloween Horror Nights”
  • Universal Express™: admission to “Halloween Horror Nights” and one-time express access to each maze, ride and attraction
  • Universal Express™ Unlimited: single night admission to “Halloween Horror Nights” and unlimited express access to each maze, ride and attraction
  • Day to Night Ticket: after 2pm theme park admission plus same-day admission to “Halloween Horror Nights”
  • Day to Night Ticket + Universal Express™: after 2pm theme park admission and one-time express access to each ride and attraction plus same-day admission to “Halloween Horror Nights” with one-time express access to each maze, ride and attraction
  • Ultimate Fear Passbe scared all 32 nights of “Halloween Horror Nights”
  • Frequent Fear Pass: visit up to 26 select nights during the seasonal event
  • R.I.P. Tour: Groups can scare in style with the R.I.P. Tour featuring one-of-a-kind experiences and photo opportunities with a VIP guide, trolley transportation, valet parking, gourmet dinner at the VIP Dining Room plus unlimited Universal Express access to mazes and attractions.

Click here for more information about each ticket type and for Terms and Conditions.

For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit Hollywood.HalloweenHorrorNights.com, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on InstagramTwitter and Snapchat; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.

The event also comes to life at Universal Orlando Resort which celebrates 30 years of fear this year.

SCUF Gaming Unveils Instinct and Instinct Pro Controllers

SCUF Gaming, a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance gaming controllers, today introduces the Designed for Xbox SCUF Instinct and Instinct Pro, created specifically for the Xbox Series X|S.

SCUF Instinct incorporates all of the innovative features gamers expect from SCUF – including the patented paddle control system that helped make SCUF controllers the premier choice of competitive players everywhere – with an evolved controller design to improve performance for Xbox fans. Both Instinct and Instinct Pro include four embedded back control paddles, which can be programmed to replicate the ABXY buttons. Their refined ergonomic shape enables better control for a wide variety of hand sizes, with millions of customization options to suit all gamers including interchangeable faceplates, thumbsticks, and D-pads.

SCUF Instinct Pro additionally offers new adjustable Instant Triggers, giving gamers the ability to choose between regular or instant-action at the flick of a switch. Instant Triggers eliminate the trigger pull, activating immediately with a one-tap motion, similar to a mouse click – ideal for fast-paced shooters. You can always switch back to regular triggers and be ready to play your favorite racing game. Instinct Pro also includes High-Performance Grip.

“With SCUF Instinct, gamers have a new advantage when playing on Xbox Series X|S. We’ve refined the way we deliver SCUF performance controllers, with a new form-factor that will appeal to an even wider range of gamers and hand sizes. Four Embedded Back Paddles, Instant Triggers, and a new thumbstick design combine to make our most reactive controller to date,” said Diego Nunez, SCUF Gaming Chief Marketing Officer. “Xbox fans are at the core of SCUF’s history, and we’re proud to have created a controller that both pays homage to that legacy and equips gamers for exciting new games on the newest console generation.”

Today’s gamers shouldn’t stick with one game, franchise, or genre, which is why Instinct introduces onboard, remappable profiles that can be toggled through at the press of a button, a SCUF first. Paddle profiles make it easy to fine-tune controller settings and save them for later for different games. No pause in gameplay, remapping tool, or app required.

Instinct controllers can also be customized with millions of design combinations on the SCUF Gaming website. Pick from a wide variety of faceplates, thumbstick variations, and trim colors to match any setup or personal style. Every detail and feature of Instinct has been meticulously crafted and engineered for an unbeatable gaming experience configurable to any playstyle.

A full list of SCUF Instinct and Instinct Pro features includes:

Profile Switch allows you to save three remapping configurations for different games
Wireless connectivity to play comfortably from a distance, now with improved dynamic latency input
An optional wired connection for lower latency play from your couch with 2m USB Type-C cable
Interchangeable domed, concaved, short, and long thumbsticks for the perfect fit
Improved thumbstick design and material for more grip and durability
Removable faceplate makes it easy to switch designs and thumbsticks
New Share button for gamers to show off their best clips with friends
Self-lubricating rings help thumbsticks glide smoothly against the faceplate
Mute any headset connected to your controller with the press of a button
Instant Triggers activate like a mouse click for faster shots (Instinct Pro only)
Performance grip with a comfortable, non-slip feel for extended gaming sessions (Instinct Pro only)

Pricing and Availability

Compatible with the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs, and mobile devices, SCUF Instinct starts at $169.99 and Instinct Pro starts at $199.99. Both are now available exclusively at SCUF Gaming’s website: scufgaming.com/instinct

Plan B from Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey Announced

Publisher Assemble Entertainment and developer RobotPumpkin Games are pleased today to announce Plan B from Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey, a comedic sci-fi adventure that pits an intergalactic castaway against South-German hospitality — headed to Windows PC via Steam, iOS, and Android this Fall. The title follows a similar format to Robot Pumpkin’s debut title, The Innsmouth Case, presented as an interactive novel where the player’s choices affect the outcome of the game — which means 19 different possible endings to explore! The title will also be featured at this year’s Gamescom 2021, where press and influencers will be invited to an exclusive first-look presentation.

So, pour a tall mug of Hefeweizen, throw some Weisswurst on the grill, and polish that accent to ensure the locals don’t catch on that you aren’t from the neighborhood…

“Plan B from Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey is a charming, comedic sci-fi adventure that lovingly pokes fun at Bavarian culture in a way that only RobotPumpkin Games can,” said Stefan Marcinek, CEO of Assemble Entertainment. “It’s got cute aliens, pretzels, and plenty of (virtual) beer… what more could you ask for?”

“As an indie studio, it was an unbelievable accomplishment to launch our debut The Innsmouth Case to all modern platforms. Now, we are thrilled to unveil our next game, Plan B from Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey,” said Caroline Podeswa, CEO of RobotPumpkin Games. “We adore funny and bizarre stories; thus we can’t wait to show our next adventure to the community this fall.”

While taking a cruise through our solar system, a delightfully adorable extraterrestrial is struck by space debris and comes crashing down in the south of Germany. Unfortunately for them, the locals aren’t exactly up to speed on the reality of life outside of Earth, so the shapeshifting castaway must use their special abilities to blend in with these “Barbvarians” and figure out how to get off the planet, which smells strongly of hops and salted bread. Plan B from Outer Space: A Bavarian Odyssey is an engaging, heartfelt adventure that flips the script on classic “Alien Invader” tropes.

Amazon Prime Video Unveils New Installment of Welcome To The Blumhouse

Amazon Prime Video is excited to announce this year’s installment of “Welcome To The Blumhouse,” featuring an all new set of unique, unsettling thrillers developed with an eye towards original, diverse storytelling. Produced by Blumhouse Television and Amazon Studios, BINGO HELL, BLACK AS NIGHT, MADRES and THE MANOR premiere worldwide this October exclusively on Prime Video.

The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” slate once again showcases both well-established and breakout actors collaborating with emerging, predominantly female, directors.

BINGO HELL and BLACK AS NIGHT premiere on October 1, followed by MADRES and THE MANOR on October 8.


BINGO HELL
October 1, 2021

Logline
A feisty senior citizen fights to protect her beloved neighborhood from an evil force that’s taken over the local bingo hall and is killing the residents in gruesome ways.

Short Synopsis
When a sinister figure threatens the residents of a low-income community, a feisty senior citizen tries to stop him in Bingo Hell, a wickedly original horror movie with a fiendishly funny twist. After 60-something neighborhood activist Lupita (Adriana Barraza) discovers that her beloved local bingo hall has been taken over by a mysterious businessman named Mr. Big (Richard Brake), she rallies her elderly friends to fight back against the enigmatic entrepreneur. But when her longtime neighbors begin turning up dead under grisly circumstances, Lupita suddenly discovers that gentrification is the least of her problems. Something terrifying has made itself at home in the quiet barrio of Oak Springs, and with each new cry of “Bingo!” another victim falls prey to its diabolical presence. As the cash prizes increase and the body count steadily rises, Lupita must face the frightening realization that this game is truly winner-takes-all.

Directed by: Gigi Saul Guerrero
Written by: Shane McKenzie, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Perry Blackshear
Starring: Adriana Barraza, L. Scott Caldwell, Richard Brake and Joshua Caleb Johnson
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Lisa Bruce, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Raynor Shima and Lauren Downey

BLACK AS NIGHT
October 1, 2021

Logline
A resourceful teenage girl driven by revenge, alongside her trusted friends, spends her summer battling vampires terrorizing her city of New Orleans.

Short Synopsis
A resourceful teenage girl leaves childhood behind when she battles a group of deadly vampires in Black as Night, an action-horror hybrid with a strong social conscience and a biting sense of humor. Fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, a new threat leaves its mark on the Big Easy in the form of puncture wounds on the throats of the city’s vulnerable displaced population. When her drug-addicted mom becomes the latest victim of the undead, 15-year old Shawna (Asjha Cooper) vows to even the score. Along with three trusted friends, Shawna hatches a bold plan to infiltrate the vampire’s mansion in the historic French Quarter, destroy their leader, and turn his fanged disciples back to their human form. But killing monsters is no easy task, and soon Shawna and her crew find themselves caught in a centuries-old conflict between warring vampire factions, each fighting to claim New Orleans as their permanent home.

Directed by: Maritte Lee Go
Written by: Sherman Payne
Starring: Asjha Cooper, Fabrizio Guido, Mason Beauchamp, Abbie Gayle with Craig Tate and Keith David
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Maggie Malina and Guy Stodel

MADRES
October 8, 2021

Logline
Expecting their first child, a Mexican-American couple move to a migrant farming community in 1970’s California where strange symptoms and terrifying visions threaten their new family.

Short Synopsis
Beto (Tenoch Huerta) and Diana (Ariana Guerra), a young Mexican-American couple expecting their first child, move to a small town in 1970’s California where Beto has been offered a job managing a farm. Isolated from the community and plagued by confusing nightmares, Diana explores the rundown company ranch where they reside, finding a grisly talisman and a box containing the belongings of the previous residents. Her discoveries will lead her to a truth much stranger and more terrifying than she could have possibly imagined.

Directed by: Ryan Zaragoza
Written by: Marcella Ochoa & Mario Miscione
Starring: Tenoch Huerta, Ariana Guerra, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kerry Cahill, and Elpidia Carrillo
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Sanjay Sharma and Matthew Myers

THE MANOR
October 8, 2021

Logline
After suffering a mild stroke, Judith Albright reluctantly moves into a historic nursing home where she becomes convinced a supernatural force is killing the residents.

Short Synopsis
A malevolent force preys upon the residents of a sleepy nursing home in The Manor, a gothic tale of terror with a modern twist. When a mild stroke diminishes her ability to care for herself, Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) moves to Golden Sun Manor, an assisted living facility with a sterling reputation. But despite the best efforts of the staff, and a budding friendship with fellow senior Roland (Bruce Davidson), strange occurrences and nightmarish visions convince Judith that a sinister presence is haunting the massive estate. As residents begin to die mysteriously, Judith’s frantic warnings are dismissed as fantasy. Even her devoted grandson Josh (Nicholas Alexander) thinks her fears are the result of dementia, not demons. With no one willing to believe her, Judith must either escape the confines of the manor, or fall victim to the evil that dwells within it.

Written and Directed by: Axelle Carolyn
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Nicholas Alexander, Jill Larsen, Fran Bennett and Katie Amanda Keane
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Sandy King and Richard J Bosner

CES 2022 to Require Proof of Vaccination for Entry

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced that CES® 2022 , the world’s most influential technology event, will require in-person attendees to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. CES 2022 will take place in Las Vegas on January 5-8, 2022. For those who may be unable to travel to Las Vegas, CTA will again create a digital event that will run in parallel with the in-person program. Digital audiences will have the opportunity to share the spirit of the in-person event.

“Based on today’s science, we understand vaccines offer us the best hope for stopping the spread of COVID-19,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”

CTA is also assessing the acceptance of proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative requirement and will share more details on this later. Safety, security and health are always a priority at CES, and we will follow state and local guidelines and recommendations by the CDC. CTA will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and will announce additional protocols closer to the show.

In Las Vegas, attendees will experience a host of new technologies from global companies, hear about the future of technology from thought leaders and collaborate face-to-face with other attendees. Some 2000 companies including major brands and start-ups will be in Las Vegas. CES 2022 will feature new categories showcasing how the industry is evolving, including space tech, food tech and NFTs. The show will highlight advancements in AI, AR/VR, gaming and computing, digital health, automotive and transportation, home entertainment, smart home and more. Audiences will hear from industry leaders during live keynotes, including General Motors Chair and CEO Mary Barra and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert. The CES keynote schedule will be updated regularly as speakers are announced.

Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2022 will convene the tech industry in-person and digitally, Wednesday, Jan. 5 to Saturday, Jan. 8, with Media Days taking place Monday, Jan. 3 to Tuesday, Jan. 4. Global audiences will have access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates. For over 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation, and CES 2022 will provide an opportunity for companies from around the world, both large and small, to launch products, build brands and form partnerships. Visit CES.tech for all CES 2022 updates, including, safety and security, registration details, and the media page for all press resources.

Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits! Scares Up Halloween Fun in Pasadena

Due to the pandemic, 2020 saw the cancellation of many conventions, events, and haunted attractions. Not looking like we were quite out of the woods yet this year, Midsummer Scream announced that their main convention held in Long Beach would be postponed until 2022. Then, fairly recently (as things started opening back up), they announced that they would host another Halloween/horror convention called Awaken the Spirits! – this time at the Pasadena Convention Center. Midsummer Scream and its now defunct progenitor event used to utilize the Pasadena Convention Center and, personally, I love the location. It may be a little smaller in terms of square footage, but its ease of parking, surrounding food options, and proximity to several hotels make it an “easy breezy” experience for convention-goers. We stayed at a nearby hotel and simply walked across the street to the event each morning, making it nearly effortless and stress-free.

However, a big question remained: Could Midsummer Scream pull together a convention in ONLY a month and a half? I’m happy to say that they not only accomplished this feat but they also accomplished it with a master stroke. Awaken the Spirits! was an absolute blast. The show floor had plenty of exhibitors and vendors hosting a variety of wares for browsing and purchase. Vendors like Temecula Terror advertising their new haunt in Temecula and Nightmare Toys which had a large lineup of NECA and Trick or Treat Studios products for sale. The LA Haunted Hayride brought out an amazing photo op which thrilled guests and saw no shortage of people taking selfies in front of it. One of my favorite haunted houses, Reign of Terror (based in Thousand Oaks) brought out a hears and two huge skeletons to advertise their upcoming haunt. Even spooky musical duo The Dos Feratu were in attendance, playing their creepy tunes throughout the convention halls.

Another thing I have been missing was getting to see all the amazing costumes that people attending these events can put together. During our visit to the Awaken the Spirits! convention floor, we were delighted to see a huge amount of cosplayer turn out. There were people dressed up like monsters of all kinds – with a variety of complexity levels and degree of transformation. Some opted for more “conservative” costume pieces while others donned prosthetic makeup effects and their own horror soundtracks. There were creatures walking on stilts for added height and scare factor as well as others opting for more comedy-based costumes, meant to garner a chuckle instead of a scream. Speaking of costuming and makeup, there were several vendors selling amazing latex and silcone masks and the booth of FX Faces was even selling a huge number of foam latex prosthetics. They even had a makeup artist on-hand applying them to their scare actors.

The lineup of panels did not disappoint either – the only big no-show being Knott’s Scary Farm (they’ve opted to do all their reveals via social media this year). However, all the other big players in the Southern California haunted attraction world showed up and brought something fun to present. Whether it was 13th Floor Entertainment Group Creative Director Jon Cooke revealing that the LA Haunted Hayride would be based in Griffith Park this year and feature several new Midnight Falls locations for guests to explore or Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights Director John Murdy spilling the details about their upcoming “The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” maze and making a haunted house for his kids last year – each panel was interesting and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the two smaller-scale panels featuring a variety of home haunts – going to those homegrown haunts is a yearly tradition for me. It brings me such joy to see the creativity and improvisation that home haunters bring to the table. Also, a special shout out needs to be given to the set designers of this event – stages looked beautiful and featured projection and lighting effects that simply dazzled.

The only thing missing from Awaken the Spirits! was Midsummer Scream’s famous Hall of Shadows – an area of the convention in which various haunted attractions erect small-scale tasts of what guests can expect to see during the spooky season. However, this was an intentional move by the Midsummer Scream team as it simply wasn’t right or practical to give the various haunts such a small amount of time to put together walkthrough attractions. The only exception to this was Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights which brought out a very small “boo box” walkthrough in anticipating of their upcoming “The Curse of Pandora’s Box” maze. As a side note, it was revealed at the event that Midsummer Scream’s next convention, Season’s Screamings, will feature a Hall of Shadows-like area called the “Hall of Yuletide Spirits”.

During our time outside the convention, we were able to get some great food from the restaurants at the Paseo Colorado Shopping Center, giving us time to regroup and reflect on what we just experienced at the event, before jumping right back into the fray for more spooky fun. Pasadena Police were on-hand with not only making sure the convention center area was safe but, also, assisting with traffic direction to parking areas when needed.

Overall, Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits! has definitely awakened the Halloween spirit. Now, the spooky season is looking bright and hopeful and I’m already starting to pull out the Halloween boxes from the garage in order to start planning my own home’s decor for the Fall. Thanks to the entire Midsummer Scream team for the hard work in bringing the event to life and we can’t wait to check out Season’s Screamings come December!

Full Photo Gallery

ROCCAT’s Torch Microphone is Out Now

ROCCAT, Turtle Beach’s (Nasdaq: HEAR) award-winning, Hamburg, Germany-based PC peripheral brand, today announced the Torch Microphone is now available for purchase. The Torch is ROCCAT’s all-new USB microphone designed to deliver studio-grade performance for gamers, streamers, and aspiring creators. The Torch’s audio setup is driver-free, and the high-quality mic offers an array of professional features, including 24-bit audio quality, a dual condenser design, latency-free Mic Monitoring, and a built-in pop filter. Additionally, the Torch is compatible with a myriad of shock mounts, boom arms, and other accessories. The Torch also includes ROCCAT’s acclaimed AIMO RGB lighting through NEON – the brand’s all-new device and ecosystem software suite, and distinct lighting zones that change color depending on the microphone mode. ROCCAT’s Torch USB microphone is available today at participating retailers worldwide and from www.roccat.com for a MSRP of $99.99.

“Just like the rest of ROCCAT’s portfolio, the Torch is a sophisticated, intuitive, and truly unique product. It’s a mic that streamers and aspiring creators can start and grow with as they achieve their streaming goals,” said René Korte, ROCCAT Founder and General Manager for PC peripherals at Turtle Beach. “The Torch’s overall offering for $99 make it a top choice for anyone looking for great high-quality microphone, and the studio-grade performance and features make it the perfect companion to grow with aspiring creators as they turn into fulltime streamers. Plus, ROCCAT fans can now complete their full ROCCAT desktop setup with a high-quality microphone that ensures they always sound flawless, while looking just as sleek and alluring as our keyboards, mice, and other accessories.”

ROCCAT’s Torch USB microphone features a dual condenser design offering 24-bit audio with up to 48kHz sampling, ensuring a wide range of voices can be captured and perfectly broadcast. From simple whispers to loud and heated in-game reactions, the Torch delivers broadcast-quality sound for any content creator. The Torch comes with three pre-selected pick-up patterns for an effortless out-of-the-box experience. Users will be able to choose between Cardioid – perfect for gaming and streaming; Stereo – great for vocals and instruments; and the Torch’s exclusive Whisper pattern – for when you must be at your quietest, but still be heard.

The Torch also features quick and easy controls to deliver the best experience. Gesture-activated mute functionality provides a convenient way to instantly mute without disturbing the quality of the recorded content. For on-the-fly adjustments, the Torch’s mixer-style controls allow gamers to fine-tune settings, control volume, and cycle through the different patterns without having to install a single driver. The Torch also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for latency-free Mic Monitoring.

The Torch’s sophisticated and smart design showcases distinct lighting zones that change color depending on the selected recording pattern or microphone mode, while the ROCCAT logo uses AIMO RGB lighting to sync with other AIMO-enabled accessories in the new NEON device ecosystem. The Torch can be used from the desktop while mounted to its mixer-style base and can also be reconfigured to be used with a wide array of boom arms. The Torch’s mic module can be separated from the base and attached to a boom arm while still maintaining the full functionality of the mixer-style base on the desktop.

For more information on the latest ROCCAT PC gaming products and accessories, visit ROCCAT.com and be sure to follow ROCCAT on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Knott’s Scary Farm Unveils Full 2021 Line-Up

Southern California’s largest immersive Halloween experience, Knott’s Scary Farm, returns with innovative new scares and bone-chilling thrills for its 48th frightful year. Terror comes to life as the theme park shifts into your worst nightmare, with horrifying monsters and hair-raising scares looming around every turn. This year, guests will have to confront their greatest fears with 15 haunted attractions, including five sinister scare zones, eight mesmerizing mazes, and two seasonal ride overlays to some of your favorite park attractions. Knott’s Scary Farm returns for 27 terrifying nights from September 16 – October 31.

There is nowhere to hide as endless scares await guests around every corner, with the debut of our newest captivating maze, an all-new spine-chilling scare zone, and a frightening lineup of new shows. These new haunted experiences add to the original scares that can’t be found anywhere else.

New Offerings:

Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind (Maze) – The newest haunted maze has arrived; Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind. Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. Give in and succumb to the hypnotist Mesmer and his sinister sideshow, as it preys on your hidden fears. Release your inner thoughts and descend into a world of madness, torture, and eerie enlightenment. There you will uncover the grotesque secrets hidden as you brave through the most terrifying show ever created.

The Gore-ing 20’s (Scare Zone) – Step back into the dark decadence of a by-gone era as the newest scare zone, The Gore-ing 20’s, terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. Here gangsters run illicit hooch for the ghostly revelers as the otherworldly musicians play the music of the damned. Tell the Bouncer the secret password, and you’ll have the time of your life for as long as it lasts.

Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage

Grab a seat as the show is about to begin!  Your mind will melt at the sights and sounds of the Carnaval du Grotesque. Live bands provide the soundtrack for the creepiest company of performers to ever disgrace the stage.

Invitation to Terror (Show) – Mystery Lodge

Invitation to terror is a digital illusion horror show which tells the story of Millionaire Tom Shackleford, he is set to unveil the secret project that he promises will change the world. Set in Calico 1986, guests are invited to the debut of Futuretronics, the world’s top technology creator, latest technological advancement. It’s going to be a killer party with plenty of terrifying surprises no one will ever see coming.

Wicked Drums (Show) – Camp Snoopy Theater

Deep within The Hollow, The Witches summon you to a percussion ritual to awaken the dead. Hosted by the evil Hag of the Hollows, Wicked Drums, high energy drumming collides with ancient witchcraft in a sensory overload sure to raise your spirits. It’s a Halloween activity worth witnessing.

Doce de la Noche (Show) – Fiesta Plaza

The night comes alive at the stroke of midnight when our electric dance group takes the Fiesta Village stage. Dressed in colorful and vibrant colors, the lively dancers dazzle all with their moves set to high-energy music, which takes over all senses and has everyone dancing their feet off

Returning Mazes:

Wax Works – Mysterious lights and strange noises have begun to emanate from the eerie abandoned wax museum. It’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard echoing through the halls of Wax Works as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax. The once prominent plastic surgeon, Dr. Augustus Scratch, has been seen tinkering at night and is now ready to show off his beautiful yet terrifying life-like masterpieces of hot molten wax and bloody flesh. Take a closer look at his gruesome works of art and try to escape his deadly grip or become the newest masterpiece to add to his collection.

Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft. All will be unveiled when the Green Witch rises and curses the townsfolk, transforming all who have accused her into a wicked horde of malicious creatures with an eternal quench for the living.

PARANORMAL, INC. – The Haunting of Hayden Hill: Paranormal Inc. maze reopens its doors one final time to those brave enough to uncover a bizarre and supernatural adventure. Guests investigate a haunted hospital where the patients were tortured for decades by deranged doctors and nurses. Demonic spirits of the murdered victims have been detected throughout the mysterious halls, while evil medical staff prowl for new patients to torture.

Pumpkin Eater – Survive the wrath of the murderous 7-foot tall creature that haunts the old woods surrounding The Hollow in the Pumpkin Eater maze. The notorious creature is on the prowl, hidden within the dark confines of the haunted town he once terrorized. To escape the sinister Pumpkin Eater’s wrath, all who enter must go on a quest through the silent town of victims, face a cave of crawling insects and solve the labyrinth of thorns that blocks the way out.

Dark Ride – Journey through an abandoned carnival ride where cruel carnie folk still linger in the shadows in Dark Ride: Castle of Chaos. The carnival has become a refuge for freaks and carnies. Now those shunned performers have created a dark world of terror which they plan to unleash on those who enter. Dark Ride will lead brave visitors through a treacherous path and into the bowels of a long-neglected attraction, as sinister shadows and horrifying scenes cast the gloom over the once pleasant ride. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, being helplessly trapped inside an abandoned carnival ride without a way out.

The Depths – A heavy fog drapes over an abandoned port village where ancient creatures lurk inside the pitch-black underground caves hidden below the seaside shores. The Nightwatch Mining Crew has mysteriously disappeared, and village rumors point to the eerie tunnels the town sits upon. But be warned, all who have entered have never resurfaced. Myths of the terrifying horrors that lurk within the cave have often been whispered but never confirmed.  Did the crew meet their demise at the hand of vicious creatures that live within the cave? Journey into the ominous caverns to discover if the superstitions revolving around the cave are true or not.

Dark Entities – Teleport beyond earth into a realm where the darkness is absolute. In the depths of space, a lone station faces terror beyond all imagination. An extraterrestrial mutation has invaded the station, and it’s on the prowl for new hosts. The unearthly inhabitants’ force increases as it feeds on its unwilling victims. Escape the dark entities before their deadly force eliminates all living forms aboard the station. There’s nowhere to escape when time is running out!

Halloween Hootenanny – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.

Returning Scare Zones:

Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions.

Every night monsters spill out onto the streets and turn theme park midways into murderous scare zones.  From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.

Ghost Town Streets is the original and largest, most terrifying scare zone that started it all.   Bands of half-human, half-animal monsters prowl the streets and inhabit the fog, and beware the notoriously stunning sliders, who lunge from fog-filled corners of the land.

On the Boardwalk, deviant clowns crave your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone.

The Hollow scare zone will terrorize guests as the Witches of the Hollow, and their armies of creatures have risen once again to battle with the Witch Hunter.

The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts preying on unsuspecting visitors, looking for victims to drag back to their watery graves.

Returning Shows:

Puppet Up! Uncensored (Show) – The Walter Knott Theater – Returning nightly to Knott’s Scary Farm for the 2021 season, Puppet Up! Uncensored is an outrageous, off-the-cuff show featuring a combination of improvisational comedy and the magic of puppetry performed by a cast of world-class comedian puppeteers from The Jim Henson Company. Created by legendary puppeteer and award-winning director Brian Henson and directed by Patrick Bristow (Ellen, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Puppet Up! – Uncensored is no ordinary puppet show. The content is driven by audience suggestions and participation in proper uncensored form, topped with the zany antics and naughty shenanigans of the colorful and brazen puppet cast.  Puppet Up! – Uncensored will be performed three times each night at Knott’s Scary Farm and is intended for mature audiences.

Conjurers (Show) – Bird Cage Theater

You won’t believe your eyes when our skilled Illusionist takes the stage in the heart of Calico.  Get there early as seats have been known to vanish.

Knott’s Scary Farm Admission

–  Single night tickets – Buy tickets at KnottsScaryFarm.com and save up to $39 off the regular main gate price of $89. Knott’s Season Passholders receive a discount on single-night tickets. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.

–  Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $99 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm park admission required and not included.

– Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-Fet – Offered at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant and Spurs Chophouse. Meals include a 2021 souvenir bottle, which gives unlimited complimentary refills on the event night and $1.00 refills for the rest of the 2021 season. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet early entry will be to Paranormal Inc., Dark Entities, The Depths and Wax Works, and exclusive photo opportunities with the monsters. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner is $45 + applicable taxes and fees when purchased online. Separate theme park admission is required and not included.

All Season Long Parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights. – Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $25 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders.

Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for over 47 years and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns September 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, October 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31. Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Thursdays and Sundays, and 7:00 pm – 2:00 am Fridays and Saturdays. Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, it is not recommended for children under 13. This year’s Knott’s Scary Farm experience is Where Nightmares Never End!

For more information on Knott’s Scary Farm, including admission, park hours, and events, visit knottsscaryfarm.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the scary conversation by using #ScaryFarm on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

Mortal Shell: The Virtuous Cycle Launch Trailer

This Wednesday Mortal Shell will celebrate its first year anniversary in style by releasing its highly anticipated new roguelike expansion, The Virtuous Cycle, at a special 100% discount for five days only.

Between August 18 and August 23, fans can download and keep The Virtuous Cycle — a fully fledged expansion complete with a new roguelike mode, new playable shell, and new transforming axe-katana weapon — at no cost.

Once this promotional period ends, the DLC will return to its MSRP of $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.99.

The promotional period, which commences from The Virtuous Cycle’s release on August 18, is applicable to all available platforms: Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Epic Games Store, and GOG.COM.

“Since we launched Mortal Shell back in August 2020 we have been thinking about how to give our fans something truly special that demonstrates our sincere appreciation for their support,” said Kiron Ramdewar, Head of PC and Console at Mortal Shell’s publisher Playstack.

He added: “The Virtuous Cycle Expansion has been packed with content that fans of the genre will love, and provides a new unique way to experience the rich Mortal Shell universe. We can’t wait to see how new and old players will tackle our new roguelike mode when venturing into the depths of Fallgrim”.

August 18 will also mark the much-anticipated arrival of Mortal Shell’s base game on Steam, having amassed more than 300,000 Wishlists so far.

Meanwhile, a Mortal Shell Twitch Drops campaign is now underway, offering rare and special in-game rewards for those who watch the new expansion on Twitch. Rewards include a darker new look for the Foundling, an exclusive Axatana skin, and a brand new playable Lute. Find out more at twitch.mortalshell.com