These show openings of the 80’s and early 90’s had great intro sequences. Packed with antiques, dust, spooky things (or simply an ominous sense) and a general Halloween vibe…see them again and bring back some fond memories.
I used to love the Tales From the Crypt house so much that I fantasized about living in one just like it, sans cobwebs.
I’ve come across a lot of Mike Dougherty’s work lately, especially with all the Trick ‘r Treat buzz and I recommend checking out this short film. Adorable.
The Brothers Quay are among my favorite stop motion animators of all time. I recently had the good fortune to visit the Dormitorium exhibit at Parsons in NYC, where I got to see some props and film sets in person.
I was surprised to find the film set dioramas smaller than I expected. So much detailed crafting went into each one of them.
The next two were encased in opaque boxes with a wacky 3D viewing lens…they lose something in the photos.
The sets incorporate the most fantastic found objects. Bits and pieces of discarded wood, instruments, dolls and furniture come to life.
Here, Jesus wears a crown of horns, and has wire eyelashes.
Even the lighting was arranged wonderfully, to reflect the mood of the exhibit.
The Brothers Quay are masters of dark, atmospheric surreal film making. Almost no dialogue is used, nor is it needed. The films rely heavily on classic (often avant garde) soundtracks to complement the scene.
Count Chocula and Frankenberry have carved out quite a niche for themselves in the realm of sugary themed breakfast treats. But I find the third General Mills monster cereal, Boo Berry, to be tragically underrepresented.
This is how it all began in the early 70’s:
From the very start, this character was ostracized and poorly treated:
Stoners across the world may be disappointed to discover that the ghost (despite being created in the 70’s) is not supposed to be high. He is based on actor Peter Lorre, hence the heavy lids and off-kilter grin. Though Boo does often appear to be under the influence, I prefer to think of him as chronically relaxed. Ghosts can be so uppity sometimes.
Besides, mixing Boo Berry and drugs may cause severe impairment of judgment:
There were some stellar toys as well. Presenting the LEAST scary ghost on earth! You WANT this guy haunting your house, because it would basically be like having a quiet, agreeable friend over. Don’t you just want to ask him to bring over a video and some popcorn?
You can also dress up as Boo (I was surprised to see this on the Spirit store website, since my Halloween partner in crime and I recently combed every inch of the place and surely would have noticed this in stock).
I originally saw this box on a mislabeled site, claiming it was from the 80’s. Turns out it’s a 2008 incarnation (thanks, Brian!). Time for a close-up!
Naturally, the most recent version of the box has fallen victim to the pristine, homogenized, airbrushed artistic tendencies of our current decade. Boo appears younger and thinner, as if he’s had an eye lift procedure and taken up amphetamines.
In my opinion, the modern design is soul-less by comparison. Part of Boo’s charm was his simplicity. He doesn’t need bright, shiny eyes or castles emerging from his head.
Boo, if you’re reading this, we loved you the way you were: dazed, lethargic, and packed with delicious blue crunchy pellets.
Do they still sell this cereal anywhere? Let me know if you’ve seen it in stores near you, because I haven’t in years.
I get extremely nostalgic whenever I see anything related to Disney’s Haunted Mansion. When I went to the park as a child, I would spend half the day riding it repeatedly. It was always “just one more time, please!”
I had the entire ride memorized. I drank in every nuance with my eyes and ears. Although it’s been many years since I’ve gone on this ride, I still remember every word, sight, sound, even smell perfectly.
Here is a short 40th anniversary behind the scenes video, which doesn’t quite do justice to the attraction.
I like how they point out the pristine exterior of the mansion. This was always something I appreciated because it steered clear of the standard dilapidated junk heap of a house that most local theme parks espoused.
Has anyone seen the “Haunted Mansion Holiday” where The Nightmare Before Christmas is added?
Despite the fact that I adore the aesthetics of that movie, I’m still resistant to even the smallest Haunted Mansion changes. I’m always afraid the ride will fall prey to the modern desire to make everything bigger, better and more technological (in which case it would entirely lose its charm).
I suppose the decorations are nicely done, but sometimes I prefer to enjoy even my very favorite things separately.
Whenever my friend Damon shares a link, I know it’s going to be well worth checking out. I thank him for this twisted clip of straight-jacketed meat, ambling through the grocery store late at night…
My mother passed away a year ago today. Although I usually keep this site somewhat impersonal, I can’t help but post a tribute to the beautiful soul who brought so much love, inspiration and color to my life.
When I was a child, she made me a Dorothy outfit (ruby slippers and all) and indulged my tiny imagination by putting on The Wizard of Oz, no matter how many times I asked. She had a special love for this song (pardon the subtitles!)
I’ve already posted a video from the talented PES, and now I give you a short but wonderful holiday treat. 33 seconds that make me wish everything were made of candy.
This clip is under a minute long, and definitely worth watching. A group of college students turned their dorm into a giant light show to the tune of classic 80’s TV show Knight Rider:
SheWalksSoftly 