Dark Matter Scream Works has been around for eleven years haunting the Rochester suburbs first in Henrietta, now in Greece. The mix of themes in this five element haunt is unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. Beautiful execution and actors who are better than some of the big-name haunts make it a worthy trip for many New Yorkers.
Sections
Navigation and Customer Service
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On the backside of Greece Ridge Mall
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- Small signs out on a busy thoroughfare
+ Those signs guide you all the way around the building
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Owner Joe
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+ A friendly guy with an approachable demeanor, always looking to hear how
you experienced his show
Atmosphere and Lobby/Midway
Key Lobby and Midway Amenities
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Concessions
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Merchandise
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Video
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Music
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Seating
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Bathrooms
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Games
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Stage
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Photo Ops
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Queue Line Actors
Bonus:
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Metaphysical
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Pyrotechnics
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At least one HUGE set piece
Facade Quality
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5 Houses, 5 Facades
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All are temporary
Use of Existing Environment
+ Adequate use of space for the level of challenge in this temporary buildout
Actors and Acting
Energy
+ Acts in your personal space
+ Many unique and relevant characters
Costuming
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Dozens of cast members, primarily posted in four houses
+ All costumes make the characters look like they live in their respective
“worlds”
+ The final scare
+ Bad Santa and Krampus
Lines and Vocalizations
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Circus of the Damned, Contagion and Blood Manor have plenty of well developed characters with lines
+ “Toenail” Guy in Contagion
+ Carnie? In Circus of the Damned
+ Victorian Dining Room Lady in Blood Manor
Theming and Design
Lighting
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Modular LED setups
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Portable lamps
+/- They do the best they can with a temporary 8ft wall, the bleed-over is just
really strong
+ Simulated fire in parts of House of Krampus
+ Hefty blacklight in Circus of the Damned
Sound
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No overarching soundscapes
+ The sounds of the Screampark (commotions in the distance and sound
effects right up close)
Set Dressing
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Circus, Research/Disease/Hospital, Christmas/Evil, Fear of... and Mansion/Castle themes
- Way too much fishing line everywhere
+ Carnival Rides (Carousel and Rollercoaster)
+ Fantastic 3D finale to Circus of the Damned
+ Horse skeletons
+ Fog Blast Decontamination Room
+ Gingerbread House
+ A Great cemetery
+ Bottomless Pit Room
+ Mannequin Room
+ Vibrating Floor
Entertainment and Other Values
Fun
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Definitely a good mix of themes, haven't seen a mix this good in a while
+ I was entertained for at least 24 minutes
+ Despite the temporary nature I am pleased with the execution of many
rooms vs. some permanent haunts
+ There's something for everyone to like
Scares
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More scares than bigger-name all-indoor haunts
- I don't remember being notably scared, just a bit jumpy
+ Some actors have up to three opportunities to get you
Monetary Value
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5 Houses: Circus of the Damned, Contagion, House of Krampus, Phobias and Blood Manor
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$25 GA, $35 VIP
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~27 minute walkthrough
+ Both prices are reasonable
Recommendations
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3 Hour drive on its own is the max advisable
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A 4 Hour trip featuring Joe's Fright Farm and/or Nightmare Manor is justifiable
Recommended One-way Drive Time Range - 3 Hours
