Spirit Halloween’s Animatronics Tour & Demo First Look!
While we’re still in the middle of summer, many places like Hobby Lobby and Home Depot already have their Halloween displays out.
A quick drive over to Sam’s Club reveals multiple aisles filled with Halloween candy, but there’s one store that opened this past week that truly signals the start of the Halloween season, Spirit Halloween.
Spirit Halloween’s Animatronics Tour & Demo First Look!
Many people don’t realize that Spirit Halloween’s headquarters is located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.
It’s here that some of the biggest animatronics and costumes for the upcoming spooky season are designed.
It’s also here where Spirit Halloween showcases all of its new animatronics at their flagship store.
Located at 6725 E Black Horse Pike #26, Egg Harbor Township, the store typically hosts a grand opening each year, but this year was a little different.
The flagship store’s grand opening usually takes place in midsummer, but according to a statement posted online, international disruptions and supply chain challenges forced them to cancel the annual event.
While they did not go into detail about the cause, many blamed tariffs and shipping delays.
Nonetheless, in the first week of August, the flagship store quietly opened its doors. There was no grand fanfare or long lines, just a simple turn of the key and the store was open.
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Since we usually attend the grand opening, the Wildwood Video Archive decided to stop by and check out the new animatronics they have been promoting on Instagram for the past few weeks.
You can watch the full video at the end of this article.
This year’s big theme is “Time Scares,” a playful nod to Times Square in New York City. The front display transports visitors to a creepy version of the Big Apple, complete with flickering billboards, eerie lighting, and the constant hum of a haunted city that never sleeps.
The centerpiece is a detailed New York City subway car, aged and weathered to look abandoned, with graffiti-covered walls and flickering overhead lights. Inside, massive mutant rats scurry around, peeking out from dark corners, while ghostly passengers appear to be trapped in time.
The “Time Scares” setup is filled with sound effects such as a vibrating floor, distant screams, and an ominous Subway Map which has creepy stops, creating an immersive, big-city-meets-horror vibe.
Inside and around the subway car are all the brand-new animatronics.
Some of them include Bullseye the Clown, whose head spins completely around; a massive mutant sewer rat; and Head Case Harry, an animatronic that suddenly jumps up to scare you.
From the depths of the underworld comes the Mutant Sewer Rat, a grotesque oversized rodent
Returning with an upgrade is the Scary Sitting Scarecrow, a fan-favorite that appears harmless until activated. The updated model includes new jump-scare mechanics and enhanced audio for greater shock value.
The Monkey Business Animatronic brings chaotic energy to the lineup, A scary clown holding up a box which springs open to showcase a scary monkey. (fun!)
Head Case Harry offers a more grotesque approach, portraying two clown heads smashed together. The animatronic’s design focuses on disturbing detail, appealing to fans of psychological horror.
The Night Owl Animatronic with moving wings, swiveling head motion, and piercing LED eyes, creating a watchful presence in any setup. (and it’s massive)
Finally, the Fire Demon Animatronic delivers a dramatic finale to the lineup, complete with horned detailing, illuminated “flames” inside its body, and a spooky monologue.
It is hard to describe just how these look, which is why we filmed the video you can watch below.
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