TEST DRIVE: Scream if you like to be spooked
October 22, 2009
Peggy Mackenzie
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Tombstones littering the yard, effigies hanging from trees and skeleton strung from porches – these mark the houses where the spirit of Halloween prevails. To set the mood further (but add to post-holiday garbage) are scary animated voice drifting out to the trick-or-treaters.
These four decorations deliver scary sounds, lights and action for around $20. All are made in China and use three AA batteries. Three are activated by sound or motion.
Thanks to Julia, 11, Annie, 10, and Ian, 13, for their discerning taste.
Spirit Animated GT Crawling Reaper
(out of 4) Cost: $24.99
Features: Sound-activated, light-up eyes, crawling posable arms.
This half skeleton is the scariest and most fun of the lot. (For even scarier, check out its full-size cousin that crawls toward you – but rings in at well over $100). Julia thinks this skeleton looks "really cool. I like the robe and the tattered fabric makes it looks pretty scary but the robe is coming off one of the sleeves, so you can see the Styrofoam underneath. The reaper's laugh sounds funny but on Halloween it will sound super creepy." Annie also likes how the eyes light up and how the arms move back and forth. "The one hand faces the skeleton and the other is crooked, so it looks weird." Sales are final, so make sure the figure works before buying. Bought at Spirit Halloween Superstores (Lawrence and Dufferin, behind the Shoppers Drug Mart). Batteries not included.
Animated Pirate Skull
Cost: $16.97
Features: Motion activated, head swivels back and forth with light-up eyes.
This skeleton pirate has a hearty laugh even in death. The motion sensor works well and should scare the unwary as they clamour up the stairs. For parents, the only drawback is that the shredding on his nets sheds. Ian finds him funny, since all he does is laugh. Annie likes the swivelling motion of the head. She doesn't like the missing eye beneath the eye patch or his one "good" eye. "He's ugly; but that's good. He looks like an ugly pirate." Julia thinks the face is pretty awesome and spooky. And, unlike her mother, she likes the gunk on the netting. Bought at Shoppers Drug Mart. Batteries included.
Haunted Halls Animated Heads Up
Cost: $19.99
Features: Head pops up; on/off button.
This witch has quite a lot to say, judging by her long speech, but it's followed by lots of good screaming while eerie music plays in the background. There's good attention to detail in the costume and features. Annie's favourite part is watching the head rise off the witch's bloody shoulders. "You're not expecting the head to detach," Julia says approvingly. "It's fun to watch, especially with her eyes lighting up." Ian finds the witch cheesy and boring. From a parent's point of view, the only drawback is that the on/off button has to be pressed. Bought at Zellers. Batteries included.
Danson Animated Witch
Cost: $14.96
Features: Sound-activated, light-up eyes.
The scream is nice and scary, as is the howling. It reminds me of the melting scene in the Wizard of Oz. The props are great and she's even holding a small skull in her one hand. So, what's the problem? She falls over when activated. The first time the witch was turned on, I loved it, but that was the only time I saw it work. There are two long needles that are glued to a shaft that moves the figure up and down and those needles broke away from the shaft, pretty much after the first use. The base is too small for the witch's height, so when the figure crouches down, she falls over. Annie and Julia like the tattered dress, the axe and the skull. They think her skeleton face is sinister, especially when the eyes light up. As Julia says, "If it worked, it would be way better." Batteries included.
Toronto Star