Universal Destinations & Experiences has released a new behind-the-scenes teaser video for its upcoming horror attraction in Las Vegas.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will be one of four haunted houses in the new Universal Horror Unleashed, which opens August 14 at the expanded Area15 District in Las Vegas. The TCM franchise is a frequently used IP in Universal's Halloween Horror Nights events in Orlando and Hollywood, but this experience will be based on the original, 1974 film.
The Las Vegas house "will bring to life the original film for the first time in a linear sequence, placing guests in the footsteps of the victims as they face horrifying iconic scenes and characters," Universal said in its announcement today. "Their journey starts in a Texan cemetery – the first fateful stop – followed by an encounter with the Old Man at the dusty gas station featured in the chilling barbecue scene. As they enter the infamous dilapidated home, guests will come face-to-face with Leatherface and every member of his deranged family and their victims, as the terrifying sound of chainsaws haunts them at every turn."
Here is that video:
Universal Horror Unleashed is more than just four haunted houses. The attraction also will include the TCM-themed Kill Vault scare zone and Rough Cuts dining area, "where guests can feast on 'chainsaw' carved small plates as they witness a variety of show moments," Universal said.
Other houses in Universal Horror Unleashed will be:
Ticket prices vary by date and run from $69-99 for a pass that includes one entry to each of the experience's four haunted houses. An unlimited access pass to the houses ranges from $99-149 a day.
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We were just at Area 15 a few weeks ago, and from what I could tell, this experience is still under significant construction with unwalled structures and completely unfinished spaces - some still without exterior walls. I do hope Universal is able to get everything done by August, because if you looked at the site and state of construction right now, you'd be hard pressed to believe that this would open before the end of the year. The August opening is pretty critical to allow some word of mouth to spread before haunt season kicks into high gear.
However, after visiting Area 15 first hand, I no longer think Universal is over-reaching on their pricing of this experience (at least initially), and this will likely because the biggest draw to the complex when it opens (right now Omega Mart is probably the biggest attraction). The real question will be whether the overall economic conditions in Las Vegas will continue to allow attractions like this to be profitable. It's a very crowded market in the "Entertainment Capital of the World", and when sure-fire money makers like The Sphere and Cirque de Solei are dialing back forecasts and indicating revenue declines over the past 4-6 months, it makes you wonder if a place like this can survive long term, even with the brand recognition of Universal's IPs and HHN attached to this project.