RECAP:  Ear-piercing screams from the Warden's  6' 7" tall widow invite entrance into the now-abandoned correctional facility that first introduces a series of rooms including a library full of captivating (more aptly "decapitating") books about beheadings, a deplorable kitchen, where a big brute cooks the remains of his wife, a bedroom surprise, narrow hallways occupied by mysterious girls demanding to violate your "Eye holes and ear holes," and a restless monster that wants to, "Rip off your head and use it as a flower pot!"  Heading down old, iron stairs discovers Taser-wielding inmates, clad in orange prison attire, escaping their cells into dark, fog-filled corridors, and "incapacitating" passersby with zaps from their electroshock, stun guns!  Total darkness and more fog engulf the course making it impossible to see prior to entry into Solitary Confinement, where the most deadly prisoners loudly bang an assortment of weapons on the metal bars of their detention chambers, while others desperately reach out grabbing at the legs of innocent intruders.  Loud, deafening noises assault the senses as more incarcerated detainees break free of their captivity, and pursue those who have dared to advance into the most murderous area of the forgotten institution.  Progression leads into the clutches of more Taser-armed convicts, and a chase through a  rapidly-spinning vortex!

Undead Walkers commandeer the cell block area known as Gothic City,  where growling members of The Living Dead lunge and bite at humans while emerging from inside wrecked cars, and even try to pull potential victims into adjacent holding cells to feast on their flesh!  Searchlights shine on surrounding walls in response to uncontrolled jailbreaks, while speakers loudly sound  the alarm of a massive Zombie Apocalypse!  

Still to come is the tragic site of a passenger jet that's crash landed through one of the walls of the former State Pen - it's mangled fuselage still smoking heavily from impact.  Maneuvering around an upright wing that's been ripped completely off the downed airliner finds a frantic Red Cross Nurse lamenting at her inability to locate any survivors!  The adventure continues outdoors, where descent into a dimly-lit, light flickering mine inhabited my a man-eating crocodile exits back into The Reformatory, where rusty pipes spew forth vapors from some sort of exhaust, hanged bodies dangle from above, and additional orange-suited Jailbirds are madly on the prowl.   Attacks from overhead scaffolding give way to an elevated, sharp-shooter taking dead aim on customers with a bright, red, laser assist beam from his automatic assault rifle!  Seeking refuge through a claustrophobic passage into Bunker 13 accesses the East Cell Block, where a homicidal, axe-toting fiend chops up a decomposing body, and a Diabolical Doctor with syringes for fingers exclaims, "Come on, bend over, this will keep you alive!"  Forging onward through his indiscreet Infirmary stumbles over a helpless patient hiding under a bed, and begging for help pleading, "I don't belong here!" 

A barbaric savage incinerates cadavers upon entrance into a spooky cemetery, where caskets and coffins surface from beneath smoldering ground, some of which have been chained shut; animated ghosts and ghouls hover and fly over the isolated graveyard; and a Satanic Church filled with old pews disturbs the residence of an upside-down cross-wearing Nun!  A large, wing-flapping, animatronic beast, strobes, and an out-of-commission Gatling-like machine gun point the way into an insane CarnEvil Circus beyond a red and white striped claustrophobic squeeze into the midst of cantankerous clowns, honking horns, swinging axes, and even bungee jumping directly into the path!  Oversized mechanical surprises surround advancement, as "Sqeaks" giggles while playing a "heady" gag that makes scare seekers flinch while making their way through. 

Additional highlights include a ferocious horde of mechanical Zombies bursting through a neighboring "window;" a Mad Scientist struggling with time restraints limiting his efforts to reanimate preserved, encapsulated beings, and restore them to life; a green, laser-lit quagmire; caged skeletons; air guns; howling werewolves; and an ultimate climax involving a Mad Doctor/Bloody Nurse tag team tandem poking and grabbing at patrons with handfuls of syringes amid a clinical labyrinth of atrocities featuring a giant, spinning table saw that bisects its screaming victim in two, and a carnivorous rival nibbling on a dismembered, human foot, offering up a taste saying, "Come on, take a bite!  It's soul (sole) food!  I can't eat it all myself!" as the event cleverly concludes into to the gift shop of Blood Prison!

ANALYSIS:  Escape From Blood Prison really outdid itself on all levels this year stamping itself as a legitimate Haunt of the Year contender!  Adventure is significantly longer than most from a duration standpoint, and atmosphere is frighteningly spooky from start to finish!  Detailing of near perfectly-lit scenes is outstanding, inmates are believably intimidating, costuming is more than appropriate, and large population of characters gives its best effort to meaningfully interact with customers in each and every scene.  Zombies are relentless in their pursuits and attempts to "bite" you.  One even pulled us into a prison cell and left us there!  Crashed jet is a memorable new addition!  Wall looks as though the plane actually came smashing through, and fuselage is still smoking from impact!  Similar effect is present around excavated caskets.  Searchlights, mine, table saw, actortronic gator, and Sharpshooter's red assist beam lend credence to noticeable, high-impact scares.  Deafening soundtrack is appreciated for its amazing contribution throughout the entire attraction!  Fantastic finish witnesses all Hell breaking loose as the event concludes!  Tasers perfectly fit the theme, and actually "buzz" when "zapping" you, thus seeming to deliver a minor "shock" upon contact, or maybe that part was just our imagination!

Cost of general admission is $25.  For the most legitimate experience, OVH recommends upgrading to their "Touch Pass" for only $5 more!  It's not too rough like some, but will get you more involved in the action!

Note:  Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue is included with admission, and features performances by a sword swallower, daredevils, and other so-called "freaks."  Shows are scheduled at various times throughout the night, so be sure to check out "The Greatest Show in Hell" while visiting this year's haunt at The Ohio State Reformatory!