RECAP:  “Sparky” roams the free world queue line, dropping to his knees and loudly delivering startling, sliding encroachments to customers waiting to enter Ohio’s former State Penitentiary.  Ear-piercing screams from the Warden's 6' 7" tall widow join forces with the aforementioned assailant terrorizing the unsuspecting.

Entering the facility and progressing up a majestic staircase, the experience begins in a creepy cemetery ruled by an intimidating undertaker swinging a baseball bat over his head, and warning mourners, “It’s time to smell the roses!”  Eluding the deadly mortician, the adventure embarks upon exploration of a series of traditionally “haunted” rooms including a cob-web covered library of captivating books about beheadings that finds one of the bookcases tipping inward of its own accord, and the first in a series of encounters with mysterious religious zealots having "GOD" stenciled upon their foreheads in blood!  Diverting through a less than appetizing dining room serving up a smorgasbord of indelicacies unveils a sudden confrontation with a forsaken contortionist, followed by a previously unseen foe lunging out from beneath the table!  Then it's into a deplorable kitchen discovering a bloodthirsty brute armed with a murderous pickaxe hammer threatening, “I’ll put you in this boiling pot!”  An unexpected bedroom surprise gives way through a narrow hallway occupied by a little too friendly flirt, to a treacherous run-in with another killer – this one clutching onto a pair of gigantic scissors he fully intends to use to, “Chop, chop a little off the top!”

Lights fail, as sparks fly from within cells of incarcerated inmates, then it’s down old iron stairs into the total darkness of solitary confinement, where a Taser-wielding convict escapes detention to zap passersby with an incapacitating stun gun!  Loud, deafening sounds fill the air as more imprisoned detainees break free of their restraint in pursuit of those who dare to invade the abode of the most deplorable violators.  More darkness envelopes progression beyond a series of abandoned cells as an elevated sharpshooter marksman takes dead aim on escapees (scare seekers), illuminating them with the bright, red, laser assist beam of his lethal assault rifle!

CGIs show jailed prisoners locked in their cubicles, then zombie-like cons claw desperately through barred doors and burst into contention via an adjacent drop panel, then a strange felon with an upside down red cross on his forehead helplessly shakes a cell door screaming, “Let me out!  Let me out!” 

Proceeding into the basement interrupts a Mad Scientist attempting to reanimate preserved, encapsulated beings, and restore them to life in advance of the gory sight of half-eaten torsos decomposing among an infestation of large, course-invading, red-eyed rats and an even more enormous yellow-eyed creature with fangs biting at whatever human flesh crosses its path!

Atrocities mount as the route advances into the flames of a burning crematorium, where cadavers dangle from hooks, and an anguished mortal clings to life while being ground up like hamburger in an oversized meat-grinder!  Frozen corpses stockpile a morgue-like freezer that gives way to a bloody nurse upset that, “You forgot to take you pills!” and reminding intruders, “The Doctor is waiting!” as the peril unfolds into a clinical labyrinth of abominations that witness a giant, spinning table saw bisecting a mortified victim in two, and the aforementioned diabolical doctor with a hacksaw in his hand expounding, “Wait, that’s not sharp enough” then exchanging the tool for a gas-guzzling chainsaw and recklessly cutting into his horrified patient’s chest!  

Decapitated heads comprise décor, hanging down from chains attached to hooks, as the maniacal physician turns his wicked intentions to nearby patrons exclaiming, “I’ve got the perfect chain for your head!” as he revs up the chainsaw one last time for a final, merciless chase-out of Blood Prison!

ANALYSIS:  Last year’s Haunt of the Year is a bit shorter than usual due to concessions resulting from Covid-19 precautions, specifically the fact that cell blocks were not able to be incorporated into the route.  Nevertheless, the event remains strong and one of the best in the Ohio Valley Area!

Crematory/Meat Grinder room is most visually impressive, and zombie horde drop-down wall panel is uniquely appreciated.  Detailing of near perfectly-lit scenes continues to be outstanding.  Inmates are believably intimidating, although to a lesser degree in comparison to a season ago since the prison population has declined – a direct consequence of the loss of the cell blocks, or perhaps Governor DeWine releasing minor offenders out of coronavirus concerns ;)

Costuming is more than appropriate throughout.  Tasers perfectly fit the theme, but there were a lot more of them last year as well, and searchlight is conspicuous by its absence.  Crashed plane is also missed, as are excavated coffins, and doctor's award-winning attire consisting of syringes for fingers.  Deafening soundtrack continues its amazing contribution to the attraction from start to finish, and the building itself is second to none!  Course cleverly kicks off with a traditionally haunted aspect, transitions through the prison sections, and ultimately climaxes in blood, guts, and gore!

Most memorable characters consist of Warden’s Wife and Sparky outside the Prison, while inside standouts include, contortionist, "God" divas, “friendly” hall blocker, kitchen brute armed with a pickaxe hammer, and diabolical chainsaw doctor.  Sharpshooter was more effective in 2019, but glad he was retained since he was originally stationed in the cell blocks. Dialogue isn’t as strong as a whole, but still above average

Touch pass upgrade is not available also due to necessary safety precautions stemming from the ongoing pandemic.

If you’re visiting haunted attractions this year, by all means, pay a visit to Blood Prison!  Cost is $25 and it's ALWAYS a much anticipated highlight of the season!