This is fun. Vault of the Macabre Presents All Hallow’s Eve is the Halloween version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964). By this I mean that the stories are showcased by use of voice overs set against old school animation, stop motion, and mini-sets. Not a single actor is shown on screen but you’ll definitely recognize the voices of the actors who narrate the stories told as rhyming poems. That’s because the first segment is narrated by scream queen Dee Wallace (Cujo. Critters, The Frighteners, The Hills Have Eyes) and the second segment is narrated by icon of fright Jason Marsden (“Eerie Indiana,” Hocus Pocus, “The Munsters Today) with an introduction from Larry Kenney (“Count Chocula,” “Thundercats.” This is a ragtag team of horror officials I think we can get behind!
Vault of the Macabre Presents All Hallow’s Eve also feels like a children’s flick because it reminds of me a PBS or Sprout TV special. It’s creepy and spooky without being overly terrifying and it could be played on a network for kids without giving them nightmares. The way it was produced, as I mentioned above, also speaks to an older audience that grew up with movies in a similar format. Every age group can find something to enjoy in Vault of the Macabre Presents All Hallow’s Eve; whether it be the poem about vengeful trick or treat-ers or the poem about a vengeful pumpkinhead-ed boy. No matter what the case may be, writer/director Darren Field has one thing on his mind this Halloween!
The love and effort put into this short film is simply magical. From the devotion put into the mini-sets and figures, the hours spent painting the pictures, and finding and creating the right scores, Vault of the Macabre Presents All Hallow’s Eve is a work of art and a special treat to watch on Mischief Night or the next day. I find it particularly interesting because it leads the way for further installments, too.
So, from Darren Field… Happy Halloween!
