Basement of the Dead

Aurora, IL

Reviewed on: Thursday, October 18, 2012

Buried within the basement of a 1920's old laundry facility in downtown Aurora, lies Basement of the Dead. Here, Al and Imus Kilya, along with their band of tortured souls, create havoc and horror for all those that enter. Winning our "Haunted Attraction of the Year" Award in 2008, the bar is always set high as this is one of our area's best.

As we approached the attraction, we were greeted by several different line entertainers. A standard for years, Basement's outside entertainment has always been almost like an attraction on its own. This year, they added a DJ, which added to the already fun and exciting atmosphere.

But, the real treat is definitely inside. As we entered the Basement, smells of a nearly 100-year-old building surrounded us and we were swallowed by the darkness. Afraid of things that go "bump" in the night? Then you are right at home with Al and Imus. Playing off of their natural surroundings, Basement of the Dead knows you are afraid of what is lurking in the shadows - and they make those nightmares come true. Frights are delivered, scene-after-scene.

Some of our highlights include: The kitchen, freezer, and the nurse room. But, what really takes the cake is the ending of Dr. Trauma. Here, a doctor and his unwilling patients greet you with open arms and an invitation to stay....forever!

But, we weren't off the hook yet. After exiting their namesake haunt, we were led to their new attraction, "Shattered 3D." Themed as a 3D house, we were definitely worried this may hurt Basement's strong tradition of being a great haunt! But, our fears were soon relieved.

Of course, we strapped-on the 3D glasses and met with the Ringmaster guarding the entrance. We entered and found something that we had never seen before: clean 3D. Now, while the adjective "clean" isn't usually something that haunted attractions like to use, but we found it refreshing here. Not only were there gorgeous scenes on the walls, but on the floor as well! For the first time, we actually felt like we had to watch where we stepped, as it appeared we could fall! Some great illusions here!

But, what truly makes this house great is that they don't just rely on great artwork. They combine it with another amazing acting crew that maintains perfect attacks, time-and-time again. We finally escaped with smiles on our faces and sweat running down our brows.

Overall, this is another landmark year for the Basement of the Dead team! With the new addition of the 3D attraction, they now have an amazing dark house AND an amazing light house, both with incredible scare crews that make sure you won't sleep tonight.

Highlights we scream about: "Lucinda" the puppet girl, "Juliet" the nurse, and the floors in Shattered!

What to expect for 2013? We had no idea about their new 3D house and the DJ addition! So, they definitely keep things secret. We can't wait to see what they dream up next!

2012 Scores:

Entertainment: 19 out of 20

Scare Factor & Fright: 9 out of 10

Acting: 9 out of 10

Sets & Room Detail: 9 out of 10

Costumes: 5 out of 5

Make Up: 4 out of 5

Sound: 5 out of 5

Lights: 5 out of 5

Props & Special Effects: 9.5 out of 10

Originality & Story Concept: 9 out of 10

Management & Owner Presentation: 5 out of 5

Website: 5 out of 5

Total: 93.5 points out of 100 points possible

- Official Haunted House Chicago Review Team Review