Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show Review

“It’s aliiiiive!” well, this show has been alive in Universal Studios since the park opened in 1990

Did you know that Universal is responsible for creating some of the most iconic monsters of all time? I am talking about the Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein (well, the monster, not the doctor) and even the Phantom of the Opera. That’s a very respectable roster that has been referenced in pop culture for a century, and continues to be incredibly popular nowadays. It’s great to see that even Epic Universe is giving these beautiful monsters the respect they deserve by introducing a brand new land called Dark Universe.

The Horror Make-Up Show is just that: a twenty minute presentation where two cast members show a behind the scenes of how movies work. Well, horror movies. You are going to see some neat tricks displayed right in front of your eyes, and even guests are called upon the stage to feel in their skin how it is to be the “victim” of a horror movie. This is a show mostly aimed at fans of classic monster movies, but you could also come here to rest your legs, have a quick laugh and then just move on with your day.

The Good

Ever wanted to know more about the tricks involved in creating scenes like those in movies like Scream, where Ghostface stabs his victim and five gallons of blood cover the floor? Now's your chance! How about getting a closer look at some of the animatronics used in classic horror movies like An American Werewolf in London? They show that here as well, providing a nice overview of the mix of practical effects and CGI used to bring those creatures to life.

This show is a treat for fans of old horror movies. You will not only see how some of the tricks are made, but the cast members also play several clips from classic movies like Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bride of Frankenstein, and The Thing, explaining the process involved in bringing those creatures to life. I also appreciate that the cast members talk about the people responsible for creating these effects, giving the make-up artists time in the spotlight and honoring their legacy.

The cast members also do a good job of interacting with the audience. One guest is always called to participate in the experiments, which include suffering extensive damage from a… plastic… knife and also having the honor of controlling a huge, imposing animatronic on stage. I won’t spoil much, but let’s just say that things don’t go out as planned. I also like that the cast members are usually pretty engaging and charismatic, and have some fun jokes to throw around (“This isn't Disney, I don't have to be nice to kids here”).

The Bad

As expected, this show is mostly aimed at fans of classic horror movies. I enjoy these films and have watched several of them, and I've even played old Nintendo games based on IPs like Dracula and Creature from the Black Lagoon (though that game was pretty bad). It's always cool to see live clips of those monsters I grew up with and to connect with others who share that excitement.

This show is definitely niche. I bet that many people haven't even heard of the Creature from the Black Lagoon or Bride of Frankenstein. You won't enjoy the show as much if you have no interest in horror, as a significant part of the presentation involves cast members discussing video clips and demonstrating old movie tricks.

Another potential downside is the lack of action and the limited number of tricks on display. Don't expect to see many set pieces, "real" monsters walking on stage, or live makeup transformations. The cast members spend a lot of time talking about the history of horror movies, with some tricks and jokes sprinkled in.

Will Kids enjoy it?

I’d say that most kids won’t like this show. There is no height requirement for the Universal Make-Up Show so, in theory, you could bring anyone to this live presentation. I do think that kids under 10yo might get scared by what they see on the screens and right in front of their eyes. I mean, we have a cast member holding a knife prop and doing a live demonstration of choppin a guest’s arm off. You know, just something to make our little ones sleep well at night.

Teenagers might think this show is a bit cheesy or boring. There is a lot of talking, after all, and I do wonder if teenagers know (or care) about classic Universal Monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the Mummy in 2024. Hey, I am sure that Epic Universe at least will work hard to change their minds.