The Insidious: Chapter 3 press tour rolled through Philly last weekend, scaring thrill seekers with its 4DX mobile haunted house. 4DX, short for 4-Dimension Experience, combines classic haunted house jump scares with a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience. When you first enter the trailer you have to adjust your eyes to the enclosed set that has been created for you. As you make your solo journey through the halls you are greeted by surprise skeletons and other jump scares. Finally, you reach your assigned room where a doting attendant assists your transfer into a spirit realm called “The Further.”

Using the Oculus Rift headset and surround-sound headphones, 4DX transports you into the story ofInsidious as a spirit that has left its body. Initially, you find yourself sitting in a pleasant suburban living room. When you look up, down, left, or right the Oculus recognizes so your view changes to what you turn to look at. Loud slams turn your attention to a far window to your right where a figure shrouded behind white curtains attempts to break in. A voice speaks in front of you and you turn to see Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), the medium from Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2 explains to you that you are astral projecting. Cool, right? Nope, terrifying because she goes on to explain that the dead are coming for your soul because they want to live again.

Simply, the experience was amazing. After Elise plants you firmly in the situation as a helpless victim you are set loose on a roller coaster of fright. The virtual reality is so intense and immersive that at times you are paralyzed in your seat, fighting to resist the urge to remove the headset to end the fear. It was such a wonderful terror that I found myself wishing it wouldn't end. Certainly, theInsidious: Chapter 3 4DX haunted house showcased the franchise's mastery of horror is back to steal your breath.

--Mark Heaton, Reel East Film Society