Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle

When I requested a reviewer sample of Lemax’s Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle Spooky Town Halloween table decoration I based my request on a small photo of the castle.

At that time larger photographs were not available. I received the review sample and all I can say is, “Wow!’ There is no better word that I can use to describe just how impressive Dr. Dreadmoor’s Castle is.

There is so much going on with the castle: lighting, action, music and lots to look at.

It’s night, there’s a storm brewing, lightning flashes and there in the deep shadows you spot a building.

It’s a castle. It’s huge stone walls seem to beckon you to come closer. You walk up to the huge door and cautiously knock. Will someone or something answer?

It is a humongous castle! The castle sits on a segmented stone base that blends into the smaller stone masonry of the castle. Pumpkins, a skeleton and ooze populate the lower level.

Speaking of the stones that make up the castle. There is such a large variety and so many! Cobblestones, flat fascia stones, rough hewn tower stones with restraining metal bands, step stones and raw, unaltered foundation stones-some boulders. The castle sits upon a precipice of stone that the castle nestles into.

There are balconies, walkways, spiraling stairs with short railings, huge entry stone stairs, small stone-framed, multi-pane windows and doorways (I count 20).

A massive set of doors of wood with metal hinges is open revealing the crouched pumpkin on wooden legs and draped with vines. When the set is turned on the double door swings open and then shut as the pumpkin man comes from within. Above the door way is a light. Twin lights illuminate the heavy metal and wood, ten-pane windows on each side of the door.

Just right of the right window on the side of the castle is an alcove where a large electrical panel can be seen. It is filled with gauges and buttons along with power lines. A huge broken glass canister sits next to it, green ooze seeps from under it on to the stone floor.

The large second level of the castle has two mechanized and electrified transporter mechanisms with a large fly and a mad scientist in each. When activated the man and fly switch places in the heavy brass and metal transporter canisters as the triple blue light flicker.

In the middle of the castle is a large barred opening where two yellow eyes peer out, next to them is a chalkboard with schematics and calculations. Light flicker making the eyes look like they are opening and shutting-creepy! Above the eyes is an extended balcony where Dr. Dreadmoor’s library can be seen illuminated by lights.

Traveling upward in the middle of the high castle is another large opening covered by a gable roof. Three small round towers with four-pane windows decorate the upper portion.

On top of the heavy shingle roof is a platform with electrodes and wiring leading to a table holding a mummy-wrapped monster waiting for its next jolt of electricity. Turning on the power the monster is lowered and raised beneath two large metal doors that open and close.

To its right is a glass enclosed container of metal with green ooze inside. It is lit up. An eerie purple light fills in the gaps. Inside is a strange alien-like creature captured in the container’s ooze.

The chamber sits on a high tower. Part of the tower’s lower section is broken away. revealing a series of translucent tower conductors that glow.

Other features of the multi-tower unit include small vegetation and vines scattered on and about the castle. Decorative posters are near the entry way, a large centipede crawls on one of the windows. the roofs of the towers are purple wood and slat, Igor sits on the balcony on the left of the castle adjusting a glowing blue electrode, all the windows glow from inner lights, several spotlights are arranged around the entryways, a human skeleton sits next to main entryway sign, next to the sign is a Keep Out sign, the main door has large metal hinges and twin door knockers and metal railing sits beside the opening doors that reveal the mummy wrapped monster on the roof.

The units comes securely packed and strapped in a two-section form-fitted cardboard container inside a flip-lid box decorated with photos of the castle on all side. It’s an impressive Halloween display that kids, family, friends and visitors are sure to love.

The craftsmanship and imagination that went into the design of the castle is astounding. Graphic designers, artists, craftsmen, sculptors, package designers and printers-all of them did outstanding jobs creating and packaging the castle.

John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.