Halloween Costumes Meet Blockbuster Movies

Is it that life imitates art? Or that art imitates art? It seems that whichever is the case, licensed costumes for Halloween follow blockbuster movies. Like many toys, books and other consumer goods, Halloween costumes often style themselves after movie characters. Some manufacturers choose to carry licensed Halloween costumes; others choose to create "knockoffs" that closely resemble the licensed products, without paying the licensing fees... but they are not allowed to use the characters' names on their costumes.

For the past few years, Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC) costumes have been a huge success. With three big pirate movies, there have been six major characters to create: Captain Jack Sparrow costumes, Elizabeth Swann costumes, William Turner costumes, Hector Barbossa costumes, Davy Jones costumes, and Tia Dalma costumes. With everything from Elizabeth Swann's Aztec gold necklace to Jack Sparrow's rings and Barbossa's sword, pirate costumes offer many styles, sizes and choices for Halloween parties and contests.

In addition to licensed Pirates costumes, there are numerous unlicensed pirate costumes for women and men, and even kid's pirate costumes. These are likely to cost a little less that an official Jack Sparrow Halloween costume, but may be just as attractive and well-built.

Another perennial favorite: Spiderman costumes. Again, with three hit movies, the webslinger is available as adult Spiderman costumes, kids Spiderman costumes, and even a Spidergirl costume. "Spiderman costumes have been one of our best sellers for four years in a row," said James Burke, co-owner of SpookShop.com. "My sons both have Spiderman costumes, and wear them as pajamas, and even during the day. They have each gone through two sizes already."

Other hits such as The Simpsons movie are likely to bring more interest to Simpsons costumes. "We carry Simpsons masks and costumes, but expect manufacturers to add more Simpsons Halloween costumes to what they currently offer," Burke said.

Don't forget Harry Potter costumes. Unlike Spiderman and Pirates of the Caribbean costumes, Hogwarts Robes and accessories sell year-around. "Harry Potter scarves for the various houses have been a great seller," said Burke. "And we always have to reorder Harry Potter wands and glasses."

With other hit movies like Shrek the Third (with baby dronkey costumes), TVs "24" (with Jack Bauer costumes) and Barbie movies, Halloween costume stores are likely to again be full of licensed characters. Upcoming movies include Rob Zombie's remake of the classic movie "Halloween," which includes a new Michael Myers mask.

Look to the movies and TV to get great Halloween costume ideas. You'll have plenty to choose from!

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Halloween Costumes Inspired by Horror Movies

Horror movies have always been among peoples favourites, especially before or during Halloween. People of all ages sit in front of the television, with their hearts filled with fear, waiting to see what will happen to their favourite characters and if the bad guy will be caught and by whom. These horror movies have become so popular, that many people started adopting the outfits of their characters for Halloween. This way many of the horror anti-heroes have inspired some of the most popular Halloween costumes.

One of the most eloquent examples is Michael Myers. The famous character from the horror series Halloween has become very popular among people of all ages. Even though Myers is not the kind of character you would want to see in reality, many people choose the Michael Myers costume for Halloween precisely because of its dark and sinister connotations. As Halloween is still perceived by many as a holiday during which the evil spirits come to life and put human lives in danger, this costume seems to be quite suitable for the occasion. In addition to that, the mask, the overalls and the kitchen knife characteristic to Michael Myers seem very threatening and will scare many people in the darkness of the Halloween night. So, if you have a dark side to your humour, you will have a great time with this costume.

Jason Voorhees is another horror character which has gained numerous fans from the release of the first Friday The 13th film. Similar in cruelty and aggressiveness to Michael Myers, Jason has been long labelled as the best horror character ever. If you are in for some fun and thrilling adventures, try on the Jason costume. Even though you may not be very well received by people who are still confusing reality with fiction, your friends will have high opinions about your costume. You will have one of the most scary costumes at the entire party and you can bet even the ghosts and skeletons will run away from you!

Horror movies will always be at the top of peoples list, just like horror characters will always inspire horror Halloween costumes for people who love to dress in creepy outfits for Halloween. It has developed into a real tradition to be scary at Halloween and I cannot see this tradition ever going away. So, if you want a modern, creepy and classic Halloween costume try one of the above presented ones. You will get noticed in an instant and have some real laughs!

Frances Bridger is an expert in the field of costumes and costume accessories. Find out more about the range of Michael Myers costume and Jason costume accessories today. Make sure you buy early this year as stock always sells out fast!

Halloween and the Movies

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No other reminder of Halloween is more visible than Hollywood movies themselves. In addition, we're not just talking about high-budget horror movies here. Even the budget movies (B-movies) or "splatter" films are firm reminders of the strangeness and utter mystery of human life itself.

Movies are like mirrors of reality. It's a reflection, not really reality itself. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Halloween turned out to be something more than just homage to frightening kids out of their socks?

Horror movies & Halloween

Cultural artifacts are often complementary. Many cultural artifacts develop alongside each other, often complimenting and supporting the survival of each other. It is this particular nature of culture that has allowed the movie industry to slowly define what 'horror' is to the public.

By going deeply into the public imagination, movies are able to record on film the unconscious drives, desires and fears of the larger public. Not only because it creates profit for the producers, but also because it serves to remind the public of the real Other: the enemies of liberty, free expression and equitability.

Seventies

It was in the 1970s that horror movies really took off and became associated with the celebration of Halloween. The stock images of scary scarecrows and Jack-O-Lanterns were integrated and given a new life.

Originally, this imagery was associated with more mellow references, like the harvest itself. When the images were revitalized to fit the bill of what was Hollywood-scary, the pumpkin suddenly became a maniacal demonic creature. The scarecrow wielded a scythe and suddenly became possessed.

In short, Halloween was the time of the year where even the cutest chipmunks can become rabid rodents out for blood. It was a way for people to scare themselves silly and come back out alive.

Rollercoaster of emotions

Yes, people don't like being frightened. However, what makes horror movies like Wait until Dark palatable to the public? It was the idea that something so scary could be packaged to become less frightening and controllable.

You see, real tragedies and unfortunate human events are often beyond the control of people. This is the reason why people often recoil from real life events because it would be painful to watch and not be able to do something.

Now, when something frightening had been re-formed to be consumed while sitting comfortably in a movie theater or in the comfort of your living room, it becomes less frightening. It becomes less hostile and more controllable even for kids.

For the kids

This is the reason why many adults still want to celebrate Halloween. Without a celebration with death and the unknown as its main motifs, how can an adult teach a child about fear, horror and death without cringing?

How do you make something as horrible as death less intimidating? You use Halloween, Masks and parties. Parades are good, too. By dressing up the unknown, a message is being communicated.

The message is this: no matter how horrible real life may seem, there's always a chance that we will be able to control it. The way seems to be muddled at the moment, but let's enjoy ourselves while we seek it.

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2007 Movies Set Costume Trends

Halloween is big business, and it begins long before pumpkins are carved and houses are decorated in October. Costume and decorating manufacturers such as Disguise and Rubies launch their new products well in advance of the season. Costume retailers must place their Halloween orders in the New Year, and therefore the suppliers have to know what is going to be a hit.

They look to the movie industry to see where trends are going and create costumes and accessories that fit the bill. Movie releases from 2007 will have a huge influence on costume trends for this year. Pirates will undoubtedly be the largest costume trend for the season. With the release of Pirates of the Caribbean - At World's End this May, the 3rd instalment of the franchise, eye Masks, swords and tri-corn hats will be in huge demand by retailers.

Other franchise instalments include Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Spiderman 3. Wizards and superheroes are always popular costumes, but the spring/summer releases of these movies it top of the mind for Halloween.

Another popular trend in dress-up and movies are zombies and the undead. There has been resurgence from the 70's genre zombie horror movie and in 2007 we see zombie movie sequels including 28 Weeks Later, Day of the Dead and Resident Evil. Horror makeup, prosthetics and fake blood will be in high demand by retailers and consumers.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or TMNT is being released in March while a contemporary Nancy Drew will be out by the summer. Rob Zombie's Halloween, promises not to be a remake or a sequel and will introduce Mike Myers to a whole new audience.

The movies of 2007 will inspire the costume choices of its fans and lead the trends of this Halloween season.

Heidi Loney has worked as a stylist and costume designer in theatre, televison and film. Heidi is owner of Ms. Dress-Up Custom Costumes, and on-line costume retailer and Toronto based store. Check it out at [http://msdress-up.com/home/home.htm]