Sydney’s Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace went back in time last night for a spooky – and not too spooky – display.
Sydney’s Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace was transformed last night into a “choose your own adventure” experience for screenings of IT: Welcome to Derry.
Based on their tolerance for fear, viewers can choose Scream Mode, which features high-intensity horror including live actors, jump scares and creepy surprises, or Safe Mode, a soothing retreat bathed in soft light, filled with soft pillows and comforting treats.
Upon arrival, guests were transported into a nostalgic version of 1960s small-town America, reminiscent of the town of Derry, Maine from Stephen King’s It. There were glowing neon signs, classic cars and the warm smell of buttery popcorn, before the facade began to crack, revealing bloodstains and sinister clowns.
“We didn’t just launch a series – we called Derry,” said Sasha Mackie, Senior Director of Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery. “This experience is designed for the fans first and foremost. We know Australia has a complex relationship with horror, with around half of all Aussies saying they would be more likely to embrace it if given a safe environment to watch, and half all in favor of maximizing the scares with an all-encompassing horror experience. We wanted every guest to feel seen, challenged and immersed, and from the moment they stepped into the Orpheum, they were no longer in Sydney – they were in Derry, who chose how deep into the darkness they dared go. With IT: Welcome to Derry Split-Scream, we have redefined what it means to experience fear.”
In Scream mode, a haunting organ soundtrack set the tone as guests took their seats, only to be met with sudden chills, unsettling sounds and shocking scares that left even seasoned horror enthusiasts clutching their armrests.
Meanwhile, Safe Mode offered a softer journey. The guests were welcomed by cheerful ushers and the cheerful sounds of teen pop from the sixties. Wrapped in cozy blankets and armed with survival kits, they were led to plush seating while ‘nervous nurses’ dispensed calming tonics and breathing tips – ideal for those who prefer their horror with a touch of serenity.
Episode 2 will be released Friday, October 31 on HBO Max.
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