MONSTROUS MASK REVIEWS: Sam Unmasked by Trick or Treat Studios
In 2007, film maker Michael Dougherty released a film that would become an instant cult classic and is now a must-see film every October. The film, Trick ‘R Treat, introduced the world to Sam, a sort of defender of all of the rules and traditions of Halloween. The creation is one of the coolest creatures to come around in many years and one that fully represents the Halloween season.
Trick or Treat Studios, one of today’s best mask companies, has available the only licensed version of this mask and it looks amazing. This amazing replica was sculpted by Russ Lukich with help from Trick ‘R Treat writer and director Michael Dougherty. Michael was kind enough to provide them with the actual screen used mask for reference and personally oversaw the sculpture and paint master. This is, without a doubt, the most accurate Sam mask ever produced and the closest you will ever get to having the screen-used mask.
If you’ve ever been hesitant to buy a mask online, sight unseen, then I can totally relate. There were multiple times in the past where either the catalog picture or the online picture used to advertise the mask looked nothing like what I ended up receiving. This is because, for advertising purposes, mask companies want masks and props to look their very best in their catalogs or online to get the most sales. Unfortunately, what these companies didn’t anticipate was that if you burned enough customers by sending out garbage, your customers will leave. This has never been the case with Trick Or Treat Studios. What you see on their website, or in their printed catalog, is very close to what you will receive when you order it!
I have purchased many masks from Trick Or Treat Studios over the years and can say with all honesty that I have never been disappointed. When I found out they were doing this mask, I was very excited because I knew that they would do it the justice it deserves.
Russ Lukich’s sculpture is amazing. The level of detail is spectacular from the creases in the skin to the carves out areas of Sam’s eyes and nose. Every aspect of this mask is true to life and looking at it, you half expect the eyes to blink or the mouth to open. The paint job is incredible as well, looking as good as the catalog photo. The only real difference is the amount of veins painted into the head (but since these are obviously done by hand variation from copy to copy is expected). I also love the detail of real string used for the stiches on both sides of his mouth. It’s these little details that sets Trick Or Treat Studios apart from so many of the other mask companies out there.
Trick Or Treat Studios also offers a full line of additional items from Trick ‘R Treat. Since I have not seen them in person I cannot comment on them with any honesty. Personally, I would also love to see the version of this mask where he has been shot in the head and there are pumpkin guts coming out of the bullet hole (and if you look on the forehead, you can see the outline of where the bullet hole has healed over, another amazing detail).
Since Trick Or Treat Studios opened their doors, I have purchased many masks from them (and in time, there are others I would like to get and review here). I have never been disappointed in anything I have received from them and it is nice knowing that there are mask companies out there that don’t use bait and switch tactics like some companies are notorious for. They take pride in everything they make and it’s nice to buy from a company with no hesitations at all.
Make sure to check out my other entries in my MONSTROUS MASK REVIEWS series.
~David Albaugh
