Most people outgrow their fear of jack-in-the-boxes sometime after kindergarten, but AtmosFAN Ryo N. of Narita, Chiba, Japan, is here to remind us why that childhood skepticism was probably justified. His digital upgrade to the classic pop-up toy suggests that maybe, just maybe, there really was something watching from inside all along.
As you can see, Ryo’s jack-in-the-box appears innocent enough until curious visitors lean in for a closer look. That’s when they discover a pair of glowing, moving eyes staring back at them through a concealed tablet displaying Eerie Eyes Decoration Collection. The effect transforms an already cool-looking prop into something genuinely spectacular.
This technique of hiding smaller screens – such as smart phones, tablets or digital picture frames – in unexpected places has become a favorite among decorators. After all, the best scares often come from the element of surprise! Whether tucked into jack-o’-lanterns, trick-or-treat candy bowls, or custom props like Ryo’s box, these digital Easter eggs catch people off guard when they least expect it.
Ryo’s design draws inspiration from another AtmosFX collection entirely. “The design of this mysterious box is modeled after a box that appears in AtmosFX’s Creepy Clowns,” Ryo tells us. “And when combined with the video for Creepy Clowns, it makes you imagine there’s a clown hiding inside the box.”
We love this cross-pollination!
The brilliance of Ryo’s approach lies in its simplicity – he’s taken something that was already mildly alarming from our childhood and given it a first-class upgrade. Heck, sometimes the most effective Halloween innovations are the ones that confirm our childhood suspicions were right all along!
Have you used hidden screens or other surprise techniques in your Halloween display? We want to see your creative solutions! Send your photos and videos using this simple online form and you might become the next AtmosFAN of the Week. You’ll earn points for use in the AtmosFX online store just for submitting, and if you’re selected, you’ll win a free decoration collection!
