Two stop-motion animation props used in Freddy’s Revenge was released in 1985, followed by Dream Warriors in 1986. While the original Nightmare on Elm Street is often considered the best quality film in the franchise, and arguably one of the most unique horror movies of the ‘80s, Dream Warriors is often considered the fan favorite.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 certainly started to make Freddy Krueger more comedic, but Dream Warriors was still extremely dark. It is also credited as having some of the best kills in the franchise. Phillip (Bradley Gregg) had one of the most graphic deaths, which started with one of the character's hand-made marionettes transforming into Freddy before growing to a full-sized person. Freddy then uses Phillip's tendons as marionette strings and forces him to jump from the top of the hospital. The beginning of the scene was created using stop-motion animation, as was Lt. Thompson and Neil Gordon's fight with Freddy's skeleton.
35 years after A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors hit theaters, some of the props have been auctioned off by Propstore Auction. The screen-used Freddy skeleton from effects artist Doug Beswick was estimated to sell for $15,000-$20,000 and after four bids, sold for $16,000. The skeleton prop came attached to a wooden base with a shovel as well as additional hand and spine molds. Marionette Freddy Krueger sold under the estimated price of $8,000-$12,000 at only $6,400 after two bids.
The Nightmare on Elm Street sequels certainly dipped in quality in later installments, with the comical Freddy swaying far from what Craven had originally envisioned. Dream Warriors, one of which would later turn into New Nightmare, yet both were rejected by New Line Cinema. Despite Craven not having creative control of the sequel, it still became one of the highest-rated sequels and helped the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise continue for decades. Horror fans can be extremely dedicated, and the love for the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise clearly still lives on as fans spend thousands of dollars on props.
Most die-hard fans enjoy all of the Nightmare on Elm Street sequels, yet the price these Freddy Krueger props sold for show Dream Warriors holds a special place in some people's hearts. Both the skeleton and marionette Freddy are small, fragile props made of foam and metal, yet they still sold for over $20k. Not everybody can afford to spend that kind of money on movie props, but that hasn't stopped people from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors on its 35th anniversary.
Source: Propstore Auction
