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"The turn to pirates and princesses is really a turn to the traditional, and it doesn't hurt to ride the coattails of a hot movie."

That's good news for Jason and Freddy. With remakes and new installments of old slasher films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th, Hollywood's most celebrated psychopaths are enjoying a resurgence.

Of course, there's always the guy who'll dress up in a huge box of blood-splattered Corn Flakes, hold a toy knife in his hands and call himself a "Cereal Killer." That never goes out of style. Creepy Commercialism

Halloween is one way to reflect on American history. Look at what kids are wearing and you can tell a lot about society, at least according to Phyllis Galembo's Dressed for Thrills (Abrams), a photographic look at Halloween costumes over the past century.

America has been celebrating Halloween since Colonial times. The holiday traces its roots back to ancient pagan traditions, when folks would dress up on All Hallows Eve to frighten away evil spirits.

But in the 1930s, Halloween took a scary turn toward commercialism.

Radio shows and breakfast cereal companies began marketing their trademarked characters as trick-or-treat costumes. In many a household, mom's homemade efforts just couldn't compete.

Thus, a new industry was born, as miniature versions of Superman, Dick Tracy and Mickey Mouse walked door to door, collecting candy and letting the world know their brand loyalty.

"So many things come and go," Galembo says. "But it's interesting how many characters and images remained and evolved with technology."

Of course, these days, Halloween is not just for kids. Customers are alternatively supplying sexy costumes for adults and poodle-sized witch hats for pets. Here's a look at some of this year's trickiest treats.

1. Masquerading a Mutt On a dark, scary night, dogs are great trick-or-treat companions — and of course, you and your pet will need to coordinate your wardrobes.

Doggie pirates and angels are very big this year, according to BuyCostumes.com, one of many costume companies devoting greater efforts this year to critter costumes. Other hot pet costumes: Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Superman and Zorro.