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Editorial Reviews
Passions run red in this timeless horror soap opera about a beautiful governess, Victoria Winters (Joanna Going), who arrives at the isolated, coastal mansion of Collinwood to tutor a disturbed child for an accursed family. When she falls in love with Barnabas Collins (Ben Cross), a handsome and mysterious heir from England, a series of horrific and inexplicable attacks grips the town of Collinsport. Step inside the romantic but deadly world of DARK SHADOWS where love devours its victims and age-old secrets live to haunt eternity. These twelve heart-pounding episodes of witchcraft, seduction and revenge will have you thirsting for more... with every bite.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
188 of 197 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
With all due respect to Mr. Pregosin, I'd say that the revival series is definitely worth watching, and some fans, including myself, even prefer it to the original. I couldn't be more thrilled that it's finally being released on DVD!
I was 18 when the 1991 series began, and about 20 minutes into the 2-hour premiere episode, I was hooked. I recorded each episode, cut out every article and review I found in local newspapers, and started reading up on the original series. And when it looked like the 1991 version was near cancellation, I (as well as many others) sent letters to NBC asking for its renewal. Unfortunately, the letter writing campaign was unsuccessful, and the show was laid to rest far too soon.
The early death of the series didn't kill my interest in Dark Shadows however, and I ate up every little morsel of DS:91 memorabilia, such as the Innovation comic books, Jim Pierson's 'Dark Shadows Resurrected' book (which is still available through amazon.com, and would make a nice companion guide for anyone purchasing this DVD set), and various other items.
I've also since gone back and watched the two Dark Shadows theatrical films and many episodes of the 1960s daytime drama. I can easily see why the original version has sustained such a large cult following, and I enjoyed it immensely. However, I still prefer the revival series, which I realize turned off a number of the original fans, because it skipped over so many plot-points and consolidated several characters. In my opinion though, the faster pacing and more succinct storytelling was important in order to properly transition the stories to the once-weekly primetime format.
My mother had watched the original series and has told me how her and her sisters (and friends) would run home from school so they wouldn't miss it. Even she loved the 1991 version (especially Ben Cross).
I'd venture to say that the revival series is the best way for interested new viewers to dip their toes into the Dark Shadows saga, and hopefully they'll emerge with an interest in and appreciation for the original series, too, just as I did.
I was 18 when the 1991 series began, and about 20 minutes into the 2-hour premiere episode, I was hooked. I recorded each episode, cut out every article and review I found in local newspapers, and started reading up on the original series. And when it looked like the 1991 version was near cancellation, I (as well as many others) sent letters to NBC asking for its renewal. Unfortunately, the letter writing campaign was unsuccessful, and the show was laid to rest far too soon.
The early death of the series didn't kill my interest in Dark Shadows however, and I ate up every little morsel of DS:91 memorabilia, such as the Innovation comic books, Jim Pierson's 'Dark Shadows Resurrected' book (which is still available through amazon.com, and would make a nice companion guide for anyone purchasing this DVD set), and various other items.
I've also since gone back and watched the two Dark Shadows theatrical films and many episodes of the 1960s daytime drama. I can easily see why the original version has sustained such a large cult following, and I enjoyed it immensely. However, I still prefer the revival series, which I realize turned off a number of the original fans, because it skipped over so many plot-points and consolidated several characters. In my opinion though, the faster pacing and more succinct storytelling was important in order to properly transition the stories to the once-weekly primetime format.
My mother had watched the original series and has told me how her and her sisters (and friends) would run home from school so they wouldn't miss it. Even she loved the 1991 version (especially Ben Cross).
I'd venture to say that the revival series is the best way for interested new viewers to dip their toes into the Dark Shadows saga, and hopefully they'll emerge with an interest in and appreciation for the original series, too, just as I did.
175 of 186 people found the following review helpful
By E. Hornaday
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Dark Shadows: The Revial Series, a 1991 12-episode primetime remake of the 1966-1971 classic daytime gothic soap opera of the same name, deserves this full DVD release and I applaude MPI for providing it.
Previously available from MPI on video only, it is a great move to provide it on DVD, as loyal Dark Shadows fans of both shows are eager for the release of all Dark Shadows material on DVD, as well as new fans just discovering the haunting original series or this revival.
I grew up on the original when it was in its first run and cherish it to this day, having snapped up every DVD release. I do not love the remake, but I like it, and believe that others, as one reviewer has already stated, may prefer its handling of the material.
Dark Shadows was created by Dan Curtis who also wrote and produced the revival series. Like the original, Curtis selected a stellar cast to bring his show "back to life" but with 1990 sensibilities.
The original cast is among my favorite for ANY TV series including the brilliant Jonathan Frid as the guilt-ridden, 175-year-old Barnabas Collins.
The original show aired more than 220 episodes and was on the verge of cancellation when the character of Barnabas was introduced. Originally written to be a transient villian only, Frid's haunting portrayal of the sensistive and eventually compassionate and all too-human immortal, saved the show and kept Frid busy for the rest of the series.
While Barnabas was one key to the show, another was the ensemble nature of the series, which revolved around the Collins family and friends in the present, past and future. The classic movie actress Joan Bennett brought Elizabeth Collins Stoddard to life, and Louis Edmonds did the same for her character's brother, Roger Collins.
Like the original series, the revival cast a great actor, Ben Cross (best known for his amazing performance in Chariots of Fire), to resurrect Barnabas, and another classic movie and TV actress, Jean Simmons, to portray Elizabeth. Noted soap opera and TV actor Roy Thinnes (star of the cult sensation The Invaders) is Roger in the revivial show.
Focusing on the newly hired governess of Collinwood, (located in Collinsport, Maine) Victoria Winters (portrayed flawlessly in the orginal series by Alexandra Moltke and in a good performance by Joanna Going in the revival), the revival series introduces the main characters through her eyes as well as the mysterious mansion, and the Old House, where Barnabas returns to live.
Ghosts, seances, vampires, witches, love, death, and the meaning of life are only a few of the unusual topics both series explored. Unfortunately, the revival series was put to rest after only 12 episodes. It would have been great to see how the cast explored their roles and if they were ever able to separate themselves from their better-known characters' forerunners.
Like the original series, the secret of Barnabas Collins is unknown to the family, but is fiercely protected by Dr. Julia Hoffman, who finds out he is a creature of the night, then falls hopelessly in love with him. The original series was blessed with the unmatched acting talent of the magnificent Grayson Hall for this pivotal role, while the revival series relied on Barbara Steele to play the unrequited character, and who portrayed the character in a much darker fashion.
Simmons' portrayal has a harder edge and is less sympathetic than the portrayal by Bennett, who brought an unmatched warmth and magnetism to Elizabeth, and for me, Cross overplays his role and is unable to bring the depth of feeling that Frid conveyed, and is therefore much less compelling.
Nonetheless, many of the elements that made Dark Shadows a soap opera classic remain making the revival series well worth revisiting.
Look for Michael T. Weiss who had just left the soap Days of Our Lives to play Joe Haskell. He would later become a cult star in his own right for his lead portrayal in The Pretender. Also look for a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt who reprises the role of David Collins, and would later become a household name as a regular on Third Rock From the Sun.
Now, if MPI would only understand that a huge audience remains for the first 220+ episodes of the original series that aired before Barnabas' chained coffin was discovered that fateful night by Willie Loomis! Let's hope they get the message and finally release those on DVD!
Previously available from MPI on video only, it is a great move to provide it on DVD, as loyal Dark Shadows fans of both shows are eager for the release of all Dark Shadows material on DVD, as well as new fans just discovering the haunting original series or this revival.
I grew up on the original when it was in its first run and cherish it to this day, having snapped up every DVD release. I do not love the remake, but I like it, and believe that others, as one reviewer has already stated, may prefer its handling of the material.
Dark Shadows was created by Dan Curtis who also wrote and produced the revival series. Like the original, Curtis selected a stellar cast to bring his show "back to life" but with 1990 sensibilities.
The original cast is among my favorite for ANY TV series including the brilliant Jonathan Frid as the guilt-ridden, 175-year-old Barnabas Collins.
The original show aired more than 220 episodes and was on the verge of cancellation when the character of Barnabas was introduced. Originally written to be a transient villian only, Frid's haunting portrayal of the sensistive and eventually compassionate and all too-human immortal, saved the show and kept Frid busy for the rest of the series.
While Barnabas was one key to the show, another was the ensemble nature of the series, which revolved around the Collins family and friends in the present, past and future. The classic movie actress Joan Bennett brought Elizabeth Collins Stoddard to life, and Louis Edmonds did the same for her character's brother, Roger Collins.
Like the original series, the revival cast a great actor, Ben Cross (best known for his amazing performance in Chariots of Fire), to resurrect Barnabas, and another classic movie and TV actress, Jean Simmons, to portray Elizabeth. Noted soap opera and TV actor Roy Thinnes (star of the cult sensation The Invaders) is Roger in the revivial show.
Focusing on the newly hired governess of Collinwood, (located in Collinsport, Maine) Victoria Winters (portrayed flawlessly in the orginal series by Alexandra Moltke and in a good performance by Joanna Going in the revival), the revival series introduces the main characters through her eyes as well as the mysterious mansion, and the Old House, where Barnabas returns to live.
Ghosts, seances, vampires, witches, love, death, and the meaning of life are only a few of the unusual topics both series explored. Unfortunately, the revival series was put to rest after only 12 episodes. It would have been great to see how the cast explored their roles and if they were ever able to separate themselves from their better-known characters' forerunners.
Like the original series, the secret of Barnabas Collins is unknown to the family, but is fiercely protected by Dr. Julia Hoffman, who finds out he is a creature of the night, then falls hopelessly in love with him. The original series was blessed with the unmatched acting talent of the magnificent Grayson Hall for this pivotal role, while the revival series relied on Barbara Steele to play the unrequited character, and who portrayed the character in a much darker fashion.
Simmons' portrayal has a harder edge and is less sympathetic than the portrayal by Bennett, who brought an unmatched warmth and magnetism to Elizabeth, and for me, Cross overplays his role and is unable to bring the depth of feeling that Frid conveyed, and is therefore much less compelling.
Nonetheless, many of the elements that made Dark Shadows a soap opera classic remain making the revival series well worth revisiting.
Look for Michael T. Weiss who had just left the soap Days of Our Lives to play Joe Haskell. He would later become a cult star in his own right for his lead portrayal in The Pretender. Also look for a very young Joseph Gordon-Levitt who reprises the role of David Collins, and would later become a household name as a regular on Third Rock From the Sun.
Now, if MPI would only understand that a huge audience remains for the first 220+ episodes of the original series that aired before Barnabas' chained coffin was discovered that fateful night by Willie Loomis! Let's hope they get the message and finally release those on DVD!
102 of 117 people found the following review helpful
By A reviewer
Format:DVD
If you don't like your TV shows cut/edited, you should read further before you buy
[...] the original square 4:3 image will be CROPPED (or matted) to a "fake" widescreen ratio! That means that those buying the DVD set will be seeing LESS image than on the original broadcasts, just like the botched-up first season set of "Kung Fu."
MGM does not deserve our money if they're going to monkey around with a TV show's aspect ratio. This series was NOT shot "widescreen safe": some production personnel on the series have confirmed that the series was shot in 4:3 and was intended ONLY for 4:3 and are NOT happy with MGM's decision to use a cropped widescreen master for the DVD set.
Five stars for the episodes themselves, only one star for this DVD set due to the cropped aspect ratio and lack of extras.
[...] the original square 4:3 image will be CROPPED (or matted) to a "fake" widescreen ratio! That means that those buying the DVD set will be seeing LESS image than on the original broadcasts, just like the botched-up first season set of "Kung Fu."
MGM does not deserve our money if they're going to monkey around with a TV show's aspect ratio. This series was NOT shot "widescreen safe": some production personnel on the series have confirmed that the series was shot in 4:3 and was intended ONLY for 4:3 and are NOT happy with MGM's decision to use a cropped widescreen master for the DVD set.
Five stars for the episodes themselves, only one star for this DVD set due to the cropped aspect ratio and lack of extras.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this to try to remember the story
I got this collection to try to remember the story line from the original. I was just a little girl when it was on tv and my mother wouldn't let me watch it much, as the thought... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Debbie Light Nash
5.0 out of 5 stars
never thought i'd find it, let alone at such a gr8 price.
wonderful remake of the original dark shadows. value priced too. it's true, they forgot to put the blue filter on the 'night scenes' (which were shot in daylite), so the nite... Read more
Published 5 days ago by joemama
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Complete Revival Series Is Incomplete
I have been a Dark Shadows fan since the 1960's and have all the original episodes on DVD, plus I found the Complete Revival Series at a bookstore several years ago and purchased... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Celtic Susan
1.0 out of 5 stars
I bought this for my wife because she is a huge vampire movie fan
We were both terribly disappointed with this item and couldn't even sit through one entire viewing. Don't waste your money even if you were a Dark Shadows fan back in the day.
Published 29 days ago by BrianMac
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this series of Dark Shadows
I love this series of Dark Shadows. My husband and I were watching it on Chiller channel and got hooked. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another classic show!
I loved the show when it was a soap opera many years ago and watched it faithfully everyday. When NBC decided to revive the show, I was thrilled. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Shaun R. Moll
5.0 out of 5 stars
If only the movie was this good!!
I am a big Dark Shadows fan. I used to watch it when I was a little kid. I remember this revival when it came on in the 90's but at the same time we had our first Gulf War so the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Kristopher D. Michaels
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dark Shadows
Hello and thank you for sending for my son Christopher this wonderful series.... it is his birthday gift..... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Prague Castle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it
classic, I love the story line, quality was good I would recommend the new Dark Shadows really awesome with johnny depp
Published 2 months ago by Josh Hittle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fan forever
Even thought this left you hanging at the end it is worth watching if you are from that time period when Dark Shadows was a hot topic. Read more
Published 2 months ago by roupej
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