What always impressed me about 'Night of Dark Shadows' was it's subtlety. 'House of Dark Shadows' was fast, loud and very "in your face." 'Night of Dark Shadows' is quiet in comparison -- the music is lush and softer, and the pace is quite relaxed at times. However, what emerges is an underlying sense of dread which intensifies throughout the course of the film (similar to Dan Curtis' 'Burnt Offerings' from 1976). This makes the shocks and scares even more jarring, and by the end of the film, the audience is left feeling bewitched, bothered and bewildered!

It's also important to mention David Selby, who turns in an excellent performance as Quentin Collins. His moodswings and erratic behavior (sensitive one minute and vicious the next), leave us as confused as Kate Jackson's character is.

Hopefully, both 'Night of Dark Shadows' and 'House of Dark Shadows' will be released on DVD soon, with the additional footage that was removed from the films before their respective theatrical releases. As for now, both films are highly recommended to anyone who enjoyed the series.

In this genre my favorites would be: "The Haunting" (the original); "The Legend of Hell House"; "Burnt Offerings" (starring Karen Black); "Phantasm" (albeit that's from 1978). I supppose the common denominator is that they are all of the haunted house motif. I mention these movies because I thought the "Night of the Dark Shadows" fit in with them quite well. I do agree that the editing was a little rough, but I didn't find it to detract in any major way. The atmosphere, however, was a very seductive and bizarre mix of gothic/mod sexuality and occult mysticism. There wasn't a tremendous amount of explicit violence, but the overall vibe was heavy enough that I didn't want my two year-old daughter in the room while it was playing. The music was effectively corresponding to the developments in the movie--I'd buy the avant-garde soundtrack in a heartbeat. And, I agree that actress Lara Parker was enchanting. I'd like to find that painting of her which so captivated Kate Jackson's husband! The rest of the cast was also excellent; I even overcame my prejudice against Kate Jackson for her later Charlie's Angels contribution as she was sweetness personified in this and very compelling.

Overall, I definitely got the "buzz" I was seeking from this and any "horror" movie. It's true supernatural macabre without any innocent explanations. The feeling of the movie has stayed with me since I watched it 20 hours ago. I will follow the recommendations of others and seek out the "House of the Dark Shadows."

Note to all fans of Barnabas or vampires in general, Jonathan Frid is NO WHERE to be seen here, as he declined to appear in any more Dark Shadows movies due to his being typecast. However, David Selby is back from the show as Quentin and gives a great performance. The beautiful ladies Kate Jackson (Tracy Collins) and Lara Parker (Angelique) are also great here. John Karlen and Nancy Barrett, fan favorites from the show, make appearances as well. Its a great ensemble cast that Dark Shadows fans will love.

It is important to bear in mind though, that Dan Curtis was forced at the last minute by the studio to edit the film from over 2 hours to 90 minutes in just 24 hours' time. Thus the rough cut film may be confusing, as several key scenes were forced out of the movie. However, the film is currently being restored to its original director's cut and will be coming to DVD in a few years. Till then, enjoy the film as it is. Dark Shadows lives on!