House of Dark Shadows (1970)

Coming soon to DVD

I read recently on a Dark Shadows convention website that the 2 Dark Shadows films will soon be released on a double DVD, both restored!

Dark Shadows is one of the best TV shows ever(IMOHO). Dan Curtis made a HUUUUGE mistake in the 'House of Dark Shadows' movie by killing off nearly the entire Collins clan. i think that maybe he was tired of it all, and had no idea of the cult-like following that would develop around this series.

Too bad. June 4, 2008

House of Dark Shadows

It's 2008 and this movie has yet to be put out on DVD. It's been on my wish list for 10 years. When is this great movie going be on DVD. Enough is enough. It's time for this movie to be put out on DVD. Did I mention that this movie should be on DVD. April 2, 2008

House of Dark Shadows

I only just received this in the past week but is was so very much worth the wait. I am thrilled with the quality and clarity of this video. The tracking is excellent, the picture quality is clear and vivid. I am pleased beyond words. January 10, 2007

Still in love with the House of Dark Shadows

This is one of my favorite movies of all times... I loved the Original TV series and even the revival... but this version of DS is still my favorite one, it has more gore, and is Darker than the series, and Barnabas seems to be a little different. House of Dark Shadows is one of my dearest memories, not to mention that I have the opportunity to meet Jonathan Frid, I was so hooked to it that almost every night I went to bed, I had nice dreams around the story, hahaha. That's why I fell in love at the first sight. I wonder why it is not available on DVD yet? Please soon release a DVD full of extras... for the love of God November 15, 2006

Barnabas Collins Has Risen

House of Dark Shadows was made just as the televised soap opera version was coming to an end on television. The film did exceptionally well despite the fact that the soap opera's audience was beginning to drop off.

The film, in effect, retold the opening passages of the first season scripts. It's the first story and the best - the unleashing of 200 year old Barnabas Collins from the family tomb into the present day life at Collingswood.

Dark Shadows is primarily remembered because of Barnabas Collins- and more importantly because of Jonathan Frid's portrayal of him. He mesmerized with this feeling he gave of what this `creature' was feeling, reawakening to present day, to a new generation of the family, and to the self loathing and lust he felt for what he was: a vampire. None of that has ever been an easy feat to perform in films like these and for my money, if anyone really pulled out the stops and played it well, it was Jonathan Frid. His theatre roots must have helped but he's a treat to watch in this part. What's important to note here is that the film and Frid's version is much darker than the portrayal on television. It's more sinister and violent and I think it may be another reason why the film did well. There were so many restrictions to what could be said, seen and shown on daytime television in those days that it's a marvel that Dark Shadows ever got on the air- let alone stayed there for its 5 year run. It's a tribute to the writers, the cast and Dan Curtis that it did. I think a great many of us watched this and said " they finally got to do it with style ".

I can't say whether the younger generation will take to this (it's been ripped off so many times by other writers, television and film makers- and redone poorly, they may feel like they're seeing something that's second hand) but trust me- if you looking for a good old fashioned vampire tale that has a story, has a really good central character with good supporting ones, and takes its time and then lets it rip, House of Dark Shadows is a good treat.

Special note: Dan Curtis went on to make and direct the Kolchak Night Stalker and Night Strangler telefilms as well as Richard Matheson's Trilogy of Terror. He had a real knack for making nicely made, atmospheric nightmares that have inspired those of us who watch and write. This was his first big budget directorial debut and he showed a really good sense of visual story telling (along with Sam Hall who was also a mainstay on the original soap series), of mood and atmosphere (all huge in creating the reality of Collingswood). Robert Cobert's music always helped to set the mood and does so once again, here.

" Tell them it's Barnabas Collins calling ".
August 15, 2006

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