BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
BroadcastChic
Excellent, a Must See
Stellead
Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful
objim7-608-757815
I was very disappointed with the Dark Shadows Revival. I hoped that it would be something completely new that would take up where the original Dark Shadows left off. Instead, it was a combination of a remake of the movie 'House of Dark Shadows' and a remake of the second season of the original series. I don't think it's any wonder that it only lasted one season.However, it did have good casting. Ben Cross was a good choice for the role of Barnabas Collins. He filled Jonathan Frid's shoes very well. Also, Barbara Steele was a good choice for the role of Dr. Julia Hoffman. She had the right personality for it. She also had the beauty that Grayson Hall lacked. She also was a good choice for the role of Countess Du Pres, Josette's aunt. Joanna Going was perfect for the role of Victoria Winters and Josette Du Pres. She's a very beautiful girl as well as talented.
oliviu2009
This is quite a treat! I can say without any restraints that this is my favourite all time movie, a superb Gothic mystery, exceptionally cast, realistic, in a word - almost perfect! I say almost, because the 6th episode has some flaws, but I can get over them, especially because the rest of the episodes ARE perfect! Suspense, mystery, beauty, atmosphere, landscapes, the actors, the story - all superb! Look at the tortured, violent and repulsive Barnabas Collins, superb played by Ben Cross! It is a realistic vampire! Look at the beautiful and fragile Vicky, played by the superb Joanna Going! She plays her part as she is a victorian young lady! This is the film for everyone who grew up reading Poe, Lovecraft, Le Fanu, Bram Stoker! Also I recommend House Of Dark Shadows, which is quite good, but the actors have no chemistry... But you can get over if you will see it like a Dark Shadows parallel adventure. And of course - you must see Subspecies. More violent, less beautiful, but equally good! Enjoy!
fitpro5
I disagree with the poster above. I thought this revival was a wonderfully imaginative and compelling show. Quite familiar with the original series, I was a bit skeptical when this premiered as to what could they do and how they would update. This revival takes the original story of Barnabas Collins and company which took a year of the daytime show and compacts it into 12 episodes. I have also read the "Dark Shadows Companion" book that they put out when this show originally aired and they were basically using the first season as a springboard to get into different stories. What I liked about this version is that they took the familiar story but added twists and turns not in the original to keep it fresh. Both purists of the original show and new fans will find this very faithful, right down to the creepy original music that Bob Cobert used on the daytime show. I gave the VHS set to a young friend of mine awhile ago and he immediately was captivated as well and he became interested in the original series, which is quite easy to get on DVD. The casting was remarkable because each actor put a great new spin on the material. I also liked the fact that they rolled in other plots from the daytime show to fit into the main plot of Barnabas, Victoria and Dr. Hoffman. I never thought they could replicate what everyone liked about the original series but they managed to do it. This is a great treat for new and old fans alike and a must for any serious collector. My only quibble with the DVD is that there are no extras and that they did not restore the original print, using what looks like an inferior transfer copy from VHS. Not to be missed for the standout performances of Ben Cross, Jim Fife, Joanna Going, Jean Simmons and Barbara Steele.
Niels Solberg
DARK SHADOWS is a definite "must" for any horror fans to view. I enjoyed every episode and looked forward to each one. The cast is filled with excellent performances, especially from Barbara Steele and Ben Cross. I never did see the old series, but can only say that according to my taste this was really enjoyable horror made with much style. It does not happen very often nowadays that there are given so much attention to style over gore. DARK SHADOWS has a definite "old fashion" look and some would perhaps think this outdated. I realized watching this TV-series that I was pulled into the story line and the characters as each actors pulled off the story with much believability. Vampires, demons, ghosts....they are all here....each driven by the love and passion that made them what they became. That I liked very much about this series. The set designs and customs are very detailed and atmospheric,excellent lighting. If you see all the episodes in one day, there will be definite repeats in sounds effects, dark shadows and thunder/lightning, but this is so typical of the horror genre. Too bad the series did not continue. In my view...and I have seen thousands of horror films, old and new, this is a definite 8 out of 10 stars in my book.
