Review(s): DVD Dark Shadows The Revival - The Complete Series
Antidote for Sitcom Overdose
This is a remake that's much better than the original. And a definite antidote for sitcom overdose. Having given up on network television many years ago, I am now finding myself renting the DVDs of old television series. One of my favorites being Highlander. I recalled watching a few episodes of Dark Shadows: The Revival during my graduate school days, back in 1991. I decided to rent the set and watch all twelve episodes.
Dark Shadows basically revolve around the lives of the Collins family. They are an old, wealthy family. Many of their generations have lived at the great estate, Collinwood. The story begins with the accidental release of the immortal vampire, Barnabas Collins. Soon after, Barnabas cleverly works his way back into the family circle, claiming to be his only remaining descendant, with the same name and uncanny appearance. To further complicate matters, other strangers arrive at the quiet little town. The most important new resident of Collinwood, next to Barnabas, is Ms. Victoria Winters. A few episodes later, a very powerful evil being from the past awakens and puts the future of everyone at Collinwood in danger
Are you bored with sitcoms? Have you been suffering from an overdose of contemporary television programming? If so, I think you will find this short series to be a delightful experience.
Fairly Good Remake of Original Classic Series
It's a fairly good remake of the original, but the characters seem a little one-dimensional. The portrayal of Barnabas by Ben Cross is a little too cartoonish to be believable, and he sure ain't Jonathan Frid! The other actors are rather wooden in these roles and just don't seem to pull off their characters. Barbara Steele is poorly cast as Dr. Hoffman, who never makes us believe she actually loves Barnabas, as did the incomparable Grayson Hall. The rest of the cast is pretty forgettable, and again, failed to grasp their characters as did the actors in the original series. Jean Simmons as Elizabeth Stoddard is emotionless, Roy Thinnes gives a lackluster portrayal of Roger Collins, Barbara Blackburn does not do the role of Carolyn any justice, nor does Ely Pouget as Maggie Evans. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a fairly likable David, as is Michael T. Weiss as Joe. Lysette Anthony's attempt at Angelique doesn't even register on the scale compared to Lara Parker's! The only real standout is Jim Fyfe who portrays Willy. Basically while very well done production-wise, die-hard fans of Dark Shadows will find the revival series worth a look, but will always embrace the original series as the masterpiece it was and still is. Basically I would consider the reival series "above-average" in quality, content, etc. But again, die-hard fans fueled by childhood memories of the original Dark Shadows TV series will not find the revival series to live up to their expectations. The expensive production quality of the revival series just doesn't have the same sinister feel of the original raw 1960s production. Oddly, the extremely low-budget videotaped original series has an unusually disturbing realistic quality about it, which is what makes it still work even 40 years later.
Creepy and Dark - In an Innocent Way.....
Dark Shadows "The Revival" is a fun and entertaining series on withchcraft and Vampires. The Direction and Acting is great, and has the kind of innocence that is missing in films today. Each of the series "PULLS" you into needing to watch the next series - and the whole series has an ending that doesn't leave you hanging.
It is too bad the Dark Shadows series didn't continue - and I will be looking into the work of both the Director and the actors to find more of their work!
MUST SEE if you are a fan of horror movies, witchcraft, or vampires.
Related DVD's Dark Shadows The Revival - The Complete Series
Lots of weird goings on at Collinwood! Willie is a writer, Carolyn married to him-- Nancy Barrett really turns it out for her portrayal of bitter, cynical, alcoholic Carolyn Loomis. These episodes allow many DS cast members to show their talents. Jonathan Frid is much missed during a portion of the story, but it is forgiveable since he was busy filming HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS at the time. Grayson Hall is wonderful as evil housekeeper Hoffman with a Danversesque loyalty to Angelique...Lara Parker is SO evil......as she draws her twin sister to her sarcophagus to draw the life out of her and live again.....I have the whole series so far, but even if you only get one volume, this should be the one to buy..... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Joan Bennett DVD Release Date: 22 November 2005
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