Dark Shadows - Fan Favorites

How the makers of the new "Dark Shadows - Fan Favorites" DVD decided on what nine episodes to include is anyone's guess. Yet these brief glimpses into the gothic soap opera gives casual fans the chance to see what all the hype is about.

Of course it's obvious the underlying reason for this DVD release: the anticipated remake of "Dark Shadows" is on the horizon. Be that as it may, these 20-minute episodes are a trip back to nostalgic times where serial actors flubbed lines and looked at cue cards. "Dark Shadows" is no exception. Many of these episodes have visible camera and microphone shadows that would make Ed Wood proud.

Episode 212 is the highlight of this "fan favorites" release, where vampire Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid) makes one of his very first appearances. Frid's sensitive portrayal of the tortured vampire is seen here, as well as in episodes 370 and 699 on this 3 � hour running-time disc. Many of the earlier shows from 1967 and 1969 are filmed in black-and white, giving the gothic serial the atmosphere it needed. "Dark Shadows" latter episodes, such as 1065 and 1102, are from 1970 and feature vivid colors which distract the viewer. These shows take place in the parallel universe of 1995 and are the only story arc featured on the DVD.

In no way are these episodes re-mastered or transferred from videotapes. Each features an introduction from character Maggie Evans herself, actress Kathryn Leigh Scott.

"Dark Shadows - Fan Favorites"
DVD
$13.99
www.mpihomevideo.com