Dark Shadows

During the late 1960's, the TV series "Dark Shadows," a Gothic daytime drama, became a runaway smash. Countless baby-boomers eschewed after-school activities, and rushed home to see upon whom vampire Barnabas Collins was putting the bite. Barnabas was a source of fascination for many, including Johnny Depp, who teamed up with director Tim Burton on the this summer's film version.

"Dark Shadows" was Hollywoodized as one would expect: lots of sex, noise and special effects. Depp gives another over-the-top performance as Barnabas. The remaining characters are obnoxious and unsympathetic, broadly played by a superb but wasted cast. Inserted to offset the gore, the humorous touches are heavy-handed. Exaggerated, perverse and mean-spirited, the film is often more disturbing than chilling. However, from a technical standpoint, "Dark Shadows" is a veritable bounty of impressive effects and computer graphics. And the striking visuals are beautifully captured on Warners' new Blu-ray set, which also includes a handsome, DVD version. The picture and sound quality are altogether stunning. The extras are mercifully few, and include "Focus Points" concerning the production, and, for the masochist, additional deleted scenes.

If you are seeking any of the charm and appeal of the original series, don't bother; but if you desire a vehicle with which to display your high-def TV and surround-sound system, pick up this one!

Dark Shadows
Blu-ray / DVD
$35.99
www.warnerblu.com