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Hi: I am Mason Bolton from Sincere Product Reviews. I have been writing product reviews and toying about in Internet Marketing for some time now. You can find links to my review site and to my FB page at the bottom of this review.
I am happy to review for you one of the most beloved series in television history - Dark Shadows - in all of its incarnations. This is easily my favorite series of all time - and I'm not the only person who feels that way. To understand why fans rave about Dark Shadows the way that they do, is also to realize that these fans have stayed with the series for some fifty years - since they were little children - in fact. On this page, I'll be your guide as we try to help you understand the appeal of the series, and what makes fans go for it the way that they do. Whatever Dark Shadows had then - it still has it - believe me. Of course, really to appreciate the magic - you must give yourself over to it by watching these videos while opening yourself to the experience. The first step though, is to find you something to watch...
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Dark Shadows - The Beginnings Collection
Synopsis:
Beautiful episodes, if you keep your eyes on the family relationships.
- Victoria Winters (Alexandra Moltke) arrives at Collinwood and finds a home.
- Laura Collins arrives amidst suspicious circumstances and endanger young David Collins.
- A secret between Roger Collins and painter Sam Evans is tearing the Collins family apart.
These episodes do not include Barnabas Collins who did not appear until Episode #210 of the show. The thing to look for in these episodes is the assimilation of Victoria Winters into the family at Collinwood. "Vickie" is an orphan in need of a family so once she gets into the house as the new governess to young David Collins (played brilliantly by David Henessy) she fights very hard to establish her place with the family, and to win the approval of those who are opposed to having a stranger around (like Elizabeth's brother Roger Collins). Watching the relationship blossom between Vickie Winters and Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (the family matriarch) is a beautiful thing if you are the romantic that I am. Vickie quickly comes to love the Collins boy (David) and refuses to abandon him, despite all the spooky doings that occur all around her. You want to carefully watch the family relationships develop and not get too sidetracked by all the sinister business that seems to be a part of life at Collinwood. Keep your eye on the love - and just go with it.
* There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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Dark Shadows - Collection 1 thru Collection 4
Synopsis:
A vampire is among us - and he means business!
- Barnabas Collins arrives at Collinwood and embarks on a reign of terror.
- Willie Loomis becomes Barnabas Collins Slave
- Jason MGuire arrives to blackmail Elizabeth or he will expose her secret.
- Dr. Julia Hoffman makes Barnabas a curious offer.
Willie Loomis, searching for jewels in an old coffin, releases the vampire Barnabas Collins from his grave and pays for his greed by becoming Barnabas Collins slave. The loathsome and despicable Jason McGuire launches a vicious blackmail scheme against Elizabeth Stoddard in a well paced subplot that reaches its height (though not its conclusion) with an astonishing admission from the tortured matriarch of the Collins clan.
Barnabas kidnaps Maggie Evans (Kathryn Lee Scott) to play her part in his diabolical fantasy. He plans to brainwash her into becoming his long-lost love Josette Dupres (also played by Scott). Whispers of terror mount in Collinsport that the town is under attack by a man monster who takes victims blood - though god only knows what the maniac does with it all. The sherrif (Dana Elcar) is determined to find out.
Dr. Julia Hoffman makes Barnabas an offer that he simply cannot refuse.
* There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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Dark Shadows - Collection 5 thru Collection 8
Synopsis:
Victoria Winters goes back to 1795 - where a great TV experience awaits you!
- Introducing Angelique - a powerful witch who plagues the Collins family past and present.
- Thayer David's marvelous portrayal of the conflicted Ben Stokes who becomes Barnabas' only true friend.
- The entire back story detailing how Barnabas Collins became a vampire.
The episodes in this collection takes Victoria Winters - and you - on an express delivery direct to 1795, where we find ourselves in introduction to the Collins family living in residence at the time. You will meet some very colorful characters in this time era, such as the heretical Reverend Trask (Jerry Lacy) and the selfishly evil Nathan Forbes played with a smart wit by Joel Crouthers (who also plays Joe Haskell in the modern Collinwood era).
Naturally there is plenty of mayhem as we encounter Angelique, a witch of the dangerously possessive type who loves Barnabas with an unshakable fanaticism. Once she discovers that they are not to be lovers - well - let's just say that things get ugly. Angelique curses Barnabas, and from here you are hooked. You'll sit mesmerized as you discover along with Barnabas Collins that he has made a hideous transformation.
If you want more human type drama though, there is no shortage of this. There is the relationship between Barnabas and his beloved Josette Dupres (Kathryn Lee Scott), a love affair between Jeremiah Collins and Josette caused by the witch Angelique, and do be sure to keep an eye on the warm relationship that develops between Ben Stokes and the vampire Barnabas Collins.
Thayer David is marvelous as the conflicted Ben Stokes, who is torn by his own keen sense of decency, and his loyalty to his friend - even if his friend should happen to be a blood sucking fiend. If you need someone to hate - just keep your eyes glued to Lara Parker's delivery of the witch - Angelique. Don't expect to have a love/hate relationship with her though. Hate is just about all that she leaves us room for - but just remember it is all in fun, and you will soon look forward to her schemes.
* There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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Dark Shadows - Collection 9 thru Collection 13
Synopsis:
How to cure a vampire in one easy step...
- Julia and Barnabas take steps to cure Barnabas of his Vampirism forever.
- Sam Evans (David Ford) is struck down and may die.
- Adam, the man-child is born.
Barnabas Collins and Julia Hoffman move past being simply allies to close friendship, and together they undertake to perform an experiment that promises to cure Barnabas of his vampirism. The experiment partially succeeds - but results in the creation of a terrifying creature.
Robert Rodan offers a moving (and sinister) portrayal of the homicidal man-child, Adam. The twists and turns that occur as Adam discovers himself are not to be missed. The writers demonstrated great restraint as they carefully unveiled the character Adam - to keep you guessing all the way. This is not entirely just some "Frankenstein" rip-off. While it does borrow heavily from Mary Shelley's fabled legend, there is an original real depth and complexity here - and even a bit of room for compassion for the poor creature, if you don't mind stepping over a body or two to offer him some comfort.
As for Sam Evans, he is struck down by Adam and lies fighting for his life. We are well aware that if he dies, the weight of the loss would fall squarely onto the lovely shouders of his daughter Maggie Evans (credibly portrayed by Kathryn Lee Scott). She is a nice kid, and we hope to spare her this, if we can - but we all seem to be as helpless as she is.
Meantime, a lightening fast and vicious animal attack leaves a resident of Collinsport torn to pieces and portends the appearance of a powerful and dangerous adversary...
There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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Dark Shadows - Collection 14 thru Collection 19
Synopsis:
Witches and Vampires and Werewolves, oh my!
- Barnabas uses Chinese I-Ching sticks to travel back to 1897.
- Count Petofi arrives at Collinwood in 1897.
- Magda the Gypsy casts a horrifying spell.
- The Leviathans Arrive.
Even though we are back in 1897, these episodes actually usher in a new era for Dark Shadows, as some of the most enduring (or is that endearing?) characters begin to surface on the show. Most of the people we knew are all gone - not having been born as yet.
Naturally the actors who played these characters have transitioned into appropriate roles back in 1897 - so you won't be losing them altogether. Of course Angelique is present - and Humbert Allen Astredo (remember him?) even returns to wreak more havoc as the powerful warlock Nicholas Blair.
We first meet Quentin Collins (David Selby) in 1897. We learn the story of how he came under the werewolf's curse. We also meet the mysterious Count Petofi who seems to be missing a hand. If ever you come across it - run like hell. Monsters proliferate as vampires, werewolves, witches and sorcerers seem to come right out of the woodwork - but what fun it is to be along for the ride.
Barnabas is again a vampire - and Julia uses the I-Ching ritual to travel back in time in an attempt to help him. Deaths are plotted, lovers are spurned and people are eaten amidst the usual chaos - until a surprise arises that is far from casual. The Leviathans arrive...
There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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Dark Shadows - Collection 20 thru Collection 26
Synopsis:
What is a Leviathan? You don't know? Shame on you!
- Barnabas Collins (again a vampire) travels into "Parallel Time" to escape the curse.
- The last memorable villain - the ghost of Gerard Stiles menaces the Collins clan.
- Maggie Evans is attacked by a vampire and it's NOT Barnabas.
- Barnabas and Julia try to save Collinwood from impending destruction.
These episodes transition the show toward the final episodes, but dark shadows - as you may know - is a story still in the telling, and hardly ended with these episodes. In a moment, we will explore other options for you diehard fans to get more DS, but first lets summarize this last collection.
The tale of the alien race Leviathan unfolds. Their intentions are not good - and we have our heroes - Barnabas and Julia - up to their vampire bitten necks trying to deal with them. The hunt is on for the vampire who attacked Maggie Evans. The creature is eventually identified and Barnabas has the untidy task to deal with the brute. Barnabas and Julia travel to Parallel time and find Collinwood in ruins. They embark on an adventure to prevent the fall of Collinwood. The ghost of Gerard Stiles returns us to familiar faces and places to give the nostalgic viewer a taste of the orignal series before it got lost in time.
There are 4 videos in EACH collection, approximately 40 videos per collection.
Purchase these videos at Amazon right now! Just pick a link and click to see more.
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You will get a bang of these collections if you love the show at all. ALL of these episodes are can't miss TV - and each episode will reward you with a powerful urge to see the next one. These shows bring back all the excitement and magic of the series I watched as a boy - and I just keep watching them - finishing the lot - and watching them again. I just host my own DS marathon and it's a blast every time I do it. These episodes never grow old - and you will never tire of watching them. Now, let's have a look at what else the world of Dark Shadows has to offer...
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In 1991 the popularity of Dark Shadows was still soaring as evidenced by the constant demand for more DS merchandise, the throngs of crazed fans attending the DS conventions and the demand for video of the original series. These signs of vitality prompted Dan Curtis to give the modern audience a chance to see this unparalleled television event while long time fans like myself were treated to an updated version of the series.
The Dark Shadows Revival series lasted only one year, for a total of 12 episodes. My own feeling is that the new series might have been more imaginative, instead of just retelling the stories from the original series. Also, the family relationships (such as that between Victoria Winters and Elizabeth Collins Stoddard) were all torn out as the vampire Barnabas Collins (in a powerful performance by Ben Cross) took center stage. For me, this weakened the revival series which was well cast, well acted and which did manage to capture the mood of the original series - as hard as that might be to imagine.
Despite my minor complaints, this was a fantastic revival series. Some folks at amazon say they liked it better than the original. I can't go that far, but I did watch every one of the 12 episodes and was disappointed that the series did not continue. I also bought the DVD and have watched it through several times as well. Every time through, I miss that thirteenth episode - desperately wishing that there was more.
You can't compare this series to the original except in the obvious ways. The stories may not differ from those in the original series but they are not told the same way. Every episode is one hour long (as opposed to the original 1/2 hour) - so if you have not seen these uniquely crafted stories then you are in for a treat. There are at least 12 great one hour episodes of Dark Shadows that you have yet to see - and these episodes are "must see TV" every bit as much as the original series. The faces are changed, but this is still Dark Shadows, no doubt about that; no doubt at all.
The bottom line is this: you want to buy this video series even if you saw it back in 1991. Like the original series, it sticks to you. After that 12th episode, you WILL be wanting more. It's like watching a great 12 hour horror movie event! Get in on the fun - and bring your DS collection up to date with this collection of thirteen well told tales from the world of Dark Shadows. I can't believe you will be disappointed.
There are 12 episodes on 3 CDs in this collection.
Click the link below to buy The Dark Shadows Revival (1991) at Amazon right now!
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House of Dark Shadows
House of Dark Shadows is one of the best old-fashioned vampire movies you will ever experience. There are buckets of blood yes, but a vampire movie without blood is like a hot dog without the Frankfurter - I mean - what's the point? If you've got the stomach and the nerve - a great movie experience awaits you, with all of your DS favorites on board - and with Jonathan Frid leading the cast as Barnabas Collins. Don't miss it! Use this link to order. (Link to House of Dark Shadows at Amazon)
Night of Dark Shadows
If you like a creepy, good old-fashioned ghost tale, you have come to the right place. Night of Dark Shadows is to ghost stories exactly what House of Dark Shadows is to vampire tales. It sets the familiar DS mood and crafts a ghost tale within this environment that will scare your pants off. Again, the familiar faces from Dark Shadows serial are present - though in different roles for this movie. David Selby (Quentin Collins) leads the cast and Barnabas Collins is not present at all. Don't let that deter you though. Night of Dark Shadows is one of the best spook stories you have never seen. Give it a try! (Link to Night of Dark Shadows at Amazon)
Dark Shadows 2012
I tried three times to watch this movie before I finally decided to stop pouting about the changes that director Tim Burton made to my beloved show and decided to take it for what it really is - that is a brand new take on Dark Shadows. I did this once before when Michael Keaton was chosen to play Batman - but that all worked out just fine. So it is with this movie. There is nothing whatsoever wrong with this movie if judged on its own merits. It's dark humor. It is a new take on an old formula. Once I got past that hurdle - I enjoyed this movie immensely. Barnabas Collins spurns the witch Angelique and is cursed to be a vampire. Barnabas is roused 200 years later and begins trying to relate to his surroundings. A lot has changed in two hundred years - and this is the point of view from which the new Dark Shadows tale is told. Depp is naturally great - and is surrounded by a wonderfully colorful supporting cast. In the world of Dark Shadows anything goes - and that certainly applies to this movie. Directed by Tim Burton, Dark Shadows 2012 has it's very own story to tell, and it is a fine entry into the DS canon. Don't miss it! (Link to Dark Shadows (2012) )
Cast of Dark Shadows (2012)
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DARK SHADOWS MERCHANDISE
If you are like many Dark Shadows fans, you are always looking for the next experience that DS has to offer. Fortunately, that is plenty more than you probably imagine and - get this - you can buy it all at amazon! Amazon has a VERY impressive collection of new Dark Shadows stories in the form of comic books, novela, audio plays and even board games as illustrated above. These are NEW stories, given voice by the original DS stars to keep the mood, so while you might have thought that Dark Shadows was dead - it has grown like weeds all around you. To see a list of what's available, use this link to make your search. Peruse the many pages of DS merchandise that will appear. Be Patient; there is some really good stuff here. For each item that catches your eye, ADD THESE ITEMS TO YOUR WISH LIST at amazon. Over time, you will have collected many items from this search link and this simple operation will help you to avoid working from the beginning of the list each time that you want to buy one of these marvelous treasures. Click the link now...
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Money Saving Tip:
As you can see, for there is plenty out there to satisfy even the most rabid Dark Shadows fan. You see now what you have missed - and for any Dark Shadows fan - that's a lot! If you check the price at amazon, you will find most collections priced between $20 and $25 dollars - but I don't pay more than $15 per collection - so why should you? To get these savings, just be sure to check the "New From" and the "Used From" listings right there on the Amazon site to look for a better price. I get the high quality, shrink wrapped videos in the case with any appropriate bonuses included, items ship quickly, and I save up to ten bucks!
I truly expect that you will enjoy these Dark Shadows videos, books and tapes, because I certainly have. If you appreciate my pulling all of this together, and you won't think me to too much the capitalist, I will ask that you please place your order using these links - because I do receive a small percentage for my trouble. You can bookmark this page and return to it when you need something new from the world of Dark Shadows.
Happy Shopping!
Sincere
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