Dark Shadows News

Dark Shadows DVD Set 24 and other good news!

2006-04-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

This set takes us to the year 1840. The plot thickens with Daphne Harridge, Gabriel Collins, Lamar Trask, Roxanne Drew, Quentin Collins with Barnabas Collins and Desmond Collins to the rescue. Heads will roll when this comes to town.

It is official! MPI has announced plans to beginning releasing Episodes 1-209. The first is due out with set 27 in February 2007 and will conclude in October 2007. We will all get to enjoy the true Victoria Winters in her original black and white glory commencing sometime in February 2007. What joy!

Dark Shadows Appearance

2007-02-18T23:37:00.000-08:00

Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) and Lara Parker (Angelique) will be appearing with writer Scott Alan Woodard to sign the first four Dark Shadows Radio Play CDs - The House of Despair, The Book of Temptation, The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath on February 25 begins at 2.00pm. The event takes place at Dark Delicacies Bookstore located at 4213 W. Burbank Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505.

Dark Shadows DVD Set 26

2006-08-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time for the end or it is the beginning of the end depending on your perspective. This disc contains the last 19 episodes (1227-1245) of the show plus Dark Shadows Tribute, Dark Shadows 25th Anniversary, Dark Shadows Vampires and Ghosts, Dark Shadows Scariest Moments, The Best of Barnabas, The Making of Return to Collinwood, Before the Shadows, A Fan Remembers, Dark Shadows: The Beginning, Beyond the Shadows, Rare rehearsal footage, Promotional spots and trailers, and Behind-the-scenes home movies. This is going to ship on September 26, 2006.

Dark Shadows:The Beginning (Episodes 1-35) are going to be released in January of 2007. Initially, it is only going to be available to Dark Shadows DVD Club members. They are pricing it at $54.98 per set and there will be approximately six of them. There is a buy five get one free. However, it's still cheaper with Amazon.com. I'm waiting closer to it to see how it shakes out with other retail channels. Meanwhile, stay tuned. More news when we get there.

Year of the Book

2006-08-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

You've heard of year of the Ox, year of the Dragon but you haven't heard of Year of the Book. Well, this is going to be the one. Just about everyone is selling a book, plus there will be a new audio CD of new Dark Shadows episodes as well as the Bloopers DVD. Here is the low down on who is coming that we know about and the new books, et al., DVD or audio they are selling at the Fest. Since most everyone that normally attends has these already, I don't mention the pricing on the old stuff.

Guest	Book (s)	Amount, if New
David Selby	Still Selling A Better Place (2005), My Mother's Autumn (2004), In and Out of the Shadows (2005)
Lara Parker	Dark Shadows-The Salem Branch	Approx $13 list price
Nancy Barrett	She will perform her Caberet act. Perhaps, she is selling pre-orders of her new DVD but this is unknown.
John Karlen	I suppose he can’t write or doesn’t want to. We Love him Anyway.	Hugs and Kisses
Jerry Lacy	I suppose he can’t write or doesn’t want to. We Love him Anyway. He’s a hot hoochie daddy in person!	A big, hug and kiss
Kathryn Leigh Scott	Murder in Prime Time (a new murder mystery)	Approx $15
Marie Wallace	Still selling On Stage and in Shadows	Unknown
Diana Millay	Still selling the Power of Halloween and I’d Rather Eat then Act	Unknown
Donna McKechnie	Time Steps (Autobiography)	Approx $25 list price
Betsy Durkin-Matthes	Dressing the Man You Love	Approx. $16 list price
Chris Pennock	Still selling his DS Comic Books	Unknown
Lisa Richards	No book
Conard Fowkes	No book
Stuart Goodman (Camera)	No book but should have a book.
Marilyn Ross (Wife of DS Novelist Dan Ross)	I bet her husband's old DS novels are still available in the dealer room.
Brian Kellow	Author of The Bennetts: An Acting Family (Still Selling)
RJ Jamison	Author of Grayson Hall:A Hard Act to Follow	Approx $20
Craig Hammrick	Still selling Big Lou: the life and career of actor Louis Edmonds (2003) and Barnabas & Co: the Cast of the TV Classic Dark Shadows (2003) (he may be there but not sure.)
Big Finish Productions	Dark Shadows New Audio Dramas (Stuart Mann, Jason Haigh-Ellery, Jim Pierson for Dan Curtis Productions with Darren Gross as Script Editor)	$58 which includes all four episodes with postage
MPI	Dark Shadows Bloopers & Treasures DVD, A 2½-hour collection of bloopers, outtakes, music videos, promos, and vintage game show appearances by the DS actors. There also is a new featurette with actress Lara Parker (Angelique the witch) entitled "Dark Shadows In Salem," where she visits the actual sites of the witch trials and ties-in with her new novel "Dark Shadows - The Salem Branch."	$19.98
	TOTAL MONEY TO BRING	Approx $167 oh my!

Be sure to bring an extra suit case for this Fest to haul it all home!

News about Alexandra Moltke's Documentary

2006-08-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a huge news flash for those that have Direct TV (not sure if LINK TV is on cable or not). Alexandra's Moltke's new documentary, The Healing Gardens of New York, is coming to all coasts starting Friday, August 19 at 9PM PT. To check the times and schedule in your area click this link. Then, you'll want to click on the P, M, C or E which is Pacific, Mountain, Central or Eastern. Voila you know the time in your area, set your VCR/TIVO.

For those of us not in New York, this is a great thing. I'm really glad I had my TIVO search for it!

Dark Shadows Set 25

2006-06-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Set 25 ends the 1840 storyline and segues into 1841PT. It's nearly the end. This set takes us to beware of that parallel time band. Another witchcraft trial again! 1841PT and some romance is stewing and brewing. Possessed and more possession. More Ghosts! Well, you´ll have to buy it to see it!

New Dark Shadows on Audio CD

2006-06-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Big Finish Productions has been granted a license by Dan Curtis Productions, Inc. to make an original full-cast audio drama productions featuring new music and sound effects alongside classic Dark Shadows compositions from Emmy nominated composer Robert Cobert. The cast includes David Selby, John Karlen, Lara Parker and Kathryn Leigh Scott. Additional guest cast members will be announced at later date.

Each CD is going to be 70 minutes in length in a three episode format. There will be cliffhangers so I expect to be addicted and will want the next installment. With a CD changer in the car, there will be no more running home for these gems. Yippee!!!!

The first two stories, The House of Despair and The Book of Temptation will debut at the 40th Anniversary Celebration in Brooklyn on August 25-27, 2006, and will be available on general release from the following week. That means you should bring $30 retail plus tax to the Festival to purchase these little gems. Or, just shell out the entire $50 plus $8 mail and save $10 on the entire run for an advance order. Whatever is a girl to do? Instant gratification or give in to my cheaper nature?

The last two installments, The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath are due out in September 2006. We haven't had many holidays at Collinwood so this is going to be interesting. No spoilers from me on any episode. For that you'll have to poke around other web sites or at www.darkshadowsreborn.com.

The executive cast is Stuart Manning, Scott Handcock and Scott Alan Woodard writers, Gary Russell director, Stuart Manning and Jason Haigh-Ellery producers, Darren Gross script editor, Joseph Fox, sound design and post production and Jim Pierson executive producer.

www.darkshadowsreborn.com is the project's official website. If you aren't able to go to the festival and/or want to pre-order, the 411 is there.

With huge hugs to Stuart Manning for the press release and photo which is used with permission.

Alexandra Moltke's New Documentary

2006-05-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

It would appear that Alexandra Moltke Isles was awarded a grant by the New York State Council on the Arts and created a new documentary, The Healing Gardens of New York. It is going to be playing at the Pioneer Theatre located at 155 East 3rd Street, New York, NY 10009 on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available on-line at Pioneer Theater or by calling (800) 595-4849 for tickets and (212) 591-0434 for other information.

There is supposed to be a reception afterwards at the 6B Garden in the East Side (Manhattan that is) and the theater's web-site mentions this is a meet and greet with the filmmaker. Now it does not specifically say she will be there. It says "Every Tuesday at 7pm features special guests presenting their film, and is followed by a beer and pizza reception for ticket holders. Except for this one - no beer at the beautiful 6B garden where we'll host our reception." Thus, she may not really be there. It could be other people would be there.

Once again, New Yorkers are lucky ducks. It's supposed to be on PBS this summer. But, I have a feeling only New York is going to get it. I have not been able to unearth any 411 on that yet.

If any New Yorker can get it, please record for me!!!!

Dan Curtis Has Died at Age 78

2006-03-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dan Curtis died today at age 78 from cancer of the brain. He passed away this morning at 6:15 am at his home in Brentwood, California. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2006 at Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Boulevard, Mission Hills, California (818) 361-7161. The time is unknown. He is survived by two daughters Cathy and Tracy. Curtis' wife Norma, passed away on March 7, 2006 from heart failure. Thus, it is no surprise to this author that he passed on.

Dan Curtis left a legacy of many fine TV movies that challenged us, moved us and scared us out of our wits: Winds of War, War and Remembrance, Trilogy of Terror, Dracula, The Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, Saving Millie, Last Ride of the Dalton Gang, The Love Letter, The Turn of the Screw and many others. There are 33 in all. And then there is the our beloved Dark Shadows, soap opera, movies, night time Revival and would be new show for a new generation. The show we lost our breath running home from school to catch before the age of the VCR and TIVO. A show that lives in our cultural conscience.

He was honored by the TV Industry with a Night Time Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries for War and Remembrance (an honor he shared with Barbara Steele (Julia Hoffman, 1991 Revival)), DGA Directing Award for War and Remembrance and many others.

He will be missed by his family and loved ones.

DVD Verdict Review - Dark Shadows The Revival: The Complete Series

2006-03-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

DVD Verdict Review - Dark Shadows The Revival: The Complete Series Judge Brett Cullum offers an interesting review of the 1991 Revival Series. His gripes are the same as mine about the quality of the DVD. However, he does love this series as do I. I just wish we could have had a better DVD set.

This Just In - Movie Restoration

2006-02-21T22:29:00.000-08:00

Darren Gross, film historian, confirms Warner Brother's announcement that House of Dark Shadows and Night of Dark Shadows are going to be released on DVD sometime in 2007 as a double feature DVD. I share Darren's concern of short changing the films. You can read his take on the situation at the Dark Shadows Movie Restoration Site

I am in dire need of having EVERY shirtless David Selby scene restored in it's full glory. And, naturally commentary on EVERY shirtless David Selby scene. Hopefully, they may even dig up a shower scene or two which would also have to be fully restored with lots of commentary.

Dark Shadows Festival News

2006-01-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Dark Shadows Festival is set for August 25-27, 2006 at the Brooklyn Marriott located at the Brooklyn Bridge across from the court house on 333 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York. A special, reduced DS sleeping room rate of $153 + tax per night(single-double occupancy) is yours for the taking by making reservations on line or by phone. The hotel provides the following information.

On line: Go to their website - Brooklyn Marriott Dot Com and follow these instructions:

On the opening Home Page you will see an information box titled; Check Rates & Availability.

- Enter arrival/departure information, and number of occupants staying in the room.
- Just below you'll see a section for; Optional Information.
- There is where you can enter your Marriott Rewards Number…and if you do not have one, please let them know so they can sign you up to start earning points or miles for every dollar that you spend with Marriott.
- Just below that is an area for your Group Code.

Please enter the following 7-character code: DARDARA- Then follow all other prompts and instructions.

By phone:You may call the Brooklyn Marriott directly on the phone to make reservations at toll-free number (888)-436-3759. Ask to be connected with the reservations department.

Have a credit card and Marriott Rewards Number in hand… and if you do not have one, let Marriott know so they can sign you up to start earning points or miles for every dollar that you spend with Marriott.

- Let the reservations person assisting you know that you would like to make a reservation for a group block, and give them the following information:
- Arrival/Departure information.
- Group Name: DARK SHADOWS
- Then answer all other questions pertaining to personal information.

Don't forget to thank Barnabas and his able body staff.

DVD Set 23 Due March 28, 2006

2006-01-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

DVD Set 23 is Due out on March 28, 2006

Join the 1970 cast of characters as they put the suds on Collinwood. What trouble could one tiny ghost bring? Where does that stair case go? These and other trials are yours to discover.

Lara Parker's Book Is Going to Be Released July 1

2005-12-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

The Salem Branch, Lara Parker's new book is set for release on July 1, 2006. Further information about the book, cover art, etc. can be found at Lara's Official Site.

Party Pictures 10/25/05 - Alexandra Moltke Isles in Photo

2005-12-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Alexandra Isles still gets around New York social circles... These were pictures taken on 10/25/05 at Dominick Dunne's birthday bash. Our Alexandra has hardly aged at all and just about looks like she did in the original show. You'll have to scroll down the page a lot or use your find (Cntl+F) in the browser and search for Alexandra Isles.

Call of Cthulhu

2005-12-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

We saw it in Dark Shadows and now HP Lovecraft's story Call of Cthulhu is a game for your XBox or your Windows PC. Looks really interesting. Wish Jonathan Frid had done some of the voice overs. He is really creepy as possessed Leviathan. There has just not been any other real news to report.

DVD Set 21 and 22

2005-11-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

Dark Shadows DVD Set 21 will be released on November 22, 2005. This set takes us to 1970 PT. Roxanne Drew is introduced. Julie the house frau? What thrills and spills befall Collinwood?

Dark Shadows DVD Set 22 will be released on January 31, 2006. The interior decorators come to Collinwood in 1995. One does wonder what new home improvements are in store for Collinwood. Think they could come to my house?

By taking the links, you help support the cost of this site without any additional costs to you.

Jim Storm on Stage

2005-11-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

James Storm (Gerard Stiles) appears as "Baylor" in "A Lie of the Mind" by Sam Shepard at the Athena Theatre. The performances are Thursday to Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20. It opened October 27 and runs through November 20, 2005. The Athena Theatre is located at 6472 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood, California, Telephone (818) 754-1423.

'Tis Better Late then Never

2005-11-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

I just took this picture not too long ago. What fun it was too!

Paula Laurence dead at 89

2005-11-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Paula Laurence (Hannah Stokes(PT) 1970PT) died on October 29, 2005. She had a recent brief decline in health after breaking her hip. She died with no next of kin. There will be a mass at St. Malachy's Church in New York on November 10, 2005. Those wishing to make donations in her honor, should direct them to New Dramatists, where she was very active.

Vote for Barnabas at The Fright Stuff - [TV Guide Online]

2005-10-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Please vote for Barnabas at The Fright Stuff - [TV Guide Online]. He's loosing big time unless you help!

A Little of This, A Little of That

2005-10-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Lara Parker's New Novel

Lara Parker's latest novel, "Dark Shadows - The Salem Branch," should be released July 1, 2006.

Michael T. Weiss

Michael T. Weiss (1991 Joe Haskell, Peter Bradford) stars in the
historical drama "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" at the Huntington Theatre at Boston University, January 6 - February 5, 2006. The theatre is located at 264 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Mass. Telephone: (617) 266-0800.

You lucky Boston people.

Donna McKechnie

Donna McKenchie will appear with Kevin Earley on Friday, December 9, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in a presentation of Tribute to the Tonys at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts, 27570 Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. Telephone: (310) 544-0403.

Dark Shadows Director Henry Kaplan Dead at 79

2005-09-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

This just in from New York Times Obituraries...

"Television and stage director Henry Kaplan died Wednesday, September 14 at the age of 79. His television and stage credits included over 25 years with ABC-TV's All My Children as well as Dark Shadows and The Doctors. His stage credits included Any Wednesday, P.S. I Love You and The White House. Mr. Kaplan also directed for Granada Television in London as well as many shows for London's West End."

During the Festivals, the stars talk about him as the director that gave them grades for their performances. Here is an A for your achievement Mr. Kaplan.

Forum, DVD Turkey and How Could I Forget?

2005-09-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

Forum

I have a bad feeling my forum got munched by the power outage we experienced in the LA City area. I can't get into the database and it's giving me some peculiar errors. It seems to all be on the server. Hopefully, that will be back up shortly. Giving Dreamhost a wee bit before panic sets in.

1991 Dark Shadows DVD Release Turkey Update

Shadowgram has confirmed that the MGM (not MPI) is releasing the 1991 DVD in a widescreen version, not the original TV size version. This means over 25% of the picture is going to be lost. Sky over the Collinwood tower, where'd you go? The top of Barnabas head? The bottom of his smoking jacket? They better had not cut off Michel T. Weiss' bare chest. There would be hell to pay for this one. Further, I found out that the videos MPI sell will for sure be going out of print. MGM is not renewing MPI's license for the videos. With their turkey DVD, they are unlikely to ever grant MPI rights for their own DVD or to ever reissue the videos.

Buyer beware.

Night Stalker

Just about plum forgot the remake of Night Stalker for the fall preview supernatural line-up. This one has hunky Stuart Townsend of Queen of the Damned fame as Carl Kolchak. The original TV movie version(s) of this series was produced by Dan Curtis. Dan Curtis directed the second one. This is set to begin airing on ABC on Thursday, September 29.

All these supernatural shows just make it all the more a shame that we aren't getting our new Dark Shadows nor even the old one back on TV.

Fall TV Schedule

2005-09-05T15:46:00.000-07:00

Some supernatural shows or former supernatural stars to look for this Fall.

Bones

David Boreanaz (Angel, Valentine) stars in this inspired by the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs mystery TV series. Boreanaz plays Special Agent Seeley Booth. Airs on Fox Tuesday nights beginning on September 13.

Smallville

James Marsters (Buffy, Angel,Cool Money) plays Brainiac for as many as 10 episodes on the WB's "Smallville." Smallville airs on WB Thursdays beginning on September 29.

Supernatural

Supernatural is about the Winchester brothers (Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles) searching for their missing father and hunting supernatural phenomenon along the way. Airs on Tuesdays on the WB beginning on September 13.

Veronica Mars

Charisma Carpenter plays Kendall Casablancas on this teen mystery drama. Airs on UPN beginning on September 28.

Ghost Whisperer

Jennifer Love Hewitt plays a psychic help ghosts move to the next worlds in this CBS Friday drama. Begins on September 23.

Continuing are Lost (ABC Wednesdays beginning on September 21), Desperate Housewives (ABC Sunday beginning on September 25), Battlestar Galatica (Sci-Fi on Fridays), Firefly (Sci-Fi on Fridays), and The 4400 (USA Network) repeats season two beginning this week.

Purposefully not mentioned are Kitchen Confidental (Nicholas Brendon) and How I Met Your Mother (Alyson Hanningan). Generally, I despise sitcoms. They are mostly based on putting down your family and friends. Just not my supernatural, sci-fi, mystery cup of tea. I wish these two were in something else.