DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '24 I => Current Talk '16 I => Topic started by: PennyDreadful on March 25, 2016, 08:04:09 PM
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I'm surprised there isn't more hoopla surrounding the 50th anniversary of DS. We have the Festival coming, which is great, but gosh, the Fest REALLY needs to get with the times. Even fan events for vintage films offer membership purchases through the internet which you can buy with a credit card or even via Paypal. The Fest is still using the SASE method, which is charming in its way, but not the most modern way of doing things to say the least. The website is also in dire need of a revamp. Jim Pierson, if you're reading this, PLEASE shell out some cash and hire a web designer, sir! If it's too expensive, do a kickstarter! :)
As for merchandising, we seemingly have only a few things coming out this year. There's the re-release of the record album. Okay, fun, but not the most exciting offering in the world, IMO (though the purple vinyl is cool).
The retro metal lunchbox is coming, which is something I'm definitely looking forward to checking out. I will probably pick that one up. It's something new and fun, so "yay!" :)
We have the audio dramas, and I know the 50th anniversary edition is on the way, but I feel the audios have been on the downturn story-wise. The actors are great, but the writing and direction is off-base, in my opinion. I don't mean this to be disrespecful to anyone, but it's just my honest critique, so I hope nobody takes offense. I've listened to some interviews with the creators, particularly pertaining to the recent 'Bloodlust,' and they talk way too much about Dallas and refer to "soaps" a lot. This gives me the sense that they don't fully "get it" when it comes to DS. 'Bloodlust' itself makes references to things like "Lucky Charms" and 80's TV shows, and the characters speak in a way that simply doesn't "feel" like DS to me. All of this serves to undermine the whole "dark Brigadoon" feel Jonathan Frid always talked about. Suffice to say, I miss having hardcore fan creators like Darren Gross and Stephen Mark Rainey involved. Stuart Manning, I think, had a better grasp on the feel of DS than does Joseph Lidster. But I guess that's a conversation for a whole different topic.
There's also the series of Retropolis podcasts devoted to DS, and it has been fun hearing the actors speak at length about their experiences. The host is new to many of these stories, but he does ask some good questions.
As far as I know know, that's all that's going on for the anniversary. I'd love to see more things - commerative action figures, new comic books or even a one-shot graphic novel, an animated short, a televised documentary, new trading cards, statues, etc. I guess it's too much to ask, but it IS the big 5-0. I wonder if the Burton/Depp fiasco put the kibosh on interest from licensees or even the fans themselves.
Sorry that my first big post after a long time of not posting much is a bit negative. I am just trying to figure out why there seems to be a lack of "buzz" surrounding the big DS birthday! DCP and Jim should reach out to purveyors of Pop culture ephemera such as POP Vinyl, Re-Action, and others.
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Hey, Penny, I didn't find your post negative at all. Just realistic.
The festival registration system has been out of date for some time now. It's been mentioned to TPTB several times but they don't seem particularly eager to update it. On the bright side, the festival website actually has current information on it which doesn't always happen.
The programming could use a shot of adrenaline as well. Showing the 1970's movies uncut was a big deal in 1984 when few fans had access to those versions. But in 2016, you don't have to go to a festival to see them. You don't even see a tv or a computer screen anymore.
I would love to see some new DS related merchandise as well. Kathryn will have a new book but it's not DS related so it's of limited interest to me. Lara's next novel won't be out until the fall, so that's disappointing.
But at least we are going to have a full weekend festival again and I am grateful for that.
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I agree that TPTB (whomever they are in all the various fields of DS fandom, merchandise, marketing and franchising) are not make as big a deal about the 50th anniversary. Back in '91, for the 25th, there was much more hoopla. The documentary which aired on Sci-Fi was released. Is it just that they don't think there's much of a fanbase anymore?
I'm one of those DS'ers who saw the original show back in '66. It aired a day later, at 11:00 in the morning, because our local ABC affiliate did it that way - they had some local program on at 3:00 p.m. It was a fine, summer day and I was ready to go outside after watching some gameshow and the commercial came on with the spooky music saying that Dark Shadows would begin next. The Colbert music and the foggy scenes caught my interest, so I watched it. And then again the next day. And the next. Of course, back then, it wasn't a supernatural show but hinted at it (with explanations being provided for ghostly sobbing and creaking doors). But it still got me, a nine-year-old. I would play "Dark Shadows." I pretended I was David, hiding that bleeder-valve (using an old hotel-room key - remember those with the plastic numbers on it? - as my bleeder valve). Fortunately, after a couple months, our local affiliate dumped its local programming and shifted DS to 3:00 p.m. That Monday, it aired the Friday episode at 11:00 a.m., and then the regular episode at 3:00 p.m. Within a short time, actual ghostly things started to happen. Books opened by themselves. Josette's ghost stepped out of the portrait. Malloy's ghost appeared to Vicki and left seaweed on the floor. For the next five years, I ran home to watch every possible episode. I had to battle with my mom who wanted to watch Art Linkletter's House Party and later The Galloping Gourmet, but I won. She didn't want me watching "that spooky crap," but when she would see Joan Bennett, one of her favorite actresses, starring in it (saying "she's in that spooky crap?"), she capitulated and would sit and watch, a dishrag in her hand, whenever Joan was on the TV screen.
The 50th needs a blowout.
Gerard
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My mother also loved The Galloping Gourmet (I liked him too... (like a joke referring to American stove knobs as LO... MLO...MHI... and HI! not "high", as if the knobs were saying hello...) and she would see Joan B on DS, and tell us about how she used to be a movie star, whom she liked then. She didn't come down on DS though. She actually liked otherworldly things, her favorite films I think were The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Things to Come.
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for a show with such a devoted cult following the merchandising has always been the weakest link. the crap MPI used to peddle (and maybe still does) was beyond belief...
even if they didn't want to launch new products off the drawing pad they have tons to draw from in terms of reissues. relaunch the board game, the trading cards, the Ross novels. fans would eat it up and the outlay of expense minimal.
indeed with this being the "big" 50th anniversary this shortcoming is more glaring than ever. there should really be a commemorative book. hardcover. something special.
as it stands the "dealer's room" and general product offerings are shaping up to be pretty weak. scott's non-DS writing doesn't interest me and you'd think parker would have moved heaven and earth to see that her new novel was printed in time for the fest. it is an enormous missed opportunity. she would have sold hundreds of copies.
what can one really say about the circa 1980 registration process (checks? SASES???)??? only THE most dedicated fans are going to bother. easy online registration would doubtless bump up attendance and open it up to "young" people who simply won't go through the antiquated process. I received my ticket last week and even after several weeks of registration I'm still only # 340. that's a worrisome number.
so it is shaping up to be a somewhat lackluster anniversary. the PTB in charge are not the most ambitious or imaginative bunch and never have been. still I'm glad I'm attending after a few years missing the "cruise" or weird one day "events" out at Lyndhurst. lets face it this is probably one of the last years the bulk of the surviving cast is still "spry" enough to make the trek. but I was hoping for more.
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I know planning a blow-out 50th anniversary celebration would take a great deal of work, constituting planning that would take a few years (too late now). It would be great to have the stars from the OS appear (maybe they could've even convinced David Henesey to show up), along with stars from the other two remakes - the '91 version and the '12 film (very few saw the aborted '04, but, well, if they could get some of the stars to appear, so much the better). Okay, Johnny Depp most likely wouldn't come or Chloe Moretz, but get who you can. Do some research to find a place large enough for such an event that's affordable, since many fans of the OS who initially saw it are now at that age where budgets are fixed. And, has been pointed out, "update" the registration process. Keep the "old-fashioned" way of sending checks for those who aren't computer/internet savvy, but allow on-line signing-up for those who are. They could've done this, but it seems they've really dropped the ball on everything. The only fest I ever attended was the '03 one, having just returned to New York from a cruise to Bermuda. I and friends went for just one day and we had a blast. So many stars, so many things going on, hordes of people everywhere in that Brooklyn hotel. What a blast we had and it was for an "unimportant" year. They did it for that, why can't they do it for this?
Gerard
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the guest list is certainly fair given the age of the cast. besides David Hennesey and Alexandra, who we all knew wouldn't attend, most of the surviving key players are on the roster...
and the event lineup...costume contest, Q&As, banquet etc, are pretty standard fare. my biggest disappointment is a merchandising assortment. there really should have been a commemorative book. something really special. Penny had a lot of great ideas too. a special 50Th anniversary video. something. everyone concerned dropped the ball on that one.
and for what it's worth I don't think the perceived "failure" of the 2012 film has anything to do with the lackluster nature of this and recent events. fans still love the show. it just needs a stronger driving hand than JP (or whoever's in charge these days) and much more imaginative merchandising.
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The event line-up, standard fare that it is, has been largely missing from the festival agenda for several years. The last several years have been devoted to cruises, Mabuse promotions and day and a quarter events that are over almost as soon as they have begun. I'm thrilled that the activities are taking place in a hotel again. As I probably stated before, holding an event in the unairconditioned stable at Lyndhurst in the peak of summer is extremely second rate no matter whose event it is.
The hotel sold out almost immediately, long before any other festival information was available. Perhaps this indicated to TPTB that they didn't have to reach out to Kate Jackson, Alexandra Isles or David Henesy. All three have their reasons for not attending and it doesn't seem likely that they will change their minds now.
The festival did itself no favors with the Shadowgram notice to send in SASEs so not to miss further information. A lot of newbies did send in for the registration form. Only to find it available online shortly thereafter, followed by the traditional mailing.
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true...
I am pleased with a return to the full, 2+ day, hotel bound traditional fest. I'm not looking for "innovation" in terms of format. and as a non-driver schlepping all over the place isn't an option. a "contained" setup is much easier for me.
there's plenty to like. but in other ways it's a bit underwhelming.
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I'm just surprised there isn't more, like another "up-dated" documentary like there was for the 25th. Yup, I know, what more could they add, especially with so many of our favorites now gone? But one would think there would just be more something for the 50th. Just something.
Gerard
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We have the audio dramas, and I know the 50th anniversary edition is on the way, but I feel the audios have been on the downturn story-wise. The actors are great, but the writing and direction is off-base, in my opinion. I don't mean this to be disrespecful to anyone, but it's just my honest critique, so I hope nobody takes offense....I miss having hardcore fan creators like Darren Gross and Stephen Mark Rainey involved. Stuart Manning, I think, had a better grasp on the feel of DS than does Joseph Lidster.
First of all you are entitled to your opinion. I've often been amazed at how angry people become with various fandoms when people express opinions about projects. They are often attacked and ridiculed.
I've been relistening to the entire Big Finish canon in chronological rather than release order. I have a lot of the same observations you had at first, Penny. I am enjoying the series more a second time around in what I think is the proper order. I've made a few mistakes, but all in all, a great sense of continuity develops. Granted I'm only in the 1950s now; I've not gotten to the Bloodlust or 1973 arcc.
I also did not realize then how close the series was to cancellation. I loved the output created by Stuart and Gross, but it was not selling well. It took me a while to warm up to the new characters the first time around. We'll see if my attitude changes this time. But I'm mindful that we went from the brink of cancellation to a multiple year renewal before and after Bloodlust.
All, I can suggest, Penny, is give the series another listen in chronological order and see how it holds up. I was pleasantly surprised.
I respect your opinions and posts here and also admire your creative efforts. You are an asset to this community. :)
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getting rather off topic but I don't and never cared for the audiodramas at all...
in terms of tone they exist on the dreary and depressing end of the DS spectrum. they were "serious" with a capital "S". they completely lack the naive charm of the OS.
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the guest list is certainly fair given the age of the cast. besides David Hennesey and Alexandra, who we all knew wouldn't attend, most of the surviving key players are on the roster...
my biggest disappointment is a merchandising assortment. there really should have been a commemorative book. something really special. Penny had a lot of great ideas too. a special 50Th anniversary video. something. everyone concerned dropped the ball on that one.
Agreed. I just think more awareness for DS in general is needed. It seems like so many other cult shows are getting their day in the sun with products, and DS deserves that too, especially for the 50th. I have to wonder if it's lack of interest from licensees or if TPTB just aren't trying hard enough to market DS. The more years that go by, the more I fear DS will fall off the pop culture radar, and I'd hate to see that happen.
I mean, while not every product is my cup of tea, I think some of these could be fun.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=star%20trek%20reaction
http://funko.com/products/pop-movies-planet-of-the-apes-dr-zaius
http://mylifeintheglowoftheouterlimits.blogspot.com/2013/10/outer-limits-50th-anniversary-book.html
All of this said, I asked the fellow involved with Re-Action and Super 7 (they do retro Star Wars styled figures) about doing a set of DS figures and mentioned a couple of the characters. He talked a bit about getting licenses for shows and movies and then ended with, "but yeah, it'd be cool to do a Barnaby."
Barnaby. Yep. Don't hold your breath for that one kids. ;)
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All, I can suggest, Penny, is give the series another listen in chronological order and see how it holds up. I was pleasantly surprised.
Perhaps I'll give them another shot. I wasn't impressed by Bloodlust, but I plan to check out the new one with Mitch Ryan and KLS for sure. That one seems promising.
I respect your opinions and posts here and also admire your creative efforts. You are an asset to this community. :)
That's very kind of you to say. :) Sorry I haven't been around a lot. I've been beyond buried in work for awhile now, but I do still love this place.
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I do think that there will be a respectable turnout this summer, though I doubt that it will approach the numbers that overwhelmed the Marriott Marquis. A lot of the core fan base, myself included, is aging out of the whole convention scene. The festival itself has done little to promote it beyond its core audience. The Depp/Burton movie did little to expand the fan base. New fans seem to find out about the festival via word of mouth or sometimes just by accident.
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I think it's all down to several things. The surviving cast members who are interested or able to attend are really getting on in years. I was thinking about this and realizing that if what I have read is correct, Lara will be 80 next year. Sobering but then I myself will be 59. and I was 10 when I started watching back in 1968.
Thanks to WorldVision, the series isn't on the air apart from the same small packet of shows periodically run on Decades. The cult shows that get the marketing are either prominently available such as TZ and Outer Limits, or have more active rebootings such as Trek and the Apes sagas.
As Michael commented, the marketing angle for DS was always sub-par, at least as far as I am concerned. The best products in terms of design and flair were the gum cards. What does that tell you?
Hadn't heard about the lunchbox--that could be fun. Some "Blu Ray" products might have stimulated at least some interest, but home video in physical format is widely regarded as going the way of the dinosaur. I myself am going to hang onto my discs until they are pried from my dead fingers because I don't really trust the "streaming" sites to have the content I want in the way I want it. but then, I'm antediluvian, at this point.
G.
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what can one really say about the circa 1980 registration process (checks? SASES???)???
so it is shaping up to be a somewhat lackluster anniversary. the PTB in charge are not the most ambitious or imaginative bunch and never have been.
I think that's what blows my mind the most. I can't believe they are still using this method. They won't bring many new attendees in this way. Gosh, I doubt anybody under the age of 25 even knows what a SASE is. lol. I know the Fest is mostly volunteer-based, and I appreciate the hard work that goes into it, but I really feel that things need a bit of a refresh. That entire website should be redesigned. It just feels like, "Eh, we know the same people will come back every year so why change anything?" DCP and JP should be actively promoting the heck out of DS this year, in an official capacity.
Sadly though, I don't think it's just TBTB that aren't all that into it. I asked a local con promoter who does a big convention in this neck of the woods every year about having a DS 50th anniversary reunion. He is usually into anniversaries for shows and movies, but his reaction was lukewarm. He didn't say "no" but also didn't seem that enthusiastic.
I suppose it will take a successful new TV series or movie to really jumpstart things again, and I don't see that happening again for awhile. One never knows, however!
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true...
I am pleased with a return to the full, 2+ day, hotel bound traditional fest. I'm not looking for "innovation" in terms of format. and as a non-driver schlepping all over the place isn't an option. a "contained" setup is much easier for me.
there's plenty to like. but in other ways it's a bit underwhelming.
I get the impression that TPTB are hoping this will be the last Festival. I don't think they're interested in revamping, changing the website or registration procedures (as others commented), or attempting to make the event any bigger. I'm in agreement with you Michael, I'm going for old time's sake and not looking for a great deal of change.
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I think that's what blows my mind the most. I can't believe they are still using this method. They won't bring many new attendees in this way. Gosh, I doubt anybody under the age of 25 even knows what a SASE is. lol.
I'm 35, and I had to look up what a SASE was. Of course once I figure it out, I was like duh, but my mind was blow that this is a method use.
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I agree with The Doctor and K9. There seems to be little, if any, interest in updating any of the past festival practices. Perhaps this is indeed the last hurrah (though we've been told that before), so let's try and make the best of it.
Penny also raised a interesting question about other conventions. Two other major cult tv shows, Batman and Lost in Space, also hit the 50 year mark. Chiller Theatre, the Hollywood Collectors Show and several other conventions promoted the appearances of those cast members to much success. It's almost April and I have yet to see any similar promotion for DS. I'm sure that Lara and Kathryn will hit bookstores promoting their next projects but the show itself certainly deserves the attention that Batman and LIS have received.
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I haven't attended in several years and must have fallen off the mailing list...
when I decided to attend this year I had totally forgotten this ridiculous registration process. the SASAES and multilayered mailing process really blew my mind. [snow_huh]
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"The Galloping Gourmet"...omg, haven't thought of that in years!
A DS board game??? I want one!!!
And, wasn't it about 12ish years ago, when some of the characters had 'bobble-heads'? Which characters had them? Which didn't? (Wouldn't you LOVE a Roger bobble-head!?!)
Yes, to have David H there would be great, seeing it's the 50th. Did anyone really try to go after him?
Wasn't A. Moltke at a 'recentish' fest for one day?
I WANT A BOARD GAME...AND SOME BOBBLE-HEADS!
Patti
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A DS board game??? I want one!!!
I had both games (the Milton Bradley skeleton game, and the Whitman board game) back when they came out--I was 11 or 12 years old. Neither one was terribly exciting, and I didn't play them very often. I think what would be wonderful would be a game along the lines of Talisman (formerly published by Games Workshop, now published by Fantasy Flight Games). Back about 20-odd years ago I used to play Talisman with a group of friends, and I think one time we went halfway through the night. With all of the storylines and characters in DS, I think there are many possibilities for creating a fun and exciting role-playing adventure board game.
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From what I recall, Alexandra attended an event honoring Dan Curtis at the Museum of Television in LA about ten years ago (a very rough chronological estimate).
I do not recall her ever attending a DS festival type event. On one of her video commentaries, she somewhat impishly suggested that one could be held via seance, sometime...
G.
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The publicity machine most likely burnt out in 2012 with the Depp film.
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I haven't attended in several years and must have fallen off the mailing list...
I have a friend who hasn't attended a Fest since '04, and he received a copy of the mailing - though he's attended more than one Fest, so that could be why he's still on the list.
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I had both games (the Milton Bradley skeleton game, and the Whitman board game) back when they came out--I was 11 or 12 years old. Neither one was terribly exciting, and I didn't play them very often.
The Barnabas Collins game (the one with the skeletons) is pretty childish. It says ages 6 to 14, but I doubt any kid over ten would enjoy it. But on the other hand, I always enjoyed playing the Dark Shadows game. At least it's geared to ages 8 to Adult and requires a bit of skill. Though I haven't played it in years and years...
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Alexandra has never been to a festival as such. She had expressed an interest in attending the first one back in 1983. She had written a letter that was read to the attendees, citing a conflict with a trip to Europe.
The Museum of Broadcasting was the only DS related event attended by her, Kate Jackson and Dan Curtis.
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As Michael commented, the marketing angle for DS was always sub-par, at least as far as I am concerned. The best products in terms of design and flair were the gum cards.
The gum cards were cool, but my favorite piece of DS memorabilia is the Majestic 1795 Barnabas action figure. I'm not counting the actual DVDs of course. If you are only talking about stuff that came out while the show was still on, then the cards are probably my favorite, especially the green set.
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I haven't attended in several years and must have fallen off the mailing list...
I have a friend who hasn't attended a Fest since '04, and he received a copy of the mailing - though he's attended more than one Fest, so that could be why he's still on the list.
I've been to at least 4 or 5. but I've moved a couple times and haven't attended since 2011. for whatever reason I stopped getting the mailing a few years ago.
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OK, this has to rate as the most bizarre DS 50th anniversary event: the DANK SHADOWS crew are having a video feature(tte?) version of the Scorcha Collins saga screened on April 2 (which marks the 45th anniversary of the DS final episode airing, of course), at the Boston LGBT Film Festival.
For an extra DS wrinkle, the screening is scheduled to take place at the Cambridge Brattle Theatre, of which Thayer David was one of the founders.
Kooky?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjiy-IfsX_E
G.
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Is that supposed to be a take-off of Laura? Or am I missing the point?
If it is Laura, it looks like it could be hysterically funny!!
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Yep, it's a Laura spoof.
G.
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It looks like it would be quite burnt. Pun intended.
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I thought it was rather hysterical and spot-on. It brought up the many reincarnations of Lara - somebody did their homework.
Gerard
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Has Kate Jackson ever been interviewed on the DVDs?
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Has Kate Jackson ever been interviewed on the DVDs?
Yes she has. The DS Wikia says she was on Volumes 22 & 23.
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She's also interviewed in the DS Tribute (the 30th Anniversary retrospective).