DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '24 I => Current Talk '12 I => Topic started by: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 01:24:56 AM

Title: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 01:24:56 AM: MPI is releasing the Complete Original Series on DVD on April 10th for $419.00 at Amazon plus two other DVDs.
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Shadows-The-Complete-Original-Series/16432
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Sara Monster on January 21, 2012, 02:15:03 AM: Thanks for the news!

I just KNEW they'd were gonna do this sooner or later. And although I'm happy with my present dvd sets, I just wanna know:

1) Are there gonna be any new special features included?
&
2) What's this whole box set gonna look like??
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 03:45:25 AM: Very good questions Cousin. Hopefully MPI will have this at its website soon.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: DLA75 on January 21, 2012, 04:11:15 AM: I am guessing it is the same DVDs from the Dark Shdows Collection and Dark Shows the Beginning repackaged. Otherwise why not issue this Collection on Blu-ray.
I am thinking a single Blu-ray disk would have the capacity for more episodes then a single DVD.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 21, 2012, 04:27:21 AM: actually it doesn't bother me at all that it isn't on blu-ray. ONLY really because if you look at how much blu-ray tv shows are. of say "True Blood" for example on dvd it can be a reasonable price. but on blu-ray & even 'Doctor Who" on blu-ray or even "Firefly" which "Target sells for $80.00 bucks! the price of these shows on blu-ray are just plain TERRIBLE! & since "MPI" which is a great company

by the way. they have a habit of over charging their product. i've never bought any "DS" from them because on how much it is. & even when they have sales they to me are STILL too much. so it no surprise they are putting a big box out of the show. i was curious if anything would be done to help promote the new "DS" film.

are we going to see them back in stores? cause no store around me carries them anymore since the show

finished being released on dvd. so keping in mind that i stlil have 10 sets left to buy. it really doesn't bother me that it's NOT on blu-ray. yes they can have more episodes on them i'm sure. but if they put more episodes on a set. the set will be like $80 bucks at least. much like "Doctor Who" is over-priced as well. the current version i mean. the original the sets are over-priced too. depending on what set you get.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 05:17:41 AM: Is it possible that the reason it is not being released on blu-ray is because the picture quality cannot physically be enhanced? I don't know too much about this but I'm sure MPI would love to make more money.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 21, 2012, 06:11:05 AM: that makes sense actually. because if you look at some of the episodes the sound quality is pretty bad. & that to me makes the most sense.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: RachelDrummand on January 21, 2012, 09:44:43 AM: *sighs* Now if MGM would just re-release the revival dvd set with special features and everything fixed from their first attempt...I would be happy. As far as buying the complete collection, bleh....that would be good for someone who doesn't own any of the sets but I'm almost done. On the plus side, it might reduce the single collections for all of us who are still buying them that way. I also don't buy through MPI. WAY too expensive. I bought a collection or two the last time I was at a fest but the price was 30 a piece which wasn't bad.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 21, 2012, 10:10:53 AM: [yikes] fantastic news!

I can't wait to see how they package this -
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 05:40:49 PM: I totally agree VictoriaWinters1991. That is a great idea. The only problem is convincing the manufactor in this case Sony I believe to do that. I forgot the history but I believe Sony bought out MGM at least in this case. I really hope it happens.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: RachelDrummand on January 21, 2012, 07:29:35 PM: The revival deserved better than what it got. We want the "making of," video that contained bloopers, interviews, and all of that in addition to the correct ratios and adding back the day to night filtering. Also, it wouldn't kill them to give us some new interviews. Joanna Going, Ben Cross, Roy Thinnes, Joseph Gordon-Levett (he had little to say about the experience when he was a kid it seems), Lysette Anthony...a lot of them are still alive.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ClaudeNorth on January 21, 2012, 11:07:42 PM: According to the MPI reps at the Fest in August, the "Complete Series" will come packaged in a coffin-shaped box.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on January 21, 2012, 11:40:37 PM: That's kinda bizarre -- the coffin-shaped-ness of the box, I mean. Seems like a cool idea, until I consider the complete I Dream of Jeannie I received for Christmas a few years ago -- the discs are all held in an accordion-shaped folder that slides into a giant cardboard replica of Jeannie's bottle, and then just as easily (and inconveniently) slides out again. Plus it doesn't fit ANYWHERE. I imagine that a big coffin would present similar difficulties.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on January 22, 2012, 01:53:13 AM: I really love accordion packaging, as it doesn't take any room. I am glad, however, that I got DS in the traditional cases. I just would have liked the first 10 in the more compact cases.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 22, 2012, 06:30:18 AM: actually it'd be great if they fix the (1991) series plus add new interviews & so on as stated. PLUS as a bonus add the (2004) pilot! plus put the extended episodes like they were done for the VHS series back in the 90's.

& also fix what's wrong with the episodes as well of course. than i'd buy it. i haven't bought it yet cause of all this i've read about both times it's been released so far. a coffin eh? that honestly would look cool but as stated already. where in the hell would that even fit?

i don't plan on buying it though, for one that costs to much for my blood. for another i've only got i think 10 sets left to buy. & i plan on getting some from amazon soon anyways. kinda how like i'd LOVE to get that "Law & Order' 104 disc set that's out. but it just costs to much.

can anyone guess how many discs there will be anyways? i'm just to lazy to do the math. he he plus i'm frankly terrible at math.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 22, 2012, 09:21:28 AM: Quote from: Cousin_Barnabas on January 22, 2012, 01:53:13 AM
I just would have liked the first 10 in the more compact cases.

CB, the 1st 10 were rereleased in the smaller boxes, I called MPI and they sent me the smaller boxes with artwork for about 4 bucks apiece. You might give'em a try.

I'm not too crazy about the coffin idea, sounds a little gimmicky. The individual sets left a bit to be desired i think, too, hopefully this'll be tastefully done. I'll be pleased to get the whole thing in one set nonetheless.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on January 22, 2012, 09:32:29 AM: retzev, really? That would be great! Thank you for the tip. I knew you could call away for new cases, but I didn't know they would give you the artwork, and I didn't want to cut the artwork I already had. This would be a great option! Thank you for the tip!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Willie Loomis on January 22, 2012, 01:39:20 PM: I've already invested over $1,000.00 on the set, as each set was 54.00 (i believe the beginning sets were a bit cheaper). So, this kind of annoys me. But, I don't think I'd buy anyway because of the coffin box. (is it Barnabas's Hershey Chocolate coffin?)

As for the revival series, meh. it's nothing that annoying that I don't mind playing it every now and then. I used to make a New Years Eve marathon of that set.

Also, are they still getting the smaller cases out for the first 10 and are they the same quality like the other 16?
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 22, 2012, 06:45:25 PM: Quote from: jimbo on January 21, 2012, 05:17:41 AM
Is it possible that the reason it is not being released on blu-ray is because the picture quality cannot physically be enhanced? I don't know too much about this but I'm sure MPI would love to make more money.

I'm sure MPI would. [snow_wink] But several times I've read that, as you've surmised, the quality of the master tapes can't be significantly enhanced enough to warrant releasing the original series on Blu-ray. And it also seems unlikely that the "91 Series will come out on Blu-ray because of the way it was shot, particularly with all that smoke. I've been told it would look horrendous on Blu-ray. But who knows - maybe one day they'll develop a technology to get around that...

As for a DVD release of the material on MPI's DS Resurrected VHS, that also seems unlikely because apparently all that material was released on VHS without actually getting all the clearances for it (what a surprise considering who was behind its release and how they got caught releasing other material without the proper clearances). And supposedly trying to get the necessary clearances today would be next to impossible. But, again, who knows? I'm only repeating what I've been told. From very reliable sources, yes - but I don't know it to be fact myself...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 23, 2012, 07:32:21 AM: Quote from: B.Collins on January 22, 2012, 06:30:18 AM
can anyone guess how many discs there will be anyways?

128, if they repackage the discs just as they were when they were first released on DVD. I think The Beginning Collection 6 only contains two discs worth of episodes and two discs of supplements, so if they leave out the bonus discs, that could take it down to 126.

I hope that MPI has considered including the uncut versions of the episodes that were treated to unauthorized edits when the original DVDs were authored. They could lure in a good portion of us who already own the series on DVD and who might otherwise resist a second purchase.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 23, 2012, 04:31:05 PM: Thanks MB for the explanations. It's a shame about the 91 series not. If filmed correctly it would have looked great in HD. I can see about the limitations on the original series.

Retzev we can only hope.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 23, 2012, 09:03:46 PM: I am wondering about the two compilations mentioned in one of the DS news blogs this a.m.: DS--the Best of Barnabas and DS--Fan favorites. Presumably the Best of Barn is the same as before, but Fan Favorites would seem to be new. I wonder whether the fan favorites were chosen through an internet poll that I somehow missed hearing about.

Among my favorites would be: Mrs Johnson giving Maggie a tip of one silver dime; Mrs Johnson telling David that the one thing the sheriff knows is that when the whistle at the Cannery blows, it's time for lunch; Barnabas telling the story of Josette's death to Vicki and Carolyn during a storm at Collinwood; Julia telling Barnabas she's been waiting for him for a long, long time; Magda telling Jamison about floorwax; Roger speaking of Jeb as a "cheap, insufferable pig"; Julia quizzing Barnabas about his "talk" with Megan; montages of Quentin, Chris and Joe's shirtless scenes... and about 50 others...

cheers, Steve
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 23, 2012, 10:13:02 PM: Hi Gothick. At the article you mentioned, in the comments section, Stuart mentioned that both compliations are new and that he had no additional information about them. You do ask good questions. I guess we will have to wait until MPI gives us a statement. I do also like your list of favorites.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 23, 2012, 10:30:11 PM: The original Best of Barn compilation (which is already out on DVD as part of Collection 26) was slightly less than 30 minutes long. The new version is listed as being 180 minutes long, so even if it includes all the same footage as the original, a great many more scenes will have to have been added. [snow_smiley]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: RachelDrummand on January 23, 2012, 10:34:26 PM: They should have released it in a BIG box set with Collinwood on it or something like that. I wouldn't buy a coffin box either. I'm better off just buying the regular sets. Maybe they'll go on sale for those of us who are still buying them.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 23, 2012, 11:30:34 PM: they are on sale cousin. on amazon. pretty cheap too. i don't know about all of them but some of them are.
anyways episodes are cut on the dvd sets? i can't remember if i heard about that.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: RachelDrummand on January 24, 2012, 02:27:20 AM: I don't think the eps on the dvds are cut. Isn't there a notice at the beginning saying that nothing is remastered and the eps are in tact so they won't have to cut stuff out?
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on January 24, 2012, 02:51:37 AM: It seems strange to me that they're releasing any more compilations at all -- I had always assumed that the point of the video compilations in the wee early 1990s were to satisfy customers who couldn't wait for the later storylines (weren't they releasing, like, 5 tapes a month?). As of now, the entire series is attainable, and 180 minutes of Barnabas seems a bit much ...

(Gothy -- re: your suggestions for "fan favorites" ... yes please.)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 24, 2012, 03:21:51 AM: Nicky darling I almost lol'd at your tactful hint that 180 minutes of Barnabas, Barnabas,, BARNABAS!!! might be "a bit much." Ya think!

OTOH I watched the clip on Youtube the other day where Julia offers her blood to Old Barn. Frid was incredible in those two episodes... I guess sometimes, he embraced a challenge.

To whom it may concern, several of the episodes on the first 7 or 8 DVD collections (from the arrival of Barnabas to, what, the end of 1795?) had "minor" bloopers and technical defects edited out. The one I regret the most is the nasal Brooklyn voice o/c telling old Bathia Mapes "take him to the Old House!" in her dramatic attempted exorcism of Barn. From what I recall when we discussed this (it's many years back in the Boards and my ability to manhandle the search engine here isn't up to the task of attempting to find those threads), it was the DVD authoring firm that was "routinely" "cleaning up" "materials of such age"--insert the usual cliche from the tech wallahs.

I keep thinking of more fan favorites that need to be on that disc:

Cassandra's first visit to the Old House. "What was your major... Witchcraft?" *sneer* "How DARE you." I just love Cassandra's reaction everytime Barn says: "ANNNN-geLEEEK." Grand stuff.

The Julia Slap. (followed by a montage of all the other times Julia bitchslapped somebody.)

Angelique in 1795 informing Ben that everything that is now Mamselle Josette's will eventually... belong to HER.

Hoffman and Angelique planning their "war of nerves" on Maggie Collins and Hoffman teeth-grittingly informing Ang: "I HATE having to take ORDERS from her!"

Any or all of the Julia/Nicholas scenes.

Naomi and Joshua the morning after Sarah dies.

I could go on... FORCING myself to stop.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on January 24, 2012, 05:13:28 AM: I'll take "The Complete Cassandra" collection.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 24, 2012, 05:42:04 AM: i've always hated that wig she was forced to wear for that character. she was & still is a good looking woman. i think they should just have kept those in. that's one of the reasons we love the show
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on January 24, 2012, 06:03:35 AM: I was thrilled to see that they included "Scariest Moments" on the last DVD set; watched it the other night for the first time in YEARS. I so vividly remember discovering it in a video bin in a North Dakota KMart one snowy afternoon when I was 11 or so -- couldn't wait to get it home, so I begged my mom and her best friend to let me watch it while we were visiting. They're inevitably frustrating for people who are interested with the show but unfamiliar with its storylines; for me, however, I LOVE 'em.

(As far as Cassandra's wig is concerned: sometime it's all that keeps me going ... [snow_tongue])
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 24, 2012, 06:07:59 AM: Cassandra's wig rocks my world. Although I still wonder whether the first wig she wore upon her arrival at Collinwood (wearing that mint green cape thing michael c has praised) wasn't a slightly re-styled version of the wig Buzz was wearing when last seen at the Great House...

(that would make an amusing fanfic--Cassandra stealing Buzz's hairpiece...)

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: michael c on January 24, 2012, 01:39:23 PM: and to think for years i watched this on VHS...

one can imagine how much room that took up. actually it wasn't that long ago that i upgraded the 1966 episodes to the "the beginnings" DVD format.

so i really cannot justify purchasing the series in a third format. but it's nice for the newcomer.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Joeytrom on January 24, 2012, 02:20:26 PM: Speaking of Amazon, someone needs to correct the cast listing on the titles on some of the DS DVD's. There is a "Herbert Holcombe" listed as one of the stars.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 24, 2012, 05:19:41 PM: He does appear in Ep #89 as[spoiler]one of the men from the Collins Cannery that Burke tries to lure to his employ.[/spoiler]So, if the set with that ep is the one that lists his name, it is correct. But talk about listing a name out of left field!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 25, 2012, 01:46:17 AM: Amazon added a photo of the item unless it was already there. http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shadows-Complete-Original-Series/dp/B006Z7Z3KY/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1327452290&sr=8-13
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 25, 2012, 02:24:41 AM: It looks gorgeous. But I already own all the DVDs.

They are claiming that the episodes have been newly "cleaned up," but I really doubt whether there is any difference in the previous releases. There's a hyperbolic user review on Amazon that claims that the shows now look "as if they were produced yesterday." I really doubt that...

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on January 25, 2012, 02:28:43 AM: I thought that review was hilarious. And long. But mostly hilarious.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 25, 2012, 02:40:06 AM: Is the box made of wood
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 26, 2012, 10:41:25 PM: An update:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Shadows-The-Complete-Original-Series/16451
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 26, 2012, 10:52:22 PM: Dear God! it's going to be the size of a shoebox, but hold nearly 200 disks? *shudder*

And how bitter could MPI make it for fans who bought the original DVD release to know they'd have to buy it all again just to get the Bathia Mapes blooper back? btw, that isn't the only blooper that was edited out. And I wonder whether some of the bloopers might have been included on the original blooper compilation if that was among the extras from the final DS original collection set?

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 26, 2012, 11:10:44 PM: The original bloopers compilation came out on a separate MPI DVD: DS Bloopers & Treasures.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 27, 2012, 03:30:00 AM: Such great news about the Mapes blooper, I could hardly be happier tonight [ghost]

Thanks for the heads up, Jimbo!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 27, 2012, 10:18:03 AM: i also saw this update as well. & i still ain't buying it again. it's just too much money.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Sara Monster on January 28, 2012, 08:58:32 PM: More info & what the inside of the box set looks like:
http://darkshadowsnews.blogspot.com/2012/01/complete-series-dvd-cover-artwork.html
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 28, 2012, 09:09:59 PM: The packaging reminds me a bit of the Buffy complete series boxed set. Not that that set is in the shape of a coffin - but the discs are in individual boxes that form a photo when stacked in order.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ClaudeNorth on January 28, 2012, 09:17:34 PM: Collinwood.net mentions that a scene between Barnabas and Maggie has been restored to episode 695, in addition to the restoration of the Bathia Mapes blooper.

Does anyone have a comprehensive list of everything that is missing from the original DVDs? Also, I wonder if MPI will offer any sort of disc replacement to those of us who bought all of the individual sets. If the discs are configured in the same way, they could do so, and it would be a nice gesture.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 28, 2012, 09:25:14 PM: Don't know about everything that will be restored, but some of the missing stuff that will be was discussed in this topic:

Quote from: doombuggy69 on May 16, 2004, 06:18:51 PM
DS DVD set 12 out already!!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 28, 2012, 10:07:39 PM: Holy Moly. I missed the discussion about the edit in set 12 and Stuart's assertion that these edits came via the Worldvision remastering. ugh.

I had thought that the edits stopped around set 7 or 8 of the main series, but evidently this was not the case.

If MPI releases a collection of the episodes that suffered the most egregious edits in pristine form, that I would buy. It's probably only a handful. Perhaps the only two that have been fixed, however, are the ones mentioned.

There was a tape flaw in one of my favorite episodes, the one where a crazed Julia Hoffman comes stumbling into Collinwood ranting about Tom. That episodes starts with Mrs J doing a great little scene about the curse on the family, if I recall aright. Julia's scene with Roger was included on one of the gum cards. The flaw was this loud metallic screech that apparently was the result of a mechanical defect, possibly during the original taping in 1968. I must go check the disc release and see if a bit of that scene was snipped...

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: arashi on January 29, 2012, 12:41:32 AM: I was wondering that too Claude, after spending nearly $2K to buy the series on DVD, not to mention whatever I paid for the several dozen VHS tapes, it would be nice to get those "fixed edit" DVDs replaced.

As for storage issues, I kept the inserts and tossed all the plastic cases and slipped the DVDs into a very large CD wallet. It definitely takes up A LOT less space!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 29, 2012, 06:14:03 AM: i would NEVER do that to any dvd. the cases may not be the best. i do HATE the fat ones, the thin ones i like though. as for MPI putting out the separate discs for us to have the correct episodes. i'd love that but the thing is, i don't think i kept any of the receipts for most of my sets. a couple of them i may have. but some i got as gifts for X-mas. & so i didn't have the receipts. plus none of them

i bought from MPI. Volume 2 i think didn't come with an insert. but i never contacted MPI cause my guess is they'd need proof that you in fact bought it. & it's been years now since i bought it. & i think i long threw that reciet out. sorry about my spelling. as for this big set goes, it looks pretty sweet. & tempting but still

buying the show a 2nd time. & for that kind of money is just not worth it. once is enough. & if the show ever does go on blu-ray i'll prolly buy it. but i really doubt it will. so that'd be a 3rd time. buying the show once is enough for me. i didn't buy any of the VHS tapes when they were out back than. too much money. & far tooo many volumes. which is why i waited until it came to dvd.

though when i do watch it, it each time feels strange NOT to see or hear that "Worldwide Vision" or whatever that company was called logo. he he
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: arashi on January 29, 2012, 08:59:00 AM: My horror movie collection alone is 300+ DVDs, not including DS, so space becomes an issue after that! I figure I'm never going to part with them so why do I need to have the cases taking up all that space?

Maybe instead of receipts MPI would just let you mail in the old DVD in exchange for the replacement. That would definitely be proof of purchase.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on January 29, 2012, 09:27:22 AM: Fox issued its final season of Mary Tyler Moore with a flaw on the last disc. All you had to do was call up and ask for a replacement disc and they sent it to you. No proof of purchase or anything necessary.

As much as I dislike Fox's home video department for what they have done with so many TV titles, they handled that quite well. Really great customer service. But I guess they figured they ought to after the mess that was the release of the MTM DVDs.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 30, 2012, 12:17:40 AM: Quote from: Mysterious Benefactor on January 28, 2012, 09:09:59 PM
The packaging reminds me a bit of the Buffy complete series boxed set.

That was my first thought exactly. The complete Buffy is a good looking set, but the stacked cardboard digipacks are unwieldy and easily damaged. I'll probably end up doing something like Arashi, keeping the discs in a wallet or a case of some kind, and packing the cardboard "coffin" away someplace safe.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on January 30, 2012, 02:19:15 AM: or "The Nightmare On Elm Street" dvd set. well when it 1st came on dvd in (1999) that is. though cool looking i HATE the cases they choose. at some point i'll prolly end up buying those films on blu-ray. but i'm i guess waiting for them to do something with the releases. which is to my knowledge isn't with their current releases.

sorry for going off topic a bit. but i was also using an example. i haven't yet gotten around to buy any of the "Mary Tyler Moore" shows on dvd yet.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 30, 2012, 05:41:16 AM: yep:

(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110407022312/headhuntershorrorhouse/images/f/f9/DS_457_007.jpg) [thumb]

nope:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzBMUukdBX8/TyQa_XI5SoI/AAAAAAAABNk/DaYUsWfG5pQ/s320/dscompleteseries.jpg) [undb]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 30, 2012, 10:39:29 PM: Thanks Retzev for the pics.

Did MPI just raise the price from $419 to $539? http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shadows-Complete-Jonathan-Frid/dp/B006Z7Z3KY
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: KMR on January 31, 2012, 02:07:37 AM: Quote from: jimbo on January 30, 2012, 10:39:29 PM
Did MPI just raise the price from $419 to $539?

No, Amazon reduced their discount from 30% to 10%. MPI hasn't changed the list price, which is still $599.98.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 31, 2012, 02:14:46 AM: Thanks KMR for the explanation. That is a substantial difference. The current price has scared me away for sure. Hopefully the price will fall in the future.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 31, 2012, 02:31:28 AM: Quote from: jimbo on January 31, 2012, 02:14:46 AM
Hopefully the price will fall in the future.

Amazon's prices often fluctuate all over the place - especially their pre-order prices - so the price is likely to change several more times before April 10th.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 31, 2012, 02:49:00 AM: I have to figure that MPI has some input on Amazon's discount percentages? I have to wonder if there is greed here? In any event this has changed my mind completely and I will not purchase this item at its current price.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on January 31, 2012, 02:57:23 AM: I honestly doubt MPI has anything to do with it. Places like Amazon, deepdiscount, and other video outlets online get their copies of DVDs/Blu-rays from the distributors for the wholesale price, and then they jack up their prices to whatever they like between that wholesale price and the retail/list price. And like I said, Amazon is quite likely to drop their price. And if my past experience with them is any indication, they may drop it several times before April 10th rolls around.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on January 31, 2012, 03:15:12 AM: And you are guaranteed the lowest price from the time you pre-order through Amazon.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on January 31, 2012, 05:29:23 AM: Well hopefully someone here can let us know if the price drops significantly. I am done with this nonsense.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on January 31, 2012, 06:34:28 AM: On the Classic Horror Films Fan /"Monster Kids" board, the release of this set is now a headline topic on the site. A fan posted these specifications about the new box set:

more information on the set Box Features:
131 DVDs with all 1,225 Complete Episodes
Commemorative large Coffin package (housing 22 amarays)
Deluxe booklet with episode summaries & photographs
Special Bloopers, Treasures & Behind The Scenes DVD s
Over 120 Bonus Cast & Crew Video Interviews
Autographed Postcard by Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins)
Limited Numbered Edition
Other features include nickel hinges, black ribbon to hold the lid when open, matte and foil coating
Box dimensions: (Coffin), 13 ½ L x 11 ¼ W (at widest) x 5 ¾ D.
Shipping carton dimensions, 16.5" x 8.5" x 14"
Weight Shipping carton with contents - 15.5lbs

I have no idea what an "amaray" is.

I am sure the over 120 bonus cast & crew video interviews are the same ones on the originally issued discs, and that by and large what we have here is a repackaging. Even the "booklet" could simply be compiled from the inlay sheets that came with the original sets. It sounds as if they're only giving one postcard for the whole set, but it is supposed to have a real autograph from Jonathan Frid (although it may simply be a printed autograph--I shudder to think how exhausting it would be for him to sign all those postcards).

I am guessing that the measurements given are inches. For a box that holds 131 discs it does sound tiny.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on January 31, 2012, 07:20:58 AM: I would hope it's not a real autograph... unless Jonathan is getting paid big bucks. [snow_wink]

The people who could actually "deserve" that autograph are the folks who bought the whole series on VHS and/or DVD separately...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on January 31, 2012, 09:04:17 AM: Quote from: Gothick on January 31, 2012, 06:34:28 AM
Commemorative large Coffin package (housing 22 amarays)
...
I have no idea what an "amaray" is.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_case
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Janet the Wicked on January 31, 2012, 04:50:58 PM: Quote from: Mysterious Benefactor on January 31, 2012, 02:31:28 AM

Amazon's prices often fluctuate all over the place - especially their pre-order prices - so the price is likely to change several more times before April 10th.

I'm missing some sets and hope that individual sets come way down. But you're right about Amazon. They're prices are all over the place.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on February 02, 2012, 02:19:31 AM: amaray i belive is the type of dvd case that'll come in if i'm NOT mistaken.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on February 02, 2012, 03:29:05 AM: Quote from: B.Collins on February 02, 2012, 02:19:31 AM
amaray i belive is the type of dvd case that'll come in if i'm NOT mistaken.

I sure do hope so, they call an Amaray a "keep-case" for good reason.

Has anyone heard any word on exactly how limited this edition will be?
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nelson Collins on February 02, 2012, 06:40:41 PM: Quote from: retzev on January 30, 2012, 05:41:16 AM
yep:

(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110407022312/headhuntershorrorhouse/images/f/f9/DS_457_007.jpg) [thumb]

nope:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzBMUukdBX8/TyQa_XI5SoI/AAAAAAAABNk/DaYUsWfG5pQ/s320/dscompleteseries.jpg) [undb]
My sentiments exactly.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 02, 2012, 08:25:30 PM: It's definitely true that that's the coffin Barnabas used most often. However,[spoiler]in 1897, when Barnabas no longer had access to his own coffin, he used one that was the same shape as what's been designed for MPI's complete DVD set. In fact, it was in that coffin that Barnabas was captured by Petofi and held prisoner:

(http://www.dsboards.com/images/ds_0816-192.jpg)
[/spoiler]

So, technically, MPI can get away with it. [snow_smiley]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: KMR on February 02, 2012, 08:46:41 PM: But the proportions of the "coffin" box make it look like it's designed for Barnabas as he would appear in an episode of South Park!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 02, 2012, 09:06:14 PM: True! [snow_cheesy]

I would think the height was dictated by the number of boxes for the discs. But maybe the added width gives the box better balance to help it to stay standing up? Or perhaps to make the box sturdier and less flimsy? Who knows? [snow_undecided] But one would suspect that MPI's design department has some reason...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on February 03, 2012, 04:04:02 AM: you know what i hate? how some of these cases from the various sets of various shows i own on dvd aren't really all that. i'm not talking about the content mind you. my "Nightmare On Elm Street" could have had used better cases. & from using taking these out of the box & so forth kinda ruined the box. cause on how it was made. plus the various times of putting it on the shelf. & the other dvd's rubbing up against it.

the cases for the "Harry Potter" collection at least the dvd collection ya know the BIG ASS collection they have out? that's got like 4 or 5 discs? i forget what they are called? anyways these cases they use are crap.
you take these boxes out & it's a pain to take those out & no matter HOW hard to try to keep these things in good condition. these boxes wear out. & it looks like you aren't doing anything whatsover to keep them in any kind of good shape. the "CSI" boxes have gotten better actually so that's a plus. so my point is,

i hope this box that MPI does i hope it's a good one. even if i don't plan on buying it. the dvd cases well the thin ones i think are pretty well made. the fatter boxes i don't think aren't. cause i get tired of having to put those together if i open it to wide. unlike with the thin boxes i don't have no problem with it.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Janet the Wicked on February 03, 2012, 04:32:29 AM: I have the complete set of Wild, Wild West. The box is rectangular, but it's fashioned to look sort of like a saddle. The DVDs are housed in stirrup shaped containers. Very cool.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ShadowsAtlanta on February 04, 2012, 12:29:59 AM: Okay, so news of this set has brought me back to the forum after what... 5 or 6 years at least? LOL It's good to be back and warm/fuzzy that my username is still active... can't wait for the new movie to come out!

FYI, Amazon has the set at $419.99 again. Meanwhile, Deep Discount has it for $361.65. I'd prefer to order from Amazon and submitted the "tell us about a lower price" thingy at the bottom of their product page for the set. Maybe if we all did the same they'd match the price. Might want to also submit the DVD Planet price, which is around the same as Deep Discount.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 04, 2012, 01:06:44 AM: Wow - that Deep Discount price is significantly cheaper! [snow_wow] And that isn't normally the case. Thanks so much for the info.

And welcome back, ShadowsAtlanta! It's very nice to see you posting again. [snow_smiley]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 04, 2012, 01:48:23 AM: It's been reported to be available for pre-order at $319.00 at this site. I only report what I have been told--I haven't used the site, nor have I checked up on the current status of the pricing:

http://www.importcds.com/Movies/2372026/Dark-Shadows-Dark-Shadows-Complete-Original-Series-DVD

I do wonder how they can get away with this since MPI's retail price is $600--that's almost 50 percent off.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 04, 2012, 01:52:34 AM: Well, Amazon often sells their DVD/Blu-rays for more than 50% off the list price - and they say they still make a profit on those sales. So that only goes to show how huge the list price markup has to be over the wholesale price. [snow_shocked]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ShadowsAtlanta on February 04, 2012, 04:16:07 PM: Quote from: Mysterious Benefactor on February 04, 2012, 01:06:44 AM
And welcome back, ShadowsAtlanta! It's very nice to see you posting again. [snow_smiley]
Thanks! It's great to be back. [snow_smiley]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on February 07, 2012, 03:17:13 AM: I received a catalog from mpi in today's mail.
They have dropped the price of the individual sets to $24.98.
It says they will be discontinued.
Regarding the complete box set, it says that the collector's postcard is personally signed by Jonathan, so it sounds like it's his actual autograph and not a pre-print.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 07, 2012, 05:18:57 AM: Wow. I wonder if MPI is about to lose (or give up) the rights to distribute DS on home video? Since the box set is being touted as a limited edition, it will presumably only be available for a set time.

Has Warners/Universal/Megaleviathan assumed the rights to distribute the series or planning to do so if the Depp movie franchise takes off? Or will the series simply go OP?

I always thought it was phenomenal that Dark Shadows remained in print on home video, and made the transition from VHS to DVD so successfully to the point where ALL episodes have been available now for close to 20 years.

It'll be sad to think that there may be a period when it won't be available. Feels like the ending of an era.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on February 07, 2012, 05:26:14 AM: So I noticed this on Amazon the other day ... all the sets are being "released on April 3, 2012" ... no images, but all are $39.98 and say they star Jonathan Frid and Grayson Hall. Here's the link to the Beginning, Collection 1:

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shadows-Begininng-Collection-1/dp/B0070B9R5G/ref=sr_1_9?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1328588669&sr=1-9
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 07, 2012, 05:38:49 AM: Very weird. I just looked and the listings for the regular box sets are still there, too. Some are for sale "new" or "used" for $15.00.

Wonder what's going on? New packaging with references to the Depp project?

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on February 07, 2012, 06:41:16 AM: Before I start a panic, I should be more specific.
After re-reading the catalog, I want to clarify.
This is what the catalog says: This packaging will be discontinued and no longer available upon inventory running out.
That probably means they are just going to repackage the series like Nicky pointed out in her post about amazon's new listing, but the catalog does not mention this.

IMO, I don't think mpi has given up the rights--just discontinuing the old packaging in favor of new packaging.
Sorry for the confusion.

The catalog does not say they are going to be re-pack
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 07, 2012, 03:01:03 PM: Oh, I wasn't panicking. Just expressing regret.

Nicky is a boy, btw. (I know him in what is laughingly referred to as "real life.")

cheers, G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on February 07, 2012, 03:07:53 PM: Everything Ezra, er, Gothy told you is true. :)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 07, 2012, 09:51:43 PM: This article features details about Dark Shadows - Fan Favorites and Dark Shadows - The Best of Barnabas:

Dark Shadows - Details/Extras for 'The Complete Original Series'; Art and Info About 2 Other Low-End Titles (http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Shadows-The-Complete-Original-Series/16467)

Interesting choice of eps. But, of course, it's probably not likely that any two DS fans are actually going to agree on their 9 favorite eps in any category MPI might come up with. [snow_wink] Though having 9 full eps on The Best of Barnabas DVD is infinitely better than just adding 150 more minutes of random Barnabas scenes to the original MPI VHS compilation...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 07, 2012, 10:26:27 PM: Interesting. I wish at least one of the episodes could have been pre-Barnabas. I would have chosen episode 1, and a Laura Collins episode, perhaps Laura at the diner recounting the "Phoenix soliloquy" or Laura having a showdown with Liz (which would have been good since the selections don't seem to bother to show off Joan Bennett very much).

As one of my friends is fond of saying, C'est la poo-poo.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: tragic bat on February 07, 2012, 11:05:22 PM: I'm surprised they actually devote 2/9 of the episodes to the dismal 'zombie Quentin' storyline. I've never seen that listed as a 'fan favorite' here at all. I agree that the first episode and one of Laura would have been nice.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on February 07, 2012, 11:10:50 PM: Bat, I totally agree about that silly Zombie Quentin storyline, although I do love the scene where Barn is reading Jeremiah's diary to Magda and Sandor in the basement of the Old House. And Thayer's work with Sandor's lines in that scene actually brings an edge of pathos to an otherwise rather absurd staging.

Maybe they looked at episodes that had been immortalized in the bubble-gum cards and Viewmaster reels to choose the "fan favorites"?

How cool would it have been if there had been an actual poll where fans could have first established a shortlist of favorites, then voted on the 9 episodes to be chosen. A missed opportunity for MPI.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: PennyDreadful on February 08, 2012, 03:10:11 AM: I was about to say the same thing Gothick. They should have let the fans vote on which episodes to include.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Lydia on February 08, 2012, 11:41:32 AM: The Zombie Quentin storyline may not be an actual fan favorite, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it the last time I watched it.

My real problem with these "favorites" is that in general, what makes the best scenes so good is the lead-up to them. I think the end of episode 445 is probably the most powerful in the whole series, but what makes it powerful is the 80 episodes building up to it.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Nicky on February 08, 2012, 03:11:44 PM: And because I still feel the same tug that I did when I saw the MPI compilations of yore, I will probably buy them, just as I did the silly Vampire Curse DVD they put out a few years ago. Just as I'll buy the new versions of Angelique's Descent and The Salem Branch ... and the first Dynamite comic compilation ...

It's Angelique's newest threat: the Merchandising Curse!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on February 08, 2012, 05:05:27 PM: OT From MPI's new catalog flyer previously referred to by cousin Ronny G, I noticed on the back that MPI is selling DARK SHADOWS Official Crew Jackets for $59.98. "Stay warm this winter with the first-ever authorized Dark Shadows crew jacket. Fully insulated with zipper front and pockets. DARK SHADOWS logo appears on left chest. Available in black, smokey gray, and maroon as indicated." Black: Large; Gray: Small, Medium, Extra Large; Maroon: Medium
Not sure why the sizes are so limited and why MPI is not selling any jacket over a size XL. The image on the catalog is about an inch in size. I am surprised the jackets are not available at its website as of yesterday.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 08, 2012, 06:38:59 PM: I also wish something from the pre-Barn era would have been included on the Favorites DVD. And any one of the suggested eps would have been perfect. But who knows - if the DVD does well enough, maybe there might be a Favorites 2 DVD - and maybe something from pre-Barn might get some respect on it.

One can hope...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 09, 2012, 06:28:30 PM: Quote from: jimbo on February 08, 2012, 05:05:27 PM
I am surprised the jackets are not available at its website as of yesterday.

That is strange. And what also seems strange is that there's no mention at all in the catalog about the DS - Fan Favorites or the DS - The Best of Barnabas DVDs. In the past MPI always mentioned when DVDs like that were released. I'd say that maybe they think fans receiving the catalog probably already own all the eps on the new DVDs and might not be interested in them - but the catalog does feature the sale on DS: The Curse of the Vampire and DS: The Haunting of Collinwood, so who knows...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on February 15, 2012, 01:46:41 AM: Sorry MB i missed your post. The jackets are still not listed at its website. I don't understand the reason why MPI doesn't tell us the size of limited edition of the complete series. It wants us to pay their price of $500 not knowing how limited it is. MPI in the past has taken liberties with it classifying something as a limited edition and then making it unlimited. http://www.mpihomevideo.com/Store/Detail.asp?ProdID=10933

Your other question was answered somewhere else here? If not here is the link. http://darkshadowsnews.blogspot.com/2012/02/dark-shadows-greatest-episodes-dvds_13.html
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: joe integlia on February 15, 2012, 04:33:04 AM: since ds was shot on standard def video and not film, they cant make it hi def so blu ray would offer no improvement in picture quality.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on February 18, 2012, 05:49:26 PM: It's interesting to see that Amazon is pushing the three new DS collections (though I'm not quite sure why they're considering them Science-Fiction). This morning I received the following e-mail from them with the subject "Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series":

Quote
Are you looking for something in our Science-Fiction Movies & TV department? If so,
you might be interested in these items.

* Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series
* Hugo
* Dark Shadows: Best of Barnabas
* Dark Shadows: Fan Favorites
* Star Trek: The Next Generation - Next Level [Blu-ray]
* Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season
* The Thing (2011)
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Series

. . .

Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series
DVD ~ Jonathan Frid
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z7Z3KY/ref=pe_vfe_td1

List Price: $599.98
Price: $419.99
You Save: $179.99 (30%)

. . .

Hugo
DVD ~ Chloe Moretz
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y5H5H4/ref=pe_vfe_td2

List Price: $29.99
Price: $15.49
You Save: $14.50 (48%)

. . .

Dark Shadows: Best of Barnabas
DVD ~ Jonathan Frid
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z7Z3PO/ref=pe_vfe_td3

List Price: $14.98
Price: $13.49
You Save: $1.49 (10%)

. . .

Dark Shadows: Fan Favorites
DVD ~ Jonathan Frid
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Z7Z3ZO/ref=pe_vfe_td4

List Price: $14.98
Price: $13.49
You Save: $1.49 (10%)

. . .

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Next Level [Blu-ray]
DVD ~ Star Trek
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064NLQYG/ref=pe_vfe_td5

List Price: $22.99
Price: $14.99
You Save: $8.00 (35%)

. . .

Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season
DVD ~ Harry Lloyd
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IFT1ZA/ref=pe_vfe_td6

List Price: $59.99
Price: $34.99
You Save: $25.00 (42%)

. . .

The Thing (2011)
DVD ~ Mary Elizabeth Winstead
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067QPVJ6/ref=pe_vfe_td7

List Price: $29.98
Price: $18.99
You Save: $10.99 (37%)

. . .

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Complete Series
DVD ~ Sarah Michelle Gellar
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0046XG48O/ref=pe_vfe_td8

List Price: $199.98
Price: $99.99
You Save: $99.99 (50%)

. . .

See even more similar items:
http://www.amazon.com/sim/B006Z7Z3KY/2/:

(It's also interesting that Chloe Moretz is listed for Hugo.)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on February 23, 2012, 11:49:09 AM: Quote from: Nicky on February 07, 2012, 05:26:14 AM
So I noticed this on Amazon the other day ... all the sets are being "released on April 3, 2012" ... no images, but all are $39.98 and say they star Jonathan Frid and Grayson Hall.

Amazon has dropped the price on these to $26.99, but walmart has them up for pre-order, too. Lowest price I've seen for these new sets: $24.96 (38% off list price)
I'm pretty sure it will be the exact same content and number of discs as the former sets, just slimmer cases and new artwork.

They're not showing the new artwork, but they do give the specifications:
Product in Inches (L x W x H): 5.5 x 0.5 x 7.44
So according to them, it will be 1/2" thick.

They also give a description of the product and the special features.

Sounds the same as the previous release.

Here's the link:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/19862618 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/19862618)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: B.Collins on February 26, 2012, 05:20:20 PM: i've got a question about the show, going off topic a bit. sorry about that. according to' "Dark Shadows Journal" they are putting the show in a different case? or something? MPI is, i really didn't see any info other than the current boxes we have now are going out of print.

so what's this about? i'd love it if someone can please help a guy out.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on February 26, 2012, 10:50:07 PM: Old cases are going out of print--new cases are coming in April.
MPI hasn't made an official announcement that the series is being re-packaged in new slimmer cases, but the new volumes are already up for preorder at places like Amazon, walmart, etc. They are going to be released in April. Right now, MPI is clearing out the old stock and marking prices down. No pictures of the new sets yet.
Hope that answers your question.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ShadowsAtlanta on March 09, 2012, 03:50:38 AM: The complete set is showing as unavailable on Amazon and Deep Discount has jacked up its price. D'oh.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on March 09, 2012, 08:53:15 PM: I think they changed the street date from April 10 to May 8.
According to a post at htf, the new Street date is May 8, 2012.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/t/319143/mpi-press-release-dark-shadows-the-complete-original-series#post_3904996 (http://www.hometheaterforum.com/t/319143/mpi-press-release-dark-shadows-the-complete-original-series#post_3904996)

[edited by admin]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on March 09, 2012, 09:17:03 PM: I think it looks classier than the earlier pics.
I wonder if it is made of wood or cardboard?
I like how the lid is hinged, and opens like a door. Not a pop off lid.
Would be nice if the inside of the lid was lined with red velvet, but doesn't look like it is.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on March 09, 2012, 09:50:07 PM: I would suspect it's made of strong cardboard. That tends to be the case with box sets.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on March 09, 2012, 10:05:44 PM: I was thinking cheap plywood, but, Yeah, you're probably right.
Mpi would probably publicize it as a sturdy wood coffin if it was indeed made of wood.
There are a few exceptions, though.
I have the Land of the Giants boxed set, and it comes in a wooden crate.
The Prisoner: Cell Block H set came in a metal case.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on March 09, 2012, 10:53:49 PM: My favorite complete set is the Land of the Lost series that comes in a tin reproduction of the original lunchbox! So cool! Too bad they never made a DS lunchbox.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on March 18, 2012, 08:36:06 AM: Quote from: retzev on March 17, 2012, 07:48:24 AM
"I think I understand now what the new DARK SHADOWS from Tim Burton is up to. It's a celebration of everyone's inner strangeness. Daring new territory for him, so we must give it a chance." - Tim Lucas

Lucas said on Facebook that MPI's publicist had 25 complete DS sets to send to media outlets in exchange for a promise of feature coverage. Tim commissioned artist Belle Dee to create some original illustrations and promised MPI the cover of Video Watchdog and a 15-20 page feature. MPI's publicity wizard said no.

Lucas said review set or not, he still intends to do a DS round-table issue.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: KMR on March 19, 2012, 07:31:06 PM: I am totally not understanding the whole situation with the box set. Strangely, today I can't even find any mention of it on the MPI web site! It hasn't been cancelled, has it??
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on March 19, 2012, 09:22:19 PM: That is very sad that MPI refused to cooperate with Tim Lucas. His work on Bava has been epochal, and some outstanding material by himself and others (such as Kim Newman) has appeared over the years in Video Watchdog. What's more, people who read VW actually buy DVDs, unlike the typical reader of Time or Vanity Fair or whatever.

Dumb call, MPI. One does wonder just what's up with that box set. They have a good sales potential with it even with the high ticket price... given that there is no sign to date of WB doing ANY marketing at all connected with the Burton-Depp feature.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Ronny G on March 22, 2012, 07:32:01 AM: Someone got their complete set early and posted a review of its contents over at amazon.
According to the reviewer, the coffin-shaped box is well-constructed. The spines of the individual cases form the image of Barnabas resting in his coffin. However, I was disappointed to learn that the covers of the cases are all black with no artwork or photos--just the title. The discs are also black. The reviewer seems to like it, but I'm more of a visual person, and I would've liked more photos on the cases.
I'm also not too crazy about the coffin-shaped box. I know it's Dark Shadows, but I find it a little morbid, and I wouldn't want to put it out on display in my room, except maybe Halloween, because I'm afraid it might remind me too much of death and funerals. I would've preferred a more simple box with photos of the Collinwood mansion, because that's where all the action takes place.

Judging by his comments, I think I'll stick with the individual sets I have. I think they look classy sitting on my shelf, and I like the little episode guide leaflet with the photos, and the postcards.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: KMR on March 23, 2012, 07:58:05 PM: (modified to add another sentence about my confusion on status of the product...)

Well, mine arrived today! The last couple weeks have been very confusing in regard to this set. And this past Sunday I got a very brief email (hardly any details at all) from DeepDiscount saying that it had been shipped, but my order was still saying that status was simply "Open", and my PayPal account hadn't been charged. And mention of the set was completely removed from the MPI web site. I wondered if the email had been a glitch, and instead of "shipped" it was really "cancelled". Then Tuesday my PayPal account was charged, and then yesterday I sent an email to DeepDiscount and they verified it had been shipped and sent me a USPS tracking number (which isn't able to provide any tracking info on the USPS web site...). Then the mail room notified me this morning there was a package for me!

Anyway, after all of that drama, I have to say it's worth it! [snow_smiley] Even though the shape of the coffin box is hokey (I still think it's proportioned for a South Park character) the whole set otherwise is quite classy. The coffin is a sturdy paper-covered thick board box, containing 22 cases, each holding 6 discs, plus the episode guide booklet and a picture card of Barnabas autographed by Jonathan Frid. The UPC and limited edition numbering (mine is 801 out of 2500) is on a sticker on the bottom. It's big and heavy, and the case is going to take up most of a bookshelf, unless I just take the amaray cases out of it and put those on the shelf and pack the coffin away somewhere.

I haven't carefully compared the extras with all of the individually-sold MPI special documentary-type discs, but it looks like all that stuff is included (it doesn't include the episode edits and compilations, like "Haunting of Collinwood"--since of course all that material is part of the complete original series). The inclusion of those 5 extra discs along with the complete series makes this a really great value. For anybody still wanting this, it's worth checking around for vendors who still have copies not spoken for. Good luck!! [snow_kiss]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ShadowsAtlanta on March 24, 2012, 12:19:33 AM: Ordered mine from importcds.com this morning for $382.98 shipped and already have gotten a shipping notification. First time using the store but I am encouraged at the turnaround time. They still show the set as available, FYI.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Sara Monster on March 28, 2012, 03:20:04 AM: Seems those who got it early are rather lucky, as TVShowsonDVD is reporting the official release date has been changed again:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Shadows-The-Complete-Original-Series/16725
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on March 29, 2012, 12:28:44 AM: Amazon has the complete set available again for purchase. I have a feeling all 2500 will soon be sold out. I got mine from DeepDiscount and its number 1073/2500. http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Shadows-Complete-Original-Series/dp/B006Z7Z3KY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332974518&sr=8-1
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: ShadowsAtlanta on March 29, 2012, 02:26:53 AM: I got my set today. This thing is beautiful... and HUGE. I have uploaded several pics of the set to PhotoBucket for anyone who is interested: http://s1156.photobucket.com/albums/p575/DarkShadowsFan/ (http://s1156.photobucket.com/albums/p575/DarkShadowsFan/)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on March 29, 2012, 02:34:33 AM: Thanks for posting the wonderful pics. It seems you found a home for it. I'm still trying to figure out where I should display it.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on March 30, 2012, 12:29:33 AM: MPI is at it again. I'll just leave it at that. Now there will be two coffins box sets. http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Dark-Shadows-The-Complete-Original-Series/16735
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on March 30, 2012, 01:23:22 AM: Wow - interesting.

So the only thing different about the Limited Edition is the Frid card and the serial number. And that's what makes it a limited edition. And even without them the second edition will still cost the same as the Limited Edition. Hmmm. But then, this is MPI we're dealing with, so none of that really surprises me. Though I'm betting that people who are willing to wait a while before ordering until places like Amazon and deepdiscount.com have sales will be able to get the second edition for a lot cheaper...

Thanks for the link, jimbo. [snow_smiley]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on March 30, 2012, 02:06:20 AM: Well put MB. Yesterday or so Amazon started again selling the complete DVD complete series box set. Although it says its the limited edition version I wonder if it really is as I am not sure if Amazon got the latest memo. Leave it to MPI to.......
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on March 31, 2012, 06:05:05 AM: About the rerelease of the individual sets, I'm a bit confused. They're saying they'll be repackaged in slimline cases, but I wonder if they actually mean amarays like the ones in the complete set that hold 4-6 discs per. I've also heard from multiple sources that the contents of the individual sets will be identical to the original releases, and this baffles me. If they've restored the Bathia Mapes episode, how difficult would it be to include that episode in the rereleased sets? Anyway, I like the looks of the new packaging, I'm all for consolidation. and I'm looking forward to finding out what the spines look like.

Great news about the unlimited release of the complete set, too. I waited too long and I think they're mostly gone. I've thought about building a little wooden replica of the coffin Barnabas used in the original series and housing the discs in there. The South Park casket is a little hokey looking.

One more question about the complete set: besides the Mapes blooper, are there any supplemental video interviews, featurettes, etc, or is it all previously released?
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: retzev on March 31, 2012, 06:12:40 AM: * I meant exclusive to the boxed set, aside from all the original supplements previously released on the idividuals sets
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: jimbo on March 31, 2012, 06:21:09 PM: People need to be careful that this "Deluxe Edition" is not the limited edition of 2500 sets. It is misleading because Amazon seems to group this with the limited edition box set in its full description. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PZ6SYK?tag=tvshowsondvdcom&link_code=as3&creativeASIN=B007PZ6SYK&creative=373489&camp=211189
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: borgosi on April 08, 2012, 04:44:33 PM: So the DS original series box set has sold out. That is cool. Maybe that will help get the restored original movies released sooner.
Title: Review of MPI complete series set
Post by: DLA75 on April 09, 2012, 05:13:46 PM: http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/54328/dark-shadows-complete-original-series/ (http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/54328/dark-shadows-complete-original-series/)
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on April 11, 2012, 01:49:18 AM: A friend also sent me links today of reviews on DVD Talks of the inaccurately named "Fan Favorites" DS set (I think of the titling as misleading, as we have heard nothing about any polling of fans on our favorite episodes to craft this selection), and the "Best of Barnabas" set (9 episodes, each with a very short intro from Lara Parker). I only had time to glance quickly at the reviews--I think they were done by the same critic who gave very high marks to the megaset. He pointed out that only diehard fan completists should bother spending money on the "best of" sets and in one of the reviews pointed out that the selection would be like sending a friend a few favorite chapters--or even pages from chapters--of books in the Harry Potter series. With no context, the excerpts don't really make much sense to the casual viewer.

I presume the "Fan Favorites" set also has intro segments for each show, but don't recall seeing mention of who taped those.

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: madscntst on April 11, 2012, 05:54:50 PM: So I had decided to go for the complete box set from Amazon when it became available again a few weeks ago. I received it yesterday, and it looks great! (Haven't watched any of the episodes yet, though, lol). I just got an e-mail from Amazon saying the price went down to $389, and they have the price guarantee, so that was very pleasant news.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 11, 2012, 06:29:27 PM: (Yes, I love when that happens at Amazon. I've ended up ultimately saving quite a bit on several DVD/Blu-rays because of their price guarantee.)

My copy of the set still says "Shipping Soon." [easter_sad]
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Gothick on April 12, 2012, 03:02:29 AM: A fan who bought the megaset just posted a video showing how the box looks, the episode guide, etc. on Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAeZ2_hGESM

G.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: madscntst on April 12, 2012, 03:12:52 AM: Yep, that's what it looks like! Interesting that my postcard was signed with one of those silver poster markers, instead of a red one. Mine was #1468 of 2500. I hope yours ships soon, MB!
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 13, 2012, 06:25:41 PM: Quote from: madscntst on April 12, 2012, 03:12:52 AM
I hope yours ships soon, MB!

Thanks madscntst - mine finally shipped very early this morning and it's supposed to arrive on Monday, which is pretty fast considering I chose free shipping. However, it's shipping from a city that I've never had anything shipped from - and it's only two states away, so I suppose that's how it will supposedly get to me so quickly.

I also received the e-mail that the price was dropped to $389. But what's really interesting about that is I see where one of Amazon's partners is charging $799.99, which is like $200 OVER list price! Someone would really have to want a copy of the limited edition to pay $200 more for it! But as insane as that is, one other partner is charging $895 and another is charging a whopping $1,100!! [easter_shocked]

It's also interesting that Amazon is charging $524.99 for the Deluxe Edition even though they'd dropped the Limited Edition to $389. [easter_huh] Though they may eventually drop the price there as well...
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: madscntst on April 13, 2012, 07:10:41 PM: Well, I think the way I understand this is that the LE was only $389, but that is moot right now because it looks like it is sold out again. So the price only applies to people who were able to order a copy already. Now, since it's a LE, the secondary market is trying to charge more, hoping that folks will REALLY want that signed postcard and/or the number on the bottom of the box! [easter_cool] And the Deluxe Edition, which will be released in July, is currently charging more for this but the price will probably drop by the release date (and I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up even lower than the LE was, but that remains to be seen!)

At any rate, I'm glad yours shipped, MB! I got mine quickly because I just recently started the Amazon Prime trial membership, but I have been ordering so much stuff from there, and plus they have Buffy streaming free for Amazon Prime members and I have always meant to watch that darn show, that I am considering keeping my membership for now.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on April 17, 2012, 01:06:40 AM: Quote from: jimbo on March 29, 2012, 12:28:44 AM
I got mine from DeepDiscount and its number 1073/2500.
Quote from: madscntst on April 12, 2012, 03:12:52 AM
Mine was #1468 of 2500.

Mine did indeed arrive today. And because I ordered sort of late in the game, I didn't think I was going to get one of the 2500 - but it says it's 1441 out of 2500. But I suppose each vender must have gotten a certain amount of the sets - and then once all of those were all ordered, that's when MPI reported the entire Limited Edition as being sold out. But regardless of what number I have, I still think I must have gotten in just under the wire because it was only a day after I placed my order that it was reported that the Limited Edition had sold out.
Title: Re: Complete Original Series April 10 on DVD
Post by: madscntst on April 17, 2012, 01:18:23 AM: Yay, glad yours arrived, MB! And your number beats mine! [ghost_grin] (though I don't know how random they are once they're sitting on the shelf waiting to get shipped!)