I just watched the NODS DVD after not seeing the film in about fourteen years. At the time I had a good impression of it, but today I couldn't even sit through the picture. It really doesn't have anything to do with DS, and that is cemented through the constant use of (often very dim) natural lighting to highlight the seemingly minimal use of makeup on set and the dingy, dated, horribly decorated interiors. Quentin and Tracy are supposed to go home to this mansion on a great estate, but the main house is cramped, claustrophobic, and ugly. The film seems to be inspired by The Shining.
The disrepair on the rest of the estate is highly disturbing. I don't know if the 129 minute cut is supposed to have more character development and buildup, but it's sorely needed. Because I don't beleive and I don't care about these characters when we're suddenly jolted into the dreams, flashbacks, and domestic violence. I want to hear them have a conversation like "it's really too bad we don't have the money to restore this place..." or at least something to justify their extremely laid back view of their real-estate.
Despite reading all of Darren Gross' material and knowing what the story is supposed to be, I still only see what the film implies, like that James Storm's character (and what a waste of the actor to have to stutter in that horrible accent through the script) was the lover of Angelique's ghost before Quentin shows up. The editing is so damn bad. If Tracy could actually be given proper CPR and not that ridiculous (soundtracked) version in a new edit, that would be great too. It's too bad that the DS TV sets couldn't be used for this movie, but I guess they were destroyed by that point.