Hmm, well the new clips are certainly better than the trailers and promos. I enjoyed some aspects of the new clips and could feel a bit of actual DS going on in between the foolishness. Still, I don't care for the comedy. It puts a damper on it for me.
At the risk of being a killjoy again (sorry cousins), I don't think it's okay for Burton and Depp to "have some fun with DS" like we do in the fandom. It's one thing to joke around online or at a Fest, but this film is big... MASSIVE. This picture has the potential to rebrand "Dark Shadows" as a "dark comedy" on the pop-culture consciousness for decades to come. Let's take Batman for example. Batman started off as a dark and tragic figure in 1939. In the 40s and 50s he evolved into a more kid-friendly hero. In the 60s, the mega-popular TV show made him a campy caped crusader and THAT'S how the public perceived him for over 20 years. Sure, the comic creators yearned for the return of the Dark Knight with stories like the grim and gritty ‘The Dark Knight Returns’, but the general populace still thought of Adam West hikinks when the name “Batman” came up. However, in 1989, someone brought the Batman back into the shadows in a very BIG way. It was Tim Burton of course. His take on Batman had an enormous impact on the way the public viewed (and continues to view) that character.
When we create funny captions, cartoons, and comedy skits within the fandom that's one thing (and yes, I love that stuff too!), but taking that type of humor to the level Burton and Depp have taken it is irresponsible IMO. I'm not denying their fandom in any way and I BET you it all started with Burton and Depp AS fans having a laugh over how Barnabas must have reacted to the modern world upon his release. Of course it's fun to imagine and laugh about those things, but actually depicting such situations utterly undermines and satirizes the source material. It really sends the Gothic tradition over Widow's Hill and onto the rocks below! *krssshhh! ouch! splash!*
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer guys and gals. I really wish I could share the enthusiasm many of you are showing for the film. Instead, I feel a mix of trepidation and curiosity. I do think the new clips are better than the trailers, so maybe there's some hope for this grumpy old fangirl.