DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '25 I => Current Talk '08 II => Topic started by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 05, 2008, 06:37:58 PM

Title: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 05, 2008, 06:37:58 PM
[PLEASE IGNORE THE NOTE AT THE TOP OF REPLY #1. I've adapted the spoiler feature to hide the video until someone wants to play it - then it will begin automatically once it downloads. Now all of the videos can be posted in one topic, which is what I've been wanting to do all along. However, note that each video post has its own title, so if/when you'd like to comment on an individual video, please reply to that particular post so it will be clear to everyone. Thanks. MB]
Title: Watching Project #2: Teaser #1
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 05, 2008, 06:37:58 PM
(Note: I abandoned what I was trying to do because RealPlayer's home site wasn't cooperating at all as far as allowing anyone to download the plug-in needed to do what I wanted to do, so I've resorted to something entirely different - though it's not operating quite the way I want it to either. However, I'm posting this teaser video anyone - and I'll continue to try to figure out if it's even possible to do what I want with this method.)

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1228_2.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

(Side note: Don LaFontaine, the man who did the voiceovers for all these '91 series' promos and countless other movie trailers and TV promos just recently passed away. Check out:  'In a world' voiceover master dies at 68 (http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/02/obit.lafontaine/index.html))
Title: Watching Project #2: Teaser #2
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 05, 2008, 06:39:32 PM
The shadows of the dark will come alive!

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0105_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

More promos to come later today...
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Teaser #1
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 05, 2008, 06:40:51 PM
I hadn't seen this one.  THANKS MB!  His voice is unmistakeable and he will truly be missed.  I loved his voice.  It fit DS perfect!!
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Teaser #2
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 05, 2008, 10:19:49 PM
 Oh how nostalgic I am feeling.  And slightly pissed too because NBC screwed up BIG TIME!  Didn't they even admit it later on? MB I cannot wait to hear all the insight you have.  For ex.  I never knew they worked Ely Pouget into the show because they liked her so much.  I loved her Maggie.
Title: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #1
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 06, 2008, 05:26:07 AM
Experience the passion like never before, "As it was meant to be."

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1227_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #1
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 06, 2008, 05:26:10 AM
Hopefully not only twice.  [ghost_wink]

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0107_4.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

People who've only seen the NBC broadcast and the DVDs will notice a snippet of a scene that was cut but restored for the MPI VHS.
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #1
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 06, 2008, 01:01:19 PM
I AGREE!!  I hope we finally break the curse with Johnny D's movie.  I feel like I am watching this for the first time almost with all these wonderful promos!! U ROCK! [ghost_smiley]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #1
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 06, 2008, 01:04:28 PM
I am about to JUMP up out of this set. Great promo!!  GODDESS I love Joanna and Ben!
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #1
Post by: Miss_Winthrop on September 06, 2008, 01:39:00 PM
The pendant used to hypnotize is exactly like a crystal that I used to have hanging from my rearview mirror in the car!  [ghost_shocked] I had forgotten how nice the opening promo is.
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #1
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 06, 2008, 05:44:54 PM
I feel like I am watching this for the first time almost with all these wonderful promos!!

That's the idea.  [ghost_wink]  Attempting to recreate a bit of the experience of the buildup to the show.
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #2
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 06, 2008, 06:08:37 PM
Only the love of one woman can save him.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1228_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

And in this one people who've only seen the NBC broadcast and the DVDs will notice two snippets of a scene that was cut but restored for the MPI VHS.
Title: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #2
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 06, 2008, 06:08:53 PM
They all have a stake in it.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0106_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #2
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 06, 2008, 07:17:48 PM
I have not seen that one either.  THANKS MB!  I am gonna explode!!
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #3
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 07, 2008, 05:04:17 AM
And now for something completely different: the infamous "Two front teeth" promo:

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1222_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

Though I've always thought it was rather clever to have it running during Christmastime.  [ghost_wink]
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #4
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 07, 2008, 05:04:31 AM
(The generic) In the shadows, your deepest fears come true.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1225_3.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #3
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 07, 2008, 07:34:43 AM
And now for something completely different: the infamous "Two front teeth" promo

That one was not cute at all.  LOL  That wasn't even Ben either was it?!  It was pretty clever as you say though.
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 07, 2008, 05:45:21 PM
In the over 30 different promos that ran for the mini-series between December 18, 1990 and January 14, 1991, there were three main promos that didn't feature any of the actors. The first 20-second spot - and the very first promo to appear - featured a close-up of the ring on a man's hand and the cane on his arm and then panned up for the man to open his mouth to reveal fangs (an alternate 20-second version also ran). (I have no plans to post either.) The second was the 20-second "Two front teeth" promo (which I'm actually very found of because I think it's so out there, and people would definitely have taken notice of it during Christmastime). And the third was the one I've posted in reply #15 (a 10-second version also ran). (I have no plans to post the 10-second version.)

(And while we're on the subject of alternate versions, reply #6 is actually a 20-second version of a 30-second promo. But I have no plans to post the 30-second version because, well, I can't post everything. And in addition to what I'm posting here, more promos and video will be posted in the individual Watching Project #2 topics once those get underway.  [ghost_smiley])
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 07, 2008, 09:46:11 PM
Thanks so much MB.  I know I appreciate seeing all this great stuff that I would have never gotten to if it wasn't for this project!! 

The promos really go to show you how much money NBC wasted when they didn't try to save Dark Shadows by putting it on a better night during the summer reairing all 13 episodes and giving it a second season shot.  :( It is CRAZY how much money they put into the promotion alone.  Alas.....
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 08, 2008, 02:14:34 AM
I understand your point, but I don't know if we can really say that NBC wasted money. They definitely got a return because the '91 DS got decent ratings - especially for a Friday. It was quite often NBC's highest rated show of the night, and it had great demos. Ratings/demos weren't really the problem. The problem was that there was a regime change at NBC and Brandon Tartikoff, DS' biggest supporter at the network, left and was replaced by Warren Littlefield, who didn't support the show. (I mean, we're talking about a man who canceled a show in the Nielsen Top 10 because he didn't like it.  ::)) Littlefield came to see the error of his ways - but by that time it was too late because DC, with good reason, didn't want to hear anything Littlefield had to say...
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: barnabasjr on September 08, 2008, 02:26:32 AM
Thanks for all the fun promos, MB! The anticipation of this project is reminding me of the anticipation I felt during the time leading up to the revival's original run, which was my introduction to DS.

I couldn't wait until the 12th; I cheated and already started watching the revival again, which is helping me to prolong the Beginning Collection 5 that I'm already halfway through. Can't wait!  [ghost_cool]
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #5
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 08, 2008, 03:28:14 AM
Character-centric promos: First up: Sheriff Patterson.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/1221_2.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

(This is not a scene from the series - it was specifically staged for the promos.)
Title: Watching Project #2: 20-second Spot #6
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 08, 2008, 03:28:25 AM
Character-centric promos: Second up: Vicki.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0107_1.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

And people who've only seen the NBC broadcast and the DVDs will again notice that two snippets from two of the cut but restored for the MPI VHS scenes that were included in previously posted promos are also included in this one.
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 08, 2008, 03:35:06 AM
Thanks for all the fun promos, MB!

You're welcome. I'm having a lot of fun posting them.  [ghost_smiley]

Quote
I couldn't wait until the 12th; I cheated and already started watching the revival again

I know the feeling - I'm getting really excited myself.  [ghost_grin]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Cousin_Barnabas on September 09, 2008, 07:23:58 AM
MB, these promos are so wonderful!  Thank you for sharing them with all of us.  I haven't seen hardly any of these ones.  I always have to race towards this thread so I can see the new ones.  Thanks a million!
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 09, 2008, 08:54:03 PM
Well my hatefulness was directed @ whoever cancelled DS I didn't know all the stuff about Brandon/Warren.  I am sure they made their money back but it all seemed like a waste when the show wasn't renewed. Does that make sense?  I did know Dan was approached and I wish he would have done it. I guess I would have been pissy about it as well if someone had done that to me and then come back realizing the error of their ways!!  Do you know how long after it aired that he was approached by Warren. 

Thanks for the Victoria promo.  It would have been better if Joanna was actually was narrating.  The Patterson one I have on DVD because it was featured on DS Ressurected which I burned to DVD.  At any rate...thanks MB.  I am excited as well. And I am glad too because this will slow down my watching The Beginning DVDS and the early Barney DVDS. It is gonna be almost a bit sad (to me) that I will have finally watched the original series all the way through.  It's always kind of been something to look forward too. However, I am greatful they have been preserved on DVD!!! I am on volume 4 and don't have many left.  I have 5 ordered but I really don't want to be left hanging until 6 comes out for Halloween so I may slow down on those as well.  Plus the fall season is coming on so that will slow me down.  I don't watch a lot of current TV shows but I do have a few that I love...

I seriously need to quite rambling....... [ghost_wacko]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 10, 2008, 04:54:16 PM
Do you know how long after it aired that he was approached by Warren.

A few years.

Quote
Thanks for the Victoria promo.  It would have been better if Joanna was actually was narrating.

According to Joanna, she did narrate it. She's even commented about how wild it was for her to have been sitting at home watching TV and for the promo she narrated to come on.  [ghost_wink]
Title: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #3
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 10, 2008, 05:07:05 PM
The last two regular promos I plan to post. First up: Can one woman's love be strong enough to change him?

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0101_4.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]

And once again people who've only seen the NBC broadcast and the DVDs will again notice two snippets of a cut scene that was restored for the MPI VHS.
Title: Watching Project #2: 30-second Spot #4
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 10, 2008, 05:07:18 PM
The Dream Is Alive.

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/0107_5.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 11, 2008, 03:37:45 AM
Well  she doesn't sound like herself~~~like at all.  Oh well.....Thanks for more promos MB!
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 11, 2008, 03:43:33 AM
Well  she doesn't sound like herself~~~like at all.  Oh well.....

I honestly think it sounds like her. But I will concede that the situation might be a bit like how some of the voices of the original series' actors sounded a bit different when they did the opening voiceovers for the show.
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 11, 2008, 03:51:09 AM
That is a very good angle to view it from MB because you are dead on about the original series voiceovers. More than once I haven't recognized a voice. [ghost_wink]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Miss_Winthrop on September 11, 2008, 01:15:30 PM
I'm all a twitter with excitement!  [ghost_grin] Tomorrow is the big day and I'm nervous I won't be able to find out where I go to find where the discussion will take place...Will it be on the current discussion page like this one? Or, will be in a different layer somewhere? What will it's title be? If it is on a different page then this one, can you please specific instructions on how to get there?  ...Although I've been using computers for years, I'm sort of technically challenged. [ghost_wub]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 11, 2008, 01:48:40 PM
Don't worry. The topic to discuss the first half of the pilot will be on this board, it will be clearly identified, and it will be started tomorrow night.  [ghost_smiley]
Title: Watching Project #2: The 2 Minute Trailer
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 11, 2008, 01:52:13 PM
It's hard to imagine that almost anyone could resist being drawn in by this:

[video]
http://www.dsboards.com/1991/2min_trailer.swf

(To control the play of the video, right-click on it and use the controls.)
[/video]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Taeylor Collins on September 11, 2008, 02:40:18 PM
GOOD LORD!  I am about to jump up out of my seat now!!! I cannot wait. I think I am gonna watch tonight and tommorrow both.  I am gonna view it once without a pen and paper and then with a pen and paper.  Can you all tell I am excited???  [faint2]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Nelson Collins on September 11, 2008, 05:20:21 PM
Whew!  I could not remember when the watching project was going to start and I have been out of town for the last few days.  I am glad I have not missed the first week.

BTW, I am now the proud owner of the dvd set.  I sprang for the DS/Dark Angel set at Target while in Memphis.  :)
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: retzev on September 12, 2008, 03:14:18 PM
I couldn't wait until the 12th; I cheated and already started watching the revival again...[ghost_cool]

Ha! I knew it! I was feeling the same way and wondering if anyone already started watching episodes. Control yourself [PointingFinger] man!
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them to)
Post by: Nelson Collins on September 12, 2008, 04:05:09 PM
My housemate may ask me to spend the evening away from home tonight  [ghost_wink], so I may have to take my dvds and videotapes and head to a friend's house tonight....

And yes I also plan to have pen and paper handy......  [ghost_grin]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: The 2 Minute Trailer
Post by: Midnite on September 12, 2008, 05:40:19 PM
It's hard to imagine that almost anyone could resist being drawn in by this:

For sure.  That one is the most exciting of all!!  It's hard to believe they only aired it once.

And btw, it was a brilliant move to hide the vids until they're to be watched, MB!  [thumb]
Title: Re: Watching Project #2: Promo Videos (that no longer start until you want them
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on September 13, 2008, 08:57:58 PM
I understand your point, but I don't know if we can really say that NBC wasted money. They definitely got a return

I was just going through some of my '91 series stuff for future postings and I came across some info that I'd forgotten about. I did remembered that Domino's was the major sponsor of the mini-series - but I'd completely forgotten that NBC only put up $750,000 of their money to produce the promos and that Domino's "chipped in" with a "huge, multi-million dollar chunk" of their own. So, NBC definitely got their money's worth out of the promos.  [ghost_wink]