DARK SHADOWS FORUMS

General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '26 I => Current Talk '04 II => Topic started by: Darren Gross on July 21, 2004, 04:04:10 AM

Title: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Darren Gross on July 21, 2004, 04:04:10 AM
I'm delighted to report that after a few months of research into the submission status of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS, in regards to its submitted and released length as approved by the Japanese censor bureau.

Contacts at the PR firm that handled HODS in Japan when it was released in March 1971, have confirmed that the Japanese version WAS INDEED A LONGER VERSION THAN THE US one. It's length in Japan was at least 4 mins longer, running 101mins. The only prints that currently exist run just under 97 mins.

There are conflicting reports on the contents of the longer version, which have been reported over the years, but the most likely case is that this version would include the 'David hanging' sequence, which encompasses several new scenes added to the beginning of the film, which offers a new introduction scene to virtually all the main characters in the cast. Unfortunately, Japanese sources could not confirm the scenes exclusive to the Japanese release.

I've started the ball rolling and have begun further research into the Japanese release, which will include inquiries into Japanese studio film element holdings and discussions with underground Asian film collectors.
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Mysterious Benefactor on July 21, 2004, 04:15:16 AM
Wow. This is great news. It's not exactly a secret that I'm not the biggest fan of hoDS, but it would be quite nice if we could at least see characters like Maggie, Roger and Liz introduced the way they should have been.
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Midnite on July 21, 2004, 04:42:21 AM
Yay!  I'm thrilled, Darren.  Congratulations are in order too.

(Yay!!!)
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: ProfStokes on July 21, 2004, 07:13:28 AM
This is wonderful news, Darren!  :D Thanks so much for all of your hard work in tracking down the information!

ProfStokes
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Josette on July 21, 2004, 07:20:48 AM
Wonderful news, but practically, what does it mean?  Is there a chance that we'll eventually get a full U.S. version?

Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Darren Gross on July 21, 2004, 10:44:21 AM
Josette: Yes, if further research is successful.

Plus: Expanding the odds- I just found out there's a very strong possibility that the version released in Hong Kong was also the longer cut, though this has yet to be fully confirmed.
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Gothick on July 21, 2004, 03:20:05 PM
What a thrill!!! My heartiest congratulations to you, Darren.  I know you've been working on this one for years.

Steve
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: TERRY308 on July 21, 2004, 04:52:11 PM
Congrats Darren.  I know you have been working on this a long, long time.
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Josette on July 22, 2004, 05:44:59 AM
Josette: Yes, if further research is successful.

Plus: Expanding the odds- I just found out there's a very strong possibility that the version released in Hong Kong was also the longer cut, though this has yet to be fully confirmed.

That's good to know and the extra bit of information sounds even better!!  :) :)
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Darren Gross on July 27, 2004, 06:43:14 AM
Looks like Saturday at the Tarrytown Fest will be pretty busy as well..

My panel's scheduled for 3PM, with the cast reunion to follow. Sometime Saturday will be Nancy Barrett's cabaret also...
Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: Miss_Winthrop on July 28, 2004, 12:19:38 AM
This is exciting news! Thank you so much Darren for all your hard work and all the other people who are trying to put this thing together for us.


Title: Re: BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!
Post by: John_in_NC on August 01, 2004, 03:24:40 PM
This is great news Darren!  I am looking forward to your presentation at the DS Weekend.
John in SC