I had always thought Barnabas was supposed to be around 35. 

Very true, Nancy.  But a great movie wouldn't hurt either.   

I think we are all taking this "funny" business too seriously.  DS was indeed funny, in terms of its witty-writing and the great acting which made its light moments especially enjoyable, but it still maintained its initial purpose - that of being a serious drama.   (Usually the humor was of a sharper nature.  It some respects, at times, it was Hitchcockian.)   There are many episodes in which I laugh at something Barnabas has said to Willie or some look Liz is giving to Roger, while the overall episode is still very serious.  It is a unique balance that was achieved in the original show.  It was serious, but it could also be funny when it wanted to be in attempt to offset the serious aspect.  If Burton uses this type of balanced comic relief to the film's advantage, then I think we are all going to be laughing and screaming for all of the right reasons. 

One thing I disliked about the original films was that, for the most part, they lacked the warmth and wit of the series.  The characters were pretty much one-dimensional, whereas in the show, they were rather fully developed.  The "funny" moments help to make characters well-rounded.   

I don't think you can have a truly "scary" movie and a truly "funny" movie all in one.  You have to choose which way you want to go, and simply inject elements of the other.  I think you can have a scary movie, with incredibly funny moments, just as in the original show, and I hope that is what they are going for.  If Burton and his crew are out to make a funny movie, then they are out to kill the original intent of the show, and I don't think they want to do that.  I don't think Depp wants to do that.

Series Two is coming in November!

My bets are Quentin and Josette, at the very least.  I am hoping that there will be more than just two in the next wave.

Read more here:

http://www.horrortoys.net/features-1029-Dark_Shadows_figures_interview_with_Rick_Phares_.html

This is very good news.  Hopefully this is an indication that Warner Bros. has big hopes for the project. 

Gothick,

You are right.  If we do get an NODS restoration out of this, I suppose it would be worth it; but i am still holding out hope that we can get NODS with Depp Shadows staying in the second dimension.   

As for merchandising, I AM looking forward to this aspect - so long as the characters resemble their 1960s counterparts in some way, shape, or form.  I'd love to see a Collinwood playset with corresponding action figures.  But, right now, I am happy with the Mego-style line coming out this summer. 

-CB-

I am not happy about this 3D speculation.  I hope Warner decides to ditch this gimmick before it's too late.  I see very little that 3D can add to the picture.  Dark Shadows isn't really about sight gags, surprises, or fancy graphics.  It's about good characters, music, and stories.  And those things don't require 3D.