Okay, so vampires are really hot right now--have been for at least a year or two with Twilight and The Vampire Diaries. Who knows how long this craze will last?
This is the perfect time for the new Dark Shadows movie, but as far as I know there is no premiere date as it is only in pre-production. Have they started filming yet? I haven't heard of any other actors cast besides Johnny Depp. So it looks like the movie won't come out until 2011 or maybe 2012.
I'm interested in reading what everyone's thoughts are on the new Dark Shadows movie.
Here are mine:
I'm worried the vampire craze will die down by the time the movie premieres.
I'm wondering if a lot of young moviegoers will think it is a Twilight-rip-off (even though we all know DS came first)..
Will the movie be aimed at young viewers or older audiences? The reason why I say this is because Johnny Depp isn't exactly a young Robert Pattison-type. Also, the original DS audience-the ones who used to run home from school--must be in their late fifties/early sixties now.
Do you think the movie will become as big as Twilight?
The best thing is that Tim Burton will direct or produce it (not sure) so it will have a big budget and look fabulous.

I went to the DS Fest on Saturday. As mentioned earlier, Spectre Toys had a booth in the dealers room with the Angelique and Barnabas action figures for $20.00 each. I bought the Barnabas figure. I didn't get the Angelique figure because it doesn't resemble her and it looks cheap.
Here's what Barney looks like in the package:

They also had some prototypes of the next line due in November. Subject to change.
I think they did a good job on Quentin and Willie, but Josette doesn't resemble Kathryn.
Neither does Adam, but it helps that he's wearing his green sweater.


Like I said, these are prototypes, so they might change.

And suddenly I'm wondering what Shirley MacLaine would do with the role.  An offbeat choice, but her persona might mesh well with the DS universe.

Oh, please, no, not her. I didn't care for her lackluster performance as Endora in the Bewitched movie.

The Barnabas figure looks great, but I want to see a closer look at the Angelique doll's face before I pre-order. It's hard to tell if it looks like her or not. Also, it looks like she has that molded plastic hair. I would prefer rooted hair! LOL

I just wanted to say that I found this thread very useful.
I recently had the opportunity to purchase the 2000 retro orange border cards, but wasn't sure if I should get them.
I did a search for Dark Shadows cards on this forum and up popped this thread which gave me a lot of useful information. Too bad this thread has been dead and buried for so long because it is very informative.
Anyway, I just received the orange set in the mail and I'm very happy with them! Thanks to the OP!
I didn't want to start a new post, so just thought I would revive this old thread. Hope I'm not breaking any rules.

I was there, and I did not feel that Jonathan was being disrespecful to Grayson.Someone in the audience asked him about her because he had talked about Thayer David.  Jonathan said, "she was a bit much" but he was referring to her acting style. I think he felt guilty saying that because he said, "I really shouldn't say this" He al;so said, We got along. and I respected her.

More thoughts:

David Selby's "Lincoln's Better Angel": Another grand entrance: David came out from the back of the room and walked down the ailse toward the stage shouting, "Quentin for President!!!" and threw confetti from his pocket much to the delight of the audience.

He talked about the similar goals between Abe Lincoln and Obama. He likes the fact that Obama offers hope and change. Said he will probably vote for Obama. Had the audience repeat the Gettysburg address after him in a sort of rap-style. he reminded me of a preacher in a Southern Baptist church. He tried to rally up the audience.

Cast Reunion: Kathryn just got back from New York. Said she's reached that stage in her career where she's doing commercials for osteoporosis.

For the next hour, Jonathan did a presentation on the evolution of Barnabas. He showed select clips of Barnabas' early days, his first meeting with Maggie in coffee shop, his chat with Burke at the Blue Whale, his confrontation with Josette and Burke after they eloped, etc. Jonathan would read fromhis  notes before each scene to mention things he had observed about his performance or why he reacted a certain way. It was great seeing him in person again after so many years. He appeared flustered at times, but he was adorable and the audience just ate it up. I'll post more later. I'm getting sleepy.