Okay, were all grew up watching the traditional vampire movies; Christopher Lee/Peter Cushing, etc.
One of the main things was that a vampire
always had to be in his coffin with a small amount of the dirt from his origins.
But, as time progresses, it seems like this has changed a little. For instance, think of "Lost Boys" (great flick IMHO); they hung out in caves (no coffins, no dirt). Now think
Spike
on "Buffy"; he can go out in daytime (if he hides from direct sunlight). Plus, he lives not in his orig. coffin/dirt.
There are other flicks where it seems as if vampires are 'evolving'. Also, was there any mention of Barnabas having dirt with him? Did he ever 'stay the night' not in a coffin (as a vampire)?
Patti