BREAKING NEWS! Longer Japanese Version of HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS CONFIRMED!

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.

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.

Yay!  I'm thrilled, Darren.  Congratulations are in order too.

(Yay!!!)

This is wonderful news, Darren!  Thanks so much for all of your hard work in tracking down the information!

ProfStokes

Wonderful news, but practically, what does it mean?  Is there a chance that we'll eventually get a full U.S. version?

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.

What a thrill!!! My heartiest congratulations to you, Darren.  I know you've been working on this one for years.

Steve

Congrats Darren.  I know you have been working on this a long, long time.

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!! 

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...

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.

This is great news Darren!  I am looking forward to your presentation at the DS Weekend.
John in SC