In
2001, Dark Shadows was 35 years old. Whereas the 30th
Anniversary seemed to come and go with little fanfare, the
highlight of the 35th Anniversary was a special reunion gala
hosted by the Los Angeles Museum of Television and Radio,
boasting rare public appearances from Alexandra Moltke, Kate
Jackson and series creator Dan Curtis. Dark Shadows Reunion
presents the highlights of that gathering on DVD, complete
with some fun extras and asides.
In some ways, I am not the best
audience for this release. As much as I think Dark Shadows
is worth celebrating, I do wonder if much of the show's latter-day
merchandise overdoes nostalgia and tributes. It almost seems
like some tacit deface mechanism against the inevitable unfortunate
memories of bloopers and histrionics. So I approached Dark
Shadows Reunion with mild skepticism. Quite wrongly, as
it turned out. Perhaps this particular gathering
is the exception proves the rule, as for once a Dark Shadows
retrospective really seems to justify its rosy tint.
...
...
The production values themselves are somewhat limited. The
event is shot simply, with few concessions for a home video
audience. A 20 minute clip montage is faithfully represented
as a prelude to the speakers, just as on the night. Whereas
it probably whetted the appetite of an eagerly awaiting live
audience, on screen it lags badly. Broken up into segments
and used to counter the speakers' comments, it could have
been far more dynamic and enjoyable, easing the inevitable
'talking heads' syndrome. Instead, it feels more like padding
than illustration.
However, these reservations
aside, the piece holds its own. The presence of a moderator
from the museum helps to give the discussion a focus and depth
that the Festival cast reunions often lack. Director Lela
Swift - for my money one of the show's most crucial contributors
- speaks eloquently about the technical demands of Dark
Shadows on 1960s technology, while John Karlen warmly
remembers the joy of the show after-hours. Recalling the fun
of good food and the vibe of New York City, it stands out
as one of the most human and heartfelt moments in the entire
presentation.
Dan Curtis himself seems
in a buoyant mood, his broad grin showing much of the chutzpah
that many of the assembled speakers compliment. His role
as the show's central figure is one that has been endlessly
dissected and debated by fans, yet seeing him in the presence
of so many colleagues, it becomes clear how important his
sheer force of presence must have been. There is a tremendous
sense of mutual respect and gratitude when he speaks. When
David Selby comments about how much the cast strove to meet
Dan's expectations, you totally believe him.
Summing up, David Selby perceptively
comments that nowadays the show belongs to its fans - their
effective reward for sustaining it for so long. A less sincere
speaker would have made that suggestion sound like a contrived
crowd-pleaser, yet instead it pays the best sort of compliment
to both the show and its audience.
...
...
Adding
to the fun are some enjoyable archive extras. Joan Bennett
does a classy turn as a panel guest on the Mike Douglas show,
combining Elizabeth Collins Stoddard's regal air with a sassy
wit and flair. Jonathan Frid makes a curious appearance on
the Merv Griffin Show, awkwardly running with a trite gag
about biting necks through seemingly gritted teeth. As the
man who will be forever associated with Barnabas Collins,
watching him apprehensively ponder Bela Lugosi's crippling
typecasting has gained a particular resonance during three
decades of hindsight. Elsewhere, Kathryn Leigh Scott, replete
with a twang of her native accent, gamely ploughs through
some hilariously inept 1969 promotions for the show. Chromakeyed
onto a wobbly photograph of Collinwood, it's not exactly a
hard sell.
Watching
the closing music montage with the reunion guests mingling
backstage, I broke into a broad smile - probably like some
demented and overproud parent - and I guess pride is the best
sentiment the disc conveys. The fans, the actors, everyone
genuinely seems proud and at peace with the show, not attempting
to apologise for its shortcomings and disappointments. Nostalgia
is a commodity easily overdosed on, yet for once the balance
seems just right. Watch it and enjoy feeling proud. Celebrating
35 years of sustained interest, Dark Shadows has nothing
to apologise for and nothing to prove to its skeptics. And
it certainly doesn't hurt to be reminded of that once in a
while.
Order
this DVD from Amazon.com
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