Dark Shadows Collection 19

The 40 episodes in Dark Shadows Collection 19 includes the conclusion of the "beast" storyline, and the debut of a story arc dealing with the concept of parallel time that eventually involves the entire cast.Dark Shadows, the only soap opera to have focused completely on gothic storylines and the supernatural, demonstrates its wide range in this boxed set with arguably one of its worst stories that will enventually transcend into one of its best. The "repertoire company" that is the cast of this remarkable show, consistently turns in memorable performances throughout.The then young actor Christopher Pennock is introduced as Jeb Hawkes, the human form of the "beast," created to be the supernatural leader of the evil cult of the Leviathans. Pennock overplays much of this role, but eventually turns in a fairly memorable performance. Of all of the roles he would end up playing in the series, in my opinion, this was by far his best. (The actor is also interviewed in a special DVD feature, and comes off at best as egotistical and very peculiar.)Hawkes' human half falls hopelessly in love with Carolyn Collins Stoddard, who as always, is played brilliantly by Nancy Barrett.The Leviathan plan is to have the two wed in a dark arts ceremony performed by warlock Nicholas Blair, again played with menacing gusto by Humbert Allen Astredo. Carolyn was to become an inhuman creature like Jeb, and the two would rule over the Leviathans, whose ultimate goal was to rid the world of human beings, beginning with the residents of Collinsport.Hawkes evolves from a blood-thirsty killer in his beast form who murders without conscience, including killing Carolyn's father Paul Stoddard (played by Dennis Patrick), to a man who loathes his beast form and wants to remain in his human guise forever and marry his lady love.Barnabas, played brilliantly by Jonathan Frid, is returned to his former vampire state by a vengeful Hawkes, who discovers that Barnabas is a "traitor" to the cause and had been plotting the Leviathan leader's downfall and death. Frid is mesmerizing when the curse is once again upon him, demonstrating a heartbreaking anguish in a bravura performance seldom delivered better by a soap opera actor of any era.Eventually, Hawkes makes an uneasy truce with Barnabas to save Carolyn from the fate that the Leviathans had planned, and the two men unite to prevent the unholy union in the midst of Blair's ceremony. Hawkes destroys the Leviathan box and its power, thus defeating his own "people," and destroying forever his beast form.Expecting to die when the Leviathan's are destroyed, Hawkes maintains his human form and survives only by force of will because of his love for Carolyn. Jeb and Carolyn later marry, but Jeb is finally killed when he is pushed off Widow's Hill by an enemy and drowns.Meanwhile, Barnabas has discovered an abandoned room in the east wing of Collinwood that sometimes opens to reveal an intriguing world of parallel time, where friends and family are living different lives based on different choices that they have made.Hoping to free himself from the vampire curse, Barnabas is drawn to the east wing and steps inside the empty room when it suddenly transforms into the parallel universe, trapping him within the familiar -- yet completely unfamiliar world!

Another great collection of 40 episodes from DARK SHADOWS (#942-981, Feb-Mar. 1970) that conclude the Jeb Hawkes story and begin the Parallel Time tale. I really enjoyed these episodes--Christopher Pennock is terrific as Jeb, making him more than just an evil jerk as his romance with Carolyn becomes far more serious. And the writers do a great job of slowly introducing the Parallel Time storyline as various characters go up to the east wing to check out the mysterious room, where their alter egos are living very different lives. It's fun to see Roger Collins watching himself and to discover dead characters suddenly returning to life in the other world. And speaking of dead characters, many bite the dust before the show switches over completely to Parallel Time. I won't give away any--that's half of the fun of the show, to see who will get bumped off. I will reveal that Barnabas' fangs return in gusto--which always makes things more interesting. But without the wonderful, talented cast--who take the campy storylines very seriously--DARK SHADOWS wouldn't be a cult classic. It's Jonathan Frid, Joan Bennett, David Selby, Grayson Hall, Louis Edmonds, Nancy Barrett, John Karlen, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Lara Parker, Humbert Allen Astredo (who chews up the scenery as Nicholas Blair like nobody's business) and Marie Wallace (one of my favorite actresses on the show) who make this show such a joy to watch. So if you enjoy a good gothic mystery with a bit of supernatural intrigue--and the occasional werewolf, warlock, witch or vampire--then I recommend that you tune in to DARK SHADOWS. But beware--it's highly addictive!

Purchased this for myself,I felled in love with Dark Shadows when it was aired on the Sci- fi Channel. too bad they took it off the air. my mother loves it also. sound quality was still very good. i reccommend this to anyone iif you are tired of the traditional soap opera.

I’m not liking this season. This season has me not wanting to buy the rest. It was pretty bad. I’m going to stick to the early seasons they are much better.

I watched Dark Shadows as a kid and was intrigued with the series. There were many things on the show I didn't understand, but I continued to watch. One day my child-care provider introduced the series to me and I was hooked ever since. Never, had I known or seen the ending, so this is my chance to see it all over again with a more understanding of the series. Because of these DVDs, I was able to attend my first Dark Shadow Festival in Brooklyn, NY, the year before Jonathan Frid past. I got to meet Lara Parker, David Selby, Jerry Lacy, Kathryn Leigh Scott, Roger Davis, and many others because of these DVD's. Thanks Amazon.

I have always been a fan of Dark Shadows, ever since those days when I would run home to watch it after school in the 60's and 70's. The gothic theme, the spooky sets, and special effects set the standard for today's flicks. This show was a fun scare for teens everywhere. The show was clean (no foul language), not really violent (especially by today's standards), acting was good, and just plain fun! It is a shame that today's kids will never know the simplicity and joy of being scared in a fun way like we did.. All the blood, guts and cursing in today's shows will never endure the way the old shows do!

Item in perfect condition. Worked as promised. Arrived in a timely manner.

Love watching this TV show that I watched as a little girl. My husband and I love it so much and make Sunday evenings a special time for watching Dark Shadows. Gives us something to look forward to at the end of the weekend (instead of thinking about Monday morning!). Price at Amazon was the best we could find, too.

Barnabas Collins Stands at the Leviathan Altar and is Attacked by a Giant Vampire Bat. He is once again a Vampire and right away Dr. Julia Hoffman resumes her medical treatments to help cure Barnabas. Leviathan Leader Jeb Hawkes summons an army of Zombies to kidnap Julia, hoping she can make him human. Barnabas discovers a room in Collinwood's East Wing which serves as a portal to Parallel time.