• Login

    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    Dark Shadows

    Featured In Issue 170, October 2012

    Picture5
    Sound5
    WSR Score3
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    Warner Home Video
    (Catalog Number):
    3000043787
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG-13
    (Rating Reason):
    Comic horror violence, sexual content, some drug use, languae and smoking
    (Retail Price):
    $35.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    No
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    113
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    Not Indicated
    (Theatrical Year):
    2012
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    10/02/12
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    No
    (Director):
    Tim Burton
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS HD Lossless 5.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (French Language):
    (Spanish Language):
    (Chinese Language):
    (Subtitles):
    (Cantonese Language):
    (Mandarin Language):
    (Japanese Language):
    (Italian Language):
    (German Language):
    (Portuguese Language):

    Based on the television series created by Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows follows Barnabas Collins (Depp), who after being turned into a vampire by a jilted lover is entombed for two centuries until he emerges into the very changed world of 1972. Returning to his once-majestic home, he finds the few dysfunctional descendants of the Collins family who remain. Determined to return his family name to its former glory, Barnabas is thwarted at every turn by his former lover—the seductive witch Angelique (Green). (Gary Reber)

    Special features include Bonus View focus points, five deleted scenes (HD 05:39), upfront previews, and an UltraViolet digital copy.

    The 1.78:1 1080p AVC picture is oppressively shadowy and haunting throughout, whether within Collinsport or Collinswood Mansion. The dreary and desolate stylized imagery exhibits a color palette of strong accents but generally subdued hues, overcast skies, grim grays, deep but undefined blacks, and pale, pasty, and flushed fleshtones. The look is gothic, with spikes of flash. Resolution is generally softly focused, with touches of refined detail exhibited during scenes injected with light. Still, the imagery is crisply outlined against the diffused lighting. The stylization works to cast a wonderfully captivating spell on the viewer. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is a fun tour de force with a mixture of Danny Elfman's haunting orchestral music, with segments of 1970 pop and rock. The music sweeps across the soundstage and aggressively extends to the
    surrounds with impressive dimensionality. Dynamics are strong, yet nuanced. Atmospherics and sound effects establish the mood and deliver an immersive soundfield presence with directionalized presence. Soundscapes are effectively conveyed with just the right sonic flavor. LFE .1 bass extension, which extends to below 25 Hz, and is never exaggerated but solid and engaging throughout providing an effective low-frequency foundation. Dialogue is always intelligible and generally well integrated spatially. This is a wonderfully holosonic® presentation that is immersive and dynamic, as well as humorous throughout. (Gary Reber)

    Reason #13 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:

    I read WSR for the DVD reviews, the equipment reviews, and the informative articles in each issue. It is the only home theatre magazine that I subscribe to, and I impatiently wait for the delivery of each issue.

    John Tyson Kluttz
    26864 Mandelieu Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562 • Phone: 951 676 4914 • Fax: 951 693 2960
    Copyright © Information • All Rights Reserved • www.widescreenreview.com • Web Site Established In 1995 • Privacy Policy • Partners