Yep, I think they filmed several scenes in this show as "day for night" and "graded" the picture to make it look like night-time in post-production. MGM probably screwed up and "corrected" the picture.

Glad I tracked down my set shortly after the news was leaked about the mis-framed aspect ratio. I see the asking prices for the complete set of 12 tapes have jumped up quite a bit since then.

Dark Shadows: DVD Collection 24 = May 30, 2006
Dark Shadows: DVD Collection 25 = July 25, 2006

release news:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5533

Some bad news about the pre-Barnabas dvds coming out:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5562

July 11, 2006 = new Dark Shadows book!!
Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch
written by Lara Parker
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0765304570

July 25, 2006 = Dark Shadows DVD Collection #25

September 26, 2006 = Dark Shadows DVD Collection #26 (the end of the series).

November ??, 2006 = Dark Shadows: Bloopers & Treasures
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=5962

February ??, 2007 = Dark Shadows DVD Collection #27
(the first set of the pre-Barnabas episodes, beginning with episode 1).

There are four new DARK SHADOWS audio dramas due out this year on CD as well, starring members of the original cast.

some new information:
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=6004


July 11, 2006 = Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch (book)

July 25, 2006 = Dark Shadows DVD Collection #25

September 26, 2006 = Dark Shadows DVD Collection #26 (the end)

November ??, 2006 = Dark Shadows: Bloopers & Treasures

February ??, 2007 = Dark Shadows - The Beginning: Collection 1 (pre-Barnabas episodes)

For anyone interested, the audio dramas can be puchased here: http://www.bigfinish.com/darkshadows/index.shtml

The first two have been released already. The second two are coming in January 2007.

main page: http://www.darkshadowsreborn.com/

also, don't forget the previous 'Return to Collinwood' audio drama available at MPI: http://www.mpihomevideo.com/?p=25467...58&pcid=&ccid=

Dark Shadows merchandise:
http://www.darkshadowsdvd.com/merchandise.asp

The Bloopers & Treasures dvd came out on November21, 2006 and is available pretty much anywhere online.

"The Beginning" dvds are only available through the Dark Shadows dvd club. Apparently if you purchase the first five sets, the sixth (and final one) will be free.

http://www.darkshadowsdvd.com/
http://www.darkshadowsdvd.com/dvda.asp

Also there is a new 8-disc cd set of all the music used in Dark Shadows. I have several Dark Shadows cds already so don't know if I am really interested in this, but it's a great buy for those who don't have any cds yet:

http://www.mpihomevideo.com/?p=25467&pid=1802

There's a good deal right now on DS sets. See the bargains thread. (Basically, about $45 for two sets.)

The first set of "The Beginning" collection is supposed to ship on January 15th.

Dark Shadows: The Beginning: DVD Collection 2 begins shipping from the Dark Shadows DVD Club the week of March 26th.

also, for those who might have missed it, in the recent Warner chat at HTF, Warner mentioned that both Dark Shadows films would be coming out this year.

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/chat/warner07.txt

any good deals on these? great show, ahead of it`s time.

typically not. the best deals on these were generally the $36-37 prices some sites had for preorders. They typically sell for about $40-41 at the cheapest now.

Amazon is selling Collection 1 cheaply right now for $32.99
http://amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000060MVN
but that is the only set on sale.

Your best bet is the next 20% off sale at DeepDiscount, at least for Collections 2-26.

and of course, the only way to get the pre-Barnabas episodes is through the MPI Dark Shadows DVD Club. They are not available in stores.

Dark Shadows:The Begining Vol 1 (episodes 1-35) will be coming to stores Aug 28th.

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=7319

Watch for a B&N sale. They had a 2-for-1 tv box set sale at the beginning of the year, plus another coupon for $10 off (printable) and the member's extra discount. I picked up every DS set (all 26 box sets) for about $540, which includes NYC tax.