New DVDs Update

MPI's two new Dark Shadows compilation DVDs are on track for release in August, and here's a sneak look at the full covers, confirming special features for the discs. Both run approximately 210 minutes long and retail at $19.98.

Curse of the Vampire, compiling Barnabas' finest moments has been retitled The Vampire Curse, and features a new interview with Jonathan Frid, a Dark Shadows promo hosted by Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) and a bonus episode. The Haunting of Collinwood condenses Quentin's possession of David and Amy, with a new David Selby interview and promo spot, plus a bonus episode.

Order The Vampire Curse from Amazon at a discount price

Order The Haunting of Collinwood from Amazon at a discount price

Tim Burton Speaks

MTV's Movie Blog has interviewed Tim Burton on his upcoming Alice in Wonderland film, where he touches on the upcoming Dark Shadows movie project, which he is attached to direct. "That’s something that [Johnny Depp and I] both love and are excited about. When I’m done with this [Alice in Wonderland] I’ll definitely focus on that."

Speaking about his plans for the film, Burton commented, “It’s... [a] challenge because it was such a weird soap opera. Part of the energy of it was the tone and weirdness of it. That’s our challenge, to try to capture that vibe." Shooting on Dark Shadows is currently slated to begin in 2010.

Kathryn Leigh Scott at Comic Con

Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie) writes in with news that she's appearing at the San Diego Comic Con. Kathryn will be signing autographs on Thursday July 23 from 3-7pm. Adrian Paul (1991 Jeremiah) will also be signing at the same time, returning for an additional session on Sunday from 11am-2pm. For more information on the event, click here. 

Kathryn also reports: "I am thrilled that Opera News has published my piece The Star and the Stalker in the August 2009 issue, available now on newsstands... My story was given nine pages, the most they've assigned to a feature article." For more information on the piece, click here.

David Selby's Symphony

David Selby (Quentin) is to narrate an upcoming San Luis Obispo Symphony production of A Lincoln Portrait, following on from his recent acclaimed stint as Abraham Lincoln on stage in The Heavens are Hung in Black. The performance takes place on November 14 at 8.00pm. For more information, click here.

Audio Dramas Update

Big Finish Productions' series of Dark Shadows audio dramas continues apace, with several new CDs due out in the coming months. In addition to the previously announced Echoes of Insanity, released later in July, Curse of the Pharaoh, starring Nancy Barrett (Carolyn) and Marie Wallace (Eve) will follow in August. More details will be released soon, but in the meantime, here's a sneak peak from the recording, showing Marie, Nancy and director Joe Salvatore in studio.

The latest issue of Big Finish's online magazine Vortex features an interview with Dark Shadows sound designer Nigel Fairs, discussing his work on the new stories. Download it for free by clicking here.