DARK DREAMERS REVIEW -
If you were interested in the horror genre as a writer, illustrator, FX person or just a horror film connoisseur at the beginning of this century, you might recall a small Canadian television production flying under the banner of Dark Dreamers. This series was a televised companion magazine to the collectable photographic book released by three-time Bram Stoker award winner/interviewer Stanley Wiater, and photographer Beth Gwinn.
This 36 episode television series was released in Canada on the TV Ontario network where it quickly gained a following, not only in Canada, but in the United States as well. However, it was never picked up by a US distributor, therefore, many American Dark Dreamers have only heard of the series while it made it to UK television in 2005.
If you haven’t seen it, now is your chance! If you want to watch it over and over, now is your chance!
I had first heard about the release of this DVD collection in January of 2009. I am one of those who was captivated by the original television series. So, when I heard the two year production was finally being released on DVD, I was ecstatic. I promptly pre-ordered it on Amazon.ca long before the February released date. I finally received it in mid-March. In the USA, Amazon will most likely be quicker on delivery of this product.
I spent the entire weekend watching the interviews, one right after another. I was not disappointed by any. Though, I do not remember all of them, this past weekend each and every interview proved to be a delight. The first DVD opens with Clive Barker which is one of the many highlights of the collection. Then the one on one interviews continued with Canadian writers Nancy Kilpatrick and Edo Van Belkom, both whom I met at the 2007 World Horror Convention in Toronto. Other highlights include Harlan Ellison, Wes Craven, Richard Matheson, John Landis, Peter Straub, Denice Duff and many others. Two interviews were conducted with Forrest J. Ackerman and Stan Winston, both whom have passed away in 2008. So, it was a treat to see these two industry giants on the program.
The only drawback I found was the two year series lacked interviews with Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Mick Garris, though they had been referred to in some of the interviews.
As a horror/suspense writer, this series provided inspiration for me at a critical juncture of my writing career. I found watching it again, the series provided the exhilaration and inspiration all over again. Every interview reminded me why I write in this genre. After watching the complete series, I wholeheartedly recommend this four DVD collection. It’s worth every dime.
I am also told that a whole new series could be in production in the summer of 2009. Time and resources permitting. The plans are to have King, Koontz and Garris along with many other new Dark Dreamers on the show.
For the sake of all the Dark Dreamers out there. Let’s hope so.
We’ll be waiting.
I did a quick search and do not see it for sale at the Horror Mall.
