You can’t turn on the TV, go to a movie, or visit a bookstore these days without being drawn into the world of vampires. But did you know that beginning in 1966 and continuing until 1971 that a hugely successful daytime soap opera— Dark Shadows— began the vampire costume craze? That’s right— 40 years ago, Barnabas Collins was as well known as Edward Cullen is nowadays.
Dark Shadows was considered daring and unprecedented in daytime television when it first aired weekday afternoons on ABC. The TV show was produced in black and white from 1966 to 1967, then in color from 1967 to 1971. The series became a surprising phenomenon a year into its run when vampire Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid, appeared in the story line. Episode after episode, Barnabas Collins, a nearly 200-year-old vampire that was released from his coffin, brought terror to the town of Collinsport in his very understated yet spooky vampire costume!
Dark Shadows was distinguished by its vividly melodramatic performances, atmospheric interiors, memorable story lines and an unusually adventurous music score. Obviously the artistic production back then were practically non-existent compared to today's cool visual effects, but Dark Shadows was a hit until the show was cancelled after 1225 episodes. Fans of this vampire soap opera are excited because in July 2007, Warner Bros. announced they had purchased the film rights to the Dark Shadows television series from the estate of Dan Curtis (the creator, producer and director of Dark Shadows who passed away in 2006). Warner Bros. teamed with Johnny Depp to star and produce in the film. Tim Burton has signed on as director. As you can see, Dark Shadows still retains a bit of a cult following after all these years, and of course, vampire Halloween costumes have never stopped being classics.
Are you looking for a vampire costume to wear this year that's drop dead gorgeous or too wicked for words? Both? If you can imagine it, you can be that kind of vampire, whether for Halloween, a theme party, or just for fun! Sexy vampire costumes continue to be particularly popular for women, and really put the "vamp" into vampire! With such a wide selection of blood thirsty Halloween vampire costume for men, women, kids, and plus sizes, you’ll be up all night having the time of your life! Invite friends or family members to dress as vampires, too, for a fang bangin’ great group costume idea!
