The film is based on the 1960s TV series of the same name.
"It's like we're poking fun, but it's also like a love letter," Pfeiffer said. "It's a weird combination, too."
This "Dark Shadows" gets the Burton touch. The director was a big fan of the show.
"I think it is indescribable," said Pfeiffer of the Burton twist. "It's not really easy to articulate. They're a genre all unto themselves."
Pfeiffer last worked with Burton 20 years ago when she stepped in for a pregnant Annette Bening to play Catwoman in "Batman Returns."
She said she almost lost that opportunity and being a "Dark Shadows" fans, she wasn't about to lose this one either.
"I call him up and begged him to be in it, OK?" she said. "It was shameless and, oh, yes I did! I did! I did! It was terrible of me."
"Dark Shadows" is rated PG-13. It opens Friday.
