HANCOCK JOHN VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
485BPOS, 1996-03-05
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<PAGE>
 
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 1996

                                                  Registration No. 33-16611
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549
                            -----------------------

                                   FORM S-6
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to
                         Registration Statement Under
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ----------------------

                     JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
                             (Exact name of trust)

                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              (Name of depositor)

                              JOHN HANCOCK PLACE
                          BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02117
         (Complete address of depositor's principal executive offices)
                             --------------------

                         FRANCIS C. CLEARY, JR., ESQ.
                  JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                       JOHN HANCOCK PLACE, BOSTON, 02117
                (Name and complete address of agent for service)
                              --------------------

                                   Copy to:
                           THOMAS C. LAUERMAN, ESQ.
                        Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds
                         1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
                            Washington, D.C.  20036
                             --------------------

It is proposed that this filing become effective (check appropriate box)

 [_] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
                                                                 
 [X] on March 11,1996 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
                                                          
 [_] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
                                                                  
 [_] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
                                                      

If appropriate check the following box

 [_] post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed amendment

Pursuant to the provisions of Rule 24f-2, Registrant has registered an
indefinite amount of the securities being offered and filed its Notice for
fiscal year 1995 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 on February 22, 1996.

FCC0090.DOC)
<PAGE>
 
                             CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

Form N-8B-2 Item                 Caption in Prospectus
- ----------------                 ---------------------

1, 2                             Cover, The Account and The Series
                                 Funds, JHVLICO and John Hancock

3                                Inapplicable

4                                Cover, Distribution of Policies

5,6                              The Account and The Series Funds,
                                 State Regulation

7, 8, 9                          Inapplicable

10(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)            Principal Policy Provisions

10(f)                            Voting Privileges

10(g),(h)                        Changes in Applicable Law
                                 -- Funding and Otherwise

10(i)                            Appendix--Other Policy
                                 Provisions, The Account and
                                 The Series Funds

11, 12                           Summary, The Account and Series
                                 Fund, Distribution of Policies

13                               Charges and expenses,
                                 Appendix--Illustration of Death
                                 Benefits, Surrender Values and
                                 Accumulated Premiums

14, 15                           Summary, Distribution of
                                 Policies, Premiums

16                               The Account and The Series Funds

17                               Summary, Principal Policy
                                 Provisions

18                               The Account and The Series Funds,
                                 Tax Considerations

19                               Reports

20                               Changes in Applicable Law
                                 -- Funding and Otherwise

21                               Principal Policy Provisions

22                               Principal Policy Provisions
<PAGE>
 
23                               Distribution of Policies

24                               Not Applicable

25                               JHVLICO and John Hancock

26                               Not Applicable

27,28,29,30                      JHVLICO and John Hancock, Board
                                 of Directors and Executive
                                 Officers of JHVLICO

31,32,33,34                      Not Applicable

35                               JHVLICO and John Hancock

37                               Not Applicable

38,39,40,41(a)                   Distribution of Policies, JHVLICO and John
                                 Hancock, Charges and Expenses

42, 43                           Not Applicable

44                               The Account and The Series Funds,
                                 Principal Policy Provisions,
                                 Appendix--Illustration of Death
                                 Benefits, Surrender Values and
                                 Accumulated Premiums

45                               Not Applicable

46                               The Account and The Series Funds,
                                 Principal Policy Provisions,
                                 Appendix--Illustration of Death
                                 Benefits, Account Values,
                                 Surrender Values and
                                 Accumulated Premiums

47                               Not Applicable

48,49,50                         Not Applicable

51                               Principal Policy Provisions,
                                 Appendix--Other Policy
                                 Provisions

52                               The Account and The Series Funds,
                                 Changes in Applicable
                                 Law -- Funding and Otherwise

53,54,55                         Not Applicable

56,57,58,59                      Not Applicable


FCC0132.DOC
<PAGE>
 
                                          John Hancock Variable Life
                                               Insurance Company
                                                              (JHVLICO)
(ART)
 
               SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
                     JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
                           LIFE AND ANNUITY SERVICES
                                 P.O. BOX 111
                          BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02117
 
                  TELEPHONE 1-800-REAL LIFE (1-800-732-5543)
                               FAX 617-572-5410
 
                           PROSPECTUS MARCH 11, 1996
 
  The scheduled premium variable life policy ("Policy") described in this
Prospectus can be funded, at the discretion of the Owner, by up to ten of the
variable subaccounts of John Hancock Variable Life Account V ("Account"), by a
fixed subaccount (the "Fixed Account"), or by a combination of the Fixed
Account and up to nine of the variable subaccounts (collectively, "the
subaccounts"). The assets of each variable subaccount will be invested in a
corresponding Portfolio of John Hancock Variable Series Trust I, a mutual fund
advised by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("John Hancock") or of M
Fund, Inc., a mutual fund advised by M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc.
(collectively, the "Funds"). The assets of the Fixed Account will be invested
in the general account of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
("JHVLICO").
 
  The prospectuses for the Funds, which are attached to this Prospectus,
describe the investment objectives, policies and risks of investing in the
Portfolios of Variable Series Trust I: Stock, Select Stock, Bond, Money
Market, Managed, Real Estate Equity, International, Special Opportunities and
Short-Term U.S. Government and in the Portfolios of M Fund Inc.: Edinburgh
Overseas Equity, Turner Core Growth and Frontier Capital Appreciation.
 
  Replacing existing insurance with a Policy described in this prospectus may
not be to your advantage.
 
       THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ AND RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
     IT IS NOT VALID UNLESS ATTACHED TO A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR THE FUND.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Page
<S>                                                                         <C>
SUMMARY....................................................................   1
JHVLICO AND JOHN HANCOCK...................................................   6
THE ACCOUNT AND THE SERIES FUNDS...........................................   6
THE FIXED ACCOUNT..........................................................   9
POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS.............................................   9
  Requirements for Issuance of Policy......................................   9
  Premiums.................................................................   9
  Account Value and Surrender Value........................................  13
  Death Benefits...........................................................  13
  Value Options............................................................  14
  Partial Withdrawal of Excess Value.......................................  15
  Transfers Among Subaccounts..............................................  16
  Loan Provisions and Indebtedness.........................................  17
  Default and Options on Lapse.............................................  17
  Exchange Privilege.......................................................  19
CHARGES AND EXPENSES.......................................................  19
  Charges Deducted from Premiums...........................................  19
  Sales Charges............................................................  19
  Reduced Charges for Eligible Groups......................................  20
  Charges Deducted from Account Value......................................  21
DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES...................................................  24
TAX CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................  24
  Policy Proceeds..........................................................  24
  Charge for JHVLICO's Taxes...............................................  25
  Corporate and H.R. 10 Plans..............................................  25
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF JHVLICO.......................  26
REPORTS....................................................................  26
VOTING PRIVILEGES..........................................................  27
CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW--FUNDING AND OTHERWISE...........................  27
STATE REGULATION...........................................................  28
LEGAL MATTERS..............................................................  28
REGISTRATION STATEMENT.....................................................  28
EXPERTS....................................................................  28
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................  28
APPENDIX--OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS..........................................  48
APPENDIX--ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS, SURRENDER VALUES AND
 ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS......................................................  50
</TABLE>
 
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
 
                      INDEX OF DEFINED WORDS AND PHRASES
 
  Below are listed certain words and phrases used in this Prospectus, together
with identification of the page on which each is defined or explained:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           -----
      <S>                                                                  <C>
      Account Value.......................................................    13
      Attained Age........................................................    14
      Basic Death Benefit.................................................    14
      Basic Premium.......................................................    10
      Benchmark Value.....................................................    14
      Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....................................    20
      Current Death Benefit...............................................    14
      Death Benefit Factor................................................    14
      Excess Value........................................................    14
      Experience Component................................................    15
      Extra Death Benefit.................................................    14
      Fixed Account.......................................................     8
      Grace Period........................................................    18
      Guaranteed Death Benefit............................................    14
      Home Office.........................................................     6
      Indebtedness........................................................    17
      Investment Rule.....................................................    12
      Issue Charge........................................................    21
      Level Schedule......................................................    11
      Loan Account........................................................    17
      Minimum First Premium...............................................    10
      Modified Schedule...................................................    11
      Premium Component...................................................    15
      Premium Credit Factor...............................................    15
      Premium Processing Charge...........................................    19
      Premium Recalculation...............................................    11
      Required Premium....................................................    10
      Subaccount.......................................................... Cover
      Sum Insured at Issue................................................    14
      Surrender Value.....................................................    13
      Valuation Date......................................................     8
      Value Option........................................................    15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
WHAT IS THE VARIABLE LIFE POLICY BEING OFFERED?
 
  John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("JHVLICO") issues variable
life insurance Policies. The Policies described in this Prospectus are
scheduled annual premium policies that provide for additional premium
flexibilities. JHVLICO also issues policies purchased by the payment of fixed
annual premiums and policies purchased by the payment of a single premium.
These other policies are not funded by the Account and are offered by means of
other prospectuses, but use the same underlying Fund.
 
  As explained below, the death benefit and surrender value under the Policy
may increase or decrease daily. The Policies differ from ordinary fixed-
benefit life insurance in the way they work. However, the Policies are the
same as fixed-benefit life insurance in providing lifetime protection against
economic loss resulting from the death of the person insured. The Policies are
primarily insurance and not investments.
 
  The Policies work generally as follows: the Owner periodically gives JHVLICO
enough premium to meet the premium schedule selected. JHVLICO takes from each
premium an amount for expenses, taxes, and sales load. JHVLICO then places the
rest of the premium into as many as ten subaccounts as directed by the Owner.
The assets allocated to each variable subaccount are invested in shares of the
corresponding Portfolio of the Funds. The currently available Portfolios are
identified on the cover of this Prospectus. The assets allocated to the Fixed
Account are invested in the general account of JHVLICO. During the year,
JHVLICO takes charges from each subaccount and credits or charges each
subaccount with its respective investment performance. The insurance charge,
which is deducted from the invested assets attributable to each Policy
("Account Value"), varies monthly with the then attained age of the insured
and with the amount of insurance provided at the start of each month.
 
  The death benefit may increase or decrease daily depending on the investment
experience of the subaccounts to which premiums are allocated. In general, the
Current Death Benefit equals the Account Value times a factor ("Death Benefit
Factor") which depends upon the sex and attained age of the insured. If the
Account Value increases, the Current Death Benefit will increase, and, if the
Account Value decreases, the Current Death Benefit will decrease. However,
JHVLICO guarantees that, regardless of the investment experience, the death
benefit payable will never be less than the amount of insurance originally
purchased in the absence of a subsequent partial surrender ("Guaranteed Death
Benefit"). At issue of the Policy, the Current Death Benefit is generally well
below the Guaranteed Death Benefit. Whether or not it reaches or exceeds the
Guaranteed Death Benefit depends upon the timing and amount of the premium
payments, the investment experience, the activity under the Policy with
respect to Policy loans, additional benefits and the like, the charges made
against the Policy, and the attained age of the insured. Once the Current
Death Benefit reaches the Guaranteed Death Benefit, the Owner bears the
investment risk for any amount above the Guaranteed Death Benefit, and JHVLICO
bears the investment risk for the Guaranteed Death Benefit.
 
  The initial Account Value is basically the sum of the amounts of the premium
that JHVLICO, at the direction of the Owner, places in the Account and in the
Fixed Account. The Account Value increases or decreases daily depending on the
investment experience of the subaccounts to which the amounts are
allocated. JHVLICO does not guarantee a minimum amount of Account Value.
Therefore, the Owner bears the investment risk for that portion of the Account
Value allocated to the variable subaccounts. The Owner may surrender a Policy
at any time while the insured is living. The Surrender Value is the Account
Value less the sum of any unpaid Issue Charge and any Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge and less any Indebtedness. If the Owner surrenders in the early
policy years, the amount of Surrender Value would be low (as compared with
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
other investments without sales charges) and, consequently, the insurance
protection provided prior to surrender would be costly.
 
  The minimum initial death benefit that may be bought is $25,000 for insureds
less than 25 years of age at the time of issue of the Policy and $50,000 for
insureds with ages 25 through 75 at issue. All persons insured must meet
certain health and other criteria called "underwriting standards." The smoking
status of the insured is generally reflected in the insurance charges made. If
the minimum death benefit at issue is at least $100,000, the insured may be
eligible for the "preferred" class which has the lowest insurance charges for
this Policy. Policies issued in certain jurisdictions or in connection with
certain employee plans will not directly reflect the sex of the insured in
either the premium rates or the charges and values under the Policy.
 
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF THE PREMIUMS?
 
  Premiums are determined under one of two premium schedules selected by the
Owner. Under the Level Schedule, premiums are fixed for the life of the
Policy. Under the Modified Schedule, a lower fixed premium is applicable which
does not vary until the Policy anniversary nearest the insured's 72nd
birthday. On this date, in the absence of an earlier election by the Owner,
the Policy premium is automatically shifted to the Level Schedule and a new
fixed annual premium becomes payable on a scheduled basis. The new premium
depends upon the Policy's Guaranteed Death Benefit and Account Value at the
time of the premium recalculation. The Owner may request that the premium
recalculation take place on any Policy anniversary prior to that nearest the
insured's 72nd birthday. In addition to the premium schedule chosen, the
amount of the premium for a Policy depends upon the Sum Insured at Issue and
the insured's age and sex (unless the Policy is sex-neutral). Premiums are
payable annually or more frequently over the insured's lifetime. Additional
premiums are charged for Policies in cases involving extra mortality risks and
for additional insurance benefits. There is a 61-day grace period in which to
make premium payments due after the Minimum First Premium is received.
 
  Within limits, scheduled premiums may be paid in advance and more than the
scheduled premiums may be paid. If the Account Value under a Policy is
sufficiently high, a premium payment otherwise scheduled need not be paid.
 
WHAT IS JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V?
 
  The Account is a separate investment account of JHVLICO, operated as a unit
investment trust, which supports benefits payable under the Policies. Each
variable subaccount within the Account is invested in a corresponding
Portfolio of John Hancock Variable Series Trust I or of M Fund, Inc., each of
which is a "series" type of mutual fund. The Portfolios of the Funds which are
currently available are Stock, Select Stock, Bond, Money Market, Managed, Real
Estate Equity, International, Special Opportunities, Short-Term U.S.
Government, Edinburgh Overseas Equity, Turner Core Growth and Frontier Capital
Appreciation.
 
  John Hancock receives a fee from John Hancock Variable Series Trust I for
providing investment management services with respect to the Stock, Bond and
Money Market Portfolios at an annual rate of .25% of the average daily net
assets; with respect to the Select Stock and Managed Portfolios, at an annual
rate of .40% of the first $500 million of the average daily net assets and at
lesser percentages for amounts above $500 million; with respect to the Short-
Term U.S. Government Portfolio at an annual rate of .50% of the first $250
million of the average daily net assets and, at lesser percentages for amounts
above $250 million; with respect to the Real Estate Equity Portfolio, at an
annual rate of .60% of the first $300 million of the average daily net assets
and at lesser percentages for amounts above $300 million; with respect to the
International Portfolio, at an annual rate of .60% of the first $250 million
of the average daily net assets and at lesser percentages for amounts above
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
$250 million; and with respect to the Special Opportunities Portfolio, at an
annual rate of .75% of the first $250 million of the average daily net assets
and at lesser percentages for amounts above $250 million.
 
  M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc., receives a fee from M Fund, Inc. for
providing investment management services with respect to the Overseas Equity
Portfolio at an annual rate of 1.05% of the first $10 million of the average
daily net assets and at an annual rate of 90% of the next $15 million of the
average daily net assets and at lesser percentages for amounts above $25
million; with respect to the Core Growth Portfolio at an annual rate of .45%
of the average daily net assets; and with respect to the Capital Appreciation
Portfolio at an annual rate of .90% of the average net assets.
 
  For a full description of the Funds, see the prospectuses for the Funds
attached to this Prospectus.
 
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES MADE BY JHVLICO?
 
  Premium Processing Charge. A charge not to exceed $2 is deducted from each
premium payment.
 
  State Premium Tax Charge. A charge equal to 2 1/2% of each premium payment
after deduction of the Premium Processing Charge.
 
  Sales Charge Deduction from Premium. A charge equal to 4 1/2% of each
premium payment after deduction of the Premium Processing Charge.
 
  Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. A charge deducted from Account Value if
the Policy lapses or is surrendered during the first 14 Policy years. The
amount of the charge depends upon the year in which lapse or surrender occurs.
The charge will never be higher than 15% of premiums paid to date. The total
charge for sales expenses over the lesser of 20 years or the life expectancy
of the insured will not exceed 9% of the premium payments under the Policy,
assuming all required premiums are paid, over that period.
 
  Issue Charges. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value in 48 equal
installments totalling $240 per Policy and 48c per $1000 of Sum Insured at
Issue.
 
  Maintenance Charge. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value in an
amount equal to no more than $4 per Policy and 2c per $1000 of current Sum
Insured.
 
  Insurance Charge. A charge based upon the amount at risk, the attained age
and risk classification of the insured and JHVLICO's then current monthly
insurance rates (never to exceed rates based on the 1980 CSO Tables) deducted
monthly from Account Value.
 
  Guaranteed Death Benefit Charges. A charge not to exceed 3c per $1000 of
current Sum Insured (currently 1c per $1000) deducted monthly from that
portion of Account Value not attributable to the Fixed Account allocations.
Upon any exercise of the Extra Death Benefit Option or the Basic Premium
Reduction Option, a one-time charge not to exceed 3% (currently 1 1/2%) of the
amount applied to exercise the option.
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A charge made daily at an effective
annual rate of .60% of the assets of the Account.
 
  Charges for Extra Mortality Risks. An additional premium, depending upon the
Sum Insured at Issue, age of the insured and the degree of additional
mortality risk, is required if the insured does not qualify for either the
preferred or standard underwriting class. This additional premium is collected
in two ways: up to 7% of each
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
year's additional premium is deducted from premiums when paid and 93% of each
year's additional premium is deducted monthly from Account Value in equal
installments.
 
  Charges for Additional Insurance Benefits. An additional premium is required
if the Owner elects to purchase an additional insurance benefit. This
additional premium is collected in two ways: up to 7% of each year's
additional premium is deducted from premiums when paid and 93% of the
additional premium is deducted monthly from Account Value in equal
installments.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. A charge equal to the lesser of $25 or 2% of
the amount withdrawn made against Account Value at the time of withdrawal.
 
  See "Charges and Expenses" for a full description of the charges under the
Policy.
 
IS THERE A CHARGE AGAINST THE ACCOUNT FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX?
 
  Currently no charge is made against any subaccount for Federal income taxes
but if JHVLICO incurs, or expects to incur, income taxes attributable to any
subaccount or this class of Policies in future years, it reserves the right to
make a charge. JHVLICO expects that it will continue to be taxed as a life
insurance company. (See "Charge for JHVLICO's Taxes".)
 
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PREMIUM AND THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THE
SUBACCOUNTS?
 
  The initial net premium is allocated by JHVLICO from its general account to
one or more of the subaccounts on the date of issue of the Policy. The initial
net premium is the gross premium less a processing charge, the charges
deducted for sales expenses and state premium taxes. These charges also apply
to subsequent premium payments. Net premiums derived from payments received
after the issue date are allocated, generally on the date of receipt, to one
or more of the subaccounts as elected by the Owner.
 
HOW ARE AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO EACH SUBACCOUNT?
 
  At issue and subsequently thereafter, the Owner will provide us with the
rule ("Investment Rule") we will follow to invest net premiums or other
amounts in any one but not more than ten of the subaccounts. The Owner may
change the Investment Rule under which JHVLICO will allocate amounts to
subaccounts. (See "Investment Rule".)
 
WHAT COMMISSIONS ARE PAID TO AGENTS?
 
  The Policies are sold through agents who are licensed by state authorities
to sell JHVLICO's insurance policies. Commissions payable to agents are
described under "Distribution of Policies". Sales expenses in any year are not
equal to the deduction for sales load, including any Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge, in that year. Rather, total sales expenses under the Policies are
intended to be recovered over the lifetimes of the insureds covered by the
Policies.
 
WHAT IS THE DEATH BENEFIT?
 
  The death benefit payable is the greater of the Guaranteed Death Benefit,
including any Extra Death Benefit Value Option which may have been exercised,
or the Current Death Benefit. Whenever the Current Death Benefit exceeds the
Guaranteed Death Benefit, the death benefit will increase whenever there is an
increase in the
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Policy's Account Value and it will decrease whenever there is a decrease in
the Policy's Account Value but never below the Guaranteed Death Benefit. (See
"Death Benefits".)
 
HOW DOES THE ACCOUNT VALUE OF A POLICY VARY IN RELATION TO THE SUBACCOUNTS'
INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE?
 
  In general, the Account Value for any day equals the Account Value for the
previous day, increased by any net premium placed in the subaccounts for the
Policy, decreased by any charges made against the Account Value, and increased
or decreased by the investment experience of the subaccounts. No minimum
Account Value for the Policy is guaranteed.
 
WHAT IS THE LOAN PROVISION AND HOW DOES A LOAN AFFECT THE DEATH BENEFIT,
ACCOUNT VALUE AND SURRENDER VALUE?
 
  After the first Policy year the Owner may obtain a Policy loan. Assuming no
Indebtedness (see below), the maximum amount of any loan in Policy years two
and three is 75% of that portion of the Surrender Value attributable to
variable subaccount investments, plus 100% of that portion of the Surrender
Value attributable to Fixed Account investments; thereafter the maximum is 90%
of that portion of Surrender Value attributable to variable subaccount
investments, plus 100% of that portion of the Surrender Value attributable to
Fixed Account investments. Interest charged on any loan will accrue daily at
an annual rate determined by JHVLICO at the start of each Policy Year. This
interest rate will not exceed the greater of (1) the "Published Monthly
Average" (see "Loan Provision and Indebtedness") for the calendar month ending
two months before the calendar month of the Policy anniversary or (2) 5%. In
jurisdictions where a fixed loan rate is applicable, JHVLICO will charge
interest at an effective annual rate of 6%, accrued daily. A loan plus accrued
interest ("Indebtedness") may be repaid at the discretion of the Owner in
whole or in part in accordance with the terms of the Policy.
 
  While a loan is outstanding, the rate of interest credited to the Account
Value because of the loan will usually be different than the net investment
experience of the subaccounts. Therefore, the Account Value, the Surrender
Value and any Death Benefit above the Guaranteed Death Benefit are permanently
affected by any loan.
 
IS THERE A SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT?
 
  The Owner may surrender a Policy by delivering or mailing it within 45 days
after the date of Part A of the application, or within 10 days after receipt
of the Policy by the Owner, or within 10 days after mailing by JHVLICO of the
Notice of Withdrawal Right, whichever is latest, to JHVLICO at Boston,
Massachusetts, or to the agent or agency office through which it was
delivered. Any premium paid on it will be refunded. If required by state law,
the refund will equal the Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period in
which the Policy is received plus all charges or deductions made against
premiums plus an amount reflecting charges against the subaccounts and the
investment management fee of the Funds.
 
WHAT IS THE EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE ALLOWED AN OWNER?
 
  The Owner may transfer the entire Account Value in variable subaccounts
under a Policy to the Fixed Account at any time. The transfer will take effect
at the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives, at its Home
Office, notice satisfactory to JHVLICO. (See "Exchange Privilege".)
 
ARE THE BENEFITS UNDER A POLICY SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX?
 
  There has been a determination by the Internal Revenue Service that death
benefits payable under variable life insurance policies (which appear to be
similar to those described in this Prospectus in all material respects)
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
are excludable from the beneficiary's gross income for Federal income tax
purposes. It is also believed that an Owner will not be deemed to be in
constructive receipt of the cash values of the Policy until values are
actually received through withdrawal, surrender, or other distributions. The
benefits under Policies described in this Prospectus are expected to receive
the same tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as benefits
under traditional fixed-benefit life insurance policies.
 
  Under recent Federal tax legislation, distributions from Policies entered
into after June 20, 1988 on which premiums greater than a "7-pay" premium
limit (as defined in the law) have been paid, will be subject to taxation. See
"Flexibility as to Premium Payments" for a discussion of how the "7-pay"
premium limit may be exceeded under a Policy. A distribution on such a Policy
(called by the law a "modified endowment contract") will be taxed to the
extent there is any income (gain) to the Owner and an additional tax may be
imposed on the taxable amount (See "Flexibility as to Premium Payments" and
"Policy Proceeds" under "Tax Considerations").
 
                           JHVLICO AND JOHN HANCOCK
 
  JHVLICO, a stock life insurance company chartered in 1979 under
Massachusetts law, is authorized to transact a life insurance and annuity
business in Massachusetts and all states other than New York. JHVLICO began
selling variable life insurance policies in 1980.
 
  JHVLICO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Hancock, a company chartered in
Massachusetts in 1862. Its Home Office is at John Hancock Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02117. John Hancock's assets are over $45 billion and it has
invested over $380 million in JHVLICO in connection with JHVLICO's
organization and operations. It is anticipated that John Hancock will from
time to time make additional capital contributions to JHVLICO to enable it to
meet its reserve requirements and expenses in connection with its business and
John Hancock is commited to make additional capital contributions if necessary
to ensure that JHVLICO maintains a positive net worth.
 
                       THE ACCOUNT AND THE SERIES FUNDS
 
  The Account, a separate account established under Massachusetts law in 1986
meets the definition of "separate account" under the Federal securities laws
and is registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act
of 1940 ("1940 Act").
 
  The Account's assets are the property of JHVLICO. Each Policy provides that
the portion of the Account's assets equal to the reserves and other
liabilities under the Policy shall not be chargeable with liabilities arising
out of any other business JHVLICO may conduct. In addition to the assets
attributable to variable life policies, the Account's assets include assets
derived from charges made by JHVLICO. From time to time these additional
assets may be transferred in cash by JHVLICO to its general account. Before
making any such transfer, JHVLICO will consider any possible adverse impact
the transfer might have on any subaccount. Additional premiums are charged for
Policies where the insured is classified as a substandard risk and a portion
of these premiums is allocated to the Account.
 
  The Account is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") under the 1940 Act. Such registration does not involve the
supervision by the Commission of the management or policies of the Account,
JHVLICO or John Hancock.
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  The assets in each variable subaccount of the Account are invested in
corresponding Portfolios of the Funds, but the assets of one variable
subaccount are not necessarily legally insulated from liabilities associated
with another variable subaccount. New variable subaccounts may be added or
existing variable subaccounts may be deleted as new Portfolios are added to or
deleted from the Funds and made available to Owners.
 
THE SERIES FUNDS
 
  Each Fund is a "series" type of mutual fund registered with the Commission
under the 1940 Act as an open-end diversified management investment company.
Each Fund serves as the investment medium for the Account and other unit
investment trust separate accounts established for other variable life
insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. (See the attached Fund
prospectuses for a description of a need to monitor for possible conflicts and
other consequences.) A very brief summary of the investment objectives of each
Portfolio is set forth below.
 
 Stock Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to achieve intermediate and
long-term growth of capital, with income as a secondary consideration. This
objective will be pursued by investments principally in common stocks (and in
securities convertible into or with rights to purchase common stocks) of
companies believed by management to offer growth potential over both the
intermediate and long-term.
 
 Select Stock Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to achieve above-average
capital appreciation through the ownership of common stocks of companies
believed by management to offer above-average capital appreciation
opportunities. Current income is not an objective of the Portfolio.
 
 Bond Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to provide as high a level of
long-term total rate of return as is consistent with prudent investment risk,
through investment in a diversified portfolio of freely marketable debt
securities. Total rate of return consists of current income, including
interest and discount accruals, and capital appreciation.
 
 Money Market Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to provide maximum current
income consistent with capital preservation and liquidity. It seeks to achieve
this objective by investing in a managed portfolio of high quality money
market instruments.
 
 Managed Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to achieve maximum long-term
total return consistent with prudent investment risk. Investments will be made
in common stocks, convertibles and other fixed income securities and in money
market instruments.
 
 Real Estate Equity Portfolio
 
  The investment objective of this Portfolio is to provide above-average
income and long-term growth of capital by investment principally in equity
securities of companies in the real estate and related industries.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
  International Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is to
achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in foreign equity
securities.
 
  Special Opportunities Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio
is to achieve long-term capital appreciation by emphasizing investments in
equity securities of issuers in various economic sectors.
 
  Short-Term U.S. Government Portfolio. The investment objective of this
Portfolio is to provide a high level of current income consistent with the
maintenance of principal, through investment in a portfolio of short-term U.S.
Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency securities.
 
  John Hancock acts as the investment manager for the Portfolios described
above, and John Hancock's indirectly owned subsidiary, Independence Investment
Associates, Inc., with its principal place of business at 53 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts, provides sub-investment advice with respect to the
Stock, Select Stock, Managed, Real Estate Equity and Short-Term U.S.
Government Portfolios. Another indirectly owned subsidiary, John Hancock
Advisers, Inc., located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, and
its subsidiary, John Hancock Advisers International, Limited, located at 34
Dover Street, London, England, provide sub-investment advice with respect to
the International Portfolio, and John Hancock Advisers, Inc. does likewise
with respect to the Bond and Special Opportunities Portfolios.
 
  Edinburgh Overseas Equity Portfolio. Its investment objective is long-term
capital appreciation with reasonable investment risk through active management
and investment in common stock and common stock equivalents of foreign
issuers. Current income, if any, is incidental.
 
  Turner Core Growth Portfolio. The investment objective of this Portfolio is
to seek long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of
common stocks that show strong earnings potential with reasonable market
prices.
 
  Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolio. This Portfolio seeks maximum
capital appreciation through investment in common stock of companies of all
sizes, with emphasis on stocks of small- to medium-capitalization companies.
Importance is placed on growth and price appreciation, rather than income.
 
  M Financial Investment Advisers, Inc., acts as the investment manager for
the three Portfolios described above. Edinburgh Fund Managers PLC, provides
sub-investment advice to the Edinburgh Overseas Equity Portfolio; Turner
Investment Partners, Inc. provides sub-investment advice to the Turner Core
Growth Portfolio; and Frontier Capital Management Company, Inc., provides sub-
investment advice to the Frontier Capital Appreciation Portfolio.
 
  John Hancock will purchase and redeem Fund shares for the Account at their
net asset value without any sales or redemption charges. Shares of the Fund
represent an interest in one of the Portfolios of the Fund which corresponds
to the variable subaccount of the Account. Any dividend or capital gains
distributions received by the Account will be reinvested in Fund shares at
their net asset value as of the dates paid.
 
  On each Valuation Date, shares of each portfolio are purchased or redeemed
by John Hancock for each variable subaccount based on, among other things, the
amount of net premiums allocated to the variable subaccount, distributions
reinvested, transfers to, from and among variable subaccounts, all to be
effected as of that date. Such purchases and redemptions are effected at the
net asset value per Fund share for each Portfolio
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
determined on that same Valuation Date. A Valuation Date is any date on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which the Fund values
its shares. A Valuation Period is that period of time from the beginning of
the day following a Valuation Date to the end of the next following Valuation
Date.
 
  A full description of each Fund, its investment objectives, policies and
restrictions, its charges, expenses and all other aspects of its operation is
contained in the attached prospectuses and the statement of additional
information referred to therein, which should be read together with this
Prospectus.
 
                               THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  An Owner may allocate premiums to the Fixed Account or transfer all or a
part of the Account Value under a Policy to the Fixed Account. The amount so
allocated or transferred will become a part of JHVLICO's general account
assets. JHVLICO's general account consists of assets owned by JHVLICO other
than those in the Account and in other separate accounts that have been or may
be established by JHVLICO. Subject to applicable law, JHVLICO has sole
discretion over the investment of assets of the general account and Owners do
not share in the investment experience of those assets. Instead, JHVLICO
guarantees that the Account Value allocated to the Fixed Account will accrue
interest daily at an effective annual rate of at least 4% without regard to
the actual investment experience of the general account. Consequently, if an
Owner pays the Required Premiums, allocates all net premiums only to the Fixed
Account, and makes no transfers, partial withdrawals, or policy loans, the
minimum amount and duration of the death benefit will be determinable and
guaranteed. Transfers from the Fixed Account are subject to certain
limitations (see "Transfers Among Subaccounts"), and charges will vary
somewhat for Account Value allocated to the Fixed Account. See "Charges
Deducted From Account Value".
 
  The Account Value in the Fixed Account is equal to the portion of the net
premiums allocated to it, plus any amounts transferred to it and interest
credited to it, minus any charges deducted from it or partial withdrawals or
amounts transferred from it. JHVLICO guarantees that interest credited to the
Account Value in the Fixed Account will not be less than an effective annual
rate of 4%. JHVLICO may, in its sole discretion, credit a higher rate although
it is not obligated to do so. The Owner assumes the risk that interest
credited will not exceed 4% per year. Upon request and in the annual
statement, JHVLICO will inform Owners of the then-applicable rate.
 
  Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in JHVLICO's
general account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and
the general account has not been registered as an investment company under the
1940 Act. Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interests therein
are subject to the provisions of these Acts, and JHVLICO has been advised that
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed the
disclosure in this prospectus relating to the Fixed Account. Disclosure
regarding the Fixed Account may, however, be subject to certain generally-
applicable provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to accuracy and
completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
 
                        POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS
 
  The discussions which follow under "Death Benefits", "Account Value" and
"Surrender Value" assume that there has been no Policy loan. Benefits and
values are affected if premiums are not paid as scheduled or if a Policy loan
is made. For the effect of a default in payment of premiums, see "Default and
Options on Lapse", and of a loan, see "Loan Provision and Indebtedness".
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF POLICY
 
  The Policy is generally available with a minimum Sum Insured at Issue of
$25,000 for insureds less than 25 years of age at the time of issue of the
Policy and minimum Sum Insured at Issue of $50,000 for insureds with ages 25
through 75 at issue. All persons insured must meet certain health and other
criteria called "underwriting
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
standards". The smoking status of the insured is reflected in the insurance
charges made. If the Sum Insured at Issue is at least $100,000, the insured
may be eligible for the "preferred" underwriting class of this Policy, which
has the lowest insurance charges. Policies issued in certain jurisdictions and
in connection with certain employee plans will not directly reflect the sex of
the insured in either the premium rates or the charges or values under the
Policy. Accordingly, the illustrations, factors and premiums set forth in this
Prospectus may differ for such Policies.
 
PREMIUMS
 
 Payment Schedule
 
  Premiums are scheduled and payable during the lifetime of the insured in
accordance with JHVLICO's established rules and rates. Premiums are payable at
JHVLICO's Home Office on or before the due date specified in the Policy. All
Policies operate under the same schedule of due dates.
 
  After the payment of the Minimum First Premium (see "Minimum Premium
Requirements" below) there are three scheduled due dates in the first Policy
year. Due dates are the last Valuation Date in the third, sixth and ninth
Policy months. In the second Policy year, the scheduled due dates are the last
Valuation Date in the sixth and twelfth Policy months. In the third and all
later Policy years, the scheduled due date is the last Valuation Date of the
Policy year.
 
 Minimum Premium Requirements
 
  An amount of Required Premium (see "Amount of Required Premium" below) is
determined at the start of each Policy year. Generally, the full amount of
Required Premium must be paid by the last scheduled due date of the Policy
year. In the first and second Policy years, however, there are additional
requirements.
 
  In the first Policy year, a Minimum First Premium must be received by
JHVLICO at its Home Office before the Policy is in full force and effect. The
Minimum First Premium is equal to the greater of $150 or one-fourth of the
Required Premium. Also in the first Policy year, one-half of the Required
Premium must be received on or before the last Valuation Date in the third
Policy month and three-quarters of the Required Premium must be received on or
before the last Valuation Date in the sixth Policy month.
 
  In the second Policy year, one-half of the Required Premium for the second
Policy year must be received on or before the last Valuation Date in the sixth
Policy month.
 
  Premium requirements are met by premium payments on a cumulative basis. For
example, the premium requirement on all scheduled due dates of the first
Policy year would be met if the full Required Premium for the first Policy
year were paid at issue of the Policy.
 
  Generally, all premiums received are counted by JHVLICO when it determines
whether the premium requirement is met on a scheduled due date. This
cumulative amount of premiums received is reduced for this purpose by amounts
withdrawn from the Premium Component of Excess Value and amounts applied from
the Premium Component to any Value Option other than the Accumulate Option.
The premium requirement will also be deemed satisfied on the last Valuation
Date of the second or any later Policy year if any Excess Value is available
on the scheduled due date. See "Value Options".
 
  Failure to satisfy a premium requirement on a scheduled due date may cause
the Policy to terminate. See "Default and Options on Lapse".
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
 Amount of Required Premium
 
  The Required Premium determined at the start of each Policy year equals an
amount for the Basic Death Benefit ("Basic Premium") or $300 if the annual
Basic Premium is less than $300, plus any additional premium because the
insured is an extra mortality risk or because additional insurance benefits
have been purchased. The Basic Premium is a level amount that does not change
if the Level Schedule is selected. If the Modified Schedule is selected, the
Basic Premium does not change until the Premium Recalculation occurs. See
"Choice of Premium Schedule" and "Premium Recalculation".
 
  If the Account Value on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the Policy
anniversary, when multiplied by the Death Benefit Factor on that Policy
anniversary, is equal to or greater than the Guaranteed Death Benefit, then no
Required Premium is applicable to the following Policy year. This means that
even if no premium is paid during the Policy year, the premium requirement
will be met on the scheduled due date at the end of the Policy year. If
applicable, Owners will be mailed a written notice by JHVLICO within 10 days
after any Policy anniversary that no premium payment is required in that
Policy year.
 
 Choice of Premium Schedule
 
  At the time of application, the applicant can select either a Level Schedule
or a Modified Schedule as the basis for the Basic Premium on the Policy. The
Modified Schedule alternative is not available if the insured is over age 70
on the issue date of the Policy. If the Level Schedule is chosen, the Basic
Premium will never increase during the lifetime of the insured. With the Level
Schedule, the Basic Premium is completely insulated from any adverse
investment performance. If the Modified Schedule is chosen, the Basic Premium
is initially lower than under the Level Schedule. However, a Premium
Recalculation (described below) must occur no later than the Policy
anniversary nearest the insured's 72nd birthday. At the time of the Premium
Recalculation, JHVLICO determines a new Basic Premium which is payable through
the remaining lifetime of the insured.
 
  A comparison of the Basic Premiums at issue under the Level and Modified
Schedules for a Sum Insured at issue of $100,000 for a male is shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Issue
                Age                        Level                   Modified
               -----                       -----                   --------
               <S>                       <C>                       <C>
                25                       $1,113.00                 $  708.00
                40                       $1,954.00                 $1,305.00
                55                       $3,869.00                 $2,585.00
</TABLE>
 
 Premium Recalculation (Modified Schedule Only)
 
  The Premium Recalculation applicable to any Policy on a Modified Schedule
may be elected by the Owner at any time after the first Policy anniversary up
to the Policy anniversary nearest the insured's 72nd birthday. If elected, the
Premium Recalculation will be effected on the Policy anniversary next
following receipt by JHVLICO at its Home Office of satisfactory written
notice. If not elected sooner, the Premium Recalculation will be effected by
JHVLICO on the Policy anniversary nearest the insured's 72nd birthday.
 
  The new Basic Premium resulting from a Premium Recalculation may be less
than, equal to or greater than the original Basic Premium but it will never
exceed the maximum Basic Premium shown in the Policy. The new Basic Premium
depends on the insured's sex and age, the Guaranteed Death Benefit under the
Policy and the Account Value on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the
date of the Premium Recalculation.
 
  A charge will be made if the new Basic Premium is below the Basic Premium on
the Level Schedule for the insured's age at issue of the Policy. The charge
(currently 1 1/2%) will not exceed 3% of the amount of Account Value applied
by JHVLICO to reduce the new Basic Premium to an amount below the Basic
Premium
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
which would have been payable on the Level Schedule for the insured's age at
issue. See "Guaranteed Death Benefit Charges".
 
 Billing, Allocation of Premium Payments (Investment Rule)
 
  The Owner may at any time elect to be billed by JHVLICO for an amount of
premium greater than the Required Premium otherwise payable. The Owner may
also elect to be billed for premiums on an annual, semi-annual or quarterly
basis. An automatic check-writing program may be available to an Owner
interested in making monthly premium payments. A Premium Processing Charge,
not to exceed $2, is deducted from each premium payment. All premiums are
payable at JHVLICO's Home Office.
 
  Any premium payment will be processed by JHVLICO as of the end of the
Valuation Period in which it is received, unless one of the three exceptions
noted below is applicable. Each premium payment will be reduced, first by the
Premium Processing Charge and then by the state premium tax charge and the
sales charge deducted from premiums. See "Charges and Expenses". The remainder
is the net premium.
 
  The Owner at the time of application must elect an Investment Rule which
will allocate net premiums and any credits to any of the ten subaccounts. The
Owner must select allocation percentages in whole numbers, and the total
allocated must equal 100%. The Owner may thereafter change the Investment Rule
prospectively at any time. The change will be effective as to any net premiums
and credits applied after receipt at JHVLICO's Home Office of notice
satisfactory to JHVLICO.
 
  There are three exceptions to the normal practice of processing a premium
payment as of the end of the Valuation Period in which it is received:
 
    (1) A payment received prior to a Policy's issue date will be processed
        as if received on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the
        issue date.
 
    (2) A payment made during a Policy's grace period will be processed as
        of the scheduled due date to the extent it represents the amount of
        premium in default; any excess will be processed as of the date of
        receipt.
 
    (3) If the Minimum First Premium is not received prior to the issue
        date, each payment received thereafter will be processed as if
        received on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the issue date
        until all of the Minimum First Premium is received.
 
 Flexibility as to Premium Payments
 
  The Owner may pay more than the Required Premium during a Policy year and
may ask to be billed for an amount greater than any Required Premium. The
Owner may also pay amounts in addition to any billed amount. However, each
premium payment must be at least $25. JHVLICO reserves the right to limit
premium payments above the amount of the cumulative Required Premiums due on
the Policy.
 
  The ability to pay more than the Required Premium provides the Owner with
considerable payment flexibility in meeting the premium requirements of the
Policy. Consider a Policy with a $1,000 Required Premium and where the Owner
pays $1,250 in each of the first eight Policy years. If none of the additional
premium of $2,000 is applied under a Value Option (See "Value Options"), the
Policy will remain in force for at least ten years without any further premium
payments. During each of these ten years, the premium received ($1,250 a year
for eight years) at least equals the aggregate Required Premiums ($1,000 a
year for 10 years) on the scheduled due dates. In other words, the payment of
more than the Required Premium in a year can be relied upon to satisfy the
Required Premium requirements in later years. If, however, the Owner were to
apply $500 of the additional premium to a Value Option, then only $1,500 would
remain to meet Required Premiums. The
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
Policy would remain in force for at least 9 years but a payment of $500 may be
necessary by the end of the tenth Policy year to keep the Policy in force.
 
  Recent Federal legislation has modified the tax treatment of certain policy
distributions such as loans, surrenders, partial surrenders, and withdrawals.
The application of this modified treatment to any Owner depends upon whether
premiums have been paid that exceed a "7-pay' premium as defined in the law.
The "7-pay' premium is greater than the Required Premium on the Policy but is
generally less than the amount an Owner may choose to pay and JHVLICO will
accept. If the total premium paid exceeds the 7-pay limitation, the Owner will
be subject to the new tax rules on any distributions made from the Policy. A
material change in the Policy will result in a new "7-pay" limitation and test
period. A reduction in death benefit within the seven year period following
issuance of, or a material change in, the Policy may also result in the
application of the modified endowment treatment. See "Policy Proceeds" under
"Tax Considerations."
 
ACCOUNT VALUE AND SURRENDER VALUE
 
  Amount of Account Value. The Account Value increases or decreases depending
upon a number of factors, such as the applicable subaccount's investment
experience, the proportion of the Account Value invested in each subaccount
and the interest credited to any Loan Account established upon the making of a
Policy loan. In general the Account Value for any day equals the Account Value
for the previous day, decreased by charges against the Account Value,
increased or decreased by the investment experience of the subaccounts and
increased by net premiums received. No minimum amount of Account Value is
guaranteed.
 
  A Policy loan will not affect the total amount of Account Value at the time
the loan is made but will result in a different rate of return being credited
to the Loan Account portion of the Account Value.
 
  Amount of Surrender Value. The Surrender Value will be the Account Value
less the sum of any unpaid Issue Charge and any Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge and less any Indebtedness.
 
  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is deducted from the Account Value upon
surrender of the Policy during the first fourteen Policy years after issue.
The amount of this charge is set forth in a schedule under "Sales Charges".
The total charge for sales expenses, including the Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge, over the lesser of 20 years or the life expectancy of the insured,
will not exceed 9% of the payments under the Policy over that period.
 
  When Policy may be Surrendered. A Policy may be surrendered for its
Surrender Value at any time while the insured is living. Surrender takes
effect and the Surrender Value is determined as of the end of the Valuation
Period in which occurs the later of receipt at JHVLICO's Home Office of a
signed request and the surrendered Policy.
 
  When Part of Policy may be Surrendered. A Policy may be partially
surrendered upon submission of a written request satisfactory to JHVLICO in
accordance with its rules. Currently, the Policy after partial surrender must
have a Sum Insured at least as large as the minimum amount for which JHVLICO
would issue a Policy on the life of the insured. The Guaranteed Death Benefit
for the Policy will be adjusted to reflect the new Sum Insured. A pro-rata
portion of any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted. A possible
alternative to the partial surrender of a Policy is the withdrawal of Excess
Value. See "Value Options".
 
DEATH BENEFITS
 
  The death benefit payable is the greater of the Guaranteed Death Benefit,
including any Extra Death Benefit, or the Current Death Benefit.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  Guaranteed Death Benefit. The Guaranteed Death Benefit at any time is the
sum of the Basic Death Benefit and any Extra Death Benefit. The Basic Death
Benefit at issue of the Policy is the same as the Sum Insured at Issue shown
in the Policy. Thereafter the Basic Death Benefit may be reduced by a partial
surrender on request of the Owner. JHVLICO guarantees that, regardless of the
investment experience of the subaccounts, the death benefit will never be less
than the Guaranteed Death Benefit.
 
  Extra Death Benefit. An Extra Death Benefit may be available from time to
time on Policy anniversaries. If the Owner exercises an Extra Death Benefit
Value Option on a Policy anniversary, the amount of Extra Death Benefit
produced under the Option becomes a Guaranteed Death Benefit. The amount of
any Extra Death Benefit depends upon the Account Value, Benchmark Value (see
"Value Options") and the sex and age of the Insured on the Policy anniversary
as of which the Option is exercised. See "Value Options". The insured's age on
a Policy anniversary is the age of the insured on his or her birthday nearest
that date.
 
  Current Death Benefit. The Current Death Benefit on any date is the Account
Value at the end of the Valuation Period containing that date times the Death
Benefit Factor shown in the Policy. The Death Benefit Factor depends upon the
sex and the then attained age of the insured. The Death Benefit Factor
decreases from year to year as the attained age of the insured increases. For
example, the Death Benefit Factor for a male age 75 is 1.3546, for a male age
76 is 1.3325. (A complete list of Death Benefit Factors is set forth in the
Policy.) The Current Death Benefit is variable: it increases as the Account
Value increases and decreases as the Account Value decreases.
 
VALUE OPTIONS
 
  As of the last Valuation Date in each Policy year, the Account Value of the
Policy will be compared against an amount (the Benchmark Value described
below) to determine if any Excess Value exists under the Policy. Any Excess
Value will be applied according to the election made in the application for
the Policy or in a written notice from the Owner after issue of the Policy.
 
  The Benchmark Value depends upon the Policy's Guaranteed Death Benefit, the
Required Premium, any Indebtedness, the sex and attained age of the insured,
and any Surrender Charge. The formula describing precisely how Benchmark Value
is calculated on each Policy anniversary is set forth in the Policy under
"Excess Value". In general, the Benchmark Value increases as more guarantees
are provided in the Policy, either in the form of higher Guaranteed Death
Benefits or lower premiums. The Benchmark Value is also not less than 110% of
any Indebtedness. The Benchmark Value generally increases as the attained age
of the insured increases.
 
  Excess Value is any amount of Account Value greater than Benchmark Value.
Excess Value may arise from two sources. The Premium Component is Excess Value
up to the amount by which the cumulative premiums paid (excluding amounts from
this component previously withdrawn or applied under certain Value Options)
exceed the cumulative sum of Required Premiums. The Premium Component may be
zero. The Experience Component is any amount of Excess Value above the Premium
Component and arises out of favorable investment experience or lower than
maximum insurance and expense charges.
 
  If Excess Value is available on a Policy anniversary, any Premium Component
and Experience Component will be applied under Value Options elected by the
Owner. Either component may be applied to any available Value Option except
that the Premium Component must be applied to the Accumulate Option until the
second Policy anniversary. The amounts to be applied will be determined in
accordance with the Owner's election and in accordance with the then current
JHVLICO rules. A change in an election will be effective as of the Policy
anniversary next following its date of receipt in writing by JHVLICO at its
Home Office or, if subject to underwriting rules, its date of approval. Any
change in election does not affect amounts previously applied under any Value
Option.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  The Policy includes three Value Options:
 
  The Accumulate Option leaves any Excess Value in the Account Value and does
not affect the guarantees under the Policy. The Accumulate Option is available
on both Premium Schedules and no limit is placed on the amount that may be
applied from either the Premium Component or the Experience Component.
 
  The Extra Death Benefit Option increases the amount of Guaranteed Death
Benefit. The Extra Death Benefit Option is available on both Premium
Schedules. No limit is placed on the amount that may be applied from the
Experience Component. The amount that may be applied from the Premium
Component is limited to an amount that depends upon the Sum Insured at Issue
and the insured's age at issue of the Policy. Amounts applied from the Premium
Component reduce the cumulative amount of premiums received under the Policy
for purposes of determining whether the Policy will continue to remain in
force. A Guaranteed Death Benefit Charge (see "Charges and Expenses") is made
against the Account Value to cover the risk assumed by JHVLICO in providing
the increased Guaranteed Death Benefit. The Extra Death Benefit Value Option
may not be available if the insured is an extra mortality risk.
 
  The increase in Guaranteed Death Benefit equals the amount applied less the
Guaranteed Death Benefit Charge times the Death Benefit Factor shown in the
Policy. An increase in the Guaranteed Death Benefit may increase the amount at
risk under the Policy which would increase the amount of the Insurance Charge.
See "Charges Deducted from Account Value". The Owner may decrease the amount
of any Extra Death Benefit on the Policy. Depending upon the amount of Account
Value under a Policy, a decrease may result in an amount of Excess Value which
may be taken by the Owner as a partial withdrawal. See "Partial Withdrawal of
Excess Value". Any decrease is effective at the end of the Valuation Period in
which JHVLICO receives written notice of the request.
 
  The Basic Premium Reduction Option permanently decreases the amount of the
Basic Premium that would otherwise have to be paid in a Policy year to avoid a
lapse at the end of the year. The Basic Premium Reduction Option is available
only on the Level Schedule. No limit is currently placed on the amount that
may be applied from either component except that the Basic Premium may not be
reduced below zero. Amounts applied from the Premium Component reduce the
cumulative amounts of premiums received under the Policy for purposes of
determining whether the Policy will continue to remain in force. A Guaranteed
Death Benefit Charge (see "Charges and Expenses") is made against the Account
Value to cover the risk assumed by JHVLICO that the Guaranteed Death Benefit
will remain in effect notwithstanding the lower future premiums. The reduction
in Basic Premium equals the amount applied, less the Guaranteed Death Benefit
Charge, divided by the Premium Credit Factor shown in the Policy. The Premium
Credit Factor depends upon the sex and the then attained age of the insured.
The Premium Credit Factor decreases from year to year as the attained age of
the insured increases. For example, the Premium Credit Factor for a female age
60 is 13.6798, for a female age 61 is 13.3382.
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL OF EXCESS VALUE
 
  Under JHVLICO's current administrative rules, an Owner may withdraw Excess
Value from the Policy on or after the first Policy anniversary. This
privilege, which reduces the Account Value by the amount of the withdrawal and
the associated charge, may be exercised only once in a Policy year and will be
effective as of the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives
written notice satisfactory to it at its Home Office. The minimum amount that
may be withdrawn is $500. Unless the Current Death Benefit exeeds the
Guaranteed Death Benefit, a partial withdrawal will not affect the death
benefit payable. An amount equal to the lesser of $25 or 2% of the amount
withdrawn is charged against Account Value for each partial withdrawal.
 
  An amount equal to the Excess Value withdrawn will be removed from each
subaccount in the same proportion as the Account Value is then allocated among
the subaccounts. A partial withdrawal is not a loan
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
and, once made, cannot be repaid. No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is
deducted upon a partial withdrawal. Amounts withdrawn from the Premium
Component reduce the cumulative amount of premiums received for purposes of
determining whether the premium requirements of the Policy have been met. On a
Modified Schedule, because the Account Value is reduced by a partial
withdrawal, the premium that results from the Premium Recalculation will be
higher because of the partial withdrawal.
 
TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS
 
  The Owner may reallocate the amounts held for the Policy in the subaccounts
up to twelve times in each Policy year with no charge. If any additional
transfers in a Policy year are permitted, JHVLICO may impose a charge of not
more than $5 against Account Value for each additional transfer. The Owner may
either (1) use percentages (in whole numbers) to be transferred among
subaccounts or (2) designate the dollar amount of funds to be transferred
among subaccounts. The reallocation must be such that the total in the
subaccounts after reallocation equals 100% of Account Value. Transfers out of
a variable subaccount will be effective at the end of the Valuation Period in
which JHVLICO receives at its Home Office notice satisfactory to JHVLICO.
 
  Transfers out of the Fixed Account to the variable subaccounts are permitted
only once each Policy year and only during the 31-day period beginning on the
Policy anniversary. Transfers out of the Fixed Account may be requested from
60 days before to 30 days after the Policy anniversary. If received on or
before the Policy anniversary, requests for transfer out of the Fixed Account
will be processed on the Policy anniversary (or the next Valuation Date if the
Policy anniversary does not occur on a Valuation Date); if received after the
Policy anniversary, they will be processed at the end of the Valuation Period
in which JHVLICO receives the request at its Home Office. (JHVLICO reserves
the right to defer such Fixed Account transfers for six months.) Transfers
among variable subaccounts and transfers into the Fixed Account may be
requested at any time. A maximum of 20% of Fixed Account assets or, if
greater, $500 may be transferred out of the Fixed Account in any Policy year.
Currently, there is no minimum amount limit on transfers out of the Fixed
Account, but JHVLICO reserves the right to impose such a limit in the future.
 
  If the Owner requests a reallocation which would result in amounts being
held in more than ten subaccounts, such reallocation will not be effective and
a revised reallocation may be chosen in order that amounts will be reallocated
to no more than ten subaccounts. Furthermore, if an Owner requests a transfer
out of the Fixed Account 61 days or more prior to the Policy anniversary, that
portion of the reallocation will not be processed and the Owner's confirmation
statement will not reflect a transfer out of the Fixed Account as to such
request.
 
  Telephone Transfers and Policy Loans. Once a written authorization is
completed by the Owner, the Owner may request a transfer or policy loan by
telephoning 1-800-732-5543. During periods of heavy telephone usage,
implementing a telephone transfer or policy loan may be difficult. If an Owner
is unable to reach JHVLICO via the above number, the Owner should send a
written request via fax to 1-800-621-0448. (Any requests via fax are
considered telephone requests and are bound by the conditions in the Owner's
signed telephone authorization form.) Any fax request should include the
Owner's name, daytime telephone number, Policy number and, in the case of
transfers, the names of the subaccounts from which and to which money will be
transferred. The right to discontinue telephone transactions at any time
without notice to Owners is specifically reserved.
 
  An owner who authorizes telephone transactions will be liable for any loss,
expense or cost arising out of any unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
instructions which JHVLICO reasonably believes to be genuine. JHVLICO employs
procedures which include requiring personal identification, tape recording
calls, and providing written confirmation to the Owner. If JHVLICO does not
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine, it may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instruction.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
LOAN PROVISIONS AND INDEBTEDNESS
 
  Loan Provision. Loans may be made at any time a Loan Value is available
after the first Policy year. The Owner may borrow money, assigning the Policy
as the only security for the loan, by completion of a form satisfactory to
JHVLICO or, if the telephone transaction authorization form has been
completed, by telephone. Assuming no outstanding Indebtedness in Policy years
two and three, the Loan Value will be 75% of that portion of the Surrender
Value attributable to the variable subaccount investments, plus 100% of that
portion of the Surrender Value attributable to Fixed Account investments and,
in later Policy years, 90% of that portion of the Surrender Value attributable
to variable subaccount investments, plus 100% of that portion of the Surrender
Value attributable to Fixed Account investments. Interest charged on any loan
will accrue daily at an annual rate determined by JHVLICO at the start of each
Policy Year. This interest rate will not exceed the greater of (1) the
"Published Monthly Average" (defined below) for the calendar month ending 2
months before the calendar month of the Policy anniversary or (2) 5%. In
jurisdictions where a fixed loan rate is applicable, JHVLICO will charge
interest at an effective annual rate of 6%, accrued daily. The "Published
Monthly Average" means Moody's Corporate Bond Yield Average--Monthly Average
Corporates, as published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or if the average
is no longer published, a substantially similar average established by the
insurance regulator where the Policy is issued.
 
  The amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued interest is called the
"Indebtedness". Except when used to pay premiums, a loan will not be permitted
unless it is at least $300. The Owner may repay all or a portion of any
Indebtedness while the insured is living and premiums are being duly paid.
When a loan is made, an amount equal to the loan proceeds will be transferred
out of the Account and the Fixed Account, as applicable. This amount is
allocated to the Loan Account, a portion of JHVLICO's general account. Each
subaccount will be reduced in the same proportion as the Account Value is then
allocated among the subaccounts. Upon each loan repayment, the same
proportionate amount of the entire loan as was borrowed from the Fixed Account
will be repaid to the Fixed Account. The remainder of the loan repayment will
be allocated to the appropriate subaccounts as stipulated in the current
Investment Rule. For example, if the entire loan outstanding is $3000 of which
$1000 was borrrowed from the Fixed Account, then upon a repayment of $1500,
$500 would be allocated to the Fixed Account and the remaining $1000 would be
allocated to the appropriate subaccounts as stipulated in the current
Investment Rule.
 
  Effect of Loan and Indebtedness. A loan does not directly affect the amount
of the Required Premium. While the Indebtedness is outstanding, that portion
of the Account Value that is in the Loan Account is credited interest at a
rate that is 1% less than the loan interest rate for the first 20 Policy years
and, thereafter, .5% less than the loan interest rate. This rate will usually
be different than the net return for the subaccounts. Since the Loan Account
and the remaining portion of the Account value will generally have different
rates of investment return, any Death Benefit above the Guaranteed Death
Benefit, the Account Value, and the Surrender Value are permanently affected
by an Indebtedness, whether or not repaid in whole or in part. The amount of
any Indebtedness is subtracted from the amount otherwise payable when the
Policy proceeds become payable.
 
  Whenever the Indebtedness equals or exceeds the Surrender Value, the Policy
terminates 31 days after notice has been mailed by JHVLICO to the Owner and
any assignee of record at their last known addresses, unless a repayment of
the excess Indebtedness is made within that period.
 
DEFAULT AND OPTIONS ON LAPSE
 
  Premium Grace Period, Default and Lapse. Any amount of premium required to
keep the Policy in force is in default if not paid on or before its scheduled
due date, but the Policy provides a 61-day grace period for the
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
payment of each such amount. (This grace period does not apply to the receipt
of the Minimum First Premium.) The insurance continues in full force during
the grace period but, if the insured dies during the grace period, the amount
in default is deducted from the death benefit otherwise payable.
 
  Written notice will be furnished to the Owner at his or her last known
address, at least 31 days prior to the end of the grace period, specifying the
minimum amount which must be paid to continue the Policy in force on a premium
paying basis after the end of the grace period. If a payment at least equal to
the amount in default is not received by the end of the grace period, the
Policy will lapse. If payment by the Owner of an amount at least equal to the
amount in default is received prior to the end of the grace period, the Policy
will no longer be in default. The portion of the payment equal to the amount
in default will be processed as if it had been received the day it was due;
any excess payment will be processed as of the end of the Valuation Period in
which it is received. See "Premium Payments".
 
  Options on Lapse. If a Policy lapses, the Surrender Value on the date of
lapse is applied under one of the following options for continued insurance
not requiring further payment of premiums. These options provide for Variable
or Fixed Paid-Up Insurance or Fixed Extended Term Insurance on the life of the
insured commencing on the date of lapse.
 
  Both the Variable and Fixed Paid-Up Insurance options provide an amount of
paid-up whole life insurance, determined in accordance with the Policy, which
the Surrender Value will purchase. The amount of Variable Paid-Up Insurance
may then increase or decrease, subject to any guarantee, in accordance with
the investment experience of the subaccounts. The Fixed Paid-Up Insurance
option provides a fixed and level amount of insurance. The Fixed Extended Term
Insurance option provides a fixed amount of insurance determined in accordance
with the Policy, with the insurance coverage continuing for as long a period
as the available Policy values will purchase.
 
 
   For example, using the Policy illustrated on Page 53, and the 6% annual
 investment return assumption, if an option were elected and became
 effective at the end of Policy year 5, the insurance coverage provided by
 the options on lapse would be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Variable or Fixed
                 Paid-
             Up Whole Life                   Fixed Extended Term Insurance
           -----------------             ------------------------------------------
             Death Benefit               Death Benefit     Term in Years and Days
             -------------       or      -------------     ----------------------
           <S>                   <C>     <C>               <C>
                                                                14 years 331
                $17,198                    $100,000                 days
</TABLE>
 
  If no option has been elected before the end of the grace period, the Fixed
Extended Term Insurance option automatically applies unless the amount of
Fixed Paid-Up Insurance would equal or exceed the amount of Fixed Extended
Term Insurance or unless the insured is a substandard risk, in either of which
cases Fixed Paid-Up Insurance is provided.
 
  The Variable Paid-Up Insurance option is not available unless the initial
amount of Variable Paid-Up Insurance is at least $5,000.
 
  A Policy continued under any option may be surrendered for its Surrender
Value while the insured is living. Loans may be available under the Variable
and Fixed Paid-Up Insurance options.
 
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
  Reinstatement. The Policy may be reinstated in accordance with its terms
(including evidence of insurability satisfactory to JHVLICO and payment of the
required premium and charges) within 3 years after the beginning of the grace
period unless the Surrender Value has been paid or otherwise exhausted, or the
period of any Fixed Extended Term Insurance has expired.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
  The Owner may transfer the entire Account Value under the Policy to the
Fixed Account at any time, creating a non-variable policy. The exchange will
be effective at the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives at
its Home Office notice of the transfer satisfactory to JHVLICO.
 
  The foregoing description of Policy provisions is qualified by reference to
the specimen Policy which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
 
                             CHARGES AND EXPENSES
 
CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM PREMIUMS
 
  In addition to part of the sales charge (see "Sales Charges" below), the
following charges are deducted from premiums:
 
  Premium Processing Charge. A charge, not to exceed $2, will be deducted from
each premium payment for collection and processing costs. Policyholders who
pay premiums annually will incur lower aggregate processing charges than those
who pay premiums more frequently. The processing charge is currently $2 but
may be different for payments made under special billing arrangements
acceptable to JHVLICO.
 
  State Premium Tax Charge. A charge equal to 2 1/2% of each premium payment,
after the deduction of the Premium Processing Charge, will be deducted from
each premium payment except in any state where a lower charge is required.
Premium taxes vary from state to state. The 2 1/2% rate is the average rate
expected to be paid on premiums received in all states over the lifetimes of
the insureds covered by the Policies.
 
SALES CHARGES
 
  Charges are made to compensate JHVLICO for the cost of selling the Policy.
This cost includes agents' commissions, advertising, and the printing of the
prospectuses and sales literature. The amount of the charge in any Policy year
cannot be specifically related to sales expenses for that year. JHVLICO
expects to recover its total sales expenses over the period the Policies are
in effect. To the extent that sales load charges are insufficient to cover
total sales expenses, the sales expenses may be recovered from other sources,
including gains from the charge for mortality and expense risks and other
gains with respect to the Policies, or from JHVLICO's general assets. See
"Distribution of Policies."
 
  Part of the sales charge is deducted from each premium payment received.
This amount is 4 1/2% of the premium, after deduction of the Premium
Processing Charge. JHVLICO will waive the portion of the sales charge
otherwise to be deducted from each premium paid on a Policy with a current Sum
Insured of $250,000 or higher. The continuation of this waiver is not
contractually guaranteed and the waiver may be withdrawn or modified by
JHVLICO at some future date.
 
  The remainder of the sales charge will be deducted only if the Policy is
surrendered or stays in default past its grace period. This second part is the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge,
however, will not be deducted for a Policy that lapses or is surrendered on or
after the Policy's fourteenth
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
anniversary, and it will be reduced for a Policy that lapses or is surrendered
between the end of the tenth Policy year and the end of the fourteenth Policy
year.
 
  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is a percentage of the lesser of (a)
the total amount of premiums paid before the date of surrender or lapse and
(b) the sum of the Modified Premiums or portions thereof due on or before the
date of surrender or lapse.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales
                                                Charge as a Percentage of Modified
                                                  Premiums Due Through Effective
   For Surrenders or Lapses Effective During:      Date of Surrender or Lapse*
   ------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------
   <S>                                          <C>
   Policy Years 1-8.........................                  15.00%
   Policy Year 9............................                  14.38%
   Policy Year 10...........................                  13.89%
   Policy Year 11...........................                  10.80%
   Policy Year 12...........................                   7.35%
   Policy Year 13...........................                   4.50%
   Policy Year 14...........................                   2.08%
   Policy Year 15 and Later.................                      0%
</TABLE>
- --------
* A slightly lower percentage than that shown applies in the last Valuation
  Period of Policy years 8 through 14.
 
  The amount of the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated on the
basis of the premium under the Modified Schedule for the age of the insured at
the time of issue of the Policy, regardless of whether the Policy uses the
Level Schedule or the Modified Schedule. At issue ages above 70, however,
where only the Level Schedule is available, the Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge depends on the premium under that schedule. Also, lower percentages
apply at higher issue ages.
 
  The absence of any need to pay a Required Premium because of the adequacy of
the Account Value on a Policy anniversary does not impact the amount of
Modified Premiums deemed to have been due to date for purposes of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. For example, if the size of the Account
Value is sufficiently large that the Required Premium for the fifth Policy
year otherwise payable need not be paid and the Owner surrenders the Policy at
the end of the fifth Policy year, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would
be based on the sum of five Modified Premiums on the Policy (or, if less, the
total amount of premiums actually paid during all five Policy years).
Similarly, if a premium recalculation is required or effected (i.e., from
Modified to Level Schedule) or a premium reduction is implemented, the amount
of premiums due to the date of any subsequent surrender or lapse for purposes
of calculating the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will continue to be based
on the premium schedule in effect prior to such recalculation or reduction.
 
  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge reaches its maximum at the end of the
ninth Policy year and equals this amount for the entire tenth Policy year. The
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is reduced in each Policy year after the
tenth. At issue ages higher than age 57, the maximum is reached at an earlier
Policy year, e.g., the end of the fifth Policy year at issue age 70, and may
be reduced to zero over a shorter number of years.
 
REDUCED CHARGES FOR ELIGIBLE GROUPS
 
  The sales charges and Issue Charge (described below) otherwise applicable
may be reduced with respect to Policies issued to a class of associated
individuals or to a trustee, employer or similar entity where JHVLICO
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
anticipates that the sales to the members of the class will result in lower
than normal sales and administrative expenses. These reductions will be made
in accordance with JHVLICO's rules in effect at the time of the application
for a Policy. The factors considered by JHVLICO in determining the eligibility
of a particular group for reduced charges, and the level of the reduction, are
as follows: the nature of the association and its organizational framework;
the method by which sales will be made to the members of the class; the
facility with which premiums will be collected from the associated individuals
and the association's capabilities with respect to administrative tasks; the
anticipated persistency of the policies; the size of the class of associated
individuals and the number of years it has been in existence; and any other
such circumstances which justify a reduction in sales or administrative
expenses. Any reduction will be reasonable and will apply uniformly to all
prospective Policy purchasers in the class and will not be unfairly
discriminatory to the interests of any Policyowner.
 
CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM ACCOUNT VALUE
 
  In addition to the possible transfer charge discussed above under "Transfers
Among Subaccounts", the following charges are deducted from Account Value:
 
  Issue Charge. JHVLICO will deduct from Account Value a charge ($240 per
Policy and 48c per $1,000 of the Sum Insured at Issue) to compensate JHVLICO
for expenses incurred in connection with the issuance of the Policy, other
than sales expenses. Such expenses include medical examinations, insurance
underwriting costs, and costs incurred in processing applications and
establishing permanent Policy records. For a Policy with a $50,000 Sum Insured
at Issue, the total Issue Charge would be $264.
 
  This charge is fully assessed upon the issuance of the Policy, but will be
deducted from the Account Value in 48 equal monthly installments. On the Date
of Issue and on the first day of each subsequent Policy month, JHVLICO will
deduct $5 per Policy and 1c per $1,000 of the Sum Insured at Issue. For each
month that JHVLICO is unable to deduct the charge because there is
insufficient Account Value, the period over which JHVLICO will make this
deduction will be extended by one month.
 
  If a Policy lapses or is surrendered before the Issue Charge has been fully
recovered, the unpaid balance is part of the Surrender Charge. If a Policy
terminates by reason of the death of the insured, the unpaid balance will not
reduce the death benefit. The unpaid Issue Charge also reduces the amount that
may be borrowed through a Policy loan.
 
  Maintenance Charge. JHVLICO will deduct from the Account Value a charge
equal to $4 per Policy and 2c per $1,000 of the current Sum Insured. For a
Policy with a Sum Insured at Issue of $50,000 the maintenance charge deducted
during a Policy year would be $60.
 
  This charge is to compensate JHVLICO for administrative expenses, including
recordkeeping, processing death claims and surrenders, making Policy changes,
reporting and other communications to Owners and other similar expense and
overhead costs.
 
  The maximum maintenance charge currently is $6.75 no matter how large a
Policy's current Sum Insured. Based on the current monthly charge, this
maximum will benefit all Policies which have a current Sum Insured above
$137,500. Policies with a Sum Insured below this amount are not affected by
the maximum. This current maximum is not contractually guaranteed and may be
withdrawn or modified by JHVLICO at some future date.
 
  Insurance Charge. The insurance charge deducted monthly from Account Value
is based on the attained age of the insured and the amount at risk. The amount
at risk is the difference between the death benefit and the
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
Account Value. The amount of the insurance charge is determined by multiplying
JHVLICO's then current monthly rate for insurance by the amount at risk.
 
  Current monthly rates for insurance are based on the sex, age, and
underwriting class of the insured. JHVLICO may change these rates from time to
time, but they will never be more than the guaranteed maximum rates based on
the 1980 Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables set forth in the
Policy.
 
  Lower current insurance rates are offered at most ages for insureds who
qualify as non-smokers. To qualify, an insured must meet additional
requirements that relate to smoking habits and be age 20 or over. Insureds who
are under 20 years of age may ask us to review their current smoking habits
after they reach their 20th birthday.
 
  JHVLICO will also charge lower current insurance rates under a Policy with a
current Sum Insured of $250,000 or higher if the insured is over age 32 in the
standard underwriting class or the insured is over age 34 in the preferred
underwriting class. These lower current insurance rates are not contractually
guaranteed and may be withdrawn or modified by JHVLICO at some future date.
 
  Guaranteed Death Benefit Charges. JHVLICO deducts a charge from that portion
of the Account Value attributable to the variable subaccounts for the minimum
death benefit that has been guaranteed. JHVLICO guarantees that the death
benefit will never be less than the Sum Insured. In return for making this
guarantee, JHVLICO currently makes a monthly charge of 1c per $1000 of the
current Sum Insured. This charge may be increased by JHVLICO but will never
exceed 3c per $1000 of the current Sum Insured.
 
  When an Extra Death Benefit Value Option is exercised, JHVLICO guarantees a
higher Guaranteed Death Benefit. When a Basic Premium Reduction Value Option
is exercised, JHVLICO provides the same Guaranteed Death Benefit with less
premiums. In either event, JHVLICO makes a one-time deduction from the amount
applied as compensation for making the additional guarantee. The current
charge is 1 1/2% of the amount applied. This charge may be increased by
JHVLICO but it will never exceed 3% of the amount applied.
 
  When a Premium Recalculation is effected on Policy on a Modified Schedule,
and the new Basic Premium is less than the Basic Premium on the Level Schedule
for the insured's age at issue of the Policy, a one-time deduction is made
from the amount applied as compensation for the additional guarantee. The
current charge is 1 1/2% of the amount applied to reduce the new Basic Premium
to an amount below the Basic Premium on the Level Schedule for the insured's
age at issue. This charge may be increased by JHVLICO but it will never exceed
3% of the amount applied.
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A daily charge is made for mortality
and expense risks assumed by JHVLICO at an effective annual rate of .60% of
the value of the Account's assets attributable to the Policies. This charge
begins when amounts under a Policy are first allocated to the Account. The
mortality risk assumed is that insureds may live for a shorter period of time
than estimated and, therefore, a greater amount of death benefit than expected
will be payable in relation to the amount of premiums received. The expense
risk assumed is that expenses incurred in issuing and administering the
Policies will be greater than estimated. JHVLICO will realize a gain from this
charge to the extent it is not needed to provide for benefits and expenses
under the Policies.
 
  Charges for Extra Mortality Risks. An insured who does not qualify for
either the preferred or standard underwriting class must pay an additional
Required Premium because of the extra mortality risk. This additional premium
is collected in two ways: up to 7% of the additional premium is deducted from
premiums when paid and 93% of the additional premium is deducted monthly from
Account Value in equal installments.
 
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  An insured who is charged an additional Required Premium because of the
extra mortality risk may not be eligible to exercise the Extra Death Benefit
Value Option.
 
  Charges for Additional Insurance Benefits. An additional Required Premium
must be paid if the Owner elects to purchase an additional insurance benefit.
This additional premium is collected in two ways: up to 7% of the additional
premium is deducted from premiums when paid and 93% of the additional premium
is deducted monthly from Account Value in equal installments.
 
  Charges for Taxes. Currently no charge is made against Account Value for
JHVLICO's Federal income taxes but if JHVLICO incurs, or expects to incur,
income taxes attributable to the Account or this class of Policies in future
years, it reserves the right to make a charge and any charge would effect what
the subaccounts earn. Charges for other taxes, if any, attributable to the
subaccounts may also be made.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. On or after the fifth Policy anniversary, the
Owner may withdraw all or part of any Excess Value in the Policy. The amount
to be withdrawn must be at least $500. An administrative charge equal to the
lesser of $25 or 2% of the amount withdrawn will be deducted from the Account
Value on the date of withdrawal.
 
 
  Guarantee of Premiums and Certain Charges. The Policy's Basic Premium is
guaranteed not to increase, except that a larger Basic Premium may result from
the Premium Recalculation for a Modified Schedule Policy. The state premium
tax charge, sales charges, mortality and expense risk charge, the charge for
partial withdrawals and the Issue Charge are guaranteed not to increase over
the life of the Policy. Any charge for transfers among subaccounts, the
Premium Processing Charge, the maintenance charge, the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Charges and the insurance charge are guaranteed not to exceed the
maximums set forth in the Policy.
 
  Fund Investment Management Fee. The Account purchases shares of the Funds at
net asset value, a value which reflects the deduction from the assets of each
Fund of its investment management fee which is described briefly in the
Summary of this prospectus and of certain non-advisory operating expenses. For
a full description of these deductions, see the attached prospectuses for the
Funds.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                           DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES
 
  Applications are solicited by agents who are licensed by state insurance
authorities to sell JHVLICO's Policies and who are also registered
representatives of John Hancock. John Hancock performs suitability and
insurance underwriting, determines whether to accept or reject the application
for a Policy and the insured's risk classification and, pursuant to a sales
agreement among John Hancock, JHVLICO, and the Account, acts as the principal
underwriter of the Policies. The sales agreement will remain in effect until
terminated upon sixty days' written notice by any party. JHVLICO will make the
appropriate refund if a Policy ultimately is not issued or is returned under
the short-term cancellation provision. Officers and employees of John Hancock
and JHVLICO are covered by a blanket bond by a commercial carrier in the
amount of $25 million.
 
  Agents are compensated for sales of the Policies on a commission and service
fee basis by John Hancock, and JHVLICO reimburses John Hancock for such
compensation and for other direct and indirect expenses (including agency
expense allowances, general agent, district manager and supervisor's
compensation, agent's training allowances, deferred compensation and insurance
benefits of agents, general agents, district managers and supervisors, agency
office clerical expenses and advertising) actually incurred in connection with
the marketing and sale of the Policies.
 
  The maximum commission payable to an agent for selling a Policy is 50% of
the premium that would be payable under a Modified Schedule in the first
Policy year, 10% of such premiums payable in the second, third and fourth
Policy years and 3% of any other premiums received by JHVLICO.
 
  Agents with less than four years of service with John Hancock and agents
compensated on salary plus bonus or level commission programs may be paid on a
different basis. Agents who meet certain productivity and persistency
standards with respect to the sale of policies issued by JHVLICO and John
Hancock will be eligible for additional compensation.
 
  John Hancock is registered with the Commission under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. John Hancock is not a member of the Securities
Investor Protection Corporation because it is exempt from membership in that
organization. The Policies may be sold through other registered broker-dealers
whose representatives are authorized by applicable law to sell variable life
insurance policies. The commissions which will be paid out by such broker-
dealers to their registered representatives will be in accordance with their
established rules. In addition, their qualified registered representatives may
be reimbursed by the broker-dealers under expense reimbursement allowance
programs in any year for approved voucherable expenses incurred.
 
  John Hancock serves as principal underwriter for other separate accounts
registered under the 1940 Act: John Hancock Variable Annuity Accounts U, I and
V, John Hancock Mutual Variable Life Insurance Account UV and John Hancock
Variable Life Accounts U and S. John Hancock is also the principal investment
manager and principal underwriter for John Hancock Variable Series Trust I.
 
                              TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
POLICY PROCEEDS
 
  Although the Policy contains provisions not found in fixed benefit life
insurance policies, JHVLICO believes the Policy will nevertheless receive the
same Federal income and estate tax treatment. Section 7702 of the Internal
Revenue Code ("Code") defines life insurance for Federal tax purposes. If
certain standards are met at issue and over the life of the Policy, the Policy
will come within that definition. JHVLICO will monitor compliance with these
standards.
 
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
  JHVLICO believes that the death benefit under the Policy will be excludable
from the beneficiary's gross income under Section 101 of the Code. The Owner
of a Policy is not deemed to be in constructive receipt of the cash values
until a withdrawal or surrender. A surrender, partial surrender or withdrawal
may have tax consequences. For example, the Owner will be taxed on a surrender
to the extent that the surrender value exceeds the net premiums paid under the
Policy, i.e., ignoring premiums paid for optional benefits and riders. But
under certain circumstances the Owner may be taxed on a withdrawal of Policy
values even if total withdrawals do not exceed total premiums paid.
 
  JHVLICO also believes that, except as noted below, loans received under the
Policy will be treated as indebtedness of an Owner and that no part of any
loan will constitute income to the Owner.
 
  Distributions under Policies entered into after June 20, 1988, on which
premiums greater than the "7-pay' limit have been paid will be subject to
taxation based on recent Federal tax legislation. The Owner of such a Policy
will be taxed on distributions such as loans, surrenders, partial surrenders
and withdrawals to the extent of any income (gain) to the Owner (income-first
basis). Additionally, a 10% penalty tax may be imposed on income distributed
before the Owner attains age 59 1/2. Policies entered into prior to June 21,
1988, may also be subject to a tax on distributions if there is a material
change in the benefits or other terms of the Policy. All modified endowment
contracts issued by the same insurer (or affiliates) to the Owner during any
calendar year generally will be treated as one contract for the purpose of
applying these rules. Your tax advisor should be consulted if you have
questions regarding the possible impact of the recent tax law on your Policy.
 
  Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance and other tax
consequences of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the
circumstances of each Owner or beneficiary.
 
  The above description of Federal tax consequences is only a brief summary
and is not intended as tax advice. For further information consult a qualified
tax advisor.
 
  Federal and state tax laws can change from time to time and, as a result,
the tax consequences to the Owner and beneficiary may be altered.
 
CHARGE FOR JHVLICO'S TAXES
 
  Currently JHVLICO makes no charge against the Account for Federal income
taxes that may be attributable to this class of Policies. If JHVLICO incurs,
or expects to incur, income taxes attributable to this class of Policies or
any subaccount in the future, it reserves the right to make a charge for those
taxes.
 
  Under current laws, JHVLICO may incur state and local taxes (in addition to
premium taxes) in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant.
If there is a material change in applicable state or local tax laws, charges
for such taxes may be made.
 
CORPORATE AND H.R. 10 PLANS
 
  The Policy may be acquired in connection with the funding of retirement
plans satisfying the qualification requirements of Section 401 of the Code. If
so, the Code provisions relating to such plans and life insurance benefits
thereunder should be carefully scrutinized.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
             BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF JHVLICO
 
  The Directors and Executive Officers of JHVLICO and their principal
occupations during the past five years are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Directors--Officers               Principal Occupations
   -------------------               ---------------------
   <S>                     <C>
   David F. D'Alessandro   Chairman of the Board and Chief Execu-
                           tive Officer of JHVLICO; Senior Execu-
                           tive Vice President and Director, John
                           Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Henry D. Shaw           Vice Chairman of the Board and President
                           of JHVLICO; Senior Vice President, John
                           Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Thomas J. Lee           Director of JHVLICO; Vice President,
                           John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Com-
                           pany.
   Robert R. Reitano       Director of JHVLICO; Second Vice Presi-
                           dent, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company.
   Francis C. Cleary, Jr.  Director and Counsel, JHVLICO; Vice
                           President and Counsel, John Hancock Mu-
                           tual Life Insurance Company.
   Joseph A. Tomlinson     Director and Vice President, JHVLICO;
                           Vice President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                           Insurance Company.
   Michele G. Van Leer     Director of JHVLICO; Vice President,
                           John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Com-
                           pany.
   Robert S. Paster        Director and Actuary of JHVLICO; Second
                           Vice President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                           Insurance Company.
   Barbara L. Luddy        Director, JHVLICO; Second Vice Presi-
                           dent, John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company.
   Daniel L. Ouellette     Vice President, Marketing, JHVLICO; Vice
                           President, John Hancock Mutual Life In-
                           surance Company.
   Patrick F. Smith        Controller of JHVLICO; Assistant Con-
                           troller, John Hancock Mutual Life Insur-
                           ance Company.
</TABLE>
 
  The business address of all Directors and officers of JHVLICO is John
Hancock Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02117.
 
                                    REPORTS
 
  In each Policy year (except while the Policy is continued in effect under a
fixed option on lapse) a statement will be sent to the Owner setting forth the
amount of the Current and Guaranteed Death Benefits, the Account Value, the
portion of the Account Value in each subaccount, the Surrender Value, premiums
received and charges deducted from premium since the last report, and any
outstanding indebtedness (and interest charged for the preceding Policy year)
as of the last day of such year. Moreover, confirmations will be furnished to
Owners of transfers among subaccounts, Policy loans, partial withdrawals of
Excess Value and certain other Policy transactions. Premium payments not in
response to a billing notice are "unscheduled" and will be separately
confirmed. Therefore, an Owner who makes a premium payment that differs by
more than $25 from that billed will receive a separate confirmation of that
premium payment.
 
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
  Owners will be sent semiannually a report containing the financial
statements of the Funds, including a list of securities held in each
Portfolio.
 
                               VOTING PRIVILEGES
 
  All of the assets in the variable subaccounts of the Account, apart from
assets attributable to Policy loans, are invested in shares of the
corresponding Portfolios of the Funds. JHVLICO will vote the shares of each of
the Portfolios of the Funds which are deemed attributable to the Policies at
regular and special meetings of the Funds' shareholders in accordance with
instructions received from Owners of the Policies. Shares of the Funds held in
the Account which are not attributable to the Policies and shares for which
instructions from Owners are not received will be voted by JHVLICO for and
against each matter in the same proportions as the votes based upon the
instructions received from the Owners.
 
  The number of Fund shares held in each variable subaccount deemed
attributable to each Owner is determined by dividing the amount of a Policy's
Account Value held in the variable subaccount by the net asset value of one
share in the corresponding Fund Portfolio in which the assets of that variable
subaccount are invested. Fractional votes will be counted. The number of
shares as to which the Owner may give instructions will be determined as of
the record date for the Funds' meetings.
 
  Owners of Policies may give instructions regarding the election of the Board
of Trustees of each Fund, ratification of the selection of independent
auditors, approval of the Funds' investment management agreements and other
matters requiring a vote under the 1940 Act. Owners will be furnished
information and forms by JHVLICO in order that voting instructions may be
given.
 
  JHVLICO may, when required by state insurance regulatory authorities,
disregard voting instructions if the instructions require that the shares be
voted so as to change the investment objectives of the Portfolios or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory or underwriting contract for the
Fund. JHVLICO also may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes
initiated by an Owner or the Fund's Board of Trustees in the investment
policy, investment adviser or principal underwriter of a Fund, if JHVLICO (i)
reasonably disapproves of such changes and (ii) in the case of a change of
investment policy or investment adviser, makes a good-faith determination that
the proposed change is contrary to state law or prohibited by state regulatory
authorities or that the change would be inconsistent with a variable
subaccount's investment objectives or would result in the purchase of
securities which vary from the general quality and nature of investments and
investment techniques utilized by other separate accounts of JHVLICO or of an
affiliated life insurance company, which separate accounts have investment
objectives similar to those of the variable subaccount. In the event JHVLICO
does disregard voting instructions, a summary of that action and the reasons
for such action will be included in the next semi-annual report to Owners.
 
               CHANGES IN APPLICABLE LAW--FUNDING AND OTHERWISE
 
  The voting privileges described in this Prospectus are afforded based on
JHVLICO's understanding of applicable Federal securities law requirements. To
the extent that applicable law, regulations or interpretations change to
eliminate or restrict the need for such voting privileges, JHVLICO reserves
the right to proceed in accordance with any such revised requirements. JHVLICO
also reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, including
approval of Owners if so required, (1) to transfer assets determined by
JHVLICO to be associated with the class of policies to which the Policies
belong from the Account to another separate account
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
or variable subaccount by withdrawing the same percentage of each investment
in the Account with appropriate adjustments to avoid odd lots and fractions,
(2) to operate the Account as a "management-type investment company" under the
1940 Act, or in any other form permitted by law, the investment adviser of
which would be JHVLICO, an affiliate or John Hancock, and (3) to deregister
the Account under the 1940 Act. JHVLICO would notify Owners of any of the
foregoing changes and, to the extent legally required, obtain approval of
Owners and any regulatory body prior thereto. Such notice and approval,
however, may not be legally required in all cases.
 
                               STATE REGULATION
 
  JHVLICO is subject to regulation and supervision by the Massachusetts
Commissioner of Insurance who periodically examines its affairs. It also is
subject to the applicable insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions
in which it is authorized to do business.
 
  JHVLICO is required to submit annual statements of its operations, including
financial statements, to the insurance departments of the various
jurisdictions in which it does business for purposes of determining solvency
and compliance with local insurance laws and regulations.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Legal matters in connection with the Policies described in this Prospectus
have been passed on by Francis C. Cleary, Jr., Counsel for JHVLICO. Messrs.
Freedman, Levy, Kroll & Simonds, Washington, D.C., have advised JHVLICO on
certain Federal securities law matters in connection with the Policies.
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
  This Prospectus omits certain information contained in the Registration
Statement which has been filed with the Commission. More details may be
obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements of JHVLICO and the Account included in this
Prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, for
the periods indicated in their reports thereon which appear elsewhere herein
and have been included in reliance on their reports given on their authority
as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Randi M.
Sterrn, F.S.A., an Actuary of JHVLICO.
 
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The financial statements of JHVLICO included herein should be distinguished
from the financial statements of the Account and should be considered only as
bearing upon the ability of JHVLICO to meet its obligations under the
Policies.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Short-Term
                      Select                                           Real Estate    Special                    U.S.
                      Stock        Bond     International Money Market   Equity    Opportunities    Stock     Government
                    Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount    Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount    Subaccount  Subaccount
                   ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------- ------------ ----------
<S>                <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
Assets
Investment in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value ..........  $113,649,478 $56,377,102  $30,932,790  $19,684,014  $22,246,848  $20,167,152  $217,256,965 $2,466,466
Receivable from
 John Hancock
 Variable Life
 Insurance
 Company.........       172,252      67,008      125,749      687,213       12,476       82,622       154,538     15,053
                   ------------ -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ ----------
 Total Assets....   113,821,730  56,444,110   31,058,539   20,371,227   22,259,324   20,249,774   217,411,503  2,481,519
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I .       166,670      64,238      124,279      686,277       11,432       81,681       143,853     14,960
Asset charges
 payable ........         5,582       2,770        1,470          936        1,044          940        10,686         93
                   ------------ -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ ----------
 Total
  Liabilities....       172,252      67,008      125,749      687,213       12,476       82,621       154,539     15,053
                   ------------ -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ ----------
Total Net Assets.  $113,649,478 $56,377,102  $30,932,790  $19,684,014  $22,246,848  $20,167,153  $217,256,964 $2,466,466
                   ============ ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ============ ==========
Net Assets
Attributable to
 John Hancock
 Variable Life
 Insurance
 Company.........           --          --   $   902,753          --   $   933,401  $   683,604           --  $1,907,125
Attributable to
 Policyholders...  $113,649,478 $56,377,102   30,030,037  $19,684,014   21,313,447   19,483,549  $217,256,964    559,341
                   ------------ -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ ----------
 Total Net As-
  sets...........  $113,649,478 $56,377,102  $30,932,790  $19,684,014  $22,246,848  $20,167,153  $217,256,964 $2,466,466
                   ============ ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ============ ==========
<CAPTION>
                     Managed
                    Subaccount
                   ------------
<S>                <C>
Assets
Investment in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value ..........  $262,405,591
Receivable from
 John Hancock
 Variable Life
 Insurance
 Company.........       454,178
                   ------------
 Total Assets....   262,859,769
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock Variable
 Series Trust I .       441,295
Asset charges
 payable ........        12,883
                   ------------
 Total
  Liabilities....       454,178
                   ------------
Total Net Assets.  $262,405,591
                   ============
Net Assets
Attributable to
 John Hancock
 Variable Life
 Insurance
 Company.........           --
Attributable to
 Policyholders...  $262,405,591
                   ------------
 Total Net As-
  sets...........  $262,405,591
                   ============
</TABLE>
 
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       Select Stock Subaccount                Bond Subaccount               International Subaccount
                  ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
                       Year Ended December 31             Year Ended December 31             Year Ended December 31
                  ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
                     1995        1994        1993       1995       1994         1993       1995       1994         1993
                  ----------- ----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ----------
<S>               <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Investment
 Income:
 Distributions
  received from
  the Portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........ $ 9,127,019 $2,816,218  $1,554,404 $3,997,055  $2,577,160  $2,170,190 $  313,290 $   334,752  $  190,792
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..     527,639    251,870     112,906    288,879     210,831     178,618    158,467      92,706      23,714
                  ----------- ----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ----------
 Net Investment
  Income.........   8,599,380  2,564,348   1,441,498  3,708,176   2,366,329   1,991,572    154,823     242,046     167,078
Net realized and
 Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on
 Investments:
 Net realized
  gain...........     839,997    637,109     599,094     63,373     126,799     603,946    709,715     390,493     100,167
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........  13,485,769 (4,019,164)    294,584  4,386,358  (3,555,116)    195,384  1,169,158  (1,861,119)  1,229,760
                  ----------- ----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ----------
Net Realized and
 Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on
 Investments.....  14,325,766 (3,382,055)    893,678  4,449,731  (3,428,317)    799,330  1,878,873  (1,470,626)  1,329,927
                  ----------- ----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ---------- ---------- -----------  ----------
Net Increase
 (Decrease) in
 Net Assets
 Resulting From
 Operations...... $22,925,146  $(817,707) $2,335,176 $8,157,907 $(1,061,988) $2,790,902 $2,033,696 $(1,228,580) $1,497,005
                  =========== ==========  ========== ========== ===========  ========== ========== ===========  ==========
<CAPTION>
                    Money Market Subaccount
                  ----------------------------
                     Year Ended December 31
                  ----------------------------
                     1995      1994     1993
                  ---------- -------- --------
<S>               <C>        <C>      <C>
Investment
 Income:
 Distributions
  received from
  the Portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........ $1,021,645 $730,311 $179,437
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..    108,941  108,665   35,572
                  ---------- -------- --------
 Net Investment
  Income.........    912,704  621,646  143,865
Net realized and
 Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on
 Investments:
 Net realized
  gain...........         --       --       --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........         --       --       --
                  ---------- -------- --------
Net Realized and
 Unrealized Gain
 (Loss) on
 Investments.....         --       --       --
                  ---------- -------- --------
Net Increase
 (Decrease) in
 Net Assets
 Resulting From
 Operations...... $  912,704 $621,646 $143,865
                  ========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
- ------
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            Special
                                                         Opportunities
                   Real Estate Equity Subaccount          Subaccount*                Stock Subaccount
                   -------------------------------  ----------------------- -----------------------------------
                      Year Ended December 31                   Period Ended       Year Ended December 31
                   -------------------------------             December 31  -----------------------------------
                      1995       1994       1993       1995        1994        1995        1994         1993
                   ----------  ---------  --------  ---------- ------------ ----------- -----------  ----------
<S>                <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Investment
Income:
 Distributions
 received from
 the Portfolios
 of John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I.........  $1,424,926  $ 993,202  $356,397  $  483,189   $ 17,225   $20,402,345 $ 8,501,308  $8,517,796
Expenses:
 Mortality and
 expense risks...     117,861     89,294    38,740      57,525      4,657     1,040,658     679,481     489,537
                   ----------  ---------  --------  ----------   --------   ----------- -----------  ----------
 Net Investment
 Income..........   1,307,065    903,908   317,657     425,664     12,568    19,361,687   7,821,827   8,028,259
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments:
 Net realized
 gain (loss).....    (132,712)   302,731   381,959     118,503     (5,379)    1,182,185     913,991   1,623,888
 Net unrealized
 appreciation
 (depreciation)
 during the year.   1,164,732   (984,298)  (16,951)  2,655,206     (8,734)   28,390,863  (9,911,015)    190,590
                   ----------  ---------  --------  ----------   --------   ----------- -----------  ----------
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments......   1,032,020   (681,567)  365,008   2,773,709    (14,113)   29,573,048  (8,997,024)  1,814,478
                   ----------  ---------  --------  ----------   --------   ----------- -----------  ----------
Net Increase
(Decrease) in Net
Assets Resulting
From Operations..  $2,339,085  $ 222,341  $682,665  $3,199,373   $ (1,545)  $48,934,735 $(1,175,197) $9,842,737
                   ==========  =========  ========  ==========   ========   =========== ===========  ==========
<CAPTION>
                        Short-Term
                           U.S.
                        Government
                        Subaccount*               Managed Subaccount
                   --------------------- -------------------------------------
                            Period Ended        Year Ended December 31
                            December 31  -------------------------------------
                     1995       1994        1995         1994         1993
                   -------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -----------
<S>                <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>
Investment
Income:
 Distributions
 received from
 the Portfolios
 of John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I.........  $103,070   $ 26,186   $24,582,126 $  7,481,584  $10,157,641
Expenses:
 Mortality and
 expense risks...     8,335        729     1,324,428      953,550      725,512
                   -------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -----------
 Net Investment
 Income..........    94,735     25,457    23,257,698    6,528,034    9,432,129
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments:
 Net realized
 gain (loss).....    20,630     (1,779)    3,530,479    1,168,573    2,225,422
 Net unrealized
 appreciation
 (depreciation)
 during the year.    77,274    (23,668)   24,157,024  (12,012,242)     830,965
                   -------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -----------
Net Realized and
Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments......    97,904    (25,447)   27,687,503  (10,843,669)   3,056,387
                   -------- ------------ ----------- ------------- -----------
Net Increase
(Decrease) in Net
Assets Resulting
From Operations..  $192,639   $     10   $50,945,201 $ (4,315,635) $12,488,516
                   ======== ============ =========== ============= ===========
</TABLE>
- ----
* The Short-Term U.S. Government and the Special Opportunities subaccounts
  commenced operations on May 1 and May 6, 1994, respectively.
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Select Stock Subaccount                     Bond Subaccount
                    --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                           Year ended December 31                 Year ended December 31
                    --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                        1995         1994         1993         1995         1994         1993
                    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                 <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Increase
 (Decrease) in Net
 Assets
 From operations:
 Net investment
  income..........  $  8,599,380  $ 2,564,348  $ 1,441,498  $ 3,708,176  $ 2,366,329  $ 1,991,572
 Net realized
  gains...........       839,997      637,109      599,094       63,373      126,799      603,946
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the year.    13,485,769   (4,019,164)     294,584    4,386,358   (3,555,116)     195,384
                    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net increase
  (decrease) in
  net assets
  resulting from
  operations......    22,925,146     (817,707)   2,335,176    8,157,907   (1,061,988)   2,790,902
 From policyholder
  transactions:
 Net premiums from
  policyholders       51,711,591   51,007,044   18,577,185   23,206,469   20,368,275   16,530,998
 Net benefits to
  policyholders      (19,250,850) (18,333,049)  (7,776,653) (14,981,037) (11,586,357) (11,672,488)
                    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net increase in
  net assets from
  policyholder
  transactions....    32,460,741   32,673,995   10,800,532    8,225,432    8,781,918    4,858,510
                    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
  Net increase in
   net assets.....    55,385,887   31,856,288   13,135,708   16,383,339    7,719,930    7,649,412
Net Assets:
 Beginning of
  year............    58,263,591   26,407,303   13,271,595   39,993,763   32,273,833   24,624,421
                    ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 End of year......  $113,649,478  $58,263,591  $26,407,303  $56,377,102  $39,993,763  $32,273,833
                    ============  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========
<CAPTION>
                         International Subaccount              Money Market Subaccount
                    ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
                          Year ended December 31                Year ended December 31
                    ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
                       1995         1994         1993        1995         1994         1993
                    ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
<S>                 <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
Increase
 (Decrease) in Net
 Assets
 From operations:
 Net investment
  income..........  $   154,823  $   242,046  $  167,078  $   912,704  $   621,646  $  143,865
 Net realized
  gains...........      709,715      390,493     100,167           --           --          --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the year.    1,169,158   (1,861,119)  1,229,760           --           --          --
                    ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
 Net increase
  (decrease) in
  net assets
  resulting from
  operations......    2,033,696   (1,228,580)  1,497,005      912,704      621,646     143,865
 From policyholder
  transactions:
 Net premiums from
  policyholders      17,644,301   21,632,192   5,920,835   21,430,904   58,454,926   8,826,180
 Net benefits to
  policyholders     (12,682,229)  (5,717,640) (1,262,467) (19,852,589) (51,398,824) (4,772,045)
                    ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
 Net increase in
  net assets from
  policyholder
  transactions....    4,962,072   15,914,552   4,658,368    1,578,315    7,056,102   4,054,135
                    ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
  Net increase in
   net assets.....    6,995,768   14,685,972   6,155,373    2,491,019    7,677,748   4,198,000
Net Assets:
 Beginning of
  year............   23,937,022    9,251,050   3,095,677   17,192,995    9,515,247   5,317,247
                    ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ -----------
 End of year......  $30,932,790  $23,937,022  $9,251,050  $19,684,014  $17,192,995  $9,515,247
                    ============ ============ =========== ============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
- ------
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Special
                                Real Estate                    Opportunities
                             Equity Subaccount                   Subacount*                   Stock Subaccount
                    -------------------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------
                                Year Ended                      Period ended                     Year Ended
                                December 31                     December 31                      December 31
                    -------------------------------------  -----------------------  ---------------------------------------
                       1995         1994         1993         1995         1994         1995          1994         1993
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
<S>                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Increase
(decrease) in Net
Assets
 From operations:
 Net investment
 income...........  $ 1,307,065  $   903,908  $   317,657  $   425,664  $   12,568  $ 19,361,687  $  7,821,827  $ 8,028,259
 Net realized
 gains (losses)...     (132,712)     302,731      381,959      118,503      (5,379)    1,182,185       913,991    1,623,888
 Net unrealized
 appreciation
 (depreciation)
 during the year..    1,164,732     (984,298)     (16,951)   2,655,206      (8,734)   28,390,863    (9,911,015)     190,590
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in net
 assets resulting
 from operations..    2,339,085      222,341      682,665    3,199,373      (1,545)   48,934,735    (1,175,197)   9,842,737
 From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums from
 policyholders       10,547,817   13,824,052    9,937,807   15,268,369   5,297,072    76,729,116    67,541,450   54,985,522
 Net benefits to
 policyholders      (10,156,449)  (5,898,220)  (2,766,409)  (3,375,070)   (221,046)  (41,442,095)  (31,434,994) (29,859,615)
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
 Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions.....      391,368    7,925,832    7,171,398   11,893,299   5,076,026    35,287,021    36,106,456   25,125,907
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
  Net increase in
  net assets......    2,730,453    8,148,173    7,854,063   15,092,672   5,074,481    84,221,756    34,931,259   34,968,644
Net assets:
 Beginning of
 year.............   19,516,395   11,368,222    3,514,159    5,074,481         --    133,035,208    98,103,949   63,135,305
                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -----------
 End of year......  $22,246,848  $19,516,395  $11,368,222  $20,167,153  $5,074,481  $217,256,964  $133,035,208  $98,103,949
                    ===========  ===========  ===========  ===========  ==========  ============  ============  ===========
<CAPTION>
                         Short-Term
                            U.S.
                         Government
                         Subaccount*                  Managed Subaccount
                    ----------------------- -----------------------------------------
                        Period ended                      Year Ended
                         December 31                     December 31
                    ----------------------- -----------------------------------------
                       1995        1994         1995          1994          1993
                    ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>           
Increase
(decrease) in Net
Assets
 From operations:
 Net investment
 income...........  $   94,735  $   25,457  $ 23,257,698  $  6,528,034  $  9,432,129
 Net realized
 gains (losses)...      20,630      (1,779)    3,530,479     1,168,573     2,225,422
 Net unrealized
 appreciation
 (depreciation)
 during the year..      77,274     (23,668)   24,157,024   (12,012,242)      830,965
                    ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in net
 assets resulting
 from operations..     192,639          10    50,945,201    (4,315,635)   12,488,516
 From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums from
 policyholders       2,846,775   1,178,590    80,690,820    87,141,271    67,668,655
 Net benefits to
 policyholders      (1,637,415)   (114,133)  (48,646,275)  (43,706,261)  (40,199,547)
                    ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
 Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions.....   1,209,360   1,064,457    32,044,545    43,435,010    27,469,108
                    ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
  Net increase in
  net assets......   1,401,999   1,064,457    82,989,746    39,119,375    39,957,624
Net assets:
 Beginning of
 year.............   1,064,467         --    179,415,845   140,296,470   100,338,846
                    ----------- ----------- ------------- ------------- -------------
 End of year......  $2,466,466  $1,064,467  $262,405,591  $179,415,845  $140,296,470
                    =========== =========== ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
- ----
* The Short-Term U.S. Government and the Special Opportunities subaccounts
  commenced operations on May 1 and May 6, 1994, respectively.
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
John Hancock Variable Life Account V (the Account) is a separate investment
account of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company (JHVLICO), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (John Hancock).
The Account was formed to fund variable life insurance policies (Policies)
issued by JHVLICO. The Account is operated as a unit investment trust
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and currently
consists of nine subaccounts. The assets of each subaccount are invested
exclusively in shares of a corresponding portfolio of John Hancock Variable
Series Trust I (the Fund). New subaccounts may be added as new portfolios are
added to the Fund, or as other investment options are developed and made
available to policyholders. The nine portfolios of the Fund which are
currently available are Select Stock, Bond, International, Money Market, Real
Estate Equity, Special Opportunities, Stock, Short-Term U.S. Government and
Managed. Each portfolio has a different investment objective.
 
The net assets of the Account may not be less than the amount required under
state insurance law to provide for death benefits (without regard to the
minimum death benefit guarantee) and other policy benefits. Additional assets
are held in JHVLICO's general account to cover the contingency that the
guaranteed minimum death benefit might exceed the death benefit which would
have been payable in the absence of such guarantee.
 
The assets of the Account are the property of JHVLICO. The portion of the
Account's assets applicable to the policies may not be charged with
liabilities arising out of any other business JHVLICO may conduct.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Valuation of Investments: Investment in shares of the Fund are valued at the
reported net asset values of the respective portfolios. Investment
transactions are recorded on the trade date. Dividend income is recognized on
the ex-dividend date. Realized gains and losses on sales of fund shares are
determined on the basis of identified cost.
 
Federal Income Taxes: The operations of the Account are included in the
federal income tax return of JHVLICO, which is taxed as a life insurance
company under the Internal Revenue Code. JHVLICO has the right to charge the
Account any federal income taxes, or provision for federal income taxes,
attributable to the operations of the Account or to the policies funded in the
Account. Currently, JHVLICO does not make a charge for income or other taxes.
Charges for state and local taxes, if any, attributable to the Account may
also be made.
 
Expenses: JHVLICO assumes mortality and expense risks of the variable life
insurance policies for which asset charges are deducted at an annual rate of
 .60% of net assets (excluding policy loans) of the Account. In addition, a
monthly charge at varying levels for the cost of insurance is deducted from
the net assets of the Account.
 
JHVLICO makes certain deductions for administrative expenses and state premium
taxes from premium payments before amounts are transferred to the Account.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 3--NET ASSETS
 
The net assets attributable to JHVLICO represent JHVLICO's funds deposited in
the Account. At its discretion, these amounts may be transferred by JHVLICO to
its general account.
 
NOTE 4--TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
John Hancock acts as the distributor, principal underwriter and investment
advisor for the Fund.
 
Certain officers of the Account are officers and directors of JHVLICO, the
Fund or John Hancock.
 
NOTE 5--DETAILS OF INVESTMENT
 
The details of the shares owned and cost and value of investments in the
portfolios of the Fund at December 31, 1995 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Shares
                Portfolio                    Owned        Cost        Value
                ---------                  ---------- ------------ ------------
<S>                                        <C>        <C>          <C>
Select Stock..............................  6,543,480 $103,139,549 $113,649,478
Bond......................................  5,566,616   54,653,090   56,377,102
International.............................  1,981,646   30,163,057   30,392,791
Money Market..............................  1,968,401   19,684,014   19,684,014
Real Estate Equity........................  1,902,059   21,767,182   22,246,849
Special Opportunities.....................  1,529,602   17,520,681   20,167,153
Stock..................................... 15,583,784  197,432,046  217,256,965
Short-Term U.S. Government................    241,045    2,412,860    2,466,467
Managed................................... 19,116,115  244,207,400  262,405,591
                                           ---------- ------------ ------------
                                           54,432,748 $690,979,879 $744,646,410
                                           ========== ============ ============
</TABLE>
 
Purchases, including reinvestment of dividend distributions and proceeds from
sales of shares in the portfolios of the Fund during 1995, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Portfolio                         Purchases      Sales
                      ---------                        ------------ -----------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>
Select Stock.......................................... $ 49,568,131 $ 8,508,010
Bond..................................................   18,755,232   6,821,624
International.........................................   11,419,611   6,302,715
Money Market..........................................   30,725,098  28,234,079
Real Estate Equity....................................    7,174,344   5,475,910
Special Opportunities.................................   13,145,725     826,762
Stock.................................................   66,187,098  11,538,389
Short-Term U.S. Government............................    2,665,120   1,361,025
Managed...............................................   77,829,013  22,526,769
                                                       ------------ -----------
                                                       $277,469,372 $91,595,283
                                                       ============ ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
              REPORTS OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Policyholders
John Hancock Variable Life Account V
 of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of John
Hancock Variable Life Account V (the "Account") (comprising, respectively,
Select Stock, Bond, International, Money Market, Real Estate Equity, Special
Opportunities, Stock, Short-Term U.S. Government, and Managed Subaccounts) as
of December 31, 1995, and the related statements of operations and statements
of changes in net assets for each of the three years in the period then ended
for the Select Stock, Bond, International, Money Market, Real Estate Equity,
Stock, and Managed Subaccounts; the related statements of operations and
statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
for the period from May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
1994 for the Special Opportunities Subaccount; and the related statements of
operations and statements of changes in net assets for the year ended December
31, 1995 and for the period from May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1994 for the Short-Term U.S. Government Subaccount. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Account's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of each of the respective
subaccounts constituting John Hancock Variable Life Account V at December 31,
1995, and the results of their operations and the changes in their net assets
for each of the periods indicated, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
                                                              Ernst & Young LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 9, 1996
 
                               ----------------
Board of Directors
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of John
Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and
the related statements of operations and unassigned deficit and cash flows for
the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company at December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles for a stock life insurance company
wholly-owned by a mutual life insurance company and with reporting practices
prescribed or permitted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of
Insurance.
 
                                                              Ernst & Young LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 7, 1996
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               December 31
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1995      1994
                                                              ----      ----
                                                              (In millions)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Assets
Bonds--Note 7.............................................. $  552.8  $  458.3
Preferred stocks...........................................      5.0       5.3
Common stocks..............................................      1.7       1.9
Investment in affiliates...................................     65.3      59.9
Mortgage loans on real estate--Note 7......................    146.7     148.5
Real estate................................................     36.4      27.8
Policy loans...............................................     61.8      47.3
Cash items:
  Cash in banks............................................     11.6      29.3
  Temporary cash investments...............................     65.0      46.7
                                                            --------  --------
                                                                76.6      76.0
Premiums due and deferred..................................     39.6      43.9
Investment income due and accrued..........................     18.6      14.7
Other general account assets...............................     20.8      22.3
Assets held in separate accounts...........................  2,421.0   1,721.0
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL ASSETS............................................... $3,446.3  $2,626.9
                                                            ========  ========
Obligations and Stockholder's Equity
OBLIGATIONS:
  Policy reserves.......................................... $  671.1  $  638.6
  Federal income and other taxes payable--Note 1...........     14.2      17.3
  Other accrued expenses...................................     79.9      22.8
  Asset valuation reserve--Note 1..........................     15.4      12.6
  Obligations related to separate accounts.................  2,417.0   1,717.7
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS..........................................  3,197.6   2,409.0
Stockholder's Equity--Notes 2 and 6
  Common Stock, $50 par value; authorized 50,000 shares;
   issued and outstanding 50,000 shares--1995; 20,000
   shares--1994............................................      2.5      25.0
  Paid-in capital..........................................    377.5     355.0
  Unassigned deficit.......................................   (131.3)   (162.1)
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY.................................    248.7     217.9
                                                            --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY................. $3,446.3  $2,626.9
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND UNASSIGNED DEFICIT
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Year Ended December 31
                                                  ------------------------
                                                     1995         1994
                                                     ----         ----
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          
Income
  Premiums....................................... $     570.9  $     430.5
  Net investment income--Note 4..................        62.1         57.6
  Other, net.....................................        85.7         95.5
                                                  -----------  -----------
                                                        718.7        583.6
Benefits and Expenses
  Payments to policyholders and beneficiaries....       213.4        187.5
  Additions to reserves to provide for future
   payments to policyholders and beneficiaries...       282.4        185.3
  Expenses of providing service to policyholders
   and obtaining new insurance--Note 6...........       150.7        168.9
  Cost of restructuring..........................         0.0          3.0
  State and miscellaneous taxes..................        12.7         11.3
                                                  -----------  -----------
                                                        659.2        556.0
                                                  -----------  -----------
    GAIN FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE FEDERAL INCOME
     TAXES AND NET REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS........        59.5         27.6
Federal income taxes--Note 1.....................        28.4         15.0
                                                  -----------  -----------
    GAIN FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE NET REALIZED
     CAPITAL GAINS...............................        31.1         12.6
Net realized capital gains--Note 5...............         0.5          0.4
                                                  -----------  -----------
    NET INCOME...................................        31.6         13.0
Unassigned deficit at beginning of year..........      (162.1)      (177.2)
Net unrealized capital losses and other adjust-
 ments--Note 5...................................        (3.0)       (1.5)
Valuation reserve changes--Note 1................         0.0          2.7
Change in separate account surplus...............         0.7          0.0
Other reserves and adjustments...................         1.5          0.9
                                                  -----------  -----------
    UNASSIGNED DEFICIT AT END OF YEAR............     $(131.3)     $(162.1)
                                                  ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Years Ended December 31
                                                      -----------------------
                                                         1995         1994
                                                         ----         ----
                                                           (In millions)
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Insurance premiums................................. $     574.0  $     436.4
  Net investment income..............................        59.2         57.9
  Benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries........      (198.3)      (175.3)
  Dividends paid to policyholders....................       (13.2)       (11.9)
  Insurance expenses and taxes.......................      (161.5)      (180.6)
  Net transfers to separate accounts.................      (257.4)      (146.6)
  Other, net.........................................        40.6         72.8
                                                      -----------  -----------
      NET CASH PROVIDED FROM OPERATIONS..............        43.4         52.7
                                                      -----------  -----------
Cash flows used in investing activities:
  Bond purchases.....................................      (172.5)       (94.1)
  Bond sales.........................................        18.9         23.1
  Bond maturities and scheduled redemptions..........        36.0         22.3
  Bond prepayments...................................        20.6         24.7
  Stock purchases....................................        (1.7)        (1.5)
  Proceeds from stock sales..........................         1.4          1.2
  Real estate purchases..............................       (16.2)       (18.4)
  Real estate sales..................................         9.3         22.1
  Other invested assets purchases....................        (0.4)        (0.9)
  Proceeds from the sale of other invested assets....         0.3          1.3
  Mortgage loans issued..............................       (19.8)       (37.9)
  Mortgage loan repayments...........................        21.1         35.2
  Other, net.........................................        60.2         22.9
                                                      -----------  -----------
      NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES..........       (42.8)         0.0
                                                      -----------  -----------
INCREASE IN CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS......         0.6         52.7
Cash and temporary cash investments at beginning of
 year................................................        76.0         23.3
                                                      -----------  -----------
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS AT END OF YEAR... $      76.6  $      76.0
                                                      ===========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
 
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (John Hancock). The
Company principally writes variable and universal life insurance policies.
Those policies primarily are marketed through John Hancock's sales
organization, which includes a career agency system composed of company owned,
unionized branch offices and independent general agencies. Policies also are
sold through various unaffilated securities broker-dealers and certain other
financial institutions. Currently, the Company writes business in all states
except New York.
 
The preparation of the financial statements of insurance companies requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Such estimates and
assumptions could change in the future as more information becomes known,
which could impact the amounts reported and disclosed herein.
 
The significant accounting practices of the Company are as follows:
 
Basis of Presentation: The financial statements have been prepared on the
basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Division of Insurance and in conformity with the practices of
the National Association of Insurance Commissioners which are currently
considered generally accepted accounting principles for a stock life insurance
company wholly-owned by a mutual life insurance company. However, in April
1993, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) issued Interpretation 40,
"Applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to Mutual Life
Insurance and Other Enterprises" (Interpretation). The Interpretation, as
amended, is effective for 1996 annual financial statements and thereafter, and
no longer will allow statutory-basis financial statements to be described as
being prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP). Upon the effective date of the Interpretation, in order for their
financial statements to be described as being prepared in conformity with
GAAP, mutual life insurance companies will be required to adopt all applicable
authoritative GAAP pronouncements in any general-purpose financial statements
that they may issue. The Company has not quantified the effects of the
application of the Interpretation on its financial statements.
 
The Company has not yet determined whether for general purposes it will
continue to issue statutory-basis financial statements or statements adopting
all applicable authoritative GAAP pronouncements. If the Company decides that
its general-purpose financial statements will be prepared in accordance with
GAAP rather than statutory accounting practices, the financial statements
included herein would have to be restated to reflect all applicable
authoritative GAAP pronouncements, including Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) Nos. 60, 97, and 113.
 
Revenues and Expenses: Premium revenues are recognized over the premium-paying
period of the policies whereas expenses, including the acquisition costs of
new business, are charged to operations as incurred and policyholder dividends
are provided as paid or accrued.
 
Cash and Temporary Cash Investments: Cash includes currency on hand and demand
deposits with financial institutions. Temporary cash investments are short-
term, highly-liquid investments both readily convertible to known amounts of
cash and so near maturity that there is insignificant risk of changes in value
because of changes in interest rates.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
Valuation of Assets: General account investments are carried at amounts
determined on the following bases:
 
  Bonds and stock values are carried as prescribed by the National
  Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): bonds generally at amortized
  amounts or cost, preferred stocks generally at cost and common stocks at
  market. The discount or premium on bonds is amortized using the interest
  method.
 
  Investments in affiliates are included on the statutory equity method.
 
  Goodwill is amortized on a straight line basis over a ten year period.
 
  Mortgage loans are carried at outstanding principal balance or amortized
  cost.
 
  Investment real estate is carried at depreciated cost, less encumbrances.
  Depreciation on investment real estate is recorded on a straight line
  basis.
 
  Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt and held for sale is carried
  at the lower of cost or market as of the date of foreclosure.
 
  Policy loans are carried at outstanding principal balance, not in excess of
  policy cash surrender value.
 
Asset Valuation and Interest Maintenance Reserves: The Asset Valuation Reserve
(AVR) is computed in accordance with the prescribed NAIC formula and
represents a provision for possible fluctuations in the value of bonds, equity
securities, mortgage loans, real estate and other invested assets. Changes to
the AVR are charged or credited directly to the unassigned deficit.
 
The Company also records the NAIC prescribed Interest Maintenance Reserve
(IMR) that represents that portion of the after tax net accumulated
unamortized realized capital gains and losses on sales of fixed income
securities, principally bonds and mortgage loans attributable to changes in
the general level of interest rates. Such gains and losses are deferred and
amortized into income over the remaining expected lives of the investments
sold. At December 31, 1995, the IMR, net of 1995 amortization of $1.2 million,
amounted to $6.9 million, which is included in policy reserves. The
corresponding 1994 amounts were $1.1 million and $7.1 million, respectively.
 
Separate Accounts: Separate account assets (unit investment trusts valued at
market) and separate account obligations (principally policyholder account
values) are included as separate captions in the statements of financial
position. The change in separate account surplus is recognized through direct
charges or credits to unassigned deficit.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments: Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments," requires disclosure of fair value information about financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial position,
for which it is practicable to estimate the value. In situations where quoted
market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using
present value or other valuation techniques. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain
financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure
requirements. Therefore, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not
represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
 
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
The methods and assumptions utilized by the Company in estimating its fair
value disclosures for financial instruments are as follows:
 
  The carrying amounts reported in the statement of financial position for
  cash and temporary cash investments approximate their fair values.
 
  Fair values for public bonds are obtained from an independent pricing
  service. Fair values for private placement securities and publicly traded
  bonds not provided by the independent pricing service are estimated by the
  Company by discounting expected future cash flows using current market
  rates applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
  investments. The fair values for common and preferred stocks, other than
  its subsidiary investments, which are carried at equity values, are based
  on quoted market prices.
 
  The fair value for mortgage loans is estimated using discounted cash flow
  analyses using interest rates adjusted to reflect the credit
  characteristics of the loans. Mortgage loans with similar characteristics
  and credit risks are aggregated into qualitative categories for purposes of
  the fair value calculations.
 
  The carrying amount in the statement of financial position for policy loans
  approximates their fair value.
 
  The fair value for outstanding commitments to purchase long-term bonds is
  estimated using a discounted cash flow method incorporating adjustments for
  the difference in the level of interest rates between the dates the
  commitments were made and December 31, 1995. The fair value for commitments
  to purchase real estate approximates the amount of the initial commitment.
 
Capital Gains and Losses: Realized capital gains and losses, net of taxes and
amounts transferred to the IMR, are included in net gain or loss. Unrealized
gains and losses, which consist of market value and book value adjustments,
are shown as adjustments to the unassigned deficit.
 
Policy Reserves: Reserves for variable life insurance policies are maintained
principally on the modified preliminary term method using the 1958 and 1980
Commissioner's Standard Ordinary (CSO) mortality tables, with an assumed
interest rate of 4% for policies issued prior to May 1, 1983 and 4 1/2% for
policies issued on or thereafter. Reserves for single premium policies are
determined by the net single premium method using the 1958 CSO mortality
table, with an assumed interest rate of 4%. Reserves for universal life
policies issued prior to 1985 are equal to the gross account value which at
all times exceeds minimum statutory requirements. Reserves for universal life
policies issued from 1985 through 1988 are maintained at the greater of the
Commissioner's Reserve Valuation Method (CRVM) using the 1958 CSO mortality
table, with 4 1/2% interest or the cash surrender value. Reserves for
universal life policies issued after 1988 and for flexible variable policies
are maintained using the greater of the cash surrender value or the CRVM
method with the 1980 CSO mortality table and 5 1/2% interest for policies
issued from 1988 through 1992; 5% interest for policies issued in 1993 and
1994; and 4 1/2% interest for policies issued in 1995.
 
Federal Income Taxes: Federal income taxes are provided in the financial
statements based on amounts determined to be payable as a result of operations
within the current accounting period. The operations of the Company are
consolidated with John Hancock, its Parent, in filing a consolidated federal
income tax return for the affiliated group. The federal income taxes of the
Company are allocated on a separate return basis with certain
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES--CONTINUED
 
adjustments. The Company made payments of $32.2 million in 1995 and received
tax benefits of $7.0 million in 1994.
 
Income before taxes differs from taxable income principally due to tax-exempt
investment income, the limitation placed on the tax deductibility of
policyholder dividends, accelerated depreciation, differences in policy
reserves for tax return and financial statement purposes, capitalization of
policy acquisition expenses for tax purposes and other adjustments prescribed
by the Internal Revenue Code.
 
No provision is generally recognized for timing differences that may exist
between financial reporting and taxable income or loss.
 
Adjustments to Policy Reserves: From time to time, the Company finds it
appropriate to modify certain required policy reserves because of changes in
actuarial assumptions or increased benefits. Reserve modifications resulting
from such determinations are recorded directly to the unassigned deficit.
During 1994, the Company refined certain actuarial assumptions inherent in the
calculation of preconversion yearly renewable term and gross premium
deficiency reserves, resulting in a $2.7 million decrease in the unassigned
deficit at December 31, 1994.
 
Reinsurance: Premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements, benefits and
reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent
with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms
of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other companies have been
reported as a reduction of premium income. Amounts applicable to reinsurance
ceded for future policy benefits, unearned premium reserves and claim
liabilities have been reported as reductions of these items.
 
Reclassifications: Certain 1994 amounts have been reclassified to permit
comparison with the corresponding 1995 amounts.
 
NOTE 2--CAPITALIZATION
 
In prior years, the Company received capital contributions from John Hancock,
with a portion of the contributed capital being credited to common stock,
although no additional shares were issued. This practice, which is acceptable
to statutory authorities, has the effect of stating the carrying value of
issued shares of common stock at amounts other than $50 per share par value
with the offset reflected in paid-in capital.
 
At December 31, 1994, the Company had 50,000 shares authorized with 20,000
shares issued and outstanding. On February 16, 1995, the Company issued the
remaining 30,000 shares to John Hancock and transferred $22.5 million from
common stock to paid-in capital. The par value per share is $50.
 
NOTE 3--ACQUISITION
 
On June 23, 1993, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of stock
of Colonial Penn Annuity and Life Insurance Company (CPAL) from Colonial Penn
Life Insurance Company for an aggregate purchase price
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
NOTE 3--ACQUISITION--CONTINUED
 
of approximately $42.5 million. At the date of acquisition, assets of CPAL
were approximately $648.5 million, consisting principally of cash and
temporary cash investments and liabilities were approximately $635.2 million,
consisting principally of reserves related to a block of interest sensitive
single-premium whole life insurance business assumed by CPAL from Charter
National Life Insurance Company (Charter). The purchase price includes
contingent payments of up to approximately $7.3 million payable between 1994
and 1998 based on the actual lapse experience of the business in force on June
23, 1993. The Company made contingent payments to CPAL of $1.5 million during
1995 and 1994. Unamortized goodwill at December 31, 1995 was $17.1 million and
is being amortized over ten years on a straight-line basis.
 
On June 24, 1993, the Company contributed $24.6 million in additional capital
to CPAL. CPAL was renamed John Hancock Life Insurance Company of America
(JHLICOA) on July 7, 1993. JHLICOA manages the business assumed from Charter
and does not currently issue new business.
 
NOTE 4--NET INVESTMENT INCOME
 
Investment income has been reduced by the following amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995    1994
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                (In millions)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Investment expenses............................................ $  5.1  $  3.4
Interest expense...............................................    0.0     0.2
Depreciation expense...........................................    1.0     0.6
Investment taxes...............................................    0.5     0.2
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                $  6.6  $  4.4
                                                                ======  ======
 
NOTE 5--NET CAPITAL GAINS (LOSSES) AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
 
Net realized capital gains consist of the following items:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995    1994
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                (In millions)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Gains (losses) from asset sales................................ $  4.0  $ (1.6)
Capital gains (tax) credit.....................................   (2.5)    2.5
Net capital gains transferred to IMR...........................   (1.0)   (0.5)
                                                                ------  ------
  Net Realized Capital Gains................................... $  0.5  $  0.4
                                                                ======  ======
 
Net unrealized capital losses and other adjustments consist of the following
items:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995    1994
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                (In millions)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
Gains (losses) from changes in security values and book value
 adjustments................................................... $ (0.2) $  0.7
Increase in asset valuation reserve............................   (2.8)   (2.2)
                                                                ------  ------
  Net Unrealized Capital Losses and Other Adjustments.......... $ (3.0) $ (1.5)
                                                                ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
NOTE 6--TRANSACTIONS WITH PARENT
 
The Company's Parent provides the Company with personnel, property and
facilities in carrying out certain of its corporate functions. The Parent
annually determines a fee for these services and facilities based on a number
of criteria which were revised in 1995 and 1994 to reflect continuing changes
in the Company's operations. The amount of the service fee charged to the
Company was $97.9 million and $117.0 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively,
which has been included in insurance and investment expenses. The Parent has
guaranteed that, if necessary, it will make additional capital contributions
to prevent the Company's stockholder's equity from declining below $1.0
million.
 
The service fee charged to the Company by the Parent includes $1.8 million and
$6.0 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively, representing the portion of the
provision for retiree benefit plans determined under the accrual method,
including a provision for the 1993 transition liability which is being
amortized over twenty years, that was allocated to the Company.
 
Effective January 1, 1994, the Company entered into a modified coinsurance
agreement with John Hancock to reinsure 50% of 1994 issues of flexible premium
variable life insurance and scheduled premium variable life insurance
policies. In connection with this agreement, John Hancock transferred $32.7
million and $29.5 million of cash for tax, commission, and expense allowances
to the Company, which increased the Company's net gain from operations by
$20.3 million and $26.9 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds are shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Gross      Gross
                                           Statement Unrealized Unrealized  Fair
       Year Ended December 31, 1995          Value     Gains      Losses   Value
       ----------------------------        --------- ---------- ---------- ------
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. treasury securities and obligations
 of U.S. government corporations and
 agencies.................................  $ 89.0     $ 0.5      $ 0.0    $ 89.5
Obligations of states and political
 subdivisions.............................    11.4       1.1        0.0      12.5
Debt securities issued by foreign
 governments..............................     1.3       0.2        0.0       1.5
Corporate securities......................   445.6      44.1        1.6     488.1
Mortgage-backed securities................     5.5       0.3        0.1       5.7
                                            ------     -----      -----    ------
  Totals..................................  $552.8     $46.2      $ 1.7    $597.3
                                            ======     =====      =====    ======
<CAPTION>
                                                       Gross      Gross
                                           Statement Unrealized Unrealized  Fair
       Year Ended December 31, 1994          Value     Gains      Losses   Value
       ----------------------------        --------- ---------- ---------- ------
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. treasury securities and obligations
 of U.S. government corporations and
 agencies.................................  $ 10.4     $ 0.0      $ 0.5    $  9.9
Obligations of states and political
 subdivisions.............................    11.6       0.2        0.1      11.7
Debt securities issued by foreign
 governments..............................     1.3       0.0        0.0       1.3
Corporate securities......................   431.9      10.5        9.9     432.5
Mortgage-backed securities................     3.1       0.1        0.1       3.1
                                            ------     -----      -----    ------
  Totals..................................  $458.3     $10.8      $10.6    $458.5
                                            ======     =====      =====    ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED

NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds at December 31, 1995, by
contractual maturity, are shown below. Maturities will differ from contractual
maturities because eligible borrowers may exercise their right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Statement  Fair
                                                                 Value   Value
                                                               --------- ------
                                                                (In millions)
<S>                                                            <C>       <C>
Due in one year or less.......................................  $ 18.7   $ 19.8
Due after one year through five years.........................   266.8    278.6
Due after five years through ten years........................   153.1    167.4
Due after ten years...........................................   108.7    125.8
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                 547.3    591.6
Mortgage-backed securities....................................     5.5      5.7
                                                                ------   ------
                                                                $552.8   $597.3
                                                                ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
Proceeds from sales of bonds during 1995 and 1994 were $18.9 million and $23.1
million, respectively. Gross gains of $0.2 million in 1995 and $0.0 million in
1994 and gross losses of $0.1 million in 1995 and $0.1 million in 1994 were
realized on these transactions.
 
The cost of common stocks was $0.1 million and $1.4 million at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively. Gross unrealized appreciation on common stocks
totaled $1.7 million, and gross unrealized depreciation totaled $0.1 million
at December 31, 1995. The fair value of preferred stock totaled $5.2 million
at December 31, 1995 and $5.0 million at December 31, 1994.
 
Mortgage loans with outstanding principal balances of $1.1 million and bonds
with amortized cost of $4.0 million were nonincome producing for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1995.
 
At December 31, 1995, the mortgage loan portfolio was diversified by
geographic region and specific collateral property type as displayed below.
The Company controls credit risk through credit approvals, limits and
monitoring procedures.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Statement
     Property Type           Value
     -------------       -------------
                         (In millions)
<S>                      <C>
Apartments..............    $ 52.1
Hotels..................       4.5
Industrial..............      25.4
Office buildings........      12.6
Retail..................      20.3
Agricultural............      19.8
Other...................      12.0
                            ------
                            $146.7
                            ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Geographic          Statement
     Concentration           Value
     -------------       -------------
                         (In millions)
<S>                      <C>
East North Central......    $ 30.1
East South Central......       1.9
Middle Atlantic.........      10.5
Mountain................      11.8
New England.............      19.8
Pacific.................      41.6
South Atlantic..........      31.0
                            ------
                            $146.7
                            ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED

NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
At December 31, 1995, the fair values of the commercial and agricultural
mortgage loans portfolios were $132.1 million and $22.2 million, respectively.
The corresponding amounts as of December 31, 1994 were approximately $118.8
million and $27.3 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE
 
The Company cedes business to reinsurers to share risks under variable life,
universal life and flexible variable life insurance policies for the purpose
of reducing exposure to large losses. Premiums, benefits and reserves ceded to
reinsurers in 1995 were $72.4 million, $8.7 million, and $12.1 million,
respectively. The corresponding amounts in 1994 were $67.5 million, $12.3
million, and $16.3 million, respectively.
 
To the extent that an assuming reinsurance company is unable to meet its
obligations under a reinsurance agreement, the Company remains liable as the
direct insurer on all risks reinsured.
 
NOTE 9--POLICYHOLDERS' RESERVES AND BENEFICIARIES' FUND
 
The Company's annuity reserves and deposit fund liabilities that are subject
to discretionary withdrawal (with adjustment), subject to discretionary
withdrawal (without adjustment), and not subject to discretionary withdrawal
provisions are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      December 31, 1995 Percent
                                                      ----------------- -------
                                                        (In millions)
<S>                                                   <C>               <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with
 adjustment):
  With market value adjustment.......................      $  0.0          0.0%
  At book value less surrender charge................       115.4         99.1
                                                           ------        -----
  Total with adjustment..............................       115.4         99.1
  Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without
   adjustment) at book value.........................         1.0          0.9
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal..............         0.0          0.0
                                                           ------        -----
Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities.......      $116.4        100.0%
                                                           ======        =====
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 10--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company has extended commitments to purchase long-term bonds and issue
real estate mortgages totaling $16.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively,
at December 31, 1995. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of borrowers
under long-term bond commitments and requires collateral as deemed necessary.
If funded, loans related to real estate mortgages would be fully
collateralized by the related properties. The fair value of the commitments
described above is $23.8 million at December 31, 1995. The majority of these
commitments expire in 1996.
 
In the normal course of its business operations, the Company is involved in
litigation from time to time with claimants, beneficiaries and others, and a
number of litigation matters were pending as of December 31, 1995. It is the
opinion of management, after consultation with counsel, that the ultimate
liability with respect to these claims, if any, will not materially affect the
financial position of the Company.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
                       APPENDIX--OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS
 
SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
 
  In place of a single payment, an amount of $1,000 or more payable under the
Policy as a benefit or as the Surrender Value, if any, may be left with
JHVLICO under the terms of a supplementary agreement. The agreement will be
issued when the proceeds are applied through the election of any one of the
options below.
 
  The following options are subject to the restrictions and limitations stated
in the Policy.
 
    Option 1--Interest Income at the declared rate but not less than 3 1/2% a
  year on proceeds held on deposit.
 
    Option 2A--Income of a Specified Amount, with payments each year totaling
  at least 1/12th of the proceeds, until the proceeds, with interest credited
  at the declared rate but not less than 3 1/2% a year on unpaid balances,
  are fully paid.
 
    Option 2B--Income for a Fixed Period, with each payment as declared.
 
    Option 3--Life Income with Payments for a Guaranteed Period.
 
    Option 4--Life Income without Refund at the death of the Payee of any
  part of the proceeds applied. Only one payment is made if the Payee dies
  before the second payment is due.
 
    Option 5--Life Income with Cash Refund at the death of the Payee of the
  amount, if any, equal to the proceeds applied less the sum of all income
  payments made.
 
  No election of an option may provide for income payments of less than $50.
 
  Other options may be arranged with JHVLICO's approval including optional
methods of settlement available from John Hancock.
 
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
 
  On payment of an additional premium and subject to certain age and insurance
underwriting requirements, certain additional provisions, such as an
Accidental Death Benefit, which are subject to the restrictions and
limitations set forth therein, may be included in a Policy.
 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
  BENEFICIARY. The Beneficiary will be as shown in the application for the
Policy, unless thereafter changed by the Owner in accordance with the terms of
the Policy. If the insured dies and there is no surviving Beneficiary, the
Owner will be the Beneficiary, but if the insured was the Owner, the Owner's
estate will be the Beneficiary.
 
  ASSIGNMENT. The Owner's interest in the Policy may be assigned without the
consent of any revocable Beneficiary. JHVLICO will not be on notice of any
assignment unless it is in writing and until a duplicate of the original
assignment has been filed at JHVLICO's Home Office. JHVLICO assumes no
responsibility for the validity or sufficiency of any assignment.
 
  MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX. If the age or sex of the insured has been
misstated, JHVLICO will adjust the benefits payable to reflect the correct age
or sex.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  SUICIDE. If the insured commits suicide, while sane or insane, within 2
years (except where state law requires a shorter period) from the issue date
shown in the Policy, JHVLICO will pay in place of all other benefits an amount
equal to the premium paid less any Indebtedness on the date of death and any
withdrawals. If the suicide is more than 2 years from the issue date but
within 2 years of any increase in death benefit due to payment of any premium
in excess of the Required Premium, the benefits payable will not include the
increased benefit but will include the excess premium.
 
  AVIATION ACTIVITY EXCLUSION. If the insured dies in an aviation accident
while a crew member on other than a commercial aircraft and the Policy
provides at the request of the Owner for a limited benefit in such situation,
JHVLICO will pay in place of all other benefits an amount equal to the greater
of the premium paid or the Surrender Value, less any Indebtedness.
 
  INCONTESTABILITY. The Policy, except for any provision for a disability
benefit or additional benefits provisions added after issue, shall be
incontestable other than for nonpayment of premiums after it has been in force
during the lifetime of the insured for 2 years from its issue date. If,
however, evidence of insurability is required with respect to any premium in
excess of the Required Premium, any increase in death benefit due to payment
of excess premium shall be incontestable after the increase has been in force
for 2 years from the increase date.
 
  DEFERRAL OF DETERMINATION AND PAYMENTS. If the Policy is not on a fixed non-
forfeiture option, payment of any death, surrender, withdrawal or loan
proceeds will ordinarily be made within seven days after receipt at JHVLICO's
Home Office of all documents required for any such payment. Approximately two-
thirds of the claims for death proceeds which are made within two years after
the date of issue of the Policy will be investigated to determine whether the
claim should be contested and payment of these claims will therefore be
delayed.
 
  JHVLICO may defer any transaction requiring a determination of Account Value
for any period during which: (1) the disposal or valuation of the Account's
assets is not reasonably practicable because the New York Stock Exchange is
closed or conditions are such that, under the Commission's rules and
regulations, trading is restricted or an emergency is deemed to exist or (2)
the Commission by order permits postponement of such actions for the
protection of JHVLICO Owners.
 
  Under a Policy being continued under a fixed non-forfeiture option, payment
of the cash value or loan proceeds may be deferred by JHVLICO for up to six
months after receipt of a request therefor. Interest will be accrued at an
annual rate of 3 1/2% if such a deferment extends beyond 29 days.
 
  The foregoing description of Policy provisions is qualified by reference to
the specimen Policy which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
                   APPENDIX--ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS,
                   SURRENDER VALUES AND ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS
 
  The following tables illustrate the changes in death benefit and surrender
value of the Policy, disregarding any Policy loans. Each table separately
illustrates the operation of a Policy for an identified issue age, premium
schedule and Sum Insured at Issue and shows how the death benefit and
surrender value (reflecting the deduction of the surrender charge, if any) may
vary over an extended period of time assuming hypothetical rates of investment
return (i.e., investment income and capital gains and losses, realized or
unrealized) equivalent to constant gross annual rates of 0%, 6% and 12%. The
tables are based on given annual premiums paid at the beginning of each Policy
year and will assist in a comparison of the death benefit and surrender value
figures set forth in the tables with those under other variable life insurance
policies which may be issued by JHVLICO or other companies. The death benefit
and surrender value for a Policy would be different from those shown if
premiums are paid in different amounts or at different times or if the actual
gross rates of investment return average 0%, 6% or 12% over a period of years,
but nevertheless fluctuated above or below the average for individual Policy
years.
 
  The amounts shown for the death benefit and surrender value are as of the
end of each Policy year. The tables headed "Using Current Charges" assume that
current monthly rates for insurance and current charges for expenses will be
made in each year illustrated. The tables headed "Using Maximum Charges"
assume that the maximum (guaranteed) charge will be made for insurance and for
expense charges in each year illustrated. The amounts shown in all tables
reflect an average asset charge for the daily investment advisory expense
charges to the Portfolios of the Fund (equivalent to an effective annual rate
of .53%) and an assumed average asset charge for the annual nonadvisory
operating expenses of each Portfolio of the Fund (equivalent to an effective
annual rate of .15%). For a description of expenses charged to the Portfolios,
including the reimbursement of any Portfolio for annual non-advisory operating
expenses in excess of an effective annual rate of .25%, a continuing
obligation of the Fund's investment adviser, see the attached prospectus for
the Fund. The charges for the daily investment management fee and the annual
non-advisory operating expenses are based on the hypothetical assumption that
Policy values are allocated equally among the nine variable subaccounts. The
actual charges and expenses associated with any Policy will vary depending
upon the actual allocation of Policy values among subaccounts. During the
first 14 Policy years, the surrender values for the base Policy are the
Account Values less the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (and, during the
first four years, less any unpaid Issue Charge). Thereafter the Account Value
will be equal to the surrender value.
 
  The tables reflect that no charge is currently made to the Accounts for
Federal income taxes. However, JHVLICO reserves the right to make such a
charge in the future and any charge would require higher rates of investment
return in order to produce the same Policy values.
 
  The second column of each table shows the amount to which the total premiums
paid to the end of a Policy year during the premium paying period would
accumulate if an amount equal to those premiums were invested to earn
interest, after taxes, at 5% compounded annually.
 
  The amounts shown for the death benefit and surrender value reflect Excess
Value, if any, applied under the Accumulate Option.
 
  JHVLICO will furnish upon request a comparable illustration reflecting the
proposed insured's age, sex, underwriting risk classification and the Sum
Insured at Issue or premium amount requested, and assuming annual premiums and
that the proposed insured is not in a substandard underwriting risk
classification.
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
PLAN: SCHEDULE PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 25, STANDARD NON-SMOKER UNDERWRITING RISK
   SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
   PREMIUM SCHEDULE--LEVEL
   $1,113 BASIC PREMIUM (1)
   USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                         --------------------------- ---------------------------
             Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
 End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
 Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
  Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
 ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
 <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
    1          1,169     100,000  100,000    100,000     370      421        471
    2          2,396     100,000  100,000    100,000   1,024    1,169      1,320
    3          3,684     100,000  100,000    100,000   1,672    1,957      2,266
    4          5,037     100,000  100,000    100,000   2,314    2,786      3,319
    5          6,458     100,000  100,000    100,000   2,948    3,658      4,491
    6          7,949     100,000  100,000    100,000   3,570    4,574      5,799
    7          9,515     100,000  100,000    100,000   4,180    5,535      7,254
    8         11,160     100,000  100,000    100,000   4,814    6,579      8,908
    9         12,886     100,000  100,000    100,000   5,432    7,669     10,740
   10         14,699     100,000  100,000    100,000   6,105    8,878     12,841
   11         16,603     100,000  100,000    100,000   6,881   10,255     15,277
   12         18,602     100,000  100,000    100,000   7,710   11,755     18,026
   13         20,700     100,000  100,000    100,000   8,520   13,305     21,038
   14         22,904     100,000  100,000    100,000   9,308   14,907     24,342
   15         25,218     100,000  100,000    100,000  10,071   16,560     27,968
   16         27,647     100,000  100,000    103,671  10,619   18,077     31,753
   17         30,198     100,000  100,000    113,525  11,137   19,647     35,900
   18         32,877     100,000  100,000    123,892  11,627   21,273     40,440
   19         35,689     100,000  100,000    134,819  12,086   22,956     45,410
   20         38,643     100,000  100,000    146,337  12,513   24,700     50,849
   25         55,776     100,000  100,000    214,361  14,117   34,415     86,688
   30         77,644     100,000  100,000    304,560  14,551   46,044    142,238
   35        105,553     100,000  111,494    425,223  13,086   59,495    226,907
   40        141,173     100,000  123,589    587,536   8,614   74,523    354,279
   45        186,634     100,000  134,919    805,626       0   90,672    541,415
   50        244,655     100,000  145,511  1,099,143       0  107,420    811,415
   55        318,706     100,000  155,932  1,495,364       0  124,150  1,190,576
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $556.50 semiannually, $278.25 quarterly, or $92.75 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
MALE, ISSUE AGE 25, STANDARD NON-SMOKER UNDERWRITING RISK
SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
PREMIUM SCHEDULE AT ISSUE--MODIFIED
$708 INITIAL BASIC PREMIUM AT ISSUE (1)
USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                         --------------------------- ---------------------------
             Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
 End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
 Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
  Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
 ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
 <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
    1            743     100,000  100,000   100,000        0       26        54
    2          1,524     100,000  100,000   100,000      283      360       441
    3          2,344     100,000  100,000   100,000      567      714       875
    4          3,204     100,000  100,000   100,000      849    1,089     1,361
    5          4,108     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,126    1,483     1,906
    6          5,057     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,396    1,900     2,518
    7          6,053     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,657    2,337     3,203
    8          7,099     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,946    2,831     4,003
    9          8,197     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,222    3,344     4,889
   10          9,350     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,557    3,948     5,941
   11         10,561     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,998    4,690     7,215
   12         11,833     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,495    5,523     8,673
   13         13,168     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,976    6,373    10,256
   14         14,570     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,437    7,239    11,972
   15         16,042     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,876    8,118    13,835
   16         17,587     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,101    8,821    15,670
   17         19,210     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,300    9,534    17,681
   18         20,914     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,470   10,256    19,888
   19         22,703     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,611   10,988    22,313
   20         24,581     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,721   11,728    24,978
   25         35,480     100,000  100,000   106,184    5,732   15,499    42,941
   30         49,391     100,000  100,000   152,334    4,508   19,124    71,144
   35         67,144     100,000  100,000   213,908    1,177   21,848   114,145
   40         89,803     100,000  100,000   296,603        0   22,465   178,849
   45        118,721     100,000  100,000   407,610        0   17,913   273,931
   50        180,493     100,000  100,000   553,688   12,794   27,119   408,746
   55        278,050     100,000  100,000   748,843   27,460   52,180   596,212
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $354.00 semiannually, $177.00 quarterly, or $59.00 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments. The basic premium (annual) after a
    recalculation at age 72 will be as follows: $9,973 for a hypothetical
    gross investment return of 0%, $8,220 for a gross return of 6%, and $0.00
    for a gross return of 12%.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
 
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 40, PREFERRED UNDERWRITING RISK
   SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
   PREMIUM SCHEDULE--LEVEL
   $1,954 BASIC PREMIUM (1)
   USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                         --------------------------- ---------------------------
             Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
 End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
 Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
  Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
 ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
 <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
    1          2,052     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,064    1,162     1,259
    2          4,206     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,387    2,673     2,972
    3          6,468     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,681    4,251     4,869
    4          8,843     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,946    5,898     6,970
    5         11,337     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,184    7,620     9,302
    6         13,955     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,382    9,410    11,883
    7         16,705     100,000  100,000   100,000    8,553   11,286    14,752
    8         19,592     100,000  100,000   100,000    9,751   13,304    17,995
    9         22,623     100,000  100,000   100,000   10,912   15,406    21,584
   10         25,806     100,000  100,000   100,000   12,156   17,715    25,677
   11         29,148     100,000  100,000   100,000   13,576   20,328    30,410
   12         32,657     100,000  100,000   100,000   15,093   23,172    35,751
   13         36,342     100,000  100,000   100,000   16,567   26,112    41,618
   14         40,211     100,000  100,000   106,573   17,997   29,155    48,048
   15         44,273     100,000  100,000   117,892   19,376   32,298    55,059
   16         48,538     100,000  100,000   129,888   20,352   35,199    62,353
   17         53,017     100,000  100,000   142,603   21,268   38,210    70,334
   18         57,719     100,000  100,000   156,095   22,125   41,340    79,068
   19         62,657     100,000  100,000   170,404   22,915   44,593    88,613
   20         67,841     100,000  100,000   185,618   23,639   47,982    99,049
   25         97,922     100,000  111,136   277,918   26,126   67,014   167,582
   30        136,313     100,000  132,018   404,733   25,420   88,722   271,998
   35        185,310     100,000  153,266   582,904   20,177  113,145   430,314
   40        247,845     100,000  176,690   839,396    6,031  140,676   668,309
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $977.00 semiannually, $488.50 quarterly, or $162.84 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
 
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 40, PREFERRED UNDERWRITING RISK
   SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
   PREMIUM SCHEDULE AT ISSUE--MODIFIED
   $1,305 INITIAL BASIC PREMIUM AT ISSUE (1)
   USING CURRENT CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                       --------------------------- ---------------------------
           Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
End of   Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy  At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
 Year    Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
- ------  -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
<S>     <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
   1         1,370     100,000  100,000   100,000      468      529       591
   2         2,809     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,199    1,377     1,563
   3         4,320     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,909    2,259     2,639
   4         5,906     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,596    3,176     3,830
   5         7,571     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,261    4,132     5,155
   6         9,320     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,892    5,118     6,617
   7        11,157     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,500    6,149     8,244
   8        13,085     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,141    7,279    10,110
   9        15,109     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,748    8,447    12,167
  10        17,235     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,442    9,773    14,558
  11        19,467     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,313   11,349    17,396
  12        21,810     100,000  100,000   100,000    8,285   13,101    20,630
  13        24,271     100,000  100,000   100,000    9,214   14,888    24,150
  14        26,855     100,000  100,000   100,000   10,103   16,714    27,988
  15        29,568     100,000  100,000   100,000   10,938   18,570    32,174
  16        32,417     100,000  100,000   100,000   11,369   20,107    36,399
  17        35,408     100,000  100,000   100,000   11,738   21,671    41,056
  18        38,548     100,000  100,000   100,000   12,044   23,263    46,200
  19        41,846     100,000  100,000   100,000   12,277   24,879    51,884
  20        45,309     100,000  100,000   108,919   12,437   26,521    58,121
  25        65,398     100,000  100,000   164,323   11,933   35,109    99,085
  30        91,038     100,000  100,000   240,333    7,520   43,591   161,514
  35       132,201     100,000  100,000   340,997   20,912   60,232   251,733
  40       191,090     100,000  110,419   482,119   46,310   87,914   383,853
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $652.50 semiannually, $326.25 quarterly, or $108.75 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments. The basic premium (annual) after a
    recalculation at age 72 will be as follows: $9,418 for a hypothetical
    gross investment return of 0%, $3,855 for a gross return of 6%, and $0 for
    a gross return of 12%.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
 
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 25, STANDARD NON-SMOKER UNDERWRITING RISK SUM INSURED AT
   ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000 PREMIUM SCHEDULE--LEVEL $1,113
   BASIC PREMIUM (1) USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                       --------------------------- ---------------------------
           Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
End of   Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy  At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
 Year    Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
- ------  -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
<S>     <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
   1         1,169     100,000  100,000    100,000     346      396        446
   2         2,396     100,000  100,000    100,000     976    1,118      1,266
   3         3,684     100,000  100,000    100,000   1,601    1,879      2,181
   4         5,037     100,000  100,000    100,000   2,221    2,680      3,200
   5         6,458     100,000  100,000    100,000   2,831    3,522      4,334
   6         7,949     100,000  100,000    100,000   3,431    4,407      5,599
   7         9,515     100,000  100,000    100,000   4,019    5,336      7,008
   8        11,160     100,000  100,000    100,000   4,630    6,345      8,610
   9        12,886     100,000  100,000    100,000   5,226    7,399     10,384
  10        14,699     100,000  100,000    100,000   5,878    8,570     12,421
  11        16,603     100,000  100,000    100,000   6,632    9,908     14,787
  12        18,602     100,000  100,000    100,000   7,439   11,365     17,456
 13         20,700     100,000  100,000    100,000   8,225   12,869     20,378
  14        22,904     100,000  100,000    100,000   8,988   14,421     23,582
  15        25,218     100,000  100,000    100,000   9,728   16,023     27,097
  16        27,647     100,000  100,000    100,438  10,249   17,483     30,763
  17        30,198     100,000  100,000    109,993  10,742   18,994     34,783
  18        32,877     100,000  100,000    120,044  11,207   20,557     39,184
  19        35,689     100,000  100,000    130,633  11,640   22,174     44,001
  20        38,643     100,000  100,000    141,799  12,041   23,849     49,272
  25        55,776     100,000  100,000    207,664  13,506   33,145     83,979
  30        77,644     100,000  100,000    294,864  13,775   44,201    137,710
  35       105,553     100,000  107,026    411,315  12,096   57,111    219,485
  40       141,173     100,000  118,607    567,626   7,306   71,519    342,274
  45       186,634     100,000  129,544    778,073       0   87,059    522,898
  50       244,655     100,000  139,614  1,061,395       0  103,066    783,548
  55       318,706     100,000  149,711  1,444,083       0  119,197  1,149,748
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $556.50 semiannually, $278.25 quarterly, or $92.75 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
 
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 25, STANDARD NON-SMOKER UNDERWRITING RISK SUM INSURED AT
   ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000 PREMIUM SCHEDULE AT ISSUE--
   MODIFIED $708 INITIAL BASIC PREMIUM AT ISSUE (1) USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                           --------------------------- ---------------------------
               Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
   End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
   Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
    Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
   ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
   <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
      1            743     100,000  100,000   100,000        0        1        29
      2          1,524     100,000  100,000   100,000      235      309       387
      3          2,344     100,000  100,000   100,000      496      637       790
      4          3,204     100,000  100,000   100,000      755      983     1,242
      5          4,108     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,009    1,348     1,748
      6          5,057     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,257    1,733     2,318
      7          6,053     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,496    2,137     2,956
      8          7,099     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,762    2,597     3,705
      9          8,197     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,016    3,074     4,533
     10          9,350     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,330    3,640     5,521
     11         10,561     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,749    4,343     6,724
     12         11,833     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,224    5,133     8,103
     13         13,168     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,681    5,936     9,595
     14         14,570     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,118    6,752    11,211
     15         16,042     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,533    7,580    12,963
     16         17,587     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,731    8,225    14,671
     17         19,210     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,904    8,878    16,543
     18         20,914     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,048    9,538    18,595
     19         22,703     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,162   10,202    20,846
     20         24,581     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,246   10,872    23,319
     25         35,480     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,115   14,214    39,954
     30         49,391     100,000  100,000   141,848    3,720   17,240    66,247
     35         67,144     100,000  100,000   199,166      162   19,089   106,278
     40         89,803     100,000  100,000   275,961        0   18,341   166,402
     45        118,721     100,000  100,000   379,238        0   11,645   254,864
     50        183,741     100,000  100,000   514,832   12,717   20,253   380,062
     55        287,887     100,000  100,000   696,063   27,207   45,973   554,190
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $354.00 semiannually, $177.00 quarterly, or $59.00 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments. The basic premium (annual) after a
    recalculation at age 72 will be as follows: $9,973 for a hypothetical
    gross investment return of 0%, $9,201 for a gross return of 6%, and $0 for
    a gross return of 12%.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 40, PREFERRED UNDERWRITING RISK
   SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
   PREMIUM SCHEDULE--LEVEL
   $1,954 BASIC PREMIUM (1)
   USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                         --------------------------- ---------------------------
             Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
 End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
 Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
  Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
 ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
 <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
    1          2,052     100,000  100,000   100,000      907    1,000     1,092
    2          4,206     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,064    2,331     2,609
    3          6,468     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,183    3,708     4,278
    4          8,843     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,260    5,131     6,113
    5         11,337     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,298    6,604     8,138
    6         13,955     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,293    8,128    10,373
    7         16,705     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,244    9,707    12,845
    8         19,592     100,000  100,000   100,000    8,215   11,407    15,642
    9         22,623     100,000  100,000   100,000    9,141   13,165    18,730
   10         25,806     100,000  100,000   100,000   10,149   15,113    22,271
   11         29,148     100,000  100,000   100,000   11,328   17,344    26,393
   12         32,657     100,000  100,000   100,000   12,582   19,764    31,044
   13         36,342     100,000  100,000   100,000   13,774   22,244    36,139
   14         40,211     100,000  100,000   100,000   14,900   24,783    41,729
   15         44,273     100,000  100,000   102,476   15,950   27,379    47,859
   16         48,538     100,000  100,000   112,814   16,571   29,683    54,157
   17         53,017     100,000  100,000   123,694   17,108   32,050    61,008
   18         57,719     100,000  100,000   135,156   17,560   34,485    68,461
   19         62,657     100,000  100,000   147,233   17,922   36,993    76,564
   20         67,841     100,000  100,000   159,985   18,187   39,579    85,371
   25         97,922     100,000  100,000   235,332   17,614   53,802   141,903
   30        136,313     100,000  105,148   335,289   12,124   70,664   225,329
   35        185,310     100,000  119,925   468,103        0   88,532   345,565
   40        247,845     100,000  134,692   647,179        0  107,239   515,270
</TABLE>
- --------
 
(1) If premiums are paid more frenquently than annually the payments would be
    $977.00 semiannually, $488.50 quarterly, or $162.84 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments.
(2) The premium accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable is
    the gross investment return is 6%.
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
PLAN:SCHEDULED PREMIUM VARIABLE WHOLE LIFE
   MALE, ISSUE AGE 40, PREFERRED UNDERWRITING RISK
   SUM INSURED AT ISSUE (GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT) $100,000
   PREMIUM SCHEDULE AT ISSUE--MODIFIED
   $1,305 INITIAL BASIC PREMIUM AT ISSUE (1)
   USING MAXIMUM CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Death Benefit              Surrender Value
                         --------------------------- ---------------------------
             Premiums    Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
 End of    Accumulated   Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
 Policy   At 5% Interest --------------------------- ---------------------------
  Year     Per Year(2)   0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross 0% Gross 6% Gross 12% Gross
 ------   -------------- -------- -------- --------- -------- -------- ---------
 <S>      <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
    1          1,370     100,000  100,000   100,000      309      366       423
    2          2,809     100,000  100,000   100,000      874    1,032     1,197
    3          4,320     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,405    1,710     2,042
    4          5,906     100,000  100,000   100,000    1,901    2,397     2,961
    5          7,571     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,361    3,097     3,967
    6          9,320     100,000  100,000   100,000    2,780    3,807     5,071
    7         11,157     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,160    4,528     6,282
    8         13,085     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,562    5,323     7,675
    9         15,109     100,000  100,000   100,000    3,921    6,126     9,199
   10         17,235     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,364    7,066    10,995
   11         19,467     100,000  100,000   100,000    4,979    8,230    13,170
   12         21,810     100,000  100,000   100,000    5,666    9,520    15,643
   13         24,271     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,291   10,801    18,301
   14         26,855     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,846   12,065    21,160
   15         29,568     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,320   13,304    24,237
   16         32,417     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,358   14,160    27,208
   17         35,408     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,304   14,977    30,453
   18         38,548     100,000  100,000   100,000    7,155   15,753    34,009
   19         41,846     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,903   16,480    37,914
   20         45,309     100,000  100,000   100,000    6,540   17,148    42,217
   25         65,398     100,000  100,000   118,180    2,472   19,055    71,261
   30         91,038     100,000  100,000   170,756        0   16,223   114,756
   35        146,993     100,000  100,000   234,273   12,717   26,317   172,946
   40        235,897     100,000  100,000   316,291   27,207   51,228   251,824
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) If premiums are paid more frequently than annually the payments would be
    $652.50 semiannually, $326.25 quarterly, or $108.75 on a special monthly
    basis. The death benefits and surrender values shown would be affected by
    the more frequent premium payments. The basic premium (annual) after a
    recalculation at age 72 will be as follows: $9,973 for a hypothetical
    gross investment return of 0%, $8,323 for a gross return of 6%, and $0 for
    a gross return of 12%.
(2) The premiums accumulated at 5% interest in Column 2 are those payable if
    the gross investment return is 6%.
  IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE INVESTMENT
RESULTS. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND
WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE OWNER. THE DEATH BENEFIT AND SURRENDER VALUE FOR A POLICY WOULD BE
DIFFERENT FROM THOSE SHOWN IF THE ACTUAL GROSS RATES OF INVESTMENT RETURN
AVERAGE 0%, 6% OR 12% OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                      LOGO
 
 
 
        POLICIES ISSUED BY JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                JOHN HANCOCK PLACE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02117
 
    S8138 5/95
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II

                          UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS

      Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents, and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that Section.

                     UNDERTAKING REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION

      Pursuant to Section X of JHVLICO's Bylaws and Section 67 of the
Massachusetts Business Corporation Law, JHVLICO indemnifies each director,
former director, officer, and former officer, and his heirs and legal
representatives from liability incurred or imposed in connection with any legal
action in which he may be involved by reason of any alleged act or omission as
an officer or a director of JHVLICO.

      Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

                      CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT

      This Registration Statement comprises the following Papers and Documents:

      The facing sheet.

      Cross-Reference Table.

      The prospectus consisting of 58 pages.

      The undertaking to file reports.

      The undertaking regarding indemnification.

      The signatures.
 
<PAGE>
 
      The following exhibits:
 

1.A.  (1)  JHVLICO Board Resolution establishing the separate account.

      (2)  Not Applicable

      (3)  (a)  Distribution Agreement and Amendment.

           (b) Specimen Variable Contracts Selling Agreement between John
               Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company and selling broker-dealers.

           (c) Schedule of sales commissions included in Exhibit I A. (3) (a)
               above.


      (4)  Not Applicable

      (5)  (a)  Form of scheduled premium variable life insurance policy,
                included in the initial registration statement of this Account
                for scheduled premium policies, filed August 18, 1987.

           (b)  Form of endorsement (FO189E) for scheduled annual premium
                variable life insurance policy to reflect availability of a
                fixed subaccount, included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to
                this registration statement, filed in April, 1989.

           (c)  Form of endorsement (FO289E) for scheduled annual premium
                variable life insurance policy to describe variable loan rate,
                included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to this registration
                statement, filed in April, 1989.

      (6)  (a)  JHVLICO Certificate of Incorporation.

           (b)  JHVLICO By-laws.

      (7)  Not Applicable.

      (8)  Not Applicable.

      (9)  Not Applicable.

     (10)  Form of application for Policy, included in the initial registration
           statement of this Account, filed August 18, 1987.
<PAGE>
 
 2.  Included as exhibit 1.A (5) above

 3.  Opinion and consent of counsel as to securities being registered, included
     in Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to this registration Statement, filed in
     April, 1989.

 4.  Not Applicable

 5.  Not Applicable

 6.  Opinion and consent of actuary.

 7.  Consent of independent auditors.

 8.  Memorandum describing JHVLICO's issuance, transfer and redemption
     procedures for the policy pursuant to Rule 6e-2(b)(l2)(ii), and method of
     computing adjustments in payments and values of Policy upon conversion to a
     fixed benefit policy pursuant to Rule 6e2(b)(13)(v)(B), included in Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 3 to this registration statement filed in April,
     1989.

 9.  Powers of attorney for Cleary, Tomlinson, D'Alessandro, Shaw, Luddy, Lee,
     Reitano, Van Leer, and Paster.

10.  Opinion of counsel as to eligibility of this Post-Effective Amendment for
     filing pursuant to Rule 485(b).
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the John
Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company has duly caused this amendment to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunder
duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto fixed and attested, all in the City
of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 29th day of February, 1996.

                                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE
                                 INSURANCE COMPANY

(SEAL)

                    By                 HENRY D. SHAW          
                                 -------------------------    
                                       Henry D. Shaw
                                         President



Attest:     FRANCIS C. CLEARY, JR.     
         ----------------------------  
           Francis C. Cleary, Jr.
              Counsel
<PAGE>
 
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-
Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the
following persons in the capacities with John Hancock Variable Life Insurance
Company and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
Signatures                Title                            Date
- ----------                -----                            ----    
<S>                       <C>                              <C>     

- -----------------------
David F. D'Alessandro     Chairman of the Board            February   ,1996
 
HENRY D. SHAW             Vice Chairman of the Board
- -----------------------   and President(Acting Principal                  
Henry D. Shaw             Executive Officer)               February 29,1996
                                                                           
 
ROBERT S. PASTER     
- ----------------------- 
Robert S. Paster          Director                         February 29,1996
 
ROBERT R. REITANO         Director(Principal
- -----------------------   Financial Officer)               February 29,1996
Robert R. Reitano                                                          
 
FRANCIS C. CLEARY, JR.
- ----------------------- 
Francis C. Cleary, Jr     Director                         February 29,1996
 

- -----------------------
Thomas J. Lee             Director                         February  , 1996
 
MICHELE VAN LEER   
- ----------------------- 
Michele Van Leer          Director                         February 29,1996
 
JOSEPH A. TOMLINSON
- ----------------------- 
Joseph A. Tomlinson       Director                         February 29,1996
 
BARBARA L. LUDDY     
- ----------------------- 
Barbara L. Luddy          Director                         February 29,1996

PATRICK F. SMITH          Controller (Principal
- -----------------------   Accounting Officer)              February 29,1996
Patrick F. Smith                                                           
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, John Hancock Variable Life Account V, certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this amended
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, and its seal to be hereunto fixed and attested, all in the City
of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 29th day of February, 1996.



                      JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT V
                                  (Registrant)

                      By John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                  (Depositor)



(SEAL)



                                        By   HENRY D. SHAW
                                             -------------  
                                             Henry D. Shaw
                                                President



Attest: FRANCIS C. CLEARY, JR.
        ----------------------
        Francis C. Cleary, Jr.
          Counsel



FCC0091.DOC

<PAGE>
 
                                                              EXHIBIT 1. A. (1)

    
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                             Boston, Massachusetts
                          VOTE OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                                      Meeting of December 11, 1986


VOTED, with respect to separate investment accounts:

   (a) To establish a separate investment account, to be designated John Hancock
Variable Life Account V (the "Account"), pursuant to Section 132 G of Chapter
175 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended, for the funds attributable to
individual life policies on a variable basis to be issued by the Company. The
Officers of the Company may from time to time change the designation of the
Account from John Hancock Variable Life Account V to such other designation as
they may deem necessary and appropriate.

   (b) To allocate to the Account amounts to provide for life insurance
(including benefits incidental thereto) payable in fixed or variable amounts or
both and the income, gains and losses, realized or unrealized, attributable to
the Account shall be credited to or charged against the Account without regard
to the other income, gains or losses of the Company.

   (c) To authorize the registration of the Account as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the registration of the variable
life insurance policies issued in connection with the Account as securities
under the Securities Act of 1933, and to authorize and empower the Chairman of
the Board, the President, any Vice President or the Secretary of the Company
("Officers of the Company") to take all action necessary to comply with the
Acts, including but not limited to the execution and filing of registration
statements and amendments thereto, applications for exemptions from the
provisions of the Act as may be necessary or desirable and amendments thereto,
and agreements for the administration of the Account and for the distribution of
variable life insurance policies carrying an interest in the Account assets and
any other actions necessary under all other applicable federal and state laws
and regulations.

   (d) To authorize the Officers of the Company to take all actions necessary to
register the Account as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, and to take such related actions as they deem necessary and appropriate
to carry out the foregoing, including, without limitation, the following:
determining that the fundamental investment policy of the Account shall be to
invest or reinvest the assets in securities issued by such investment companies
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as the Officers may
designate pursuant to the provisions of the variable life insurance products
issued by the Company; establishing one or more subaccounts within the Account
to which net premiums under the variable life policies will be allocated in
accordance with instructions received from policyowners, reserving to the
Officers the authority to increase or decrease the number of subaccounts in the
Account as they deem necessary or appropriate; and investing each subaccount
only in the shares of a single mutual fund or a single portfolio of an
investment company organized as a series fund pursuant to the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


   (e) To authorize the Officers of the Company to deposit such amount in the
Account or in each subaccount thereof as may be necessary or appropriate to
facilitate the Account's operations; to transfer funds from time to time between
the Company's general account and the Account as deemed appropriate and
consistent with the terms of the variable life insurance policies and applicable
laws; and to establish criteria by which the Company shall institute procedures
to provide for a pass-through of voting rights to the owners of variable life
insurance policies issued by the Company, as required by applicable laws, with
respect to the shares of any investment companies which are held in the Account.

   (f) To appoint Francis C. Cleary, Jr., Counsel, as agent for service of
process or the like for the Company to receive notices and communications from
the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to such Registration
Statements or exemptive applications and amendments thereto as may be filed on
behalf of the Company concerning the Account or the variable life insurance
policies, and to exercise the powers give to such agent in the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act
of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

   (g) To authorize the Officers of the Company to do or cause to be done all
things necessary or desirable, as may be advised by counsel, to comply with, or
obtain exemptions from, federal, state or local statutes or regulations that may
be applicable to the issuance and sale of variable life insurance products by
the Company.

   (h) To authorize the Company to act as the depositor for the Account and
provide all administrative services in connection with the establishment and
maintenance of the Account and in connection with the issuance and sale of
variable life insurance policies, all on such terms and subject to such
modifications as the Officers deem necessary or appropriate to effectuate the
foregoing.

   (i) To authorize the Company of the Company to organize a suitable investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, if in their discretion the
organization of such a company is necessary, the shares of which shall be
purchased by the Company in order to serve as an investment vehicle for the
Account and, further, that the Officers are authorized to do all things as they
deem necessary and appropriate to carry out the foregoing, including, without
limitation, the following: selecting an appropriate custodian to hold the assets
of such investment company: selecting an appropriate principal underwriter in
connection with the sale of securities to or by the Account; selecting an
appropriate investment advisor for such investment company; and entering into
agreements with such entities.

   (j) To empower the Executive Committee to authorize the execution and
delivery of such instruments and such other action as it may deem necessary or
desirable in order to carry out the purpose and intent of this vote and to
comply with applicable federal or state laws and regulations.

<PAGE>
 
                                                              Exhibit 1.A.(3)(a)

                              DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

      AGREEMENT, made as of the 26th day of August, 1993, by and between
John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("John Hancock") and, on its own
behalf and on behalf of its several existing and future separate accounts
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company
Act"), including without limitation John Hancock Variable Life Accounts U, V
and S, John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("JHVLICO").

      WHEREAS, John Hancock is the principal underwriter of John Hancock
Variable Series Trust I ("the Fund"), a series mutual fund whose shareholders
are separate accounts of insurance companies, including JHVLICO, pursuant to an
Underwriting and Administrative Services Agreement dated as of January 15, 1986
("Underwriting Agreement");

      WHEREAS, insurance companies issue variable life insurance and annuity
products under which net premiums or considerations are allocated to such
separate accounts for investment in the Fund;

      WHEREAS, the Fund is registered as an open-end investment company under
the Investment Company Act;

      WHEREAS, John Hancock is registered as a broker-dealer under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("1934 Act") and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;

      WHEREAS, JHVLICO will issue variable life insurance policies ("Policies")
whose net premiums are or will be allocated to JHVLICO's registered separate
accounts; and

      WHEREAS, John Hancock and JHVLICO wish to enter into this Agreement
defining the conditions under which John Hancock will distribute the Contracts;

      NOW THEREFORE, John Hancock and JHVLICO hereby agree as follows:

      1. John Hancock shall offer for sale and sell Policies on behalf of
JHVLICO in each state and other jurisdictions in which such policies may be
lawfully sold. Such offering or sale shall be on such terms and conditions and
shall provide for such lawful compensation to John Hancock as John Hancock and
JHVLICO shall determine, provided that such terms, conditions and compensation
shall be as set forth in or not inconsistent with a prospectus meeting the
requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
containing the required information for or forming a part of a registration
statement effective under said Act.

      Applications for Policies shall be solicited by insurance agents of
JHVLICO who are duly and appropriately licensed for the sale of such Policies in
each such state or other jurisdiction. John Hancock shall have responsibility
for arranging for such licensing. John Hancock shall review completed
applications for Policies in terms of suitability (except to the extent that
responsibility for suitability determinations is assumed by other broker-dealers
pursuant to the selling agreements referred to in paragraph 10 below) and
insurance underwriting and shall determine whether to accept or reject any
application in accordance with underwriting rules established by JHVLICO. John
Hancock will determine an insured's risk classification pursuant to its own
underwriting rules. Initial and subsequent premium payments under Policies shall
be made by check payable to JHVLICO. JHVLICO will refund any premiums paid if a
Policy is not issued or is surrendered under the short-term cancellation
provision.
<PAGE>
 
      2. John Hancock shall pay its registered representatives acting as
JHVLICO's agents commissions and service fees in accordance with its then
applicable compensation rules and procedures. The maximum commission payable to
an agent for selling a policy shall be as set forth in Exhibit A appended
hereto. JHVLICO will reimburse John Hancock for commissions, any service fees
and for other direct and indirect expenses (including agency expense allowances,
general agent, district manager and supervisor compensation, agent training
allowances, deferred compensation and insurance benefits of agents, general
agents, district managers and supervisors, agency office clerical expenses and
advertising) actually incurred in connection with the marketing and sale of
Policies.

      3. The books, accounts and records of John Hancock and JHVLICO as to all
transactions hereunder shall be maintained so as to disclose clearly and
accurately the nature and details of the transactions, including particularly
such accounting information as is necessary to support the reasonableness of the
amounts to be paid by JHVLICO hereunder and to ensure compliance with applicable
regulatory and reporting requirements. To the extent that either of John Hancock
or JHVLICO maintains on behalf of the other any records required to be
maintained by the other pursuant to 1940 Act Rules 30a- or 30a-2 under the
Investment Company Act or pursuant to 1934 Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4, such
records are the property of the party so required to maintain them and will be
surrendered promptly to that party upon its request.

      4. This Agreement shall terminate automatically if it shall be assigned or
if the Underwriting Agreement is terminated. This Agreement may be terminated at
any time on 60 days' written notice to the other party hereto, without the
payment of any penalty, by John Hancock or JHVLICO.

      5. John Hancock will pay the expenses of preparing and printing
registration statements, prospectuses and sales literature, all fees and
expenses in connection with John Hancock's qualification as a broker-dealer and
all other expenses relating to the offering, sale or delivery of Policies.
JHVLICO will reimburse John Hancock for registration fees under the Securities
Act of 1933, the costs associated with the preparation and printing of
registration statements, prospectuses and sales literature and for like expenses
actually incurred in connection with the offering, sale and delivery of
Policies.

      6. In offering, selling and delivering Policies, John Hancock will duly
conform in all respects with the laws of the United States and of each state in
which Policies may be offered for sale by it pursuant to this Agreement.
Applications will be solicited by registered representatives of John Hancock or
any other broker-dealer who have been duly licensed. In connection with the
offering, sale or delivery of Policies, John Hancock will not give any
information or make any representation other than information and
representations contained in or not inconsistent with a prospectus meeting the
requirement of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and containing the
required information for or forming a part of a registration statement which is
effective under said Act.

      7. John Hancock agrees that, in the absence of a fixed account or if no
suitable fixed-dollar policy is available from JHVLICO, it will issue a policy
of fixed benefit insurance without evidence of insurability in exchange for any
Policy whenever the Owner of a Policy elects to exchange the Policy in
accordance with its provisions.

      8. JHVLICO undertakes to guarantee the performance of all of John
Hancock's obligations, imposed by Section 27(f) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and Rules 6e-2(b)(l4)(vi), 6e-3(T)(b)(l3)(vi) and 27d-2(b)
adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, to make refunds of charges
required of the principal underwriter of Policies issued in connection with the
registered separate account.
<PAGE>
 
      9. No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged or
terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought.

      10. John Hancock and JHVLICO may agree with one or more broker-dealers
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the sale of the
Policies funded by the registered separate account. Any broker-dealer offering,
selling or delivering Policies will agree with John Hancock and JHVLICO to
conform duly in all respects with the laws of the United States and of each
state in which Contracts may be offered for sale by it. No agent or
representative of any such broker-dealer shall solicit applications for Policies
until duly licensed and appointed by JHVLICO as a life insurance agent of
JHVLICO in the appropriate jurisdiction. John Hancock will compensate other
broker-dealers as provided in the selling agreements with such other broker-
dealers, and JHVLICO will reimburse John Hancock for such amounts.

      11. This Agreement shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the
Federal securities laws and the rules, regulations, and rulings thereunder,
including such exemptions as the Securities and Exchange Commission may grant,
and the terms hereof shall be interpreted and construed in accordance therewith.

      12. John Hancock shall, in connection with its obligations hereunder,
comply with all laws and regulations, whether Federal or state, and whether
relating to insurance or securities, including but not limited to the
recordkeeping and sales supervision requirements of such laws and regulations
and rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the day and year above written.

Date: August 26, l993

John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company

By: WILLIAM L. BOYAN
    ----------------
    William L. Boyan
     President

Date: August 26, 1993

John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company

By: HENRY D. SHAW/
   -------------- 
   Henry D., Shaw
    President
<PAGE>
 
                       AMENDMENT TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

                                  BY AND BETWEEN

                   JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                      AND

                  JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

      AGREEMENT made this 1st day of August, 1994, by and between John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company ("John Hancock") and John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company ("JHVLICO"), on its own behalf and on behalf of its several
existing and future separate accounts registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"), including without limitation John
Hancock Variable Life Accounts U, V and S and John Hancock Variable Annuity
Account I.

      WHEREAS, John Hancock and JHVLICO are parties to a distribution agreement
dated August 26, 1993 (the "Distribution Agreement") governing the terms and
conditions under which John Hancock has undertaken to offer for sale and sell on
behalf of JHVLICO, in each state and other jurisdiction where lawfully
permitted, certain variable life insurance policies, issued by JHVLICO, whose
net premiums are or will be allocated to JHVLICO's registered separate accounts;

      WHEREAS, JHVLICO will continue to issue such variable life insurance
policies and will begin to issue variable annuity contracts whose net premiums
are or will be allocated to certain JHVLICO registered separate accounts;

      WHEREAS, John Hancock and JHVLICO wish to enter into this Amendment
redefining the conditions and terms of the Distribution Agreement and Exhibit A
thereto;

      NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants contained
herein, John Hancock and JHVLICO hereby amend the Distribution Agreement and
Exhibit A thereto and agree to the following terms:

1.    Any reference to "variable life insurance policies" in the Distribution
Agreement shall be read "variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts"; and

2.    Except as otherwise specified in this Amendment, any reference to
"Policies" or "policies" in the Distribution Agreement shall include variable
life insurance policies, issued by JHVLICO, whose net premiums are or will be
allocated to certain JHVLICO registered separate accounts and variable annuity
contracts, issued by JHVLICO, whose net premiums are or will be allocated to
certain JHVLICO registered separate accounts; and

3.    The phrase "With respect to life insurance policies only" should be added
to the beginning of provision seven in the Distribution Agreement; and

4.    The commission schedule for John Hancock Variable Annuity Account I should
be included in
<PAGE>
 
Exhibit A, as shown in the attachment to this Amendment.


      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to be
executed in its name and on its behalf by its duly authorized representative as
of the day and year indicated.

JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

         BY: STEPHEN L. BROWN                     AUGUST 2, 1994
            -----------------                     --------------
         Stephen L. Brown                         (date)
         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
    on its own behalf and on behalf of its
    several existing and future registered
    separate accounts

           BY: HENRY D. SHAW                      AUGUST 5, 1994
              --------------                      --------------
           Henry D. Shaw                          (date)
           President



                                   EXHIBIT A

Scheduled Premium Policy (Flex V)

         Maximum commission of 50% of premium paid under Modified Schedule of
premiums in Policy year 1, 10% of such premiums in Policy years 2-4, and 3% of
any other premiums.

Annual Premium Policy (VLI)

         Maximum commission of 55% of premium paid in Policy year 1, 15% of
premium paid in Policy year 2, 10% of premium paid in Policy years 3-5, 5% of
premium paid in Policy years 6-10, and 3% of any other premiums.

Single Premium Policy

         Maximum commission of 3%.

Flexible Premium Variable Survivorship Policy (VEP)

         Maximum commission of 45% of Target Premium paid in Policy year 1, 5%
of Target Premium paid in Policy years 2-5, 3% of Target Premium paid in any
subsequent years, and 3% of any excess premium in any year.

Individual Deferred Combination Fixed/Variable Annuity Contract (Independence
Preferred)

         Maximum commission of 3% of premium on contracts issued to Annuitants
issue age 0-70, maximum commission of 2% of premium on contracts issued to
Annuitants issue ages 71 and above.
<PAGE>
 
Revised Flexible Premium Policy (New Flex V)

      Maximum Commission of 50% of premium paid up to Required Premium in
Policy year 1, 8% of such premiums in Policy years 2-4, and 3% of any other
premiums.



Universal Variable Policy (MVL)

      Maximum commission of 50% of premium paid up to Required Premium paid
in Policy year 1, 6% of the Target Premium for Policy years 2-4; 3% of the
Target Premium in each year thereafter, and 3% of excess premium in any year.

Variable COLI Policy (VCOLI)

      Maximum commission of 14% of Target Premium in Policy years 1-10; 3% of
Target Premium in Policy years 11 and thereafter; and 2% of any excess premium
paid.

Universal Variable Policy (MVL II)

      Maximum commission of 20% of Target Premium in Policy year 1, plus 6%
of the Target Premium for the first Policy year which will be payable in each of
Policy years 2-4; 6% of the Target Premium for Policy years 2-4; 3% of the
Target Premium paid in each year thereafter; and 3% of excess premium in any
year.



                                       (Exhibit A, as amended, December 6, 1995)

<PAGE>
 
                                                              EXHIBIT 1.A.(3)(b)


                              VARIABLE CONTRACTS

                               SELLING AGREEMENT


John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ("JHMLICO"), as the distributor and
principal underwriter, and ("the Broker/Dealer"), enter into this agreement
effective with its execution by the Broker/Dealer for the purpose of authorizing
the Broker/Dealer to solicit applications for variable life insurance and
annuity contracts ("Contracts") distributed by JHMLICO on its own behalf and on
behalf of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("JHVLICO"), a subsidiary
of JHMLICO. The parties represent as follows:

1.   JHMLICO is engaged in the issuance of variable annuity contracts and
     JHVLICO is engaged in the issuance of variable life insurance contracts,
     both in accordance with Federal securities laws and the applicable laws of
     those states in which the Contracts have been qualified for sale.  The
     Contracts are considered securities under the Securities Act of 1933;
     therefore, distribution of the Contracts is made through JHMLICO as a
     registered broker/dealer under the Securities Act of 1934 and as a member
     of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").

2.   The Broker/Dealer certifies that it is a registered Broker/Dealer under the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the NASD.  The
     Broker/Dealer agrees to abide by all rules and regulations of the NASD,
     including its Rules of Fair Practice, and to comply with all applicable
     state and Federal laws and the rules and regulations of authorized
     regulatory agencies affecting the sale of the Contracts.

3.   The Broker/Dealer will select persons to be registered and supervised by it
     who will be trained and qualified to solicit applications for the Contracts
     in conformance with applicable state and Federal laws and regulations.
     Persons so trained and qualified will be registered representatives of the
     Broker/Dealer in accordance with the rules of the NASD and they will be
     properly licensed to represent JHMLICO or JHVLICO or both in accordance
     with the state insurance laws of those jurisdictions in which the Contracts
     may lawfully be distributed and in which they solicit applications for such
     Contracts.

4.   The Broker/Dealer will take reasonable steps to ensure that its registered
     representatives shall not make recommendations to applicants to purchase
     Contracts in the absence of reasonable grounds to believe the purchase of
     each Contract is suitable for the applicant.  The procedure will include
     review of all proposals and applications for Contracts for suitability and
     completeness and correctness as to form as well as review and endorsement
     on an internal record of the Broker/Dealer of
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     the transactions.  The Broker/Dealer will promptly forward to JHMLICO all
     applications found suitable, together with any payments received with the
     applications, without deduction or reduction.  JHMLICO reserves the right
     to reject any Contract application and return any payment made in
     connection with an application which is rejected.  Contracts issued on
     applications accepted by JHMLICO or JHVLICO will be forwarded to the
     registered representative of the Broker/Dealer for delivery to the Contract
     owner.

5.   The Broker/Dealer will perform the selling functions required by this
     agreement only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the then
     current prospectus applicable to the Contracts and will make no
     representations not included in the prospectus or in any authorized
     supplemental material.  Any material prepared or used by the Broker/Dealer
     or its registered representatives, which describes or must describe the
     Contracts, or uses the name of JHVLICO, JHMLICO or the logos or Service
     Marks of either must be approved by JHMLICO in writing prior to any such
     use.

6.   JHMLICO will provide Broker/Dealer with prospectuses, and any supplements
     or amendments thereto, describing the Contracts subject to this Agreement.
     JHMLICO is responsible for maintaining in effect in accordance with the
     requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission each Registration
     Statement of which the prospectus is part.  JHMLICO will immediately notify
     Broker/Dealer of the issuance of any stop order or any Federal or state
     regulatory proceeding which would prevent the sale of Contracts in any
     state or jurisdiction.

7.   Compensation payable on sales of the Contracts solicited by the
     Broker/Dealer will be paid to the Broker/Dealer by JHMLICO in accordance
     with the compensation schedules defined under the John Hancock Mutual Life
     Insurance Company/M Financial Group Master Agreement dated December 5, 1991
     and the Producer Agreements related thereto, as in effect at the time the
     contract premiums or considerations are received by JHMLICO or JHVLICO.
     Compensation to the registered representative for contracts solicited by
     the registered representative will be governed by an agreement between the
     Broker/Dealer and its registered representative.  To the extent requested
     by Broker/Dealer, registered representative compensation may be paid
     directly to such registered representative by JHMLICO or JHVLICO.  A
     portion of the compensation otherwise payable to Broker/Dealer pursuant to
     the compensation schedules applicable to the Contracts shall be payable to
     Mutual Service Corporation (MSC) in accordance with the agreement in effect
     between M Financial Group and MSC (currently 2% of first year commissions,
     1% of renewal commissions). To the extent requested by Broker/Dealer and
     its registered representative, registered representative compensation shall
     be paid to JH Networking Insurance Agency ("NIA") for allocation to The
     John Hancock/M Financial Group Deferred Commission Plan, as in effect at
     the time the compensation becomes payable.

8.   In the event of any surrender of a Contract within the 10 day "free look"
     period or, in the case of a variable life insurance policy, within 10 days
     after the mailing of the Notice of Withdrawal Right, any compensation
     payable to Broker/Dealer or its registered representatives will not be
     payable or will be refunded if priorly paid, in accordance with the terms
     of the M Producer's Contract appended as Exhibit A to the Master Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

9.   This agreement may not be assigned except by mutual consent and will
     continue for an indefinite term, subject to the termination by either party
     by ten days advance written notice to the other party, except that in the
     event JHMLICO or the Broker/Dealer ceases to be a registered broker/dealer
     or a member of the NASD, this agreement will immediately terminate.  Upon
     its termination, all authorizations, rights and obligations shall cease,
     except the agreement in Section 11, the indemnifications in Section 12 and
     the payment of any accrued but unpaid compensation to the Broker/Dealer.

10.  For the purpose of compliance with any applicable Federal or state
     securities laws or regulations, the Broker/Dealer acknowledges and agrees
     that in performing the services covered by this agreement, it is acting in
     the capacity of an independent "broker" or "dealer" as defined by the 
     By-Laws of the NASD and not as an agent or employee of either JHMLICO or
     JHVLICO or any registered investment company.  In furtherance of its
     responsibilities as a broker or dealer, the Broker/Dealer acknowledges that
     it is responsible for statutory and regulatory compliance in securities
     transactions involving any business produced by its registered
     representatives concerning the Contracts.

     For the purpose of compliance with any applicable state insurance laws or
     regulations, the Broker/Dealer acknowledges and agrees that only while
     performing the insurance selling functions reflected by this agreement are
     the Broker/Dealer's registered representatives acting as the licensed
     insurance agents of JHMLICO or JHVLICO or both and in that capacity are
     authorized only to solicit applications for the Contracts which will not
     become effective until acceptance by JHMLICO or JHVLICO.

11.  The Broker/Dealer and JHMLICO jointly agree to cooperate fully in any
     insurance or securities regulatory investigation or proceeding or judicial
     proceeding arising in connection with any Contract.  Without limiting the
     foregoing:

        a.  Broker/Dealer will be notified promptly of any customer complaint or
            notice of any regulatory authority investigation or proceeding or
            judicial proceeding received by JHMLICO with respect to any
            Contract.

        b.  Broker/Dealer will promptly notify JHMLICO of any customer complaint
            or notice of any regulatory authority investigation or proceeding or
            judicial proceeding received by Broker/Dealer with respect to any
            Contract.

12.  (1) JHMLICO agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Broker/Dealer and each
         person who controls or is associated with Broker/Dealer against any
         losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which
         Broker/Dealer or such controlling or associated person may become
         subject under the 1933 Act or otherwise insofar as such losses, claims,
         damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or
         are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
         statements therein not misleading contained (i) in any Registration
         Statement, any Prospectus or any document executed by JHMLICO or
         JHVLICO specifically for the purpose of qualifying a Contract for sale
         under the laws of any jurisdiction or (ii) in any written information
         or sales material authorized for and supplied or furnished to
         Broker/Dealer and its agents or representatives by
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

         JHMLICO, its employees or agents, in connection with the sale of the
         Contract and JHMLICO will reimburse Broker/Dealer and each such
         controlling person for legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by
         Broker/Dealer or such controlling person in connection with
         investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or
         action.

     (2) Broker/Dealer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless such director or
         officer may become subject under the 1933 Act and state JHMLICO and
         each of its directors and officers against any insurance losses,
         claims, damages or liabilities to which JHMLICO and any laws or
         otherwise insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
         actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon:

            (a) any unauthorized use of sales materials or any verbal or written
                misrepresentations or any unlawful sales practices concerning a
                Contract by Broker/Dealer or

            (b) claims by agents or representatives or employees of 
                Broker/Dealer for commissions or other compensation or
                remuneration of any type or

            (c) failure by agents, representatives or employees of Broker/Dealer
                to comply with all applicable state insurance laws and
                regulations including but not limited to state licensing
                requirements, rebate statutes and replacement regulations, and
                the provisions of this Agreement; and Broker will reimburse
                JHMLICO and any director or officer for any legal or other
                expenses reasonably incurred by JHMLICO or such director or
                officer in connection with investigating or defending any such
                loss, claim, damage, liability or action.

     (3) After receipt by a party entitled to indemnification of notice of the
         commencement of any action, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made
         against any person obligated to provide indemnification, such
         indemnified party will notify the indemnifying party in writing of the
         commencement thereof as soon as practicable thereafter, and the
         omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve it from
         any liability except to the extent that the omission results in a
         failure of actual notice to the indemnifying party, and such
         indemnifying party is damaged solely as a result of the failure to give
         such notice.

13.  All notices to JHMLICO should be mailed to:


         Mr. Henry D. Shaw, Senior Vice President
         John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
         John Hancock Place
         P. O. Box 111
         Boston, MA  02117
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-


     All notices to the Broker/Dealer will be duly given if mailed to the
     address shown below.

14.  This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
     laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

     In reliance on the representations set forth and in consideration of the
undertakings described, the parties represented below do hereby contract
and agree.



John Hancock Mutual Life              Broker-Dealer
Insurance Company
 
 

By:                                   By:
   ----------------------------          --------------------------------
                                                                    
Title:                                Title:                        
      -------------------------              ----------------------------
                                                                    
Date of Execution                     Date of Execution             
                                                        -----------------

<PAGE>
 
                                                           EXHIBIT 1. A. (6) (a)

                                                                                

                                                                     NO. D-30612
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                      DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE

                             Division of Insurance


CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY                           DATE: March 5, 1979
- ------------------------                                      



THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE

    JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

    BOSTON                         MASSACHUSETTS

is duly organized under the laws of this Commonwealth, has fully complied with
the requirements of said laws applicable to it and that it is authorized to
issue policies and transact the kinds of business authorized under the Sections
of Chapter 175 of the General Laws of Massachusetts and amendments thereto
described by the following designations: (See Reverse Side for Legend)

   6B  16A

This Certificate shall remain in effect for an indefinite term unless said
authority is amended or revoked in accordance with Law.


                  SEAL

                           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
                           hereunto set my hand and
                           affixed the official seal of
                           this Division, at the City
                           of Boston, the date appearing
                           above.



                           MICHAEL J. SABBAGH
                           ------------------
                           Michael J. Sabbagh
                           Commissioner of Insurance
<PAGE>
 
                       THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

                             DIVISION OF INSURANCE

                      100 Cambridge Street, Boston 02202

     MICHAEL J. SABBAGH
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE

                                            F 2975

 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

         I, Michael J. Sabbagh, Commissioner of Insurance for the Commonwealth
  of Massachusetts, hereby certify that the

JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

  of Boston, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having no liabilities, except
  reasonable organization expenses and having complied with the requirements of
  the Laws of this Commonwealth relating to insurance companies, adopted a
  proper system of accounting, employed a competent accountant, a competent
  claim manager, a competent and experienced underwriter, and a competent and
  experienced actuary, and that its officers and directors are of good repute
  and competent to manage said company, is fully authorized to insure upon the
  stock plan the business of health and life insurance now or hereafter
  described or permitted by Clauses Sixth and Sixteenth of Section Forty-Seven,
  Chapter One Hundred and Seventy-Five of the General Laws of the Commonwealth
  of Massachusetts and the acts in amendment thereof and in addition thereto.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here-unto set my hand and affixed the
   official seal of this Division at the City of Boston, this Fifth Day of
   March, A.D. 1979.


                                  MICHAEL J. SABBAGH
                                  ------------------
                                  Michael J. Sabbagh
                                  Commissioner of Insurance
         SEAL





FCC0094.DOC
- -----------

<PAGE>
 
                                                           EXHIBIT 1. A. (6) (b)



                                    BY-LAWS

                                       OF

                   JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   ARTICLE I

                                    OFFICES

     The principal office and principal place of business of the Company in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be located in the City of Boston, Suffolk
County.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                   SHAREHOLDERS

     SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be
held on the 2nd Wednesday following the 2nd Monday in April in each year at the
hour of 2:00 P.M., for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction
of such other business as may come before the meeting. If the day fixed for the
annual meeting shall be a legal holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next
succeeding business day. If the election of directors shall not be held on the
day designated herein for any annual meeting, or at any adjournment thereof, the
board of directors shall cause the election to be held at a meeting of the
shareholders as soon thereafter as conveniently may be.

     SECTION 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the shareholders may be
called by the chairman of the board, the vice chairman of the board, the
president, a majority of the board of directors or by the holders of not less
than one-fifth of all the outstanding shares of the corporation.

     SECTION 3. PLACE OF MEETING. The board of directors may designate any
place, either within or without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the place
of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting. A waiver of notice
signed by all shareholders may designate any place, either within or without the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the place for the holding of such meeting. If
no designation is made, or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place
of meeting shall be the principal office of the corporation in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.

     SECTION 4. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Written or printed notice stating the
place, day and hour of the meeting, and in the case of a special meeting, the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less
than ten nor more than forty days before the date of the meeting, or in the case
of a merger or consolidation not less than twenty nor more than forty days
before the meeting, either personally or by mail, to each shareholder of record
entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be
delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the shareholder
at his address as it appears on the records of the corporation, with postage
thereon prepaid.

                                                                               1
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 5. CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS OR FIXING OF RECORD DATE. For the
purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any
meeting of shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of any
dividend, or in order to make determination of shareholders for any other proper
purpose, the board of directors of the corporation may provide that the stock
transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not to exceed, in any
case, forty days. If the stock transfer books shall be closed for the purpose of
determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten days, or in the case
of a merger or consolidation, at least twenty days, immediately preceding such
meeting. In lieu of closing the stock transfer books, the board of directors may
fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of
shareholders, such date in any case to be not more than forty days and, for a
meeting of shareholders, not less than ten days, or in the case of a merger or
consolidation, not less than twenty days, immediately preceding such meeting. If
the stock transfer books are not closed and no record date is fixed for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of
shareholders, or shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the
date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the
resolution of the board of directors declaring such dividend is adopted, as the
case may be, shall be the record date for such determination of shareholders.

     SECTION 6. VOTING LISTS. The agent having charge of the transfer books
for shares of the corporation shall make, at least ten days before each meeting
of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such
meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the number of
shares held by each, which list, for a period of ten days prior to such meeting,
shall be kept on file at the principal office of the corporation and shall be
subject to inspection by any shareholder at any time during usual business
hours. Such list shall also be produced and kept open at the time and place of
the meeting and shall be subject to the inspection of any shareholder during the
whole time of the meeting. The original share ledger or transfer book, or a
duplicate thereof kept in this Commonwealth, shall be prima facie evidence as to
who are the shareholders entitled to examine such list or share ledger or
transfer book or to vote at any meeting of shareholders.

     SECTION 7. QUORUM. A majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation,
represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of
shareholders; provided, that if less than a majority of the outstanding shares
are represented at said meeting, a majority of the shares so represented may
adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. If a quorum is
present, the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares represented at the
meeting shall be the act of the shareholders.

     SECTION 8. PROXIES. At all meetings of shareholders, a shareholder may
vote by proxy executed in writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized
attorney-in-fact. Such proxy shall be filed with the corporation before or at
the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the
date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

     SECTION 9. VOTING OF SHARES. Each outstanding share shall be entitled to
one vote upon each matter submitted to vote at a meeting of shareholders.

     SECTION 10. VOTING OF SHARES BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Shares standing in the
name of another corporation, domestic or foreign, may be voted by such officer,
agent, or proxy as the by-laws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the
absence of such provision, as the board of directors of such corporation may
determine.

     Shares standing in the name of a deceased person, a minor ward or an
incompetent person, may be voted by his administrator, executor, court appointed
guardian or conservator, 


                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
either in person or by proxy without a transfer of such shares into the name of
such administrator, executor, court appointed guardian or conservator. Shares
standing in the name of a trustee may be voted by him, either in person or by
proxy.

     Shares standing in the name of a receiver may be voted by such receiver,
and shares held by or under the control of a receiver may be voted by such
receiver without the transfer thereof into his name if authority so to do be
contained in an appropriate order of the court by which such receiver was
appointed.

     A shareholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote such
shares until the shares have been transferred into the name of the pledgee, and
thereafter the pledgee shall be entitled to vote the shares so transferred.

     Shares of its own stock belonging to this corporation shall not be
voted, directly or indirectly, at any meeting and shall not be counted in
determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time, but shares
of its own stock held by it in a fiduciary capacity may be voted and shall be
counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

     SECTION 11. INSPECTORS. At any meeting of shareholders, the chairman of
the meeting may, or upon the request of any shareholder shall, appoint one or
more persons as inspectors for such meeting.

     Such inspectors shall ascertain and report the number of shares represented
at the meeting, based upon their determination of the validity and effect of
proxies; count all votes and report the results; and do such other acts as are
proper to conduct the election and voting with impartiality and fairness to all
the shareholders.

     Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or by
a majority of them if there be more than one inspector acting at such meeting.
If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the
report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the
number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall
be prima facie evidence thereof.

     SECTION 12. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election
may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any shareholder
shall demand that voting be by ballot.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                   DIRECTORS

     SECTION 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the corporation
shall be managed by its board of directors. The board of directors shall
annually elect a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a
president, a secretary, a treasurer and such other officers as these by-laws may
provide. The board of directors shall at each annual meeting of the corporation
submit a full statement of the transactions of the corporation during the
previous year and of its financial condition.

     SECTION 2. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The number of directors
of the corporation shall be not less than five nor more than nine. Each director
shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his
successor shall have been elected and qualified.

                                                                               3
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 3. REGULAR MEETINGS. A regular meeting of the board of directors
shall be held without other notice than this by-law, immediately after, and at
the same place as, the annual meeting of shareholders. The board of directors
may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for the holding of additional regular meetings
without other notice than such resolution.

     SECTION 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the board of directors
may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the board, the vice
chairman of the board, the president or any two directors. The person or persons
authorized to call special meetings of the board of directors may fix any place,
either within or without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the place for
holding any special meeting of the board of directors called by them.

     SECTION 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting shall be given at
least five days previous thereto by written notice delivered personally or
mailed to each director at his business address, or by telegram. If mailed, such
notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail
so addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If notice be given by telegram, such
notice shall be deemed to be delivered when the telegram is delivered to the
telegram company. Any director may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance
of a director at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
meeting, except where a director attends a meeting for the express purpose of
objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully
called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose
of, any regular or special meeting of the board of directors need be specified
in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
 
     SECTION 6. QUORUM. A majority of the number of directors then in office,
but no less than four in number, shall constitute a quorum for transaction of
business at any meeting of the board of directors, provided, that if less than
majority of such number of directors is present at said meeting, a majority of
the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
notice.

     SECTION 7. MANNER OF ACTING. The act of the majority of the directors
present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board
of directors.

     SECTION 8. ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors may be taken without a
meeting if written consents thereto are signed by all members of the board of
directors and such written consents are filed with the minutes of proceedings of
the board.

     SECTION 9. VACANCIES. Any vacancy occurring in the board of directors
and any directorship to be filled by reason of an increase in the number of
directors, may be filled by the directors or by the shareholders at an annual
meeting or at a special meeting of shareholders called for that purpose.

     SECTION 10. COMPENSATION. The board of directors, by the affirmative
vote of a majority of directors then in office, and irrespective of any personal
interest of any of its members, shall have authority to establish reasonable
compensation of all directors for service to the corporation as directors,
officers or otherwise. By resolution of the board of directors the directors may
be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the board.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
 
                                 ARTICLE IV   

                     EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES

     SECTION 1. HOW CONSTITUTED. By resolution adopted by the board of
directors, the board may designate one or more committees, including an
executive committee, each consisting of at least three directors. Each member of
a committee shall be a director and shall hold office during the pleasure of the
board. The chairman of the board, the vice chairman of the board and the
president shall be members of the executive committee.

     SECTION 2. POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Unless otherwise provided by
resolution of the board of directors, the executive committee shall, during the
intervals between meetings of the board of directors, have and may exercise all
of the powers of the board of directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the corporation except the power to declare a dividend, to authorize
the issuance of stock, or to recommend to shareholders any action requiring
shareholders' approval.

     SECTION 3. OTHER COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. To the extent
provided by resolution of the board, other committees shall have and may
exercise any of the powers that may lawfully be granted to the executive
committee.

     SECTION 4. PROCEEDINGS, QUORUM AND MANNER OF ACTING. In the absence of
appropriate resolution of the board of directors, each committee may adopt such
rules and regulations governing its proceedings, quorum and manner of acting as
it shall deem proper and desirable, provided that the quorum shall not be less
than two directors. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the
members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum,
may appoint a member of the board of directors to act in the place of such
absent member.

     SECTION 5. OTHER COMMITTEES. The board of directors may appoint other
committees, each consisting of one or more persons, who need not be directors.
Each such committee shall have such powers and perform such duties as may be
assigned to it from time to time by the board of directors, but shall not
exercise any power which may lawfully be exercised only by the board of
directors or a committee thereof.


                                   ARTICLE V

                                    OFFICERS

     SECTION 1. NUMBER. The officers of the corporation shall be a chairman of
the board, a vice chairman of the board, a president, one or more vice
presidents (the number thereof to be determined by the board of directors), a
controller, a treasurer, and a secretary, and such assistant controllers,
treasurers, secretaries or other officers as may be elected or appointed by the
board of directors. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person
except that the chairman, vice chairman and president cannot also serve
simultaneously as secretary of the corporation, but no person shall execute,
acknowledge or verify any instrument in more than one capacity if such
instrument is required by law, the Articles of Organization or these by-laws to
be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers. The chairman of
the board, vice chairman and the president shall be selected from among the
directors and may hold such offices only so long as they continue to be
directors. No other officer need be a director.

                                                                               5
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 2. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The officers of the corporation
shall be elected annually by the board of directors at the first meeting of the
board of directors held after each annual meeting of shareholders. If the
election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be
held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Vacancies may be filled or new
offices filled at any meeting of the board of directors. Each officer shall hold
office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified
or until his death or until he shall resign or shall have been removed in the
manner hereinafter provided. Election or appointment of an officer or agent
shall not of itself create contract rights.

     SECTION 3. REMOVAL. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the board
of directors may be removed by the board of directors whenever in its judgment
the best interest of the corporation would be served thereby, but such removal
shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, or the person so
removed.

     SECTION 4. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office because of death,
resignation, removal, disqualification or otherwise, may be filled by the board
of directors for the unexpired portion of the term.

     SECTION 5. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The chairman of the board shall be the
chief executive officer of the corporation, shall preside at all shareholders'
meetings and at all meetings of the board of directors and shall be ex officio a
                                                                    -- -------  
member of all committees of the board of directors, except the audit committee,
if any. Subject to the supervision of the board of directors, he shall have
general charge of the business, affairs and property of the corporation and its
officers, employees and agents. He shall sign (unless the vice chairman of the
board, the president or a vice president shall have signed) certificates
representing the stock of the corporation authorized for issuance by the board
of directors and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the board of directors.

     SECTION 6. VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The vice chairman of the board shall
assist the chief executive officer of the corporation in his duties and, at the
request of or in the absence or disability of the chairman of the board, he
shall preside at all shareholders' meetings and at all meetings of the board of
directors and shall in general exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
chairman of the board. He shall sign (unless the chairman of the board, the
president or a vice president shall have signed) certificates representing the
stock of the corporation authorized for issuance by the board of directors and
shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be assigned to
him from time to time by the chairman of the board or the board of directors.

     SECTION 7. PRESIDENT. The president shall be the chief operating officer of
the corporation. In the event of the absence or disability of both the chairman
of the board and the vice chairman of the board, he shall preside at all
shareholders' meetings and at all meetings of the board of directors and shall
in general exercise the powers and perform the duties of both. Subject to the
supervision of the board of directors and such direction and control as the
chairman of the board and the vice chairman of the board may exercise, he shall
have general charge of the operations of the corporation and its officers,
employees and agents. He shall sign (unless the chairman or the vice chairman of
the board or a vice president shall have signed) certificates representing the
stock of the corporation authorized the board of directors may for issuance by
the board of directors. Except as otherwise order, he may sign in the name and
on behalf of the corporation all deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, instruments
or agreements. He shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties
as from time to time may be assigned to him by the board of directors.

                                                                               6
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 8. VICE PRESIDENT. The board of directors shall, from time to
time, designate and elect one or more vice presidents who shall have such powers
and perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by the
board of directors or the president. At the request or in the absence or
disability of the president, the vice president (or, if there are two or more
vice presidents, then the senior of the vice presidents present and able to act)
may perform all the duties of the president and, when so acting, shall have all
the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. Any
vice president may sign (unless the president or another vice president shall
have signed) certificates representing stock of the corporation authorized for
issuance by the board of directors.

     SECTION 9. CONTROLLER AND ASSISTANT CONTROLLERS. The controller shall be
the principal accounting officer of the corporation and shall have general
charge of the books of account of the corporation. He shall cause to be prepared
annually a full and correct statement of the affairs of the corporation,
including a balance sheet and a financial statement of operations for the
preceding fiscal year. He shall perform all the duties incident to the office of
controller and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the chairman or by the board of directors.

     Any assistant controller may perform such duties of the controller as the
controller or the board of directors may assign and, in the absence of the
controller, he may perform all of the duties of the controller.

     SECTION 10. TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURER. The treasurer shall be the
principal financial officer of the corporation and shall have general charge of
the finances of the corporation. Except as otherwise provided by the board of
directors, he shall have general supervision of the funds and property of the
corporation. He shall sign (unless an assistant treasurer or secretary or
assistant secretary shall have signed) all certificates of stock of the
corporation authorized for issuance by the board of directors. He shall render
to the board of directors, whenever directed by the board, a report relating to
his custody of the funds and property of the corporation and of all his
transactions as treasurer; and as soon as possible after the close of each
fiscal year he shall make and submit to the board of directors a like report for
such fiscal year. He shall perform all the duties incident to the office of
treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the chairman or the board of directors.

     Any assistant treasurer may perform such duties of the treasurer as the
treasurer or the board of directors may assign, and, in the absence of the
treasurer, he may perform all the duties of the treasurer.

     SECTION 11. SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a)
keep the minutes of the shareholders' and of the board of directors' meetings in
one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly
given in accordance with the provisions of these by-laws or as required by law;
(c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the corporation and
see the seal of the corporation is affixed to all certificates for shares prior
to the issue thereof and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of
the corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the
provisions of these by-laws;(d) keep a register of the post-office address of
each shareholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such shareholder;
(e) sign with the chairman, vice chairman, president, or a vice president,
certificates for shares of the corporation, the issue of which shall have been
authorized by resolution of the board of directors; (f) have general charge of
the stock transfer books of the corporation; (g) in general perform all duties
incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned to him by the chairman or by the board of directors.

                                                                               7
<PAGE>
 
          Any assistant secretary may perform such duties of the secretary as
the secretary or the board of directors may assign, and, in the absence of the
secretary, he may perform all the duties of the secretary.

     SECTION 12. SUBORDINATE OFFICERS. The board of directors from time to time
may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem advisable, each of whom
shall have such title, hold office for such period, have such authority and
perform such duties as the board of directors may determine. The board of
directors from time to time may delegate to one or more officers or agents the
power to appoint any such subordinate officers or agents and to prescribe their
respective rights, terms of office, authorities and duties.

     SECTION 13. REMUNERATION. The salaries or other compensation of the
officers of the corporation shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of
the board of directors, except that the board of directors may by resolution
delegate to any person or group of persons the power to fix the salaries or
other compensation of any subordinate officers or agents appointed in accordance
with the provisions of Section 12 hereof. No officer shall be prevented from
receiving a salary by reason of the fact that he is also a director of the
corporation.
 
     SECTION 14. The board of directors may require any officer or agent of the
corporation to execute a bond to the corporation in such sum and with such
surety or sureties as the board of directors may determine, conditioned upon the
faithful performance of his duties to the corporation, Any secretary, treasurer,
assistant secretary and assistant treasurer of the corporation shall, in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws,
give a bond, with surety, payable to the corporation conditioned upon the
faithful performance of his or her duties and that such bond be executed by such
officer before performing any duties of his or her office.
 
     SECTION 15. COMMISSIONS. No person shall be eligible as an elective or
appointed officer who has any interest in commissions or other compensation
based on premiums or considerations paid to the corporation on any policy or
contract, or on any extension of conversion thereof, unless such policy,
contract, extension or conversion was written and effective prior to his
election or appointment.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                      CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS

     SECTION 1. CONTRACTS. The board of directors may authorize any officer or
officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver and
instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation, and such authority
may be general or confined to specific instances.

     SECTION 2. LOANS. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation
and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized
by a resolution of the board of directors. Such authority may be general or
confined to specific instances.

     SECTION 3. CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC. All checks, drafts or other orders for the
payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of
the corporation, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of
the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by
resolution of the board of directors.

                                                                               8
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 4. DEPOSITS. All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed
shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such
banks, trust companies or other depositories as the board of directors may
select.

                             ARTICLE VII

                    CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

     SECTION 1. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES. Certificates representing shares of the
corporation shall be in such form as may be determined by the board of
directors. Such certificates shall be signed by the chairman of the board, the
vice chairman of the board, the president or a vice president and by the
secretary or an assistant secretary and shall be sealed with the seal of the
corporation. All certificates for shares shall be consecutively numbered or
otherwise identified. The name of the person to whom the shares represented
thereby are issued, with the number of shares and date of issue, shall be
entered on the books of the corporation. All certificates surrendered to the
corporation for transfer shall be cancelled and no new certificate shall be
issued until the former certificate for a like number of shares shall have been
surrendered and cancelled, except that in case of a lost, destroyed or mutilated
certificate, a new one may be issued therefor upon such terms and indemnity to
the corporation as the board of directors may prescribe.

     SECTION 2. TRANSFERS OF SHARES. Transfers of shares of the corporation
shall be made only on the books of the corporation by the holder of record
thereof or by his legal representative, who shall furnish proper evidence of
authority to transfer, or by his attorney thereunto authorized by power of
attorney duly executed and filed with the secretary of the corporation, and on
surrender for cancellation of the certificate for such shares. The person in
whose name shares stand on the books of the corporation shall be deemed the
owner thereof for all purposes as regards the corporation.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                                  FISCAL YEAR

         The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of
January in each year and end on the last day of December in each year.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                WAIVER OF NOTICE

         Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given under the
provisions of these by-laws or under the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons
entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall
be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                INDEMNIFICATION

         The corporation shall, except as hereinafter provided and subject to
limitations of law, indemnify each director, former director, officer and former
officer, and his heirs and legal representatives, for and against all loss,
liability and expense, whether heretofore or hereafter imposed upon or incurred
by him in connection with any pending or future action, suit, proceeding 

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
 
or claim in which he may be involved, or with which he may be threatened, by
reason of any alleged act or omission as a director or officer of the
corporation. Such loss, liability and expense shall include, but not be limited
to, judgments, fines, court costs, reasonable attorneys' fees and the cost of
reasonable settlements. Such indemnification shall not cover (a) loss, liability
or expense imposed or incurred in connection with any item or matter as to which
such director or officer shall be finally adjudicated not to have acted in good
faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the
corporation or (h) loss, liability or expense imposed or incurred in connection
with any item or matter which shall be settled without final adjudication unless
such settlement shall have been approved as in the best interests of the
corporation by vote of the board of directors at a meeting in which no director
participates against whom any suit, proceeding or claim on the same or similar
grounds is then pending or threatened, or in the event no such vote can be
taken, unless, in the opinion of independent counsel selected by or in a manner
determined by the board of directors, there is no reasonable ground not to
approve such settlement as being in the best interests of the corporation. As
part of such indemnification, the corporation may pay expenses incurred in
defending any such action, suit, proceeding or claim in advance of the final
disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by the person indemnified to
repay such payment if he should be determined not to be entitled to
indemnification hereunder. The foregoing rights of indemnification shall be in
addition to any rights to which any director, former director, officer, or
former officer, heirs or legal representatives may otherwise be lawfully
entitled.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                                   AMENDMENTS

      These by-laws may not be altered, amended or repealed prior to the
issuance of a certificate of authority to the company, except by written consent
of subscribers representing at least two-thirds of the shares subscribed, and
the approval of the Commissioner of Insurance of Massachusetts. After a
certificate of authority is issued, the power to make, amend or repeal these by-
laws shall be vested in the board of directors.

      Adopted this 25th day of February, 1979.

      Certified to be a true copy of the By-Laws of John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company as adopted at the Initial Meeting of Incorporators and as
amended from time to time, up to and including the date set forth below.



                                                                              10

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 6


                               February 22, 1996


Board of Directors
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company

Members of the Board:

This opinion is furnished in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment to the
Registration Statement filed by John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
(JHVLICO) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
scheduled premium variable life insurance policy under which amounts will be
allocated by JHVLICO to one or more of the subaccounts of John Hancock Variable
Life Account V ("Account"). The scheduled premium policy is described in the
scheduled premium prospectus included in the Registration Statement.

The policy form was prepared under my direction, and I am familiar with the
Regisration Statement and exhibits thereto,  In my opinion:

1. The "sales load", as defined in paragraph (c)(4) of Rule 6(e)-2 under the
   Investment Company Act of l940, shall not exceed 9 per centum of the payments
   to be made thereon during the period equal to the lesser of 20 years or the
   anticipated life expectancy of the insured named in the policy based on the
   1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables. Such sales load during
   ths first two policy years will not exceed 30 per centum of payments made for
   the first policy year plus 10 per centum of the payments made for the second
   policy year.

2. The proportionate amount of sales load deduted from any payment during the
   policy period shall not exceed the proportionate amount deducted from any
   prior payment during the policy period.

3.  The illustrations of death benefit, surrender value, and accumulated
    premiums shown in the appendix of the scheduled premium prospectus included
    in the amended registration statement, based on the assumptions stated in
    the illustrations, are consistent with the provisions of the policy.  The
    rate structure of
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

    the policies has not been designed so as to make the relationship between
    premiums and benefits, as shown in the illustrations, appear more favorable
    to a prospective purchaser of a policy for a standard risk male nonsmoker
    age 25 or a standard risk nonsmoker male age 40 than to prospective
    purchasers of policies for a male at other ages or in another risk
    classification or for a female.

4.  The table of illustrative premium rates in the prospectus contains the
    premium rates to be charged by JHVLICO for a male insured under the Level or
    Modified Premium Schedule with the Sum Insured at Issue and issue ages shown
    in the table.

5.  The illustration of insurance coverage provided for the options on lapse in
    the prospectus, based on the assumptions stated in the illustrations, is
    consistent with the provisions of the policy.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the use of my name under the heading "Experts" in the scheduled
premium prospectus contained in the Registration Statement,



                               /s/ Randi M. Sterrn
                               ------------------
                               Randi M. Sterrn,FSA
                               Senior Associate Actuary

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 7
              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Prospectus and to the use of our reports dated February 9, 1996, with respect to
the financial statements of John Hancock Variable Life Account V and February 7,
1996 with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company, included in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 33-16611).



                              /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                              ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
March 4, 1996



FCC0099.DOC

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 9


                  JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY



       John Hancock Variable Annuity and Variable Life Insurance Accounts
       ------------------------------------------------------------------

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY



      The undersigned member of the Board of Directors of John Hancock Variable
Life Insurance Company does hereby constitute and appoint Henry D. Shaw, Francis
C. Cleary, Thomas J. Lee, Sandra M. DaDalt and Laura M. Mangan, and each of them
individually, with full power of substitution, his or her true and lawful
attorneys and agents to execute, in the name of, and on behalf of, the
undersigned as a member of said Board of Directors, the Registration Statements
under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, and
each amendment to the Registration Statements, to be filed for John Hancock
Variable Life Account V, John Hancock Variable Annuity Account I and any other
variable annuity or variable life insurance account of John Hancock Variable
Life Insurance Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and to take
any and all action and to execute in the name of, and on behalf of, the
undersigned as a member of said Board of Directors or otherwise any and all
instruments, including applications for exemptions from such Acts, which said
attorneys and agents deem necessary or advisable to enable any variable annuity
or variable life insurance account of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance
Company to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules, regulations and requirements of
the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof; and the undersigned
hereby ratifies and confirms as his or her own act and deed all that each of
said attorneys and agents shall do or cause to have done by virtue hereof.  Each
of said attorneys and agents shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers
hereby conferred.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his or her hand on
the date shown.

       DATE                                     DIRECTOR
       ----                                     --------

      9-15-94                             /s/  HENRY D. SHAW
      9-15-94                             /s/  JOSEPH A. TOMLINSON
      9-15-94                             /s/  ROBERT R. REITANO
      9-15-94                             /s/  THOMAS J. LEE
      9-15-94                             /s/  FRANCIS C. CLEARY, JR.
      10-12-94                            /s/  BARBARA L. LUDDY
      10-13-94                            /s/  MICHELE G. VAN LEER
      3-9-95                              /s/  ROBERT S. PASTER
      4-5-95                              /s/  DAVID F. D'ALESSANDRO

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 10



                                    February 29, 1996



United States Securities
 and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

      This opinion is being furnished with respect to the filing of this post-
effective amendment of the Registrant's Registration Statement with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as required by Rule 485 under the Securities
Act of 1933.

      We have acted as counsel to Registrant for the purpose of preparing this
post-effective amendment which is being filed pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule
485 and hereby represent to the Commission that in our opinion this post-
effective amendment does not contain disclosures which would render it
ineligible to become effective pursuant to paragraph (b).

      We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with and as a part of this
post-effective amendment to Registrant's Registration Statement with the
Commission.

                                 Very truly yours,



                                 /s/ Francis C. Cleary Jr.

                                 Francis C. Cleary, Jr.
                                 Vice President and Counsel

FCC0098.DOC

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 1
   <NAME> SELECT STOCK SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      103,139,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     113,649,478
<RECEIVABLES>                                  172,252
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             113,821,730
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       166,670
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        5,582
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            172,252
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                               113,649,478
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            9,127,019
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 527,639
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      8,599,380
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       839,997
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   13,485,769
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,925,146
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     49,568,131
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  8,508,010
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      55,385,887
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                527,639
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 2
   <NAME> BOND SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       54,653,090
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      56,377,102
<RECEIVABLES>                                   67,008
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             113,821,730
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        64,238
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        2,770
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             67,008
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                56,377,102
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            3,997,055
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 288,879
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,708,176
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        63,373
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    4,386,358
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        8,157,907
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     18,775,232
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  6,821,624
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,383,338
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                288,879
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 3
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       30,163,057
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      30,932,791
<RECEIVABLES>                                  125,748
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              31,058,539
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       124,279
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,470
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             12,749
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                30,932,790
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              313,290
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 158,467
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        154,823
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       709,715
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,169,158
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,033,696
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     11,419,611
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  6,302,715
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       6,995,768
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                158,467
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 4
   <NAME> MONEY MARKET SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       19,684,014
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      19,684,014
<RECEIVABLES>                                  687,213
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              20,371,227
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       686,277
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          936
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            687,213
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                19,684,014
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,021,645
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 108,941
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        912,704
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                            0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          912,704
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     30,725,098
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 28,234,079
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,491,019
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                108,941
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> REAL ESTATE EQUITY SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       21,767,182
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      22,246,848
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,476
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              22,259,324
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        11,432
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,044
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             12,476
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                22,246,848
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,424,926
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 117,861
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,307,065
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     (132,712)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,164,732
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,339,085
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      7,174,344
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  5,475,910
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,730,453
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                117,861
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 6
   <NAME> SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       17,520,681
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      20,167,152
<RECEIVABLES>                                   82,621
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              20,249,774
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        81,681
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          940
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             82,621
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                20,167,153
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              483,189
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  57,525
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        425,664
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       118,503
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    2,655,206
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        3,199,373
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     13,145,725
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    826,762
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      15,092,672
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                 57,525
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 7
   <NAME> STOCK SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      197,432,046
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     217,256,965
<RECEIVABLES>                                  154,538
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             217,411,503
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       143,853
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       10,686
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            154,539
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                               217,256,964
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           20,402,345
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               1,040,658
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     19,361,687
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,182,185
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   28,390,863
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       48,934,735
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     66,187,098
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 11,538,389
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      84,221,758
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,040,658
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 8
   <NAME> MANAGED SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      244,207,400
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     262,405,591
<RECEIVABLES>                                  454,178
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             262,859,769
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       441,295
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       12,883
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            454,178
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                               262,405,591
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                           24,582,126
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               1,324,428
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     23,257,698
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     3,530,479
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   24,157,024
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       50,945,201
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     77,829,013
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                 22,526,769
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      82,989,746
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,324,428
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 9
   <NAME> SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,412,860
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       2,466,466
<RECEIVABLES>                                   15,053
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,481,519
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        14,960
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           93
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             15,053
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                                0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,466,466
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              103,070
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
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