HANCOCK JOHN VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
S-6EL24/A, 1996-07-26
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<PAGE>
 
    
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July  25, 1996      

                                            Registration No. 333-425
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                            -----------------------

                                    FORM S-6
                        Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to
                          Registration Statement Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                             ----------------------

                      JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
                             (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)

                              --------------------

                             SANDRA M. DADALT, 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

                              --------------------



Approximate date of proposed public offering: as soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.

An indefinite amount of the Registrant's securities has been registered pursuant
to a declaration under Rule 24f-2, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, set
out in a previously filed Form S-6 Registration Statement of Registrant and
Registrant's Depositor (File No. 33-64366).  Registrant filed its Rule 24f-2
Notice for the December 31, 1995 fiscal year on February 22 1996.

Title and amount of securities being registered: interests under flexible
premium variable life policies.
<PAGE>
 
The Registrant elects to be governed by paragraph (b)(13)(i)(A) of Rule 6e-3(T)
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the policy described in
the enclosed prospectus.


The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
 
                     CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

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

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

3                                Inapplicable

4                                Cover, Distribution of Policies

5, 6                             The Account and The Series Fund

7, 8, 9                          Inapplicable

10(a),(b),(c),(d),(e)            Policy Provisions and Benefits

10(f)                            Voting Privileges

10(g),(h)                        Changes that JHVLICO
                                 Can Make

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

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

13                               Summary, 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 Fund

17                               Summary, Policy
                                 Provisions and Benefits

18                               The Account and The Series Fund,
                                 Tax Considerations

19                               Reports

20                               Changes that JHVLICO Can Make

21                               Policy Provisions and Benefits

22                               Policy Provisions and Benefits
<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 Fund,
                                 Policy Provisionsand Benefits
                                 Appendix--Illustration of Death
                                 Benefits, Surrender Values
                                 and Accumulated Premiums

45                               Not Applicable

46                               The Account and The Series Fund,
                                 Policy Provisions and Benefits,
                                 Appendix--Illustration of Death
                                 Benefits, Surrender Values
                                 and Accumulated Values
 
47, 48, 49, 50                   Not Applicable

51                               Policy Provisions and Benefits,
                                 Appendix--Other Policy Provisions

52                               The Account and The Series Fund,
                                 Changes that JHVLICO
                                 Can Make

53,54,55                         Not Applicable

56,57,58                         Not Applicable

59                               Financial Statements
<PAGE>
 
[MEDALLION EXECUTIVE VARIABLE
LIFE LOGO APPEARS HERE]                              John Hancock Variable Life
                                                         Insurance Company
                                                              (JHVLICO)
       
                FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
 
                     JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
      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 JULY  , 1996     
   
  This Prospectus describes a flexible premium variable life policy ("Policy")
which can be funded, at the discretion of the Owner, by any of the variable
subaccounts of John Hancock Variable Life Account S (the "Account"), by a
fixed subaccount (the "Fixed Account"), or by any combination of the Fixed
Account and the variable subaccounts (collectively, the "Subaccounts"). The
assets of each variable Subaccount will be invested in a corresponding
investment portfolio ("Portfolio") of John Hancock Variable Series Trust I
(the "Fund"), a mutual fund advised by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("John Hancock"). The assets of the Fixed Account will be invested in
the general account of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
("JHVLICO").     
   
  The Prospectus for the Fund, which is attached to this Prospectus, describes
the investment objectives, policies and risks of investing in the Portfolios
of the Fund: Growth and Income (formerly Stock), Large Cap Growth (formerly
Select Stock), Sovereign Bond (formerly Bond), Money Market, Managed, Real
Estate Equity, International Equities (formerly International), Short-Term
U.S. Government, Special Opportunities, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Mid
Cap Growth, Mid Cap Value, International Balanced, International
Opportunities, Large Cap Value, Strategic Bond and Equity Index. Other
variable Subaccounts and Portfolios may be added in the future.     
 
  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 THIS 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 SERIES FUND...............................................    6
  The Account.............................................................    6
  Series Fund.............................................................    7
THE FIXED ACCOUNT.........................................................    9
POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS............................................   10
  Requirements for Issuance of Policy.....................................   10
  Premiums................................................................   10
  Account Value and Surrender Value.......................................   12
  Death Benefits..........................................................   13
  Transfers Among Subaccounts.............................................   15
  Telephone Transfers and Policy Loans....................................   16
  Loan Provisions and Indebtedness........................................   16
  Default.................................................................   17
  Exchange Privilege......................................................   18
CHARGES AND EXPENSES......................................................   18
  Charges Deducted from Premiums..........................................   18
  Sales Charges...........................................................   18
  Reduced Charges for Eligible Groups.....................................   19
  Charges Deducted from Account Value or Assets...........................   20
  Guarantee of Certain Charges............................................   22
DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES..................................................   22
TAX CONSIDERATIONS........................................................   23
  Policy Proceeds.........................................................   23
  Charge for JHVLICO's Taxes..............................................   24
  Corporate and H.R. 10 Plans.............................................   24
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF JHVLICO......................   25
REPORTS...................................................................   25
VOTING PRIVILEGES.........................................................   26
CHANGES THAT JHVLICO CAN MAKE.............................................   26
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................   27
REGISTRATION STATEMENT....................................................   27
EXPERTS...................................................................   27
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS......................................................   27
APPENDIX--OTHER POLICY PROVISIONS.........................................  A-1
  Settlement Provisions...................................................  A-1
  Additional Insurance Benefits...........................................  A-1
  General Provisions......................................................  A-1
APPENDIX--ILLUSTRATION OF DEATH BENEFITS, SURRENDER VALUES AND ACCUMULATED
 PREMIUMS.................................................................  A-3
</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..............................................................   6
     Account Value........................................................   1
     Additional Sum Insured...............................................  14
     Age.................................................................. A-2
     Basic Sum Insured....................................................   1
     DAC Tax..............................................................  18
     Death Benefit........................................................  13
     Fixed Account........................................................   9
     Fund.......................................................... Front Cover
     Grace Period.........................................................  17
     Guaranteed Death Benefit.............................................  14
     Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium.....................................  11
     Home Office................................................... Front Cover
     Indebtedness.........................................................  16
     Investment Rule......................................................  11
     Loan Account.........................................................  16
     Minimum First Premium................................................  10
     Modal Processing Date................................................  11
     Planned Premium......................................................  10
     Policy Anniversary................................................... A-2
     Portfolio..................................................... Front Cover
     Subaccount.................................................... Front Cover
     Sum Insured..........................................................   4
     Surrender Value......................................................  12
     Target Premium.......................................................  19
     Valuation Date.......................................................   9
     Valuation Period.....................................................   9
     Variable Subaccounts.................................................   2
     7-Pay Limit..........................................................  12
</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 provide
life insurance coverage when the insured dies. The Policies also provide for
premium flexibility. JHVLICO issues other variable life insurance policies.
These other policies are offered by means of other Prospectuses.     
 
  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 like
fixed-benefit life insurance in providing lifetime protection against economic
loss resulting from the death of the insured. The Policies are primarily
insurance and not investments.
   
  The Policies work generally as follows: the Policy owner (the "Owner")
periodically gives JHVLICO a premium payment. JHVLICO takes from each premium
an amount for taxes and sales expenses. JHVLICO then places the rest of the
premium into as many Subaccounts as directed by the Owner. The assets
allocated to each variable Subaccount are invested in shares of the
corresponding Portfolio of the Fund. 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 Policy provides for payment of death benefit proceeds when the insured
dies. The death benefit proceeds will equal the death benefit, plus any
additional benefit included by rider and then due, minus any Indebtedness. The
death benefit under Option A equals the Sum Insured less any withdrawals that
the Owner has made. The death benefit under Option B equals the Sum Insured
plus the Policy Account Value on the date of death of the insured. The Policy
also increases the death benefit if necessary to ensure that the Policy will
continue to qualify as life insurance under the Federal tax laws.
 
  Within limits prescribed by JHVLICO, the Owner may also elect whether to
purchase the coverage as part of the "Basic Sum Insured" or as an "Additional
Sum Insured". The Basic Sum Insured will not lapse during the first five
Policy years, so long as the Guaranteed Death Benefit Premiums specified in
the Policy have been paid. The Additional Sum Insured is subject to lapse, but
has certain cost and other advantages.
 
  The initial Account Value is the amount of the premium that JHVLICO credits
to the Policy, after deduction of the initial charges. The Account Value
increases or decreases daily depending on the investment experience of the
Subaccounts to which the amounts are allocated at the direction of the Owner.
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 any Indebtedness plus, in the first two Policy years, any Sales Charge
Refund. The Owner may also make partial withdrawals from a Policy, subject to
certain restrictions and an administrative charge. If the Owner surrenders in
the early Policy years, the amount of Surrender Value would be low (as
compared with other investments without sales charges) and, consequently, the
insurance protection provided prior to surrender would be costly.
 
  The minimum Sum Insured that may be bought at issue is $100,000. All persons
insured must meet specified age limits and certain health and other criteria
called "underwriting standards." The smoking status of the
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
   
insured is generally reflected in the insurance charges made. Policies issued
under certain circumstances 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 flexible, and the Owner may choose the amount and frequency of
premium payments, so long as each premium payment is at least $50 and meets
certain other requirements.
 
  The minimum amount of premium required at the time of Policy issue is
determined by JHVLICO based on the characteristics of the insured, the
Policy's Sum Insured at issue, and the Policy options selected by the Owner.
Unless the Guaranteed Death Benefit is in effect, if the Policy Account Value
at the beginning of any Policy month is insufficient to pay the monthly Policy
charges then due, JHVLICO will estimate the amount of additional premiums
necessary to keep the Policy in force for three months. The Owner will have a
61 day grace period to pay at least that amount or the Policy will lapse.
 
  At the time of Policy issue, the Owner may designate the amount and
frequency of Planned Premium payments. The Owner may pay premiums other than
the Planned Premium payments, subject to certain limitations.
 
WHAT IS JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S?
   
  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 which is a "series" type of
mutual fund. The Portfolios of the Fund which are currently available are
Growth and Income, Large Cap Growth, Sovereign Bond, Money Market, Managed,
Real Estate Equity, International Equities, Short-Term U.S. Government,
Special Opportunities, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth, Mid
Cap Value, International Balanced, International Opportunities, Large Cap
Value, Strategic Bond and Equity Index.     
   
  John Hancock receives a fee from John Hancock Variable Series Trust I for
providing investment management services to each Portfolio. The following
chart shows the maximum investment management fee and other Fund expenses for
each Portfolio.     
       
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                SHORT-
                                                                                     REAL        TERM
                    GROWTH   SOVEREIGN   MONEY   LARGE CAP           INTERNATIONAL  ESTATE       U.S.         SPECIAL
                   & INCOME    BOND     MARKET    GROWTH    MANAGED    EQUITIES     EQUITY    GOVERNMENT   OPPORTUNITIES
                   PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO     PORTFOLIO
                   --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ------------- -------------
<S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>
ANNUAL FUND
 OPERATING
 EXPENSES AFTER
 EXPENSE
 REIMBURSEMENT (AS
 A PERCENTAGE OF
 AVERAGE NET
 ASSETS)
 Investment
  Management Fees.   0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.40%     0.34%       0.60%       0.60%       0.50%         0.75%
 Other Fund
  Expenses........   0.03%     0.05%     0.10%     0.07%     0.04%       0.25%*      0.13%       0.25%*        0.25%*
 Total Fund
  Operating
  Expenses........   0.28%     0.30%     0.35%     0.47%     0.38%       0.85%       0.73%       0.75%         1.00%
<CAPTION>
                    EQUITY   LARGE CAP  MID CAP   MID CAP  SMALL CAP   SMALL CAP   STRATEGIC INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
                     INDEX     VALUE    GROWTH     VALUE    GROWTH       VALUE       BOND    OPPORTUNITIES   BALANCED
                   PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO   PORTFOLIO     PORTFOLIO
                   --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ------------- --------- ------------- -------------
<S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>
ANNUAL FUND
 OPERATING
 EXPENSES AFTER
 EXPENSE
 REIMBURSEMENT (AS
 A PERCENTAGE OF
 AVERAGE NET
 ASSETS)
 Investment
  Management Fees.   0.25%     0.75%     0.85%     0.80%     0.75%       0.80%       0.75%       1.00%         0.85%
 Other Fund
  Expenses+.......   0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%       0.25%       0.25%       0.25%         0.25%
 Total Fund
  Operating
  Expenses........   0.50%     1.00%     1.10%     1.05%     1.00%       1.05%       1.00%       1.25%         1.10%
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
   
  * John Hancock reimburses a Portfolio when the Portfolio's Other Fund
Expenses, excluding taxes, brokerage and the like, exceed 0.25% of its average
daily net asset value. This was done for the year ended December 31, 1995 with
respect to the International Equities, Special Opportunities, and Short-Term
U.S. Government Portfolios. Absent the reimbursement, the Other Fund Expenses
percentages for the International Equities, Special Opportunities, and Short-
Term U.S. Government Portfolios would have been .87%, 1.91%, and 1.83%,
respectively.     
   
  + Other Fund Expenses for the Equity Index, Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth,
Mid Cap Value, Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Strategic Bond,
International Opportunities, and International Balanced Portfolios are based
upon estimates for the current fiscal year.     
          
  For a full description of the Fund see the Prospectus for the Fund attached
to this Prospectus.     
       
WHAT ARE THE CHARGES MADE BY JHVLICO?
 
  State Premium Tax Charge and Federal DAC Tax Charge. Charges deducted from
each premium payment, currently 2.35% for state premium taxes and 1.25% as a
Federal deferred acquisition cost or "DAC Tax" charge.
 
  Sales Charge Deduction from Premium. A charge equal to no more than 6% of
the Target Premium received in Policy years 1 through 10 and no more than 3%
of the Target Premium in any year after Policy year 10. JHVLICO currently
intends to waive this deduction from premiums received after the first 10
Policy years.
 
  Sales Charge Deduction from Account Value. A charge deducted monthly from
Account Value, for the first 5 Policy years, in an amount set forth in the
Policy that varies by age and sex per $1,000 of Basic Sum Insured at issue.
For example, this monthly amount for a 45 year old male is 30c per $1,000 of
Basic Sum Insured.
 
  Issue Charge. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value at the rate of
$20 per month for the first 12 Policy months, plus, for the first 5 Policy
years, an amount set forth in the Policy that varies by age and sex per $1,000
of the Basic Sum Insured at issue. For example, this additional monthly amount
for a 45 year old male is 3c per $1,000 of Basic Sum Insured.
 
  Maintenance Charge. A charge deducted monthly from Account Value in an
amount equal to no more than $8 (currently $6) per Policy.
 
  Insurance Charge. A charge based upon the amount for which JHVLICO is at
risk, considering the attained age and risk classification of the insured and
JHVLICO's then current monthly insurance rates (never to exceed rates set
forth in the Policy) deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A charge made daily at a maximum
effective annual rate of .90% (currently .60%) of the assets of the Account.
 
  Charge for Extra Mortality Risks. An additional charge, depending upon the
age of the insured and the degree of additional mortality risk, required if
the insured does not qualify for the standard underwriting class. This
additional charge is deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Optional Rider Benefits. An additional charge required if the
Owner elects to purchase optional insurance benefits by rider. This additional
charge is deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. A charge of $20 made against Account Value at
the time of withdrawal.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
  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
the Money Market Subaccount on the date of issue of the Policy. The initial
net premium is the gross Minimum First Premium, plus any additional amount of
premium that has been paid prior to the date of issue, less the charges
deducted for sales expenses, state premium taxes and the Federal DAC Tax
charge. These charges also apply to subsequent premium payments. Twenty days
after the date of issue, the amount in the Money Market Subaccount is
reallocated among the Subaccounts in accordance with the Owner's election. Net
premiums derived from payments received after this reallocation 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 of the Subaccounts. The Owner may change the Investment Rule
under which JHVLICO will allocate amounts to Subaccounts. See "Premiums--
Billing, Allocation of Premium Payments (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 expenses 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 proceeds will equal the death benefit of the Policy, plus
any additional rider benefits included and then due, minus any Indebtedness.
The death benefit payable depends on the Policy's Sum Insured (the Sum Insured
is the Basic Sum Insured plus the amount of any Additional Sum Insured) and
the death benefit option selected by the Owner at the time the Policy is
issued, as follows:
 
    OPTION A: The death benefit equals the Policy's current Sum Insured less
  any withdrawals of Account Value that the Owner has made.
 
    OPTION B: The death benefit is the Policy's current Sum Insured plus the
  Policy Account Value on the date of death of the insured, and varies in
  amount based on investment results.
 
  The death benefit of the Policy under Options A or B will be increased if
necessary to ensure that the Policy will continue to qualify as life insurance
under the Federal tax law. See "Death Benefits" and "Tax Considerations".
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  Under the Guaranteed Death Benefit provision, the Policy is guaranteed not
to lapse during the first 5 Policy years, provided that, on each Modal
processing date, the amount of cumulative premiums paid, minus any
withdrawals, is at least equal to the cumulative amount of Guaranteed Death
Benefit Premiums due to date.
 
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?
   
  The Owner may obtain a Policy loan in the maximum amount of 90% of that
portion of the Account Value attributable to the variable Subaccount
investments plus 100% of that portion of the Account 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 be at an effective annual rate of 4.75% in the first 20
Policy years and 4.25% thereafter, 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 current Sum Insured 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 Part A of the application has been completed, or within at
least 10 days after receipt of the Policy by the Owner, or within 10 days
after mailing by JHVLICO of a Notice of Withdrawal Right, whichever is latest,
to JHVLICO's Home Office, or to the agent or agency office through which it
was delivered. Coverage under the Policy will be cancelled immediately as of
the date of such mailing or delivery. 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 Fund.
 
WHAT INVESTMENT TRANSFERS ARE ALLOWED AN OWNER?
 
  The Owner may transfer the Account Value among the variable Subaccounts or
into the Fixed Account at any time. Transfers out of the Fixed Account,
however, are subject to restrictions.
 
ARE THE BENEFITS UNDER A POLICY SUBJECT TO FEDERAL INCOME TAX?
 
  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. Thus, death
benefits payable under the Policies will not be included in the beneficiary's
gross income. Also, the Owner is not taxed on interest and gains under the
Policy unless and until values are actually received through withdrawal,
surrender, or other distributions.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Under Federal tax law, distributions from Policies on which premiums greater
than a "7-pay" premium limit (as defined in the law) have been paid, will be
subject to special taxation. See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit" and "Policy
Proceeds" for a discussion of how the "7-pay" premium limit may be exceeded
under a Policy. A distribution on such a Policy (called a "modified
endowment") will be taxed to the extent there is any income (gain) to the
Owner and an additional penalty tax may be imposed on the taxable amount.
 
                           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 other states, except 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 committed to make additional capital contributions if
necessary to ensure that JHVLICO maintains a positive net worth.     
 
                          THE ACCOUNT AND SERIES FUND
 
THE ACCOUNT
 
  The Account, a separate account established under Massachusetts law, 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
supervision by the Commission of the management or policies of the Account,
JHVLICO or John Hancock.
   
  The assets in the variable Subaccounts are invested in corresponding
Portfolios of the Fund, 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 Fund and made available to Owners.     
 
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
SERIES FUND
 
  The Fund is a "series" type of mutual fund registered with the Commission
under the 1940 Act as an open-end diversified management investment company.
The 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
Prospectus 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.
   
  Growth and Income (formerly Stock) Portfolio: 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.     
   
  Large Cap Growth (formerly Select Stock) Portfolio: 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.     
   
  Sovereign Bond (formerly Bond) Portfolio:  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: 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: 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: 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.     
   
  International Equities (formerly International) Portfolio: to achieve long-
term growth of capital by investing primarily in foreign equity securities.
       
  Special Opportunities Portfolio: to achieve long-term capital appreciation
by emphasizing investments in equity securities of issuers in various economic
sectors.     
   
  Short-Term U.S. Government Portfolio: 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.     
          
  Equity Index Portfolio: to provide investment results that correspond to the
total return of the U.S. market as represented by the S&P 500 utilizing common
stocks that are publicly traded in the United States.     
   
  Large Cap Value Portfolio: to provide substantial dividend income, as well
as long-term capital appreciation, through investments in the common stocks of
established companies management to offer favorable prospects for increasing
dividends and capital appreciation.     
 
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
   
  Mid Cap Growth Portfolio: to provide long-term growth of capital through a
non-diversified portfolio investing largely in common stocks of mid-sized
companies.     
   
  Mid Cap Value Portfolio: to provide long-term growth of capital primarily
through investment in the common stocks of medium capitalization companies
believed by management to sell at a discount to their intrinsic value.     
   
  Small Cap Growth Portfolio: to provide long-term growth of capital through a
diversified portfolio investing primarily in common stocks of small
capitalization emerging growth companies.     
   
  Small Cap Value Portfolio: to provide long-term growth of capital by
investing in a well diversified portfolio of equity securities of small
capitalization companies exhibiting growth value characteristics.     
   
  Strategic Bond Portfolio: to provide a high total return consistent with
moderate risk of capital and maintenance of liquidity, from a portfolio of
domestic and international fixed income securities.     
   
  International Opportunities Portfolio: to provide capital appreciation
through investments in common stocks of primarily well-established, non-United
States companies.     
   
  International Balanced Portfolio: to maximize total U.S. dollar return,
consisting of capital appreciation and current income through investment in
non-U.S. equity and fixed income securities.     
   
  John Hancock acts as the investment manager for the above portfolios, 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
Growth and Income, Large Cap Growth, Equity Index, 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, provides sub-investment advice with respect to the
Sovereign Bond, Small Cap Growth and Special Opportunities Portfolios; and
John Hancock Advisers and its subsidiary, John Hancock Advisers International,
Limited, located at 34 Dover Street, London, England, provide sub-investment
advice with respect to the International Equities Portfolio.     
   
  T.Rowe Price Associates, Inc., located at 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
21202, provides sub-investment advice with respect to the Large Cap Value
Portfolio and, together with its subsidiary, Rowe Price-Fleming International,
Inc., also located at 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202, provides sub-
investment advice with respect to the International Opportunities Portfolio.
       
  Invesco Management and Research located at 101 Federal Street, Boston, MA
02110, is the sub-investment adviser to the Small Cap Value Portfolio. Janus,
with its principal place of business at 100 Filmore Street, Denver, CO 80206,
is the sub-investment adviser to the Mid Cap Growth Portfolio. Neuberger and
Berman Investment Management of 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158, provides
sub-investment advice to the Mid Cap Value Portfolio. J.P. Morgan Investment
Management Inc., located at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, provides
investment advice with respect to the Strategic Bond Portfolio, and Brinson
Partners, Inc., of 209 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604, does likewise
with respect to the International Balanced Portfolio.     
 
  JHVLICO 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 a 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.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  On each Valuation Date, shares of each Portfolio are purchased or redeemed
by JHVLICO 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 determined on that same
Valuation Date. A Valuation Date is any date on which JHVLICO is open for
business, 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 the Fund, its investment objectives, policies and
restrictions, its charges, expenses and all other aspects of its operation is
contained in the attached Prospectus 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. Transfers from the
Fixed Account are subject to certain limitations. See "Transfers Among
Subaccounts".
 
  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 higher rates 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 rates. The rate
of interest declared with respect to any amount in the Fixed Account may
depend on when that amount was first allocated to the Fixed Account.
 
  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.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                        POLICY PROVISIONS AND BENEFITS
 
REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF POLICY
 
  The Policy is generally available with a minimum Basic Sum Insured at issue
of $100,000. At the time of issue, the insured must be age 20 through 75. All
persons insured must meet certain health and other criteria called
"underwriting standards". The smoking status of the insured is reflected in
the insurance charges made. Policies issued in certain jurisdictions or in
connection with certain employee benefit 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 set forth in this Prospectus may
differ for such Policies. Amounts of coverage that JHVLICO will accept under
the Policies may be limited by JHVLICO's underwriting and reinsurance
procedures as in effect from time to time.
 
PREMIUMS
 
  Payment Flexibility. Premiums are flexible. The Owner may choose the amount
and frequency of premium payments, so long as each premium payment is at least
$50 and meets the other requirements described below.
 
  Minimum First Premium. The amount of premium required at the time of issue
is determined by JHVLICO, and depends on the age, sex, and underwriting class
of the insured at issue, the Policy's Sum Insured at issue, and any additional
benefits selected. The Minimum First Premium must be received by JHVLICO at
its Home Office before the Policy is in full force and effect. See "Death
Benefits". There is no grace period for the payment of the Minimum First
Premium.
 
  Minimum Premiums. If the Policy's Surrender Value at the beginning of any
Policy month is insufficient to pay the monthly Policy charges then due,
JHVLICO will notify the Owner and the Policy will enter a grace period, unless
the Guaranteed Death Benefit is in effect. If premiums sufficient to pay at
least three months' estimated charges are not paid by the end of the grace
period, the Policy will lapse. See "Default".
 
  Planned Premium Schedule. At the time of issue, the Owner may designate a
Planned Premium schedule for the amount and frequency of premium payments.
JHVLICO will send billing statements for the amount chosen at the frequency
chosen. The Owner may change the Planned Premium after issue. The Owner may
also pay a premium in excess of the Planned Premium, subject to the
limitations described below. At the time of Policy issuance, JHVLICO will
determine whether the Planned Premium schedule will exceed the 7-Pay limit
discussed below. If so, JHVLICO will not issue the Policy unless the Owner
signs a form acknowledging that fact.
   
  Other Premium Limitations. Federal tax law requires a minimum death benefit
in relation to Account Value. See "Death Benefits--Definition of Life
Insurance". The death benefit of the Policy will be increased if necessary to
ensure that the Policy will continue to satisfy this requirement. If the
payment of a given premium will cause the Policy Account Value to increase to
such an extent that an increase in death benefit is necessary to satisfy
federal tax law requirements, JHVLICO has the right to not accept the excess
portion of that premium payment, or to require evidence of insurability before
that portion is accepted. In no event, however, will JHVLICO refuse to accept
any premium necessary to maintain the Guaranteed Death Benefit in effect under
a Policy. Also, if an owner has elected to use the "guideline premium and cash
value corridor" test for Federal income tax premium limitation purposes,
JHVLICO will not accept the portion of the premium which exceeds the maximum
amount permitted under that test. See "Definition of Life Insurance", page 14.
    
  Guaranteed Death Benefit Premiums. A Guaranteed Death Benefit feature may
apply during the first five Policy years. See "Death Benefits". The Guaranteed
Death Benefit Premiums required to maintain this benefit in force depend on
the issue age, sex, underwriting class of the insured at issue, the Basic Sum
Insured at issue,
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
the ratio of Basic Sum Insured to Total Sum Insured at issue and any
additional benefits selected. 1/12th of the Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium
is required for Owners electing a monthly premium payment mode; 1/4 of the
Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium is required for Owners electing the quarterly
mode; 1/2 of the Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium is required for Owners
electing the semi-annual mode; and the full Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium
is required for Owners electing the annual mode. The due date for each premium
is referred to as the Modal processing date. To keep the Guaranteed Death
Benefit in effect, the amount of actual premiums paid minus any withdrawals
must at each Modal processing date be at least equal to the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Premiums due to date. If this test is not satisfied on any Modal
processing date, JHVLICO will notify the Owner of the shortfall immediately
and a Guaranteed Death Benefit grace period will commence as of that
anniversary. The Guaranteed Death Benefit grace period will end on the second
monthly processing date after the determination of the shortfall. This notice
will be mailed to the Owner's last-known address at least 31 days prior to the
end of the Guaranteed Death Benefit grace period. If JHVLICO does not receive
payment for the amount of the deficiency by the end of the Guaranteed Death
Benefit grace period, the Guaranteed Death Benefit feature will lapse.
 
  Billing, Allocation of Premium Payments (Investment Rule). The Owner may at
any time elect to be billed by JHVLICO for an amount of premium other than the
Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium. The Owner may also elect to be billed for
premiums on an annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly basis. 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 by the state
premium tax charge, any applicable sales charge, and the Federal DAC Tax
charge. 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. Notwithstanding the Investment Rule, all net premiums
credited to Account Value as of a date prior to the end of the Valuation
Period that includes the 20th day following the date of issue will
automatically be allocated to the Money Market Subaccount. At the end of that
Valuation Period, the Policy's Account Value will be reallocated automatically
among the Subaccounts in accordance with the Investment Rule chosen by the
Owner.
 
  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 date of issue will be
        processed as if received on the Valuation Date immediately
        preceding the date of issue.
 
    (2) If the Minimum First Premium is not received prior to the date of
        issue, each payment received thereafter will be processed as if
        received on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the date of
        issue until all of the Minimum First Premium is received.
 
    (3) That portion of any premium that we delay accepting as described
        under "Other Premium Limitations" above, or "7-Pay Premium Limit"
        below, will be processed as of the end of the Valuation Period in
        which we accept that amount.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  7-Pay Premium Limit. Federal tax law modifies 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 at any time during the first 7 Policy
years that exceed a "7-pay" premium limit as defined in the law. The "7-pay"
premium is greater than the Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium . The 7-pay limit
is the total of net level premiums that would have been payable at any time
for the Policy to be fully paid-up after the payment of 7 level annual
premiums. If the total premiums paid exceed the 7-pay limit, the Policy will
be treated as a "modified endowment", which means that the Owner will be
subject to tax to the extent of any income (gain) on any distributions made
from the Policy. A material change in the Policy will result in a new 7-pay
limit and test period. A reduction in the Policy's benefits within the 7-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". If JHVLICO receives any premium payment
that will cause a Policy to become a modified endowment, the excess portion of
that premium payment will not be accepted unless the Owner signs an
acknowledgment of that fact. When it identifies such an excess premium,
JHVLICO sends the Owner immediate notice and refunds the excess premium if it
has not received notice of the acknowledgment by the time the premium payment
has had a reasonable time to clear the banking system, but in no case longer
than two weeks.
 
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 any Indebtedness. Upon a full surrender during the first two Policy
years, JHVLICO will add to the Surrender Value an amount equal to the excess
of (a) the total sales charges that have been deducted (whether from premiums
or Account Value) under the Policy to date over (b) the sum of 30% of premiums
paid under the Policy that do not exceed one "SEC Guideline Annual Premium",
plus 10% of any additional premiums paid that do not exceed a second SEC
Guideline Annual Premium, plus 9% of any premiums paid in excess of two such
SEC Guideline Annual Premiums. This excess amount is the "Sales Charge
Refund". The SEC Guideline Annual premium is the level annual premium that
would be required for a fixed life insurance policy on the life of the insured
with a face amount equal to the Basic Sum Insured, plus any Additional Sum
Insured, and having the same optional insurance riders, if any, as the Policy,
based on certain assumptions prescribed by the Commission for this purpose.
 
  When Policy May Be Surrendered. A Policy may be surrendered for its
Surrender Value at any time while the insured is living and the Policy is not
in a grace period. 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 or the surrendered
Policy.
 
  Partial Withdrawal of Surrender Value. The Owner may request withdrawal of
part of the Surrender Value in accordance with JHVLICO's rules then in effect.
Any withdrawal must be at least $1,000 and is subject to an administrative
charge of $20.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  An Owner may request a partial withdrawal of Surrender Value at any time
while the insured is living, provided that the Policy is not in a grace
period. This privilege, which reduces the Account Value by the amount of the
withdrawal and the associated charge, may not be used to reduce the Account
Value below the amount JHVLICO estimates will be required to pay three months'
charges under the Policy as they fall due. The withdrawal will be effective as
of the end of the Valuation Period in which JHVLICO receives written notice
satisfactory to it at its Home Office.
 
  A withdrawal will reduce any Option A Sum Insured by the amount withdrawn. A
withdrawal will not reduce any Option B Sum Insured but, because Account Value
will be reduced, the death benefit under this option also will be reduced.
JHVLICO reserves the right to refuse any withdrawal request that would cause
the Policy's Sum Insured to fall below $100,000.
 
  An amount equal to the Account Value withdrawn will be removed from each
Subaccount in the same proportion as the Account Value is then allocated among
the Subaccounts. A withdrawal is not a loan and, once made, cannot be repaid.
 
  A surrender or withdrawal may have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations".
 
DEATH BENEFITS
 
  The death benefit proceeds are payable when the insured dies while the
Policy is in effect. The death benefit proceeds will equal the death benefit
of the Policy, plus any additional rider benefits then due, minus any
Indebtedness. If the insured dies during a grace period, JHVLICO will also
deduct any overdue monthly deductions.
 
  The death benefit payable depends on the current Sum Insured and the death
benefit option selected by the Owner at the time the Policy is issued, as
follows:
 
    OPTION A: The death benefit equals the current Sum Insured, subject to
  any increases described below under "Definition of Life Insurance", and
  reduced by the amount of any partial withdrawals that have been made over
  the life of the Policy.
 
    OPTION B: The death benefit is the current Sum Insured, plus the Policy
  Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which the insured dies.
  This death benefit is a varying amount and fluctuates with the amount of
  the Account Value. This death benefit is also subject to any increase
  described below under "Definition of Life Insurance".
 
  The Sum Insured is the Basic Sum Insured, plus the amount of any Additional
Sum Insured (discussed below).
 
  Owners who prefer to have favorable investment experience reflected in
increased insurance coverage should choose Option B. Owners who prefer to have
insurance coverage that generally does not vary in amount and lower cost of
insurance charges should choose Option A.
 
  Definition of Life Insurance. Federal tax law requires a minimum death
benefit in relation to cash value for a Policy to qualify as life insurance.
The death benefit of a Policy will be increased if necessary to ensure that
the Policy will continue to qualify as life insurance. One of two tests under
current Federal tax law can be used to determine if a Policy complies with the
definition of life insurance in Section 7702 of the Code.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  The "guideline premium and cash value corridor" test limits the amount of
premiums payable under a Policy to a certain amount for an insured of a
particular age and sex. The test also applies a prescribed "Corridor Factor"
to determine a minimum ratio of death benefit to Account Value. The Corridor
Factor depends upon the attained age of the insured. The Corridor Factor
decreases slightly (or remains the same at older and younger ages) from year
to year as the attained age of the insured increases. A complete list of
Corridor Factors is set forth in the Policy. All Option B Policies will be
subject to the "guideline premium and cash value corridor" test.
 
  The Owner may, at the time an Option A death benefit is applied for, choose
either the "guideline premium and cash value corridor" test discussed above or
may elect for the Policy to be governed by the "cash value accumulation test"
under Section 7702.
 
  The "cash value accumulation test" also limits the amount of premiums
payable under a Policy to a prescribed amount, using a minimum ratio of death
benefit to a Policy's Account Value, but employs as a standard a "net single
premium" computed in compliance with the Code. If the Account Value under a
Policy is at any time greater than the net single premium at the insured's age
and sex for the proposed death benefit, the death benefit will be increased
automatically by multiplying the Account Value by a "Death Benefit Factor"
computed in compliance with the Code. The Death Benefit Factor depends upon
the sex and then attained age of the insured. The Death Benefit Factor
decreases slightly from year to year as the attained age of the insured
increases. A complete list of Death Benefit Factors is set forth in the
Policy. An Option A death benefit using the cash value accumulation test will
offer the best opportunity for the Owner who is looking for an increasing
death benefit in later Policy year and/or would like to fund the Policy at the
"7-pay" limit for the full 7 years. An Option A death benefit using the
guideline premium and cash value corridor test will offer the best opportunity
for the Account Value under a Policy to increase without increasing the death
benefit as quickly as it might under the other options.
 
  If the Account Value is reduced (e.g. by withdrawals, charges or adverse
investment performance) at a time when a minimum death benefit under Section
7702 is in effect, such minimum death benefit will also be reduced.
 
  Guaranteed Death Benefit. During the first 5 Policy years the Policy is
guaranteed not to lapse, provided that the amount of premiums paid through
each Modal processing date minus any withdrawals is at least equal to the sum
of the cumulative Guaranteed Death Benefit Premiums due to date. At any time
when this feature is not in force, the death benefit of the Policy is not
guaranteed and the Policy may lapse if the Account Value falls to a low level.
 
  Additional Sum Insured. The Owner may apply for an amount of Additional Sum
Insured under the Policy, pursuant to which an additional amount of death
benefit will be paid upon the death of the insured under the Policy.
Purchasers of a Policy should consider various factors in determining whether
to elect coverage in the form of Basic Sum Insured or in the form of
Additional Sum Insured.
 
  The amount of Additional Sum Insured can be decreased, or, upon application
and submission of evidence of insurability, increased subsequent to Policy
issuance. JHVLICO may refuse to accept any request to reduce the Additional
Sum Insured (a) that would cause the Policy's current Sum Insured to fall
below $100,000 or (b) if immediately following the reduction, the Policy's
current death benefit would reflect an increase necessary for the Policy to
continue to qualify as life insurance (see "Death Benefits--Definition of Life
Insurance"). Any increase or decrease in Additional Sum Insured will become
effective at the beginning of the first Policy month after JHVLICO receives in
good order at its Home Office all information necessary to process the change,
and, in the case of an increase in coverage, approves the change.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
  Any decision by the Owner to modify the amount of Additional Sum Insured
coverage after issue can have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations--Policy Proceeds".
 
  Also, the Owner may elect among several forms of Additional Sum Insured
coverage at the time the Owner applies for it: a level amount of coverage; an
amount of coverage that increases on each Policy anniversary up to a
prescribed limit; an amount of coverage that increases on each Policy
anniversary to the amount of premiums paid during prior years plus the Planned
Premium for the current year, subject to certain limits; or a combination of
those forms of coverage.
 
  The amount of sales charge deducted from premiums and from Account Value and
the amount of compensation paid to the selling insurance agent will be less if
coverage is included as Additional Sum Insured, rather than as Basic Sum
Insured. The Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium will be affected by the amount
of any Additional Sum Insured elected relative to the Total Sum Insured.
 
  The amount of any Additional Sum Insured is not included in any Guaranteed
Death Benefit. Therefore, if the Policy's Account Value is insufficient to pay
the monthly charges as they fall due (including the charges for the Additional
Sum Insured) the Additional Sum Insured coverage will lapse, even if the Basic
Sum Insured stays in effect pursuant to the Guaranteed Death Benefit feature.
 
  The Additional Sum Insured at issue is limited to 400% of the Basic Sum
Insured. Generally, an Owner will incur lower sales charges and have more
flexible coverage with respect to the Additional Sum Insured than with respect
to the Basic Sum Insured. On the other hand, for Owners that wish to take
advantage of the Guaranteed Death Benefit, the proportion of the Policy's Sum
Insured that is guaranteed can be increased by taking out more coverage as
Basic Sum Insured at the time of Policy issue. It could be to the Owner's
advantage either to increase the amount of coverage applied for as Basic Sum
Insured in order that the Guaranteed Death Benefit will be available or, if
such guarantee is not of value to the Owner, to maximize the proportion of the
Additional Sum Insured.
 
  Temporary Coverage Prior to Policy Delivery. If a specified amount of
premium is paid with the application for a Policy, temporary term coverage may
be available prior to the time that coverage under the Policy takes effect.
Temporary term coverage is subject to the terms and conditions described in
the application for a Policy.
 
TRANSFERS AMONG SUBACCOUNTS
 
  The Owner may reallocate the amounts held for the Policy in the Subaccounts
with no charge at any time, except as noted below. 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
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
its Home Office. (JHVLICO reserves the right to defer such Fixed Account
transfers for six months.) 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. 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.
 
  No transfers may be made while the Policy is in a grace period.
 
  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, unless such
loss, expense or cost is the result of JHVLICO's mistake or negligence.
JHVLICO employs procedures which provide adequate safeguards against the
execution of unauthorized transactions, and which are reasonably designed to
confirm that instructions received by telephone are genuine. These procedures
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 instructions.
 
LOAN PROVISIONS AND INDEBTEDNESS
   
  Loan Provisions. Loans may be made at any time a Loan Value is available,
the insured is alive and the Policy is not in a grace period. 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. The Loan Value will be 90%
of that portion of the Account Value attributable to the variable Subaccount
investments plus 100% of that portion of the Account Value attributable to
Fixed Account investments. Interest charged on any loan will accrue and
compound daily at an annual rate determined by JHVLICO at the start of each
Policy Year. This interest rate will be at an effective annual rate of 4.75%
in the first 20 Policy years, and 4.25% thereafter, accrued daily.     
       
  The amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued interest is called the
"Indebtedness". The amount of the loan available will be the Loan Value less
any existing Indebtedness. A loan will not be permitted unless it is at least
$1,000. A loan may be repaid in full or in part at any time before the
insured's death and while the Policy is not in a grace period. 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
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
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 borrowed 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. If an Owner wishes any payment to
constitute a loan repayment (rather than a premium payment), the Owner must so
specify.
   
  Effect of Loan and Indebtedness. While the Indebtedness is outstanding, that
portion of the Account Value that is in the Loan Account is credited with
interest at a rate that is .75% less than the loan interest rate for the first
20 Policy years and, thereafter, .25% 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 Sum
Insured, the Account Value, and the Surrender Value are permanently affected
by any 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 Account 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 specifying the minimum
amount which must be paid to keep the Policy in force beyond that period. The
Policy lapses, unless a repayment of at least that amount is made within that
period.     
 
  Tax Considerations. If the Policy is a modified endowment at the time a loan
is made, that loan may have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations".
 
DEFAULT
 
  Premium Grace Period, Default and Lapse. Unless the Guaranteed Death Benefit
is in force, at the beginning of each Policy month JHVLICO determines whether
the Surrender Value is sufficient to pay all monthly charges then due under
the Policy. If not, the Policy is in default and JHVLICO will notify the Owner
of the amount estimated to be necessary to pay three months' deductions, and a
grace period will be in effect until 61 days after the date the notice was
mailed. If JHVLICO does not receive payment of at least this amount by the end
of the grace period, the Policy will lapse, and any remaining amount owed to
the Owner as of the date of lapse will be paid to the Owner.
 
  If the Guaranteed Death Benefit is in effect and the Policy provides for an
Additional Sum Insured, the grace period and lapse procedures set forth in the
preceding paragraph will apply only to the Additional Sum Insured. Lapse of
the Additional Sum Insured can have significant tax consequences. See "Tax
Considerations--Policy Proceeds". If the Guaranteed Death Benefit has been in
effect and lapses at the end of a grace period (as described in "Premiums--
Guaranteed Death Benefit Premiums"), the usual default, grace period and lapse
procedures described in the preceding paragraph will be applied commencing
with the first day of the first Policy month following the lapse of the
Guaranteed Death Benefit.
 
  The insurance under the Policy continues in full force during any 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 any 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.
 
  Reinstatement. A lapsed Policy (or a lapsed Additional Sum Insured, if the
Basic Sum Insured remains in force or is reinstated) or the Guaranteed Death
Benefit may be reinstated in accordance with the Policy's terms.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Evidence of insurability satisfactory to JHVLICO will be required (except as
to a request to restore the Guaranteed Death Benefit within 1 year after the
beginning of its grace period) and payment of the required premium and
charges. The request must be received at JHVLICO's Home Office within 1 year
after the beginning of the grace period. A reinstatement of the Basic Sum
Insured or the Additional Sum Insured may be deemed a material change for
Federal income tax purposes. See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit" and "Tax
Considerations".
 
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 the sales charge (see "Sales Charges" below), the following
charges are deducted from premiums:
 
  State Premium Tax Charge. A charge currently equal to 2.35% of each premium
payment will be deducted from each premium payment. Premium taxes vary from
state to state, ranging from zero to 4% currently. A charge of 2.35% is made,
regardless of the premium tax imposed by any state. The 2.35% rate is the
average rate currently expected to be paid on premiums received in all states
over the lifetimes of the insureds covered by the Policies. JHVLICO will not
increase this charge under outstanding Policies, but reserves the right to
change this charge for Policies not yet issued in order to correspond with
changes in the state premium tax levels.
 
  Federal DAC Tax Charge. A charge currently equal to 1.25% of each premium
payment will be deducted from each premium payment to cover the estimated cost
to JHVLICO of the Federal income tax treatment of the Policies' deferred
acquisition costs--commonly referred to as the "DAC Tax". JHVLICO has
determined that this charge is reasonable in relation to JHVLICO's increased
Federal income tax burden under the Internal Revenue Code resulting from the
receipt of premiums. JHVLICO will not increase this charge under outstanding
Policies, but reserves the right, subject to any required regulatory approval,
to change this charge for Policies not yet issued in order to correspond with
changes in the Federal income tax treatment of the Policies' deferred
acquisition costs.
 
SALES CHARGES
 
  Charges are made to compensate JHVLICO for the cost of selling the Policy.
This cost includes agents' commissions, commission overrides, advertising, and
the printing of 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 charges are insufficient to
cover total sales expenses, the sales expenses may be recovered from other
sources,
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
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".
 
  From Premiums. Part of the sales charge is deducted from premiums received.
The amount is 6% of the premiums received in Policy years 1 through 10 that do
not exceed that year's total Target Premium and 3% of the premiums received in
Policy years 11 and later that do not exceed each year's Target Premium. The
Target Premium is established at issue and is the sum of Base Policy Target
Premium and any rider premium. The Base Policy Target Premium is set forth in
the Policy. Target Premiums will vary based on the issue age, sex, and
underwriting class of the insured. JHVLICO currently intends to make this
deduction only in the first 10 Policy years, but this is not contractually
guaranteed and the right is reserved to continue deductions over a longer
period. Because the Policies were first offered for sale in 1996, no Policies
have yet been outstanding for more than 10 years.
 
  No sales charge is deducted from a premium payment received in excess of one
Target Premium in any Policy year.
   
  An Owner may structure the timing and amount of premium payments to minimize
the sales charges deducted from premium payments, although doing so involves
certain risks. Paying less than one target premium in the first Policy year or
paying more than one target premium in any Policy year could reduce the
Owner's total sales charges over time. For example, an Owner, paying ten
target premiums of $10,000 each, would pay total sales charges of $6,000 if he
paid $10,000 in each of the first ten Policy years, but only $3,000 if he paid
$20,000 (i.e., two times the target premium amount) in every other Policy year
up to the ninth Policy year. However, delaying the payment of target premiums
to later Policy years could increase the risk that the Guaranteed Death
Benefit will lapse and that the Surrender Value will be insufficient to pay
monthly Policy charges as they come due. As a result, the Policy or any
Additional Sum Insured may lapse and eventually terminate. See "Default".
Conversely, accelerating the payment of target premiums to earlier Policy
years could cause aggregate premiums paid to exceed the Policy's 7-pay premium
limit and, as a result, cause the Policy to become a modified endowment, with
adverse tax consequences to the Owner upon receipt of Policy distributions.
See "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit".     
 
  From Account Value. The remainder of the sales charge is deducted monthly
from Account Value, for the first 5 Policy years, in an amount set forth in
the Policy that varies by age and sex per $1,000 of the Basic Sum Insured at
issue. For example, this monthly amount for a male age 45 is 30c per $1,000 of
Basic Sum Insured.
 
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
anticipates that the sales to the members of the class will result in lower
than normal sales or administrative expenses. The charge for mortality and
expense risks (described below) otherwise applicable may be reduced with
respect to Policies issued to a trustee, employer or similar entity where
JHVLICO anticipates that, because of the nature of the group on whose behalf
the Policies are purchased, there will be a lower than normal risk of the
mortality and expense charge not being sufficient to cover actual mortality
and expense costs. 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;
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
   
the anticipated persistency of the Policies; the size of the class of
associated individuals and the number of years it has been in existence; the
aggregate amount of premiums to be paid by or for the class of associated
individuals; and any other such circumstances which justify a reduction in
sales or administrative charges or mortality and expense risk charges. 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 Owner.     
 
CHARGES DEDUCTED FROM ACCOUNT VALUE OR ASSETS
 
  The following charges are deducted from Account Value or assets:
 
  Issue Charge. JHVLICO will deduct an issue charge from Account Value, at the
rate of $20 per month for the first 12 Policy months, plus, for the first 5
Policy years, an amount set forth in the Policy that varies by age and sex per
$1,000 of the Basic Sum Insured at issue. For example, this additional monthly
amount for a 45 year old male is 3c per $1000 of Basic Sum Insured.
 
  The issue charge is 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.
 
  Maintenance charge. JHVLICO will deduct from the Account Value a monthly
charge not to exceed $8 per Policy. The current monthly charge is $6 per
Policy.
 
  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.
 
  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 current death benefit and the Account
Value (after reflecting all charges against 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, smoking
status and underwriting class of the insureds and the length of time the
Policy has been in effect. JHVLICO will review these rates at least every 5
years, and may change these rates from time to time based on JHVLICO's
expectations of future experience. However, these rates will never be more
than the guaranteed maximum rates based on the 1980 Commissioners' Standard
Ordinary Mortality Tables, as set forth in the Policy.
 
  Lower current insurance rates are offered at most ages for insureds who
qualify for the standard or select underwriting class and whose applications
are fully underwritten, i.e. subject to evidence of insurability on the part
of the insured, a process which may involve a medical examination. On the
other hand, higher current insurance rates are generally applicable if the
Policies are issued on a guaranteed issue basis, where evidence of
insurability is not required.
 
  Policies issued to trustees, employers and similar entities are often issued
on a guaranteed issue basis. Because only limited underwriting information is
obtained in this alternative underwriting procedure, Policies in this class
may present additional mortality expense to JHVLICO relative to Policies which
are fully underwritten. This additional insurance risk is generally reflected
in higher insurance rates, nevertheless guaranteed not to exceed the 1980
Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality Tables.
 
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
  A reduction in the insurance charge may be made to a Policy beginning on the
first day of the first month in the tenth Policy year. This reduction is not
guaranteed but it is JHVLICO's present intention to effect this reduction in
the tenth and following Policy years as long as the Policy is in force.
 
  The amount of the reduction will depend upon the length of time the Policy
has been in force. In the tenth Policy year the monthly insurance charge will
be reduced by an amount equal to a percentage of the then Account Value. This
percentage will begin at an annual effective rate of .20% in the tenth Policy
year and increase annually by .01% through and including the thirtieth Policy
year. Thereafter the percentage reduction each year the Policy remains in
force will be at an annual effective rate of .40%.
 
  For example, it is expected that the reduction percentage in Policy year 11
would be at an effective annual rate of .21%, in Policy year 20 would be .30%
and in Policy year 30 would be .40%.
 
  JHVLICO reserves the right to modify or discontinue this reduction. Because
the Policies were first offered for sale in 1996, no reductions have yet been
made.
 
  Charge for Mortality and Expense Risks. A daily charge is made for mortality
and expense risks assumed by JHVLICO at a maximum effective annual rate of
 .90% of the value of the Account's assets attributable to the Policies. The
current charge is at an effective annual rate of .60%. 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 the
standard or select underwriting class must pay an additional charge because of
the extra mortality risk. The level of the charge depends upon the age of the
insured and the degree of extra mortality risk. This additional charge is
deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  Charges for Optional Rider Benefits. An additional charge must be paid if
the Owner elects to purchase an optional insurance benefit by Policy rider.
This additional charge is deducted monthly from Account Value.
 
  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 affect
what the Subaccounts earn. Charges for other taxes, if any, attributable to
the Subaccounts may also be made.
 
  Charge for Partial Withdrawal. JHVLICO will deduct a charge in the amount of
$20 on a partial withdrawal of Surrender Value, as described under "Account
Value and Surrender Value". The charge will be deducted from Account Value.
The charge is to compensate JHVLICO for the administrative expenses of
effecting the withdrawal.
 
  Fund Investment Management Fee. The Account purchases shares of the Fund at
net asset value, a value which reflects the deduction from the assets of the
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 Prospectus for
the Fund.
 
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  The monthly deductions from Account Value described above are deducted on
the date of issue and on the first day of each Policy month thereafter. These
deductions are made from the Subaccounts in proportion to the amount of
Account Value in each. For each month that JHVLICO is unable to deduct any
charge because there is insufficient Account Value, the uncollected charges
will accumulate and be deducted when and if sufficient Account Value is
available.
 
GUARANTEE OF CERTAIN CHARGES
 
  The state premium tax charge, the Federal DAC Tax charge, the issue charge
and the charge for partial withdrawals are guaranteed not to increase over the
life of the Policy. The administrative charge, the sales charges, the
mortality and expense risk charge, and the insurance charge are guaranteed not
to exceed the maximums set forth in the Policy.
 
                           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 ("representatives") of John Hancock or other broker-dealer
firms, as discussed below. John Hancock performs insurance underwriting,
determines whether to accept or reject the application for a Policy and each
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.
 
  John Hancock's representatives 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 a John Hancock representative for selling
a Policy is 20% of the Target Premium paid in the first Policy year plus an
amount equal to 6% of the first Policy year's Target Premium which will be
payable to the representative in each of Policy years 2 through 4; 6% of the
Target Premium paid in Policy years 2 through 4; and 3% of the Target Premium
paid in each year thereafter. The maximum commission on any premium paid in
any Policy year in excess of the Target Premium is 3%.
 
  Representatives with less than four years of service with John Hancock and
those compensated on salary plus bonus or level commission programs may be
paid on a different basis. Representatives 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 are also sold through other registered broker-
dealers that have entered into selling agreements with John
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Hancock and whose representatives are authorized by applicable law to sell
variable life insurance policies. The commissions which will be paid by such
broker-dealers to their representatives will be in accordance with their
established rules. The commission rates may be more or less than those set
forth above for John Hancock's representatives. 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 will compensate the broker-dealers as provided
in the selling agreements, and JHVLICO will reimburse John Hancock for such
amounts and for certain other direct expenses in connection with marketing the
Policies through other broker-dealers.
   
  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 V. John Hancock is also the principal investment
manager and principal underwriter for the Fund.     
 
                              TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The below description of Federal income tax consequences is only a brief
summary and is not intended as tax advice. For further information consult a
qualified tax advisor. Federal, state and local tax laws can change from time
to time and, as a result, the tax consequences to the Owner and beneficiary
may be altered.
 
POLICY PROCEEDS
 
  Although the Policy contains provisions not found in fixed benefit life
insurance policies, JHVLICO believes the Policy will receive the same Federal
income and estate tax treatment. Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code
("Code") defines life insurance for Federal tax purposes. See "Death
Benefits--Definition of Life Insurance". 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. Furthermore, JHVLICO
reserves the right to make any changes in the Policy necessary to ensure the
Policy is within the definition of life insurance.
 
  If the Policy complies with the definition of life insurance, JHVLICO
believes the death benefit under the Policy will be excludable from the
beneficiary's gross income under Section 101 of the Code. In addition,
increases in Account Value as a result of interest or investment experience
will not be subject to Federal income tax unless and until values are actually
received through withdrawal, surrender or other distributions.
 
  A surrender, lapse or partial withdrawal may have tax consequences. For
example, the Owner will be taxed on a surrender to the extent that the Account
Value exceeds the premiums paid under the Policy, ignoring premiums paid for
riders. But under certain circumstances within the first 15 Policy years, 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. However, the amount of any loan
outstanding will be taxed to the Owner if a Policy lapses.
 
  Distributions under Policies on which premiums greater than the "7-pay"
limit (see "Premiums--7-Pay Premium Limit") have been paid will be treated as
distributions from a "modified endowment," which are subject to special
taxation based on Federal tax law. The Owner of such a Policy will be taxed on
distributions such as loans, surrenders and partial withdrawals to the extent
of any income (gain) to the Owner (income-first
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
basis). The distributions affected will be those made on or after, and within
the two year period prior to, the time the Policy becomes a modified
endowment. Additionally, a 10% penalty tax may be imposed on affected income
distributed before the Owner attains age 59 1/2.
 
  Furthermore, any time there is a "material change" in a Policy (such as the
addition of certain other Policy benefits after issue, or reinstatement of a
lapsed Policy), the Policy will be subject to a new "7-pay" test, with the
possibility of a tax on distributions if it were subsequently to become a
modified endowment. Moreover, if benefits under a Policy are reduced (such as
a reduction in the Sum Insured or death benefit or the reduction or
cancellation of certain rider benefits, or Policy termination) during the 7
years in which the 7-pay test is being applied, the 7-pay limit will be
recalculated based on the reduced benefits. If the premiums paid to date are
greater than the recalculated 7-pay limit, the Policy will become a modified
endowment.
 
  All modified endowments 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 the modified endowment rules. Your tax advisor should
be consulted if you have questions regarding the possible impact of the 7-pay
limit 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.
 
CHARGE FOR JHVLICO'S TAXES
 
  Except for the DAC Tax charge, JHVLICO currently makes no charge 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.
 
                                      24
<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 Executive
                          Officer of JHVLICO; Senior Executive 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 Company.
   Michele G. Van Leer    Director of JHVLICO; Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Joseph A. Tomlinson    Director and Vice President, JHVLICO; Vice
                          President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Robert R. Reitano      Director of JHVLICO; Vice President, John
                          Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Robert S. Paster       Director of JHVLICO; Second Vice President,
                          John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.
   Barbara L. Luddy       Director and Actuary, JHVLICO; Second Vice
                          President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Daniel L. Ouellette    Vice President, Marketing, JHVLICO; Vice
                          President, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
   Patrick F. Smith       Controller of JHVLICO; Assistant
                          Controller, John Hancock Mutual Life
                          Insurance Company.
</TABLE>    
 
  The business address of all Directors and officers of JHVLICO is John
Hancock Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02117.
 
                                    REPORTS
 
  At least once each Policy year a statement will be sent to the Owner setting
forth the amount of the death benefit, Basic Sum Insured, Additional Sum
Insured, Account Value, the portion of the Account Value in each Subaccount,
Surrender Value, premiums received and charges deducted from premiums since
the last report, and any outstanding Policy loan (and interest charged for the
preceding Policy year) as of the last day of such year. Moreover,
confirmations will be furnished to Owners of premium payments, transfers among
Subaccounts, Policy loans, partial withdrawals and certain other Policy
transactions.
 
  Owners will be sent semiannually a report containing the financial
statements of the Fund, including a list of securities held in each Portfolio.
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
                               VOTING PRIVILEGES
 
  All of the assets in the variable Subaccounts of the Account are invested in
shares of the corresponding Portfolios of the Fund. JHVLICO will vote the
shares of each of the Portfolios of the Fund which are deemed attributable to
policies at regular and special meetings of the Fund's shareholders in
accordance with instructions received from owners of such policies. Shares of
the Fund held in the Account which are not attributable to policies and shares
for which instructions from owners are not received will be represented by
JHVLICO at the meeting and will be voted for and against each matter in the
same proportions as the votes based upon the instructions received from the
owners of all policies funded through the Account's corresponding variable
Subaccounts.
 
  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 Fund's meeting.
 
  Owners of Policies may give instructions regarding the election of the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, ratification of the selection of independent
auditors, approval of Fund investment advisory 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 of the Fund
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 an investment
policy, investment adviser or principal underwriter of the 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 THAT JHVLICO CAN MAKE
 
  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 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
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
JHVLICO, an affiliate or John Hancock, (3) to deregister the Account under the
1940 Act, (4) to substitute for the Portfolio shares held by a Subaccount any
other investment permitted by law, and (5) to take any action necessary to
comply with or obtain any exemptions from 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.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
   
  Legal matters in connection with the Policies described in this Prospectus
have been passed on by Sandra M. DaDalt, 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 for the year ended December 31, 1995 of the Account
and JHVLICO 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.     
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
   
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S     
   
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED)     
   
MARCH 31, 1996     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Money    Real Estate    Special
                          Select Stock    Bond    International   Market     Equity    Opportunities
                           Subaccount  Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount Subaccount   Subaccount
                          ------------ ---------- ------------- ---------- ----------- -------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>
Assets
Investment in shares of
 portfolios of John Han-
 cock Variable Series
 Trust I, at value......   $9,659,513  $1,989,477  $3,211,966   $5,166,731  $616,317    $2,691,633
Receivable from John
 Hancock Variable Series
 Trust I................       12,933      11,530       6,398          715     6,299           --
                           ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  --------    ----------
Total assets............    9,672,446   2,001,007   3,218,364    5,167,446   622,616     2,691,633
Liabilities
Asset charges payable...          126          28          51           76        10            43
                           ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  --------    ----------
Total liabilities.......          126          28          51           76        10            43
                           ----------  ----------  ----------   ----------  --------    ----------
Net assets..............   $9,672,320  $2,000,979  $3,218,313   $5,167,370  $622,606    $2,691,590
                           ==========  ==========  ==========   ==========  ========    ==========
</TABLE>    
   
See accompanying notes.     
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
   
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S     
   
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (UNAUDITED) (CONTINUED)     
   
MARCH 31, 1996     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      Short-Term              Turner   Edinburgh    Frontier
                                         U.S.                  Core     Overseas    Capital
                             Stock    Government  Managed     Growth     Equity   Appreciation
                          Subaccount  Subaccount Subaccount Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount
                          ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Assets
Investment in shares of
 portfolios of John Han-
 cock Variable Series
 Trust I, at value......  $13,548,121 $2,484,819 $4,924,306  $177,549   $59,677      $4,881
Receivable from John
 Hancock Variable Series
 Trust I................       26,452     10,956     16,956       --        --          --
                          ----------- ---------- ----------  --------   -------      ------
Total assets............   13,574,573  2,495,775  4,941,262   177,549    59,677       4,881
Liabilities
Asset charges payable...          201         21         71         3         1         --
                          ----------- ---------- ----------  --------   -------      ------
Total liabilities.......          201         21         71         3         1         --
                          ----------- ---------- ----------  --------   -------      ------
Net assets..............  $13,574,372 $2,495,754 $4,941,191  $177,546   $59,676      $4,881
                          =========== ========== ==========  ========   =======      ======
</TABLE>    
   
See accompanying notes.     
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                           Select Stock                       Bond                      International
                            Subaccount                     Subaccount                     Subaccount
                  ------------------------------  ----------------------------  -------------------------------
                   Unaudited                       Unaudited                     Unaudited
                  three-month     Year ended      three-month    Year ended     three-month     Year ended
                  period ended    December 31     period ended   December 31    period ended    December 31
                    March 31   -----------------    March 31   ---------------    March 31   ------------------
                      1996       1995     1994        1996       1995    1994       1996       1995      1994
                  ------------ -------- --------  ------------ -------- ------  ------------ --------  --------
<S>               <C>          <C>      <C>       <C>          <C>      <C>     <C>          <C>       <C>
Investment in-
 come:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........   $ 44,758   $509,637 $ 39,711    $ 27,763   $ 66,972 $7,083    $ 6,514    $ 19,501  $ 11,324
                    --------   -------- --------    --------   -------- ------    -------    --------  --------
Total investment
 income..........     44,758    509,637   39,711      27,763     66,972  7,083      6,514      19,501    11,324
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..      9,533     17,330    2,688       2,146      4,148    509      3,726      10,434     2,129
                    --------   -------- --------    --------   -------- ------    -------    --------  --------
Net investment
 income..........     35,225    492,307   37,023      25,617     62,824  6,574      2,788       9,067     9,195
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).    128,420    126,908  (37,955)      2,355     21,718 (2,259)    77,099     (25,931)    5,934
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the pe-
  riod...........    207,703    180,251  (24,086)    (59,520)    34,574 (3,839)    12,365     153,715   (46,936)
                    --------   -------- --------    --------   -------- ------    -------    --------  --------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments.......    336,123    307,159  (62,041)    (57,165)    56,292 (6,098)    89,464     127,784   (41,002)
                    --------   -------- --------    --------   -------- ------    -------    --------  --------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......   $371,348   $799,466 $(25,018)   $(31,548)  $119,116 $  476    $92,252    $136,851  $(31,807)
                    ========   ======== ========    ========   ======== ======    =======    ========  ========
<CAPTION>
                     Money Market Subaccount
                  -----------------------------
                   Unaudited
                  three-month     Year ended
                  period ended   December 31
                    March 31   ----------------
                      1996       1995    1994
                  ------------ -------- -------
<S>               <C>          <C>      <C>
Investment in-
 come:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........   $40,781    $119,746 $39,245
                  ------------ -------- -------
Total investment
 income..........    40,781     119,746  39,245
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..     4,455      12,117   5,184
                  ------------ -------- -------
Net investment
 income..........    36,326     107,629  34,061
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).       --          --      --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the pe-
  riod...........       --          --      --
                  ------------ -------- -------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments.......       --          --      --
                  ------------ -------- -------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......   $36,326    $107,629 $34,061
                  ============ ======== =======
</TABLE>    
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                   Special Opportunities
                   Real Estate Equity Account            Subaccount                  Stock Subaccount
                  ----------------------------  ----------------------------  -------------------------------
                   Unaudited                     Unaudited                     Unaudited
                  three-month    Year ended     three-month    Year ended     three-month      Year ended
                  period ended   December 31    period ended   December 31    period ended    December 31
                    March 31   ---------------    March 31   ---------------    March 31   ------------------
                      1996      1995    1994        1996       1995   1994*       1996        1995     1994
                  ------------ ------- -------  ------------ -------- ------  ------------ ---------- -------
<S>               <C>          <C>     <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>
Investment in-
 come:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........   $ 9,373    $32,578 $10,909    $    --    $ 40,159 $1,493    $ 68,637   $  669,643 $70,819
                    -------    ------- -------    --------   -------- ------    --------   ---------- -------
Total investment
 income..........     9,373     32,578  10,909         --      40,159  1,493      68,637      669,643  70,819
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..       871      2,766     689       3,079      4,949    607      14,908       23,428   3,073
                    -------    ------- -------    --------   -------- ------    --------   ---------- -------
Net investment
 income..........     8,502     29,812  10,220      (3,079)    35,210    886      53,729      646,215  67,746
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).     8,736        613 (10,840)    115,750     28,812   (117)    145,704      170,322  (1,272)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the pe-
  riod...........       357     25,077   9,936      71,723    185,349  3,155     333,230      322,628 (67,362)
                    -------    ------- -------    --------   -------- ------    --------   ---------- -------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments.......     9,093     25,690    (904)    187,473    214,161  3,038     478,934      492,950 (68,634)
                    -------    ------- -------    --------   -------- ------    --------   ---------- -------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......   $17,595    $55,502 $ 9,316    $184,394   $249,371 $3,924    $532,663   $1,139,165 $  (888)
                    =======    ======= =======    ========   ======== ======    ========   ========== =======
<CAPTION>
                        Short-Term U.S.
                     Government Subaccount
                  ---------------------------
                   Unaudited
                  three-month    Year ended
                  period ended  December 31
                    March 31   --------------
                      1996      1995   1994**
                  ------------ ------- ------
<S>               <C>          <C>     <C>
Investment in-
 come:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........   $ 32,057   $64,502  $331
                  ------------ ------- ------
Total investment
 income..........     32,057    64,502   331
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..      1,645     2,917    25
                  ------------ ------- ------
Net investment
 income..........     30,412    61,585   306
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments:
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      1,850     8,251    (1)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the pe-
  riod...........    (43,893)   22,112  (325)
                  ------------ ------- ------
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on in-
 vestments.......    (42,043)   30,363  (326)
                  ------------ ------- ------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......   $(11,631)  $91,948  $(20)
                  ============ ======= ======
</TABLE>    
* From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations).
** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Edinburgh     Frontier
                                                            Turner      Overseas     Capital
                                                         Core Growth     Equity    Appreciation
                               Managed Subaccount         Subaccount   Subaccount   Subaccount
                          -----------------------------  ------------ ------------ ------------
                           Unaudited                      Unaudited    Unaudited    Unaudited
                          three-month     Year ended     three-month  three-month  three-month
                          period ended   December 31     period ended period ended period ended
                            March 31   ----------------    March 31     March 31     March 31
                              1996       1995    1994      1996***      1996***      1996***
                          ------------ -------- -------  ------------ ------------ ------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>          <C>
Investment income:
 Distributions received
  from the portfolios of
  John Hancock Variable
  Series Trust I........    $47,637    $316,774 $12,985      $--          $--          $--
                            -------    -------- -------      ----         ----         ----
Total investment income.     47,637     316,774  12,985       --           --           --
Expenses:
 Mortality and expense
  risks.................      5,660      10,978   1,318        36           26            2
                            -------    -------- -------      ----         ----         ----
Net investment income...     41,977     305,796  11,667       (36)         (26)          (2)
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments:
 Net realized gains
  (losses)..............     12,945     179,131  (4,727)      --            (1)         --
 Net unrealized appreci-
  ation (depreciation)
  during the period.....     (5,236)     51,622  (8,296)      167          159           59
                            -------    -------- -------      ----         ----         ----
Net realized and
 unrealized gain (loss)
 on investments.........      7,709     230,753 (13,023)      167          158           59
                            -------    -------- -------      ----         ----         ----
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........    $49,686    $536,549 $(1,356)     $131         $132         $ 57
                            =======    ======== =======      ====         ====         ====
</TABLE>    
*** From January 3, 1996 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                         Select Stock Subaccount                   Bond Subaccount                 International Subaccount
                   --------------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                    Unaudited                               Unaudited                          Unaudited
                   three-month         Year ended          three-month      Year ended        three-month       Year ended
                   period ended        December 31         period ended     December 31       period ended      December 31
                     March 31    ------------------------    March 31   --------------------    March 31   ----------------------
                       1996         1995         1994          1996        1995       1994        1996        1995        1994
                   ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------ ----------  --------  ------------ -----------  ---------
<S>                <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $    35,225   $   492,307  $    37,023   $   25,617  $   62,824  $  6,574   $    2,788  $     9,067  $   9,195
 Net realized
  gains (losses).      128,420       126,908      (37,955)       2,355      21,718    (2,259)      77,099      (25,931)     5,934
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during
  the period.....      207,703       180,251      (24,086)     (59,520)     34,574    (3,839)      12,365      153,715    (46,936)
                   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------  ----------  --------   ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      371,348       799,466      (25,018)     (31,548)    119,116       476       92,252      136,851    (31,807)
From policyholder
 transactions:
Net premiums from
 policyholders...    3,325,959     8,115,186    2,165,201      757,362   1,370,188   279,171    1,170,734    2,620,265  1,223,410
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (1,089,877)   (2,752,131)  (1,250,017)    (113,120)   (318,068)  (62,598)    (599,491)  (1,194,625)  (199,276)
                   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------  ----------  --------   ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    2,236,082     5,363,055      915,184      644,242   1,052,120   216,573      571,243    1,425,640  1,024,134
                   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------  ----------  --------   ----------  -----------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets......    2,607,430     6,162,521      890,166      612,694   1,171,236   217,049      663,495    1,562,491    992,327
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........    7,064,890       902,369       12,203    1,388,285     217,049       --     2,554,818      992,327        --
                   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------  ----------  --------   ----------  -----------  ---------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $ 9,672,320   $ 7,064,890  $   902,369   $2,000,979  $1,388,285  $217,049   $3,218,313  $ 2,554,818  $ 992,327
                   ===========   ===========  ===========   ==========  ==========  ========   ==========  ===========  =========
<CAPTION>
                          Money Market Subaccount
                   ----------------------------------------
                    Unaudited
                   three-month          Year ended
                   period ended        December 31
                     March 31    --------------------------
                       1996          1995         1994
                   ------------- ------------- ------------
<S>                <C>           <C>           <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $    36,326   $    107,629  $    34,061
 Net realized
  gains (losses).          --             --           --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during
  the period.....          --             --           --
                   ------------- ------------- ------------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......       36,326        107,629       34,061
From policyholder
 transactions:
Net premiums from
 policyholders...    8,595,417     19,983,940    7,344,361
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (8,090,885)   (17,720,190)  (5,123,289)
                   ------------- ------------- ------------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....      504,532      2,263,750    2,221,072
                   ------------- ------------- ------------
Net increase in
 net assets......      540,858      2,371,379    2,255,133
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........    4,626,512      2,255,133          --
                   ------------- ------------- ------------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $ 5,167,370   $  4,626,512  $ 2,255,133
                   ============= ============= ============
</TABLE>    
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
   
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S     
   
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         Special Opportunities
                    Real Estate Equity Subaccount              Subaccount                       Stock Subaccount
                   -------------------------------  ---------------------------------  -------------------------------------
                    Unaudited                        Unaudited                          Unaudited
                   three-month      Year ended      three-month      Year ended        three-month         Year ended
                   period ended    December 31      period ended     December 31       period ended       December 31
                     March 31   ------------------    March 31   --------------------    March 31    -----------------------
                       1996       1995     1994         1996        1995      1994*        1996         1995         1994
                   ------------ -------- ---------  ------------ ----------  --------  ------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........    $  8,502   $ 29,812 $  10,220   $   (3,079) $   35,210  $    886  $    53,729   $   646,215  $   67,746
 Net realized
  gains (losses).       8,736        613   (10,840)     115,750      28,812      (117)     145,704       170,322      (1,272)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  period.........         357     25,077     9,936       71,723     185,349     3,155      333,230       322,628     (67,362)
                     --------   -------- ---------   ----------  ----------  --------  -----------   -----------  ----------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      17,595     55,502     9,316      184,394     249,371     3,924      532,663     1,139,165        (888)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..      99,951    466,306   525,631    1,012,514   1,639,491   333,168    5,408,170     8,168,426   1,606,781
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..     (65,722)   370,910  (115,063)     175,378    (551,692)   (4,202)  (1,286,257)   (1,740,418)   (253,270)
                     --------   -------- ---------   ----------  ----------  --------  -----------   -----------  ----------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....      34,229     95,396   410,568      837,136   1,087,799   328,966    4,121,913     6,428,008   1,353,511
                     --------   -------- ---------   ----------  ----------  --------  -----------   -----------  ----------
Net increase in
 net assets......      51,824    150,898   419,884    1,021,530   1,337,170   332,890    4,654,576     7,567,173   1,352,623
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........     570,782    419,884       --     1,670,060     332,890       --     8,919,796     1,352,623         --
                     --------   -------- ---------   ----------  ----------  --------  -----------   -----------  ----------
Net assets at end
 of period.......    $622,606   $570,782 $ 419,884   $2,691,590  $1,670,060  $332,890  $13,574,372   $ 8,919,796  $1,352,623
                     ========   ======== =========   ==========  ==========  ========  ===========   ===========  ==========
<CAPTION>
                           Short-Term U.S.
                        Government Subaccount
                   ---------------------------------
                    Unaudited
                   three-month      Year ended
                   period ended    December 31
                     March 31   --------------------
                       1996        1995     1994**
                   ------------ ----------- --------
<S>                <C>          <C>         <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........   $   30,412  $   61,585  $   306
 Net realized
  gains (losses).        1,850       8,251       (1)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  period.........      (43,893)     22,112     (325)
                   ------------ ----------- --------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      (11,631)     91,948      (20)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..      439,527   2,439,840   41,816
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..     (141,189)   (364,204)    (333)
                   ------------ ----------- --------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....      298,338   2,075,636   41,483
                   ------------ ----------- --------
Net increase in
 net assets......      286,707   2,167,584   41,463
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........    2,209,047      41,463      --
                   ------------ ----------- --------
Net assets at end
 of period.......   $2,495,754  $2,209,047  $41,463
                   ============ =========== ========
</TABLE>    
   
 * From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations).     
   
** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations).     
   
See accompanying notes.     
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Edinburgh     Frontier
                                                                Turner      Overseas     Capital
                                                             Core Growth     Equity    Appreciation
                                 Managed Subaccount           Subaccount   Subaccount   Subaccount
                          ---------------------------------  ------------ ------------ ------------
                           Unaudited                          Unaudited    Unaudited    Unaudited
                          three-month      Year ended        three-month  three-month  three-month
                          period ended     December 31       period ended period ended period ended
                            March 31   --------------------    March 31     March 31     March 31
                              1996        1995       1994      1996***      1996***      1996***
                          ------------ ----------  --------  ------------ ------------ ------------
<S>                       <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
Increase in net assets
 from operations:
 Net investment income..   $   41,977  $  305,796  $ 11,667    $    (36)    $   (26)      $   (2)
 Net realized gains
  (losses)..............       12,945     179,131    (4,727)        --           (1)         --
 Net unrealized appreci-
  ation (depreciation)
  during the period.....       (5,236)     51,622    (8,296)        167         159           59
                           ----------  ----------  --------    --------     -------       ------
Net increase (decrease)
 in net assets resulting
 from operations........       49,686     536,549    (1,356)        131         132           57
From policyholder trans-
 actions:
 Net premiums from poli-
  cyholders.............    1,461,575   5,502,408   859,794     177,415      59,884        4,857
 Net benefits to policy-
  holders...............     (379,793) (2,875,967) (211,705)        --         (340)         (33)
                           ----------  ----------  --------    --------     -------       ------
Net increase in net as-
 sets from policyholder
 transactions...........    1,081,782   2,626,441   648,089     177,415      59,544        4,824
                           ----------  ----------  --------    --------     -------       ------
Net increase in net as-
 sets...................    1,131,468   3,162,990   646,733     177,546      59,676        4,881
Net assets at beginning
 of period..............    3,809,723     646,733       --          --          --           --
                           ----------  ----------  --------    --------     -------       ------
Net assets at end of pe-
 riod...................   $4,941,191  $3,809,723  $646,733    $177,546     $59,676       $4,881
                           ==========  ==========  ========    ========     =======       ======
</TABLE>    
*** From January 3, 1996 (commencement of operations).
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
   
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S     
   
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)     
   
March 31, 1996     
   
1. ORGANIZATION     
   
John Hancock Variable Life Account S (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 created on November 12, 1993 and commenced operations on
December 14, 1993 from the receipt of policy premiums. John Hancock Variable
Life Account S 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 twelve subaccounts. The assets of each subaccount are invested
exclusively in shares of a corresponding portfolio of John Hancock Variable
Series Trust I (the Fund) or in shares of a corresponding portfolio of M
Funds, Inc. (M Group of Funds). New subaccounts may be added as new portfolios
are added to the Fund or the M Group of Funds, or as other investment options
are developed, and made available to policyholders. The twelve portfolios of
the Fund and of the M Group of Funds which are currently available are Select
Stock, Bond, International, Money Market, Real Estate Equity, Special
Opportunities, Stock, Short-Term U.S. Government, Managed, Turner Core Growth,
Edinburgh Overseas Equity and Frontier Capital Appreciation. 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.     
   
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES     
 
VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
   
Investment in shares of the Fund and of the M Group of Funds 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.     
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)--CONTINUED
   
EXPENSES     
   
JHVLICO assumes mortality and expense risks of the variable life insurance
policies for which asset charges are deducted at various rates ranging from
 .50% to .625%, depending on the type of policy, 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.
       
POLICY LOANS     
   
Policy loans represent outstanding loans plus accrued interest. Interest is
accrued (net of a charge for policy loan administration determined at an
annual rate of .75% of the aggregate amount of policyholder indebtedness) and
compounded daily. At March 31, 1996, there were no outstanding policy loans.
       
3. TRANSACTION 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.     
   
4. DETAILS OF INVESTMENTS     
   
The details of the shares owned and cost and value of investments in the
portfolios of the Fund at March 31, 1996 were as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                Shares
Portfolio                                        Owned     Cost        Value
- ---------                                       ------     ----        -----
<S>                                             <C>     <C>         <C>
Select Stock................................... 533,141 $ 9,296,094 $ 9,659,513
Bond........................................... 203,667   2,018,263   1,989,477
International.................................. 198,811   3,092,822   3,211,966
Money Market................................... 516,673   5,166,731   5,166,731
Real Estate Equity.............................  51,875     580,947     616,317
Special Opportunities.......................... 186,841   2,431,406   2,691,633
Stock.......................................... 928,004  12,959,626  13,548,121
Short-Term U.S. Government..................... 247,053   2,506,926   2,484,819
Managed........................................ 358,062   4,886,176   4,924,306
Turner Core Growth.............................  16,671     177,382     177,549
Edinburgh Overseas Equity......................   5,932      59,518      59,677
Frontier Capital Appreciation..................     447       4,822       4,881
</TABLE>    
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)--CONTINUED
   
Purchases, including reinvestment of dividend distributions and proceeds from
sales of shares in the portfolios of the Fund for the period ended March 31,
1996, were as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
Portfolio                                                 Purchases    Sales
- ---------                                                 ---------    -----
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>
Select Stock............................................. $3,147,300 $  888,798
Bond.....................................................    704,392     46,033
International............................................  1,269,939    702,255
Money Market.............................................  4,375,158  3,834,937
Real Estate Equity.......................................    106,089     69,646
Special Opportunities....................................  1,215,444    381,344
Stock....................................................  5,017,740    868,339
Short-Term U.S. Government...............................    474,813    156,998
Managed..................................................  1,257,968    151,094
Turner Core Growth.......................................    177,415         33
Edinburgh Overseas Equity................................     59,879        360
Frontier Capital Appreciation............................      4,857         35
</TABLE>    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Real                              Short-Term
                   Select                              Money      Estate      Special                   U.S.
                   Stock       Bond    International   Market     Equity   Opportunities    Stock    Government  Managed
                 Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount Subaccount  Subaccount   Subaccount  Subaccount Subaccount
                 ---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
<S>              <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>
Assets
Investment in
 shares of
 portfolios of
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I, at
 value.......... $7,064,890 $1,388,285  $2,554,818   $4,626,512  $570,782   $1,670,060   $ 8,919,796 $2,209,047 $3,809,723
Receivable from
 John Hancock
 Variable Series
 Trust I........     39,836      1,076       2,172      612,373    12,369           81     1,291,449      9,631     93,566
                 ---------- ----------  ----------   ----------  --------   ----------   ----------- ---------- ----------
Total assets....  7,104,726  1,389,361   2,556,990    5,238,885   583,151    1,670,141    10,211,245  2,218,678  3,903,289
Liabilities
Payable to John
 Hancock
 Variable Life
 Insurance
 Company........     39,567      1,011       2,051      612,185    12,340          --      1,291,107      9,585     93,412
Asset charges
 payable........        269         65         121          188        29           81           342         46        154
                 ---------- ----------  ----------   ----------  --------   ----------   ----------- ---------- ----------
Total liabili-
 ties...........     39,836      1,076       2,172      612,373    12,369           81     1,291,449      9,631     93,566
                 ---------- ----------  ----------   ----------  --------   ----------   ----------- ---------- ----------
Net assets...... $7,064,890 $1,388,285  $2,554,818   $4,626,512  $570,782   $1,670,060   $ 8,919,796 $2,209,047 $3,809,723
                 ========== ==========  ==========   ==========  ========   ==========   =========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
FOR THE YEARS AND PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                       Select Stock                  Bond                International
                        Subaccount                Subaccount              Subaccount           Money Market Subaccount
                  ------------------------  ----------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------
                    1995     1994    1993*    1995    1994    1993*   1995      1994    1993*   1995      1994   1993*
                  -------- --------  -----  -------- -------  ----- --------  --------  ----- --------- -------- --------
<S>               <C>      <C>       <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>   <C>       <C>      <C>
Investment
 income:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of
  John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........ $509,637 $ 39,711  $ 541  $ 66,972 $ 7,083   --   $ 19,501  $ 11,324   --   $ 119,746 $ 39,245   --
                  -------- --------  -----  -------- -------   ---  --------  --------   ---  --------- --------  ----
Total investment
 income..........  509,637   39,711    541    66,972   7,083   --     19,501    11,324   --     119,746   39,245   --
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..   17,330    2,688      4     4,148     509   --     10,434     2,129   --      12,117    5,184   --
                  -------- --------  -----  -------- -------   ---  --------  --------   ---  --------- --------  ----
Net investment
 income..........  492,307   37,023    537    62,824   6,574   --      9,067     9,195   --     107,629   34,061   --
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......  126,908  (37,955)   --     21,718  (2,259)  --    (25,931)    5,934   --         --       --    --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........  180,251  (24,086)  (447)   34,574  (3,839)  --    153,715   (46,936)  --         --       --    --
                  -------- --------  -----  -------- -------   ---  --------  --------   ---  --------- --------  ----
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....  307,159  (62,041)  (447)   56,292  (6,098)  --    127,784   (41,002)  --         --       --    --
                  -------- --------  -----  -------- -------   ---  --------  --------   ---  --------- --------  ----
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations...... $799,466 $(25,018) $  90  $119,116 $   476   --   $136,851  $(31,807)  --   $ 107,629 $ 34,061   --
                  ======== ========  =====  ======== =======   ===  ========  ========   ===  ========= ========  ====
</TABLE>    
 
* From December 14, 1993 (commencement of operations)
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
 
FOR THE YEARS AND PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Short-Term
                           Real               Special                                      U.S.
                      Estate Equity        Opportunities                                Government            Managed
                        Subaccount          Subaccount         Stock Subaccount         Subaccount          Subaccount
                  ----------------------- ---------------  -------------------------- --------------- ------------------------
                   1995     1994    1993*   1995   1994**     1995      1994    1993*  1995   1994***   1995     1994    1993*
                  ------- --------  ----- -------- ------  ---------- --------  ----- ------- ------- -------- --------  -----
<S>               <C>     <C>       <C>   <C>      <C>     <C>        <C>       <C>   <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>
Investment in-
 come:
 Distributions
  received from
  the portfolios
  of John Hancock
  Variable Series
  Trust I........ $32,578 $ 10,909   --   $ 40,159 $1,493  $  669,643 $ 70,819   --   $64,502  $ 331  $316,774 $ 12,985   --
                  ------- --------   ---  -------- ------  ---------- --------   ---  -------  -----  -------- --------   ---
Total investment
 income..........  32,578   10,909   --     40,159  1,493     669,643   70,819   --    64,502    331   316,774   12,985   --
Expenses:
 Mortality and
  expense risks..   2,766      689   --      4,949    607      23,428    3,073   --     2,917     25    10,978    1,318   --
                  ------- --------   ---  -------- ------  ---------- --------   ---  -------  -----  -------- --------   ---
Net investment
 income..........  29,812   10,220   --     35,210    886     646,215   67,746   --    61,585    306   305,796   11,667   --
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......     613  (10,840)  --     28,812   (117)    170,322   (1,272)  --     8,251     (1)  179,131   (4,727)  --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........  25,077    9,936   --    185,349  3,155     322,628  (67,362)  --    22,112   (325)   51,662   (8,296)  --
                  ------- --------   ---  -------- ------  ---------- --------   ---  -------  -----  -------- --------   ---
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....  25,690     (904)  --    214,161  3,038     492,950  (68,634)  --    30,363   (326)  230,753  (13,023)  --
                  ------- --------   ---  -------- ------  ---------- --------   ---  -------  -----  -------- --------   ---
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations...... $55,502 $  9,316   --   $249,371 $3,924  $1,139,165 $   (888)  --   $91,948  $ (20) $536,549 $ (1,336)  --
                  ======= ========   ===  ======== ======  ========== ========   ===  =======  =====  ======== ========   ===
</TABLE>
* From December 14, 1993 (commencement of operations)
** From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations)
*** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations)
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
FOR THE YEARS AND PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Select Stock                        Bond                     International
                             Subaccount                      Subaccount                    Subaccount
                   ---------------------------------  --------------------------- ------------------------------
                      1995         1994       1993*      1995       1994    1993*    1995         1994     1993*
                   -----------  -----------  -------  ----------  --------  ----- -----------  ----------  -----
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>   <C>          <C>         <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $   492,307  $    37,023  $   537  $   62,824  $  6,574   --   $     9,067  $    9,195   --
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......      126,908      (37,955)     --       21,718    (2,259)  --       (25,931)      5,934   --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........      180,251      (24,086)    (447)     34,574    (3,839)  --       153,715     (46,936)  --
                   -----------  -----------  -------  ----------  --------   ---  -----------  ----------   ---
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      799,466      (25,018)      90     119,116       476   --       136,851     (31,807)  --
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    8,115,186    2,165,201   12,650   1,370,188   279,171   --     2,620,265   1,223,410   --
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (2,752,131)  (1,250,017)    (537)   (318,068)  (62,598)  --    (1,194,625)   (199,276)  --
                   -----------  -----------  -------  ----------  --------   ---  -----------  ----------   ---
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    5,363,055      915,184   12,113   1,052,120   216,573   --     1,425,640   1,024,134   --
                   -----------  -----------  -------  ----------  --------   ---  -----------  ----------   ---
Net increase in
 net assets......    6,162,521      890,166   12,203   1,171,236   217,049   --     1,562,491     992,327   --
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........      902,369       12,203      --      217,049       --    --       992,327         --    --
                   -----------  -----------  -------  ----------  --------   ---  -----------  ----------   ---
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $ 7,064,890  $   902,369  $12,203  $1,388,285  $217,049   --   $ 2,554,818  $  992,327   --
                   ===========  ===========  =======  ==========  ========   ===  ===========  ==========   ===
<CAPTION>
                            Money Market
                             Subaccount
                   --------------------------------
                       1995         1994      1993*
                   ------------- ------------ -----
<S>                <C>           <C>          <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $    107,629  $    34,061   --
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......           --           --    --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........           --           --    --
                   ------------- ------------ -----
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......       107,629       34,061   --
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    19,983,940    7,344,361   --
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (17,720,190)  (5,123,289)  --
                   ------------- ------------ -----
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....     2,263,750    2,221,072   --
                   ------------- ------------ -----
Net increase in
 net assets......     2,371,379    2,255,133   --
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........     2,255,133          --    --
                   ------------- ------------ -----
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $  4,626,512  $ 2,255,133   --
                   ============= ============ =====
</TABLE>
 
* From December 14, 1993 (commencement of operations)
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
 
FOR THE YEAR AND PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Real Estate Equity     Special Opportunities                                     Short-Term U.S.
                          Subaccount              Subaccount               Stock Subaccount         Government Subaccount
                   ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------
                     1995     1994     1993*    1995       1994**       1995         1994     1993*     1995       1994***
                   -------- ---------  ----- -----------  ----------------------  ----------  ----- ------------  ------------
<S>                <C>      <C>        <C>   <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>   <C>           <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $ 29,812 $  10,220   --   $    35,210  $     886  $   646,215  $   67,746   --   $     61,585  $     306
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......       613   (10,840)  --        28,812       (117)     170,322      (1,272)  --          8,251         (1)
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........    25,077     9,936   --       185,349      3,155      322,628     (67,362)  --         22,112       (325)
                   -------- ---------   ---  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------   ---  ------------  ---------
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......    55,502     9,316   --       249,371      3,924    1,139,165        (888)  --         91,948        (20)
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..   466,306   525,631   --     1,639,491    333,168    8,168,426   1,606,781   --      2,439,840     41,816
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   370,910  (115,063)  --      (551,692)    (4,202)  (1,740,418)   (253,270)  --       (364,204)      (333)
                   -------- ---------   ---  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------   ---  ------------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    95,396   410,568   --     1,087,799    328,966    6,428,008   1,353,511   --      2,075,636     41,483
                   -------- ---------   ---  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------   ---  ------------  ---------
Net increase in
 net assets......   150,898   419,884   --     1,337,170    332,890    7,567,173   1,352,623   --      2,167,584     41,463
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........   419,884       --    --       332,890        --     1,352,623         --    --         41,463        --
                   -------- ---------   ---  -----------  ---------  -----------  ----------   ---  ------------  ---------
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $570,782 $ 419,884   --   $ 1,670,060  $ 332,890  $ 8,919,796  $1,352,623   --   $  2,209,047  $  41,463
                   ======== =========   ===  ===========  =========  ===========  ==========   ===  ============  =========
<CAPTION>
                       Managed Subaccount
                   -----------------------------
                      1995        1994     1993*
                   ------------ ---------- -----
<S>                <C>          <C>        <C>
Increase in net
 assets from
 operations:
 Net investment
  income.........  $   305,796  $  11,667   --
 Net realized
  gains
  (losses).......      179,131     (4,727)  --
 Net unrealized
  appreciation
  (depreciation)
  during the
  year...........       51,622     (8,296)  --
                   ------------ ---------- -----
Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 resulting from
 operations......      536,549     (1,356)  --
From policyholder
 transactions:
 Net premiums
  from
  policyholders..    5,502,408    859,794   --
 Net benefits to
  policyholders..   (2,875,967)  (211,705)  --
                   ------------ ---------- -----
Net increase in
 net assets from
 policyholder
 transactions....    2,626,441    648,089   --
                   ------------ ---------- -----
Net increase in
 net assets......    3,162,990    646,733   --
Net assets at
 beginning of
 period..........      646,733        --    --
                   ------------ ---------- -----
Net assets at end
 of period.......  $ 3,809,723  $ 646,733   --
                   ============ ========== =====
</TABLE>
 
* From December 14, 1993 (commencement of operations)
** From May 6, 1994 (commencement of operations)
*** From May 1, 1994 (commencement of operations)
 
See accompanying notes.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1995
 
1. ORGANIZATION
 
John Hancock Variable Life Account S (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 created on November 12, 1993. The Account commenced operations
on December 14, 1993 from the receipt of policy premiums. 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
policyowners. 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.
 
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 various rates ranging from
 .50% to .625%, depending on the type of policy, 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.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
 
JHVLICO makes certain deductions for administrative expenses and state premium
taxes from premium payments before amounts are transferred to the Account.
 
POLICY LOANS
 
Policy loans represent outstanding loans plus accrued interest. Interest is
accrued (net of a charge for policy loan administration determined at an
annual rate of .75% of the aggregate amount of policyholder indebtedness) and
compounded daily. At December 31, 1995, there were no outstanding policy
loans.
 
3. TRANSACTION 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.
 
4. DETAILS OF INVESTMENTS
 
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..................................... 406,768 $6,909,172 $7,064,890
Bond............................................. 137,078  1,357,549  1,388,285
International.................................... 163,670  2,448,039  2,554,818
Money Market..................................... 462,652  4,626,511  4,626,511
Real Estate Equity...............................  48,801    535,768    570,782
Special Opportunities............................ 126,668  1,481,556  1,670,060
Stock............................................ 639,815  8,664,521  8,919,796
Short-Term U.S. Government....................... 215,888  2,187,261  2,209,047
Managed.......................................... 277,537  3,766,357  3,809,723
</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........................................... $ 7,299,567 $ 1,444,204
Bond...................................................   1,480,183     365,240
International..........................................   2,211,508     776,801
Money Market...........................................  12,660,558  10,289,180
Real Estate Equity.....................................     451,518     326,311
Special Opportunities..................................   1,350,626     227,618
Stock..................................................   8,733,659   1,659,437
Short-Term U.S. Government.............................   2,584,350     447,128
Managed................................................   5,369,428   2,437,190
</TABLE>
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
              REPORTS OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Policyholders
John Hancock Variable Life Account S
 of John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of John
Hancock Variable Life Account S (the "Account") (comprising, respectively, the
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 the periods indicated therein. 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 S 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
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                (Unaudited)    December 31
                                                 March 31   ------------------
                                                   1996       1995      1994
                                                -----------   ----      ----
                                                        (In millions)
<S>                                             <C>         <C>       <C>
Assets
Bonds--Note 7..................................  $  602.0   $  552.8  $  458.3
Preferred stocks...............................       5.0        5.0       5.3
Common stocks..................................       1.4        1.7       1.9
Investment in affiliates.......................      67.5       65.3      59.9
Mortgage loans on real estate--Note 7..........     154.5      146.7     148.5
Real estate....................................      36.4       36.4      27.8
Policy loans...................................      65.8       61.8      47.3
Cash items:
  Cash in banks................................       0.0       11.6      29.3
  Temporary cash investments...................      48.4       65.0      46.7
                                                 --------   --------  --------
                                                     48.4       76.6      76.0
Premiums due and deferred......................      37.4       39.6      43.9
Investment income due and accrued..............      18.1       18.6      14.7
Other general account assets...................      13.6       20.8      22.3
Assets held in separate accounts...............   2,575.9    2,421.0   1,721.0
                                                 --------   --------  --------
TOTAL ASSETS...................................  $3,626.0   $3,446.3  $2,626.9
                                                 ========   ========  ========
Obligations and Stockholder's Equity
OBLIGATIONS
  Policy reserves..............................  $  677.4   $  671.1  $  638.6
  Federal income and other taxes payable--Note
   1...........................................      11.0       14.2      17.3
  Other accrued expenses.......................      96.9       79.9      22.8
  Asset valuation reserve--Note 1..............      15.5       15.4      12.6
  Obligations related to separate accounts.....   2,571.8    2,417.0   1,717.7
                                                 --------   --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS..............................   3,372.6    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--1996 and 1995; 20,000 shares--1994..       2.5        2.5      25.0
  Paid-in capital..............................     377.5      377.5     355.0
  Unassigned deficit...........................    (126.6)    (131.3)   (162.1)
                                                 --------   --------  --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY.....................     253.4      248.7     217.9
                                                 --------   --------  --------
TOTAL OBLIGATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY.....  $3,626.0   $3,446.3  $2,626.9
                                                 ========   ========  ========
</TABLE>    
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND UNASSIGNED DEFICIT
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                    (Unaudited)
                                Three months ended
                                     March 31         Year ended December 31
                                --------------------  -------------------------
                                  1996       1995      1995     1994     1993
                                  ----       ----      ----     ----     ----
                                               (In millions)
<S>                             <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Income
  Premiums....................  $   175.4  $    99.9  $ 570.9  $ 430.5  $ 398.8
  Net investment income--Note
   4..........................       17.8       16.3     62.1     57.6     61.3
  Other, net..................       26.0       23.5     85.7     95.5     (4.0)
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
                                    219.2      139.7    718.7    583.6    456.1
Benefits and Expenses
  Payments to policyholders
   and beneficiaries..........       61.0       51.3    213.4    187.5    190.8
  Additions to reserves to
   provide for future payments
   to policyholders and bene-
   ficiaries..................       97.9       34.0    282.4    185.3    111.5
  Expenses of providing serv-
   ice to policyholders and
   obtaining new insurance--
   Note 6.....................       45.8       40.4    150.7    168.9    144.5
  Cost of restructuring.......        0.0        0.0      0.0      3.0      0.0
  State and miscellaneous tax-
   es.........................        2.4        2.9     12.7     11.3      9.8
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
                                    207.1      128.6    659.2    556.0    456.6
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
    GAIN (LOSS) FROM
     OPERATIONS BEFORE FEDERAL
     INCOME TAXES AND NET
     REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS
     (LOSSES).................       12.1       11.1     59.5     27.6     (0.5)
Federal income taxes--Note 1..        8.1        5.7     28.4     15.0      6.5
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
    GAIN (LOSS) FROM
     OPERATIONS BEFORE NET
     REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS
     (LOSSES).................        4.0        5.4     31.1     12.6     (7.0)
Net realized capital gains
 (losses)--Note 5.............        0.0       (0.8)     0.5      0.4     (2.6)
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
    NET GAIN (LOSS)...........        4.0        4.6     31.6     13.0     (9.6)
Unassigned deficit at begin-
 ning of year.................     (131.3)    (162.1)  (162.1)  (177.2)  (142.3)
Net unrealized capital gains
 (losses) and other adjust-
 ments--Note 5................        0.4        0.3     (3.0)    (1.5)    (3.2)
Valuation reserve changes--
 Note 1.......................        0.0        0.0      0.0      2.7      2.3
Change in separate account
 surplus......................        0.2       (0.3)     0.7      0.0      0.5
Other reserves and adjust-
 ments........................        0.1       (0.4)     1.5      0.9    (24.9)
                                ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
    UNASSIGNED DEFICIT AT END
     OF PERIOD................  $  (126.6) $  (157.9) $(131.3) $(162.1) $(177.2)
                                =========  =========  =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>    
 
The accompany notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                   (Unaudited)
                               Three months ended
                                    March 31         Year ended December 31
                               --------------------  -------------------------
                                 1996       1995      1995     1994     1993
                                 ----       ----      ----     ----     ----
                                              (In millions)
<S>                            <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>
Cash flows from operating
 activities:
  Insurance premiums.......... $   178.2  $   102.8  $ 574.0  $ 436.4  $ 411.4
  Net investment income.......      18.6       15.6     59.2     57.9     63.0
  Benefits to policyholders
   and beneficiaries..........     (55.6)     (50.0)  (198.3)  (175.3)  (176.6)
  Dividends paid to
   policyholders..............      (3.7)      (2.9)   (13.2)   (11.9)   (14.8)
  Insurance expenses and
   taxes......................     (49.4)     (44.4)  (161.5)  (180.6)  (148.4)
  Net transfers to separate
   accounts...................     (96.4)     (26.8)  (257.4)  (146.6)   (91.9)
  Other, net..................      18.3       11.7     40.6     72.8    (22.7)
                               ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
      NET CASH PROVIDED FROM
       OPERATIONS.............      10.0        6.0     43.4     52.7     20.0
                               ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
Cash flows used in investing
 activities:
  Bond purchases..............     (72.2)     (19.2)  (172.5)   (94.1)   (92.3)
  Bond sales..................      10.4        4.2     18.9     23.1     74.0
  Bond maturities and
   scheduled redemptions......       6.0       11.6     36.0     22.3     12.6
  Bond prepayments............       7.2        0.0     20.6     24.7     16.4
  Stock purchases.............      (1.5)      (1.7)    (1.7)    (1.5)   (59.8)
  Proceeds from stock sales...       0.0        0.0      1.4      1.2      9.4
  Real estate purchases.......      (0.3)      (2.8)   (16.2)   (18.4)    (0.5)
  Real estate sales...........       0.1        0.0      9.3     22.1      3.6
  Other invested assets
   purchases..................       0.0       (0.1)    (0.4)    (0.9)    (4.2)
  Proceeds from the sale of
   other invested assets......       0.3        0.0      0.3      1.3      0.1
  Mortgage loans issued.......     (12.9)      (3.0)   (19.8)   (37.9)   (32.4)
  Mortgage loan repayments....       5.1        6.9     21.1     35.2     80.1
  Other, net..................      19.6      (11.4)    60.2     22.9    (45.6)
                               ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
      NET CASH USED IN
       INVESTING ACTIVITIES...     (38.2)     (15.5)   (42.8)     0.0    (38.6)
                               ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
 AND TEMPORARY CASH
 INVESTMENTS..................     (28.2)      (9.5)     0.6     52.7    (18.6)
Cash and temporary cash
 investments at beginning of
 year.........................      76.6       76.0     76.0     23.3     41.9
                               ---------  ---------  -------  -------  -------
CASH AND TEMPORARY CASH
 INVESTMENTS AT THE END OF
 PERIOD....................... $    48.4  $    66.5  $  76.6  $  76.0  $  23.3
                               =========  =========  =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>    
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                              Common  Paid-in  Unassigned
                                              Stock   Capital   Deficit   Total
                                              ------  -------  ---------- ------
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                           <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>
Balance at January 1, 1993................... $25.0   $356.8    $(142.3)  $239.5
1993 Transactions:
  Net loss...................................                      (9.6)    (9.6)
  Net unrealized capital losses and other
   adjustments...............................                      (3.2)    (3.2)
  Valuation reserve changes..................                       2.3      2.3
  Change in separate account surplus.........                       0.5      0.5
  Other reserves and adjustments.............                     (24.9)   (24.9)
  Return of capital..........................           (1.8)               (1.8)
                                              -----   ------    -------   ------
Balance at December 31, 1993.................  25.0    355.0     (177.2)   202.8
1994 Transactions:
  Net gain...................................                      13.0     13.0
  Net unrealized capital losses and other
   adjustments...............................                      (1.5)    (1.5)
  Valuation reserve changes..................                       2.7      2.7
  Other reserves and adjustments.............                       0.9      0.9
                                              -----   ------    -------   ------
Balance at December 31, 1994.................  25.0    355.0     (162.1)   217.9
1995 Transactions:
  Net gain...................................                      31.6     31.6
  Net unrealized capital losses and other
   adjustments...............................                      (3.0)    (3.0)
  Change in separate account surplus.........                       0.7      0.7
  Other reserves and adjustments.............                       1.5      1.5
  Reclassification of paid-in capital........ (22.5)    22.5                 0.0
                                              -----   ------    -------   ------
Balance at December 31, 1995................. $ 2.5   $377.5    $(131.3)  $248.7
                                              =====   ======    =======   ======
For the three months ended March 31, 1995
 (unaudited)
Balance at January 1, 1995................... $25.0   $355.0    $(162.1)  $217.9
1995 Transactions:
  Net gain...................................                       4.6      4.6
  Net unrealized capital gains and other
   adjustments...............................                       0.3      0.3
  Change in separate account surplus.........                      (0.3)    (0.3)
  Other reserves and adjustments.............                      (0.4)    (0.4)
  Reclassification of paid-in capital........ (22.5)    22.5                 0.0
                                              -----   ------    -------   ------
Balance at March 31, 1995.................... $ 2.5   $377.5    $(157.9)  $222.1
                                              =====   ======    =======   ======
For the three months ended March 31, 1996
 (unaudited)
Balance at January 1, 1996................... $ 2.5   $377.5    $(131.3)  $248.7
1996 Transactions:
  Net gain...................................                       4.0      4.0
  Net unrealized capital gains and other
   adjustments...............................                       0.4      0.4
  Change in separate account surplus.........                       0.2      0.2
  Other reserves and adjustments.............                       0.1      0.1
                                              -----   ------    -------   ------
Balance at March 31, 1996.................... $ 2.5   $377.5    $(126.6)  $253.4
                                              =====   ======    =======   ======
</TABLE>    
   
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.     
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
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 unaffiliated 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 General 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.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
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 March 31, 1996, the IMR, net of 1996 amortization of $0.3 million,
amounted to $7.0 million which is included in policy reserves. The
corresponding amounts at March 31, 1995 were $0.3 million and $6.8 million,
respectively. 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. In 1996, 1995 and 1994, the change in separate account surplus is
recognized through direct charges or credits to unassigned deficit. In 1993
separate account business was combined with the general account under the
appropriate captions in the consolidated summary of operations. The 1993
presentation was reclassified to permit comparison with the corresponding
1996, 1995 and 1994 amounts. The presentation has no effect on unassigned
deficit.
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments: 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
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES-- CONTINUED
 
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.
 
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 March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
  respectively. 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.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
NOTE 1--NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES-- CONTINUED
 
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 adjustments. The
Company made payments of $10.5 million and $12.1 million for the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1995, respectively. The Company made
payments of $32.2 million in 1995 and $17.0 million in 1993 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. Similar refinements to the actuarial assumptions
inherent in the calculation of active life waiver of premium disability
reserves were made during 1993 resulting in a $2.3 million decrease in the
unassigned deficit at December 31, 1993. During 1995 and the three months
ended March 31, 1996, there were no refinements in actuarial assumptions
inherent in the calculation of policy reserves.
 
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 and 1993 amounts have been reclassified to
permit comparison with the corresponding 1996 and 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.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
NOTE 2--CAPITALIZATION--CONTINUED
 
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.
 
During 1993, the Company returned $1.8 million of paid-in capital to John
Hancock.
 
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 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 for the three months ended March
31, 1996 and during 1995 and 1994. Unamortized goodwill of $17.8 and $17.1
million at March 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively 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>
                                                    Three months
                                                        ended       Year ended
                                                      March 31     December 31
                                                    ------------- --------------
                                                     1996   1995  1995 1994 1993
                                                    ------ ------ ---- ---- ----
                                                           (In millions)
<S>                                                 <C>    <C>    <C>  <C>  <C>
Investment expenses................................ $  0.9 $  0.7 $5.1 $3.4 $2.9
Interest expense...................................    0.0    0.0  0.0  0.2  0.0
Depreciation expense...............................    0.2    0.3  1.0  0.6  0.6
Investment taxes...................................    0.2    0.2  0.5  0.2  0.3
                                                    ------ ------ ---- ---- ----
                                                    $  1.3 $  1.2 $6.6 $4.4 $3.8
                                                    ====== ====== ==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
NOTE 5--NET CAPITAL GAINS (LOSSES) AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS
 
Net realized capital gains (losses) consist of the following items:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Three months
                                               ended           Year ended
                                              March 31         December 31
                                            --------------  -------------------
                                             1996    1995   1995   1994   1993
                                            ------  ------  -----  -----  -----
                                                     (In millions)
<S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Gains (losses) from asset sales............ $  0.6  $ (0.8) $ 4.0  $(1.6) $ 9.6
Capital gains (tax) credit.................   (0.2)    0.0   (2.5)   2.5   (4.2)
Net capital gains transferred to IMR.......   (0.4)    0.0   (1.0)  (0.5)  (8.0)
                                            ------  ------  -----  -----  -----
  Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)...... $  0.0  $ (0.8) $ 0.5  $ 0.4  $(2.6)
                                            ======  ======  =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
Net unrealized capital gains (losses) and other adjustments consist of the
following items:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Three months
                                               ended           Year ended
                                              March 31         December 31
                                            --------------  -------------------
                                             1996    1995   1995   1994   1993
                                            ------  ------  -----  -----  -----
                                                     (In millions)
<S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>
Gains (losses) from changes in security
 values and book value adjustments......... $  0.5  $  0.8  $(0.2) $ 0.7  $(1.4)
Increase in asset valuation reserve........   (0.1)   (0.5)  (2.8)  (2.2)  (1.8)
                                            ------  ------  -----  -----  -----
  Net Unrealized Capital Gains (Losses) and
   Other Adjustments....................... $  0.4  $  0.3  $(3.0) $(1.5) $(3.2)
                                            ======  ======  =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
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 1996, 1995, 1994, and 1993 to reflect
continuing changes in the Company's operations. The amount of the service fee
charged to the Company was $27.1 million, $27.4 million, $97.9 million, $117.0
million and $98.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and March
31, 1995, in 1995, 1994, and 1993, 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 $0.0 million,
$0.0 million, $1.8 million, $6.0 million, and $1.4 million for the three
months ended March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1995 and the years ended December
31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, 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.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
NOTE 6--TRANSACTIONS WITH PARENT--CONTINUED
 
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 $11.7
million of cash for tax, commission, and expense allowances to the Company,
which increased the Company's net gain from operations by $3.4 million for the
three months ended March 31, 1996. The corresponding amounts for the three
months ended March 31, 1995 were $13.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
The corresponding amounts for the year ended December 31, 1995 were $32.7
million and $20.3 million, respectively. The corresponding amounts for the
year ended December 31, 1994 were $29.5 million and $26.9 million,
respectively.
 
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds are shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Gross      Gross
                                           Statement Unrealized Unrealized  Fair
    Three Months Ended March 31, 1996        Value     Gains      Losses   Value
    ---------------------------------      --------- ---------- ---------- ------
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. treasury securities and obligations
 of U.S. government corporations and
 agencies................................   $ 98.2     $ 0.0       $1.3    $ 96.9
Obligations of states and political sub-
 divisions...............................     12.3       1.0        0.0      13.3
Debt securities issued by foreign govern-
 ments...................................      0.3       0.0        0.0       0.3
Corporate securities.....................    473.8      33.3        8.3     498.8
Mortgage-backed securities...............     17.4       0.2        0.3      17.3
                                            ------     -----       ----    ------
  Totals.................................   $602.0     $34.5       $9.9    $626.6
                                            ======     =====       ====    ======
<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 sub-
 divisions...............................     11.4       1.1        0.0      12.5
Debt securities issued by foreign govern-
 ments...................................      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
                                            ======     =====       ====    ======
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>   
<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>    
 
The statement value and fair value of bonds 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>
                                             March 31, 1996  December 31, 1995
                                            ---------------- -------------------
                                            Statement  Fair  Statement   Fair
                                              Value   Value    Value     Value
                                            --------- ------ ---------- --------
                                                       (In millions)
<S>                                         <C>       <C>    <C>        <C>
Due in one year or less....................  $  5.6   $  5.7  $   18.7  $   19.8
Due after one year through five years......   244.9    249.4     266.8     278.6
Due after five years through ten years.....   182.2    189.4     153.1     167.4
Due after ten years........................   151.9    164.8     108.7     125.8
                                             ------   ------  --------  --------
                                              584.6    609.3     547.3     591.6
Mortgage-backed securities.................    17.4     17.3       5.5       5.7
                                             ------   ------  --------  --------
                                             $602.0   $626.6  $  552.8  $  597.3
                                             ======   ======  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
Proceeds from sales of bonds during the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
March 31, 1995 were $10.4 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Gross gains
of $0.5 million and $0.0 million and gross losses of $0.1 million and $0.0
million were realized on these transactions during the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and March 31, 1995, respectively.
 
Proceeds from sales of bonds during 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $18.9 million,
$23.1 million, and $74.0 million, respectively. Gross gains of $0.2 million in
1995, $0.0 million in 1994, and $8.5 million in 1993 and gross losses of $0.1
million in 1995, $0.1 million in 1994, and $0.0 million in 1993 were realized
on these transactions.
 
The cost of common stocks was $0.0 million, $0.1 million and $1.4 million at
March 31, 1996, December 31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, respectively. Gross
unrealized appreciation on common stocks totaled $1.4 million at March 31,
1996 and $1.7 million at December 31, 1995 and gross unrealized depreciation
totaled $0.0 million at March 31, 1996 and $0.1 million at December 31, 1995.
The fair value of preferred stock totaled $5.0 million at March 31, 1996, $5.2
million at December 31, 1995, and $5.0 million at December 31, 1994.
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
 
NOTE 7--INVESTMENTS--CONTINUED
 
Mortgage loans with outstanding principal balances of $1.1 million and bonds
with amortized cost of $6.0 million were nonincome producing for the three
months ended March 31, 1996. The corresponding amounts for the twelve months
ended December 31, 1995 were $1.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
 
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>
                                                  March 31, 1996
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                     Statement      Geographic       Statement
          Property Type                Value       Concentration       Value
          -------------              ---------     -------------     ---------
                                   (In millions)                   (In millions)
<S>                                <C>           <C>               <C>
                                                 East North
Apartments........................    $ 57.4     Central              $ 27.4
                                                 East South
Hotels............................       0.0     Central                 0.0
Industrial........................      29.8     Middle Atlantic        10.5
Office buildings..................      12.5     Mountain               11.6
Retail............................      20.2     New England            19.7
1-4 Family........................       0.0     Pacific                41.5
Agricultural......................      22.6     South Atlantic         35.4
                                                 West South
Other.............................      12.0     Central                 8.4
                                      ------                          ------
                                      $154.5                          $154.5
                                      ======                          ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 December 31, 1995
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                     Statement      Geographic       Statement
          Property Type                Value       Concentration       Value
          -------------              ---------     -------------     ---------
                                   (In millions)                   (In millions)
<S>                                <C>           <C>               <C>
                                                 East North
Apartments........................    $ 52.1     Central              $ 30.1
                                                 East South
Hotels............................       4.5     Central                 1.9
Industrial........................      25.4     Middle Atlantic        10.5
Office buildings..................      12.6     Mountain               11.8
Retail............................      20.3     New England            19.8
Agricultural......................      19.8     Pacific                41.6
Other.............................      12.0     South Atlantic         31.0
                                      ------                          ------
                                      $146.7                          $146.7
                                      ======                          ======
</TABLE>
 
At March 31, 1996, the fair values of the commercial and agricultural mortgage
loans portfolios were $133.7 million and $29.3 million, respectively. The
corresponding amounts as of December 31, 1995 were $132.1 million and $22.2
million, respectively. The corresponding amounts as of December 31, 1994 were
$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
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
NOTE 8--REINSURANCE--CONTINUED
 
ceded to reinsurers during the three months ended March 31, 1996 were $24.6
million, $1.5 million, and $12.0 million, respectively. The corresponding
amounts during the three months ended March 31, 1995 were $15.6 million, $1.2
million, and $15.3 million, respectively. The corresponding amounts 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. The corresponding amounts in 1993 were $74.9 million,
$9.8 million, and $14.4 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>
                                                   March 31, 1996   Percent
                                                  ----------------- -------
                                                    (In millions)
<S>                                               <C>               <C>     <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal (with
 adjustment):
  With market value adjustment...................      $  0.0          0.0%
  At book value less surrender charge............       174.5         99.4
                                                       ------        -----
  Total with adjustment..........................       174.5         99.4
  Subject to discretionary withdrawal (without
   adjustment) at book value.....................         1.1          0.6
Not to discretionary withdrawal..................         0.0          0.0
                                                       ------        -----
Total annuity reserves and deposit liabilities...      $175.6        100.0%
                                                       ======        =====
<CAPTION>
                                                  December 31, 1995 Percent
                                                  ----------------- -------
                                                    (In millions)
<S>                                               <C>               <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 totalling $9.4 million and $0.0 million, respectively,
at March 31, 1996. The corresponding amounts at December 31,
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--CONTINUED
   (INFORMATION AS OF, AND FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995 IS
                                  UNAUDITED.)
NOTE 10--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES--CONTINUED
 
1995 were $16.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively. 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 values of the commitments described above were $9.5 million at March 31,
1996 and $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 March 31, 1996 and 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.
 
                                      61
<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.
   
  The tax treatment of the Policy proceeds may vary, depending on which
settlement option is chosen and the timing of such choice. You should consult
your tax adviser in this regard.     
 
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
 
  On payment of an additional premium or charge 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 by rider.
 
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.
 
  OWNER AND 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.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  SUICIDE. If the insured commits suicide within 2 years (except where state
law requires a shorter period) from the date of issue 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 within 2 years (except where state law requires a shorter period)
from the date of any Policy change that increases the death benefit, the death
benefit will be limited as set forth in the Policy.
 
  AGE AND POLICY ANNIVERSARIES. For purpose of the Policy, an insured's "age"
is his or her age on his or her nearest birthday. Policy months and Policy
years are calculated from the date of issue.
 
  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 shall be incontestable other than for
nonpayment of premiums after it has been in force during the lifetime of an
insured for 2 years from its issue date. If, however, evidence of insurability
is required with respect to any increase in death benefit, such increase shall
be incontestable after the increase has been in force for 2 years from the
increase date.
 
  DEFERRAL OF DETERMINATIONS AND PAYMENTS. Payment of any death, surrender,
partial 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
in any variable Subaccount 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 Owners.
 
  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.
 
                                      A-2
<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, Planned
Premium schedule and Sum Insured and shows how the death benefit and Surrender
Value may vary over an extended period of time assuming hypothetical rates of
investment return equivalent to constant gross annual rates of 0%, 6% and 12%.
The tables are based on given annual Planned 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. Tables are provided for Options A and B. The
death benefit and Surrender Value for a Policy would be different 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 fluctuate above or below the average for individual Policy years,
or if the Policy were issued under circumstances in which no distinctions are
made based on the gender of the insured.     
   
  The amounts shown for the death benefit and Surrender Value are as of the
end of each Policy year. The first three tables headed "Using Current Charges"
assume that the current rates for insurance, sales, risk, and expense charges
will apply in each year illustrated, including the planned reductions after
the first 10 Policy years in cost of insurance charges and sales charges
deducted from premiums. The three tables headed "Using Maximum Charges" assume
that the maximum (guaranteed) insurance, sales, risk, and expense charges will
be made 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 .60%) 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 .19%).
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
Portfolio charges and expenses associated with any Policy will vary depending
upon the actual allocation of Policy values among Subaccounts.     
   
  The tables reflect that no charge is currently made to the Account 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. All of the tables do,
however, reflect the imposition of a Federal DAC Tax charge and a premium tax
charge.     
 
  The tables assume that no Additional Sum Insured or optional rider benefits
have been elected, that the application for the Policy has been fully
underwritten and that the insured has qualified for JHVLICO's select
underwriting class.
 
  The second column of each table shows the amount to which the total premiums
paid to the end of a Policy year would accumulate if an amount equal to those
premiums were invested to earn interest, after taxes, at 5% compounded
annually.
 
  JHVLICO will furnish upon request a comparable illustration reflecting the
proposed insured's age, sex, underwriting risk classification and the Sum
Insured at issue and Planned Premium amount requested, and assuming annual
Planned Premiums.
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION A DEATH
         BENEFIT GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST PLANNED
         PREMIUM: $2,000* USING CURRENT CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%              12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
      1           $ 2,100       $      100,000       $100,000       $100,000 $          927 $         1,006          $1,086
      2             4,305              100,000        100,000        100,000          2,225           2,449           2,685
      3             6,620              100,000        100,000        100,000          3,170           3,614           4,097
      4             9,051              100,000        100,000        100,000          4,242           4,980           5,815
      5            11,604              100,000        100,000        100,000          5,279           6,388           7,693
      6            14,284              100,000        100,000        100,000          6,673           8,244          10,165
      7            17,098              100,000        100,000        100,000          8,023          10,162          12,875
      8            20,053              100,000        100,000        100,000          9,330          12,143          15,848
      9            23,156              100,000        100,000        100,000         10,590          14,188          19,110
     10            26,414              100,000        100,000        100,000         11,826          16,332          22,739
     11            29,834              100,000        100,000        100,000         13,134          18,676          26,872
     12            33,426              100,000        100,000        100,000         14,391          21,105          31,432
     13            37,197              100,000        100,000        100,000         15,594          23,619          36,471
     14            41,157              100,000        100,000        100,000         16,739          26,223          42,045
     15            45,315              100,000        100,000        100,000         17,824          28,920          48,219
     16            49,681              100,000        100,000        100,000         18,843          31,715          55,069
     17            54,265              100,000        100,000        100,000         19,792          34,611          62,683
     18            59,078              100,000        100,000        100,000         20,665          37,614          71,163
     19            64,132              100,000        100,000        100,000         21,456          40,731          80,626
     20            69,439              100,000        100,000        109,370         22,158          43,969          91,141
     25           100,227              100,000        100,000        187,225         24,108          62,417         162,805
     30           139,522          100,000            100,000        295,764     22,342              86,550         281,680
     35           189,673          100,000            125,473        504,065     13,551             119,498         480,062
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
       
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION A DEATH
         BENEFIT GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST PLANNED
         PREMIUM: $2,000* USING MAXIMUM CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%             12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
      1           $  2,100      $      100,000 $      100,000 $      100,000 $          607 $          676        $    746
      2              4,305             100,000        100,000        100,000          1,569          1,753           1,947
      3              6,620             100,000        100,000        100,000          2,163          2,515           2,899
      4              9,051             100,000        100,000        100,000          2,867          3,437           4,086
      5             11,604             100,000        100,000        100,000          3,519          4,359           5,354
      6             14,284             100,000        100,000        100,000          4,510          5,683           7,128
      7             17,098             100,000        100,000        100,000          5,437          7,017           9,039
      8             20,053             100,000        100,000        100,000          6,292          8,354          11,096
      9             23,156             100,000        100,000        100,000          7,070          9,690          13,310
     10             26,414             100,000        100,000        100,000          7,794         11,016          15,693
     11             29,834             100,000        100,000        100,000          8,430         12,392          18,329
     12             33,426             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,002         13,754          21,179
     13             37,197             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,477         15,098          24,269
     14             41,157             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,851         16,422          27,629
     15             45,315             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,119         17,721          31,292
     16             49,681             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,268         18,984          35,293
     17             54,265             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,286         20,200          39,674
     18             59,078             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,155         21,356          44,483
     19             64,132             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,855         22,433          49,777
     20             69,439             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,363         23,412          55,627
     25            100,227             100,000        100,000        111,384          3,253         26,205          96,855
     30            139,522            **              100,000        172,795       **               22,119         164,567
     35            189,673            **                    0        286,647       **             **               272,998
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
   
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.     
       
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION B DEATH
         BENEFIT GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TEST PLANNED
         PREMIUM: $2,000* USING CURRENT CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                               Surrender Value
                                -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%            0%             6%             12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
      1           $  2,100      $      100,925 $      101,004 $      101,084 $         925 $        1,004        $  1,084
      2              4,305             102,059        102,282        102,517         2,219          2,442           2,677
      3              6,620             103,158        103,599        104,080         3,158          3,599           4,080
      4              9,051             104,220        104,953        105,783         4,220          4,953           5,783
      5             11,604             105,244        106,344        107,639         5,244          6,344           7,639
      6             14,284             106,620        108,176        110,077         6,620          8,176          10,077
      7             17,098             107,947        110,060        112,739         7,947         10,060          12,739
      8             20,053             109,223        111,996        115,646         9,223         11,996          15,646
      9             23,156             110,446        113,982        118,816        10,446         13,982          18,816
     10             26,414             111,634        116,048        122,321        11,634         16,048          22,321
     11             29,834             112,884        118,294        126,286        12,884         18,294          26,286
     12             33,426             114,070        120,597        130,625        14,070         20,597          30,625
     13             37,197             115,188        122,954        135,373        15,188         22,954          35,373
     14             41,157             116,232        125,361        140,565        16,232         25,361          40,565
     15             45,315             117,197        127,815        146,246        17,197         27,815          46,246
     16             49,681             118,076        130,310        152,458        18,076         30,310          52,458
     17             54,265             118,861        132,839        159,253        18,861         32,839          59,253
     18             59,078             119,544        135,396        166,683        19,544         35,396          66,683
     19             64,132             120,116        137,971        174,808        20,116         37,971          74,808
     20             69,439             120,566        140,553        183,692        20,566         40,553          83,692
     25            100,227             120,689        153,220        242,342        20,689         53,220         142,342
     30            139,522             115,980        163,859        334,512    15,980             63,859         234,512
     35            189,673             103,510        168,272        478,749         3,510         68,272         378,749
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
       
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION B DEATH
         BENEFIT GUIDELINE PREMIUM AND CASH VALUE CORRIDOR TESTPLANNED
         PREMIUM: $2,000*USING MAXIMUM CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%              12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
      1           $ 2,100       $      100,602 $      100,671 $      100,740 $          602 $           671 $           740
      2             4,305              101,395        101,577        101,769          1,555           1,737           1,929
      3             6,620              102,135        102,482        102,861          2,135           2,482           2,861
      4             9,051              102,821        103,381        104,018          2,821           3,381           4,018
      5            11,604              103,448        104,270        105,243          3,448           4,270           5,243
      6            14,284              104,408        105,550        106,956          4,408           5,550           6,956
      7            17,098              105,293        106,824        108,780          5,293           6,824           8,780
      8            20,053              106,098        108,083        110,719          6,098           8,083          10,719
      9            23,156              106,814        109,319        112,775          6,814           9,319          12,775
     10            26,414              107,434        110,519        114,949          7,434          10,519          14,949
     11            29,834              108,011        111,739        117,312          8,011          11,739          17,312
     12            33,426              108,480        112,909        119,809          8,480          12,909          19,809
     13            37,197              108,838        114,021        122,450          8,838          14,021          22,450
     14            41,157              109,080        115,067        125,241          9,080          15,067          25,241
     15            45,315              109,200        116,036        128,189          9,200          16,036          28,189
     16            49,681              109,187        116,910        131,295          9,187          16,910          31,295
     17            54,265              109,028        117,669        134,560          9,028          17,669          34,560
     18            59,078              108,706        118,290        137,980          8,706          18,290          37,980
     19            64,132              108,201        118,743        141,545          8,201          18,743          41,545
     20            69,439              107,495        118,999        145,249          7,495          18,999          45,249
     25           100,227              100,431        116,320        165,613            431          16,320          65,613
     30           139,522             **              102,962        187,070       **                 2,962          87,070
     35           189,673             **             **              202,230       **             **                102,230
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION A DEATH
         BENEFIT CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST PLANNED PREMIUM: $2,000* USING
         CURRENT CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%              12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
      1           $  2,100      $      100,000 $      100,000 $1      00,000 $          927 $         1,006 $         1,086
      2              4,305             100,000        100,000        100,000          2,225           2,449           2,685
      3              6,620             100,000        100,000        100,000          3,170           3,614           4,097
      4              9,051             101,233        100,000        100,000          4,242           4,980           5,815
      5             11,604             135,877        100,000        100,000          5,279           6,388           7,693
      6             14,284             152,868        100,000        100,000          6,673           8,244          10,165
      7             17,098             167,131        100,000        100,000          8,023          10,162          12,875
      8             20,053             152,222        100,000        100,000          9,330          12,143          15,848
      9             23,156             138,692        100,000        100,000         10,590          14,188          19,110
     10             26,414             126,373        100,000        100,000         11,826          16,332          22,739
     11             29,834             116,269        100,000        100,000         13,134          18,676          26,872
     12             33,426             106,876        100,000        100,000         14,391          21,105          31,432
     13             37,197             100,000        100,000        100,000         15,594          23,619          36,471
     14             41,157             100,000        100,000        100,000         16,739          26,223          42,045
     15             45,315             100,000        100,000        100,000         17,824          28,920          48,219
     16             49,681             100,000        100,000        100,599         18,843          31,715          55,065
     17             54,265             100,000        100,000        111,537         19,792          34,611          62,598
     18             59,078             100,000        100,000        123,208         20,665          37,614          70,862
     19             64,132             100,000        100,000        135,682         21,456          40,731          79,926
     20             69,439             100,000        100,000        149,025         22,158          43,969          89,861
     25            100,227             100,000        100,000        231,722         24,108          62,417         155,727
     30            139,522             100,000        115,707        351,007     22,342              85,418         259,122
     35            189,673             100,000        140,871        526,471     13,551             112,158         419,165
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
       
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
      
   PLAN: FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE $100,000 SUM INSURED MALE, ISSUE AGE
         45, FULLY UNDERWRITTEN SELECT UNDERWRITING CLASSOPTION A DEATH
         BENEFIT CASH VALUE ACCUMULATION TEST PLANNED PREMIUM: $2,000* USING
         MAXIMUM CHARGES     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                               Death Benefit                                Surrender Value
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Planned Premiums  Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of Assuming hypothetical gross annual return of
  End of       accumulated at   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policy Year  5% annual interest       0%             6%            12%             0%             6%             12%
- -----------  ------------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------------------- -------------- ---------------
<S>          <C>                <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
      1           $  2,100      $      100,000 $      100,000 $      100,000 $          607 $          676 $           746
      2              4,305             100,000        100,000        100,000          1,569          1,753           1,947
      3              6,620             100,000        100,000        100,000          2,163          2,515           2,899
      4              9,051             100,000        100,000        100,000          2,867          3,437           4,086
      5             11,604             100,000        100,000        100,000          3,519          4,359           5,354
      6             14,284             100,000        100,000        100,000          4,510          5,683           7,128
      7             17,098             100,000        100,000        100,000          5,437          7,017           9,039
      8             20,053             100,000        100,000        100,000          6,292          8,354          11,096
      9             23,156             100,000        100,000        100,000          7,070          9,690          13,310
     10             26,414             100,000        100,000        100,000          7,764         11,016          15,693
     11             29,834             100,000        100,000        100,000          8,430         12,392          18,329
     12             33,426             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,002         13,754          21,179
     13             37,197             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,477         15,098          24,269
     14             41,157             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,851         16,422          27,629
     15             45,315             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,119         17,721          31,292
     16             49,681             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,268         18,984          35,293
     17             54,265             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,286         20,200          39,674
     18             59,078             100,000        100,000        100,000         10,155         21,356          44,483
     19             64,132             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,855         22,433          49,777
     20             69,439             100,000        100,000        100,000          9,363         23,412          55,627
     25            100,227             100,000        100,000        139,190          3,253         26,205          93,542
     30            139,522            **              100,000        199,849       **               22,119         147,534
     35            189,673            **             **              278,928       **             **               222,076
</TABLE>    
- --------
 * The illustrations assume that Planned Premiums equal to the Target Premium
   are paid at the start of each Policy Year. The Death Benefit and Surrender
   Value will differ if premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies,
   if policy loans are taken, or if Additional Sum Insured, or optional rider
   benefits are elected.
** Policy lapses unless additional premium payments are made.
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RETURNS 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 FLUCTUATE ABOVE OR
BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUAL POLICY YEARS. NO REPRESENTATIONS CAN BE MADE
THAT THESE HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
                                      A-9
<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 73 pages.      

      The undertaking regarding indemnification.

      The undertaking to file reports.

      The signatures.

      The following exhibits:
<PAGE>
 
1.A. (1)  JHVLICO Board Resolution establishing the separate account, included
          in the initial filing of this registration statement, filed January
          25, 1996.

     (2)  Not Applicable.

     (3)  (a) Distribution Agreement and Amendment, included in the initial
              filing of this registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.

          (b) Specimen Variable Contracts Selling Agreement between John Hancock
              Mutual Life Insurance Company and selling broker-dealers, included
              in the initial filing of this registration statement, filed
              January 25,1996.

          (c) Schedule of sales commissions included in the text under the
              heading "Distribution of Policies" in the prospectus.

     (4)  Not Applicable

     (5)  Form of flexible premium variable life insurance policy.

     (6)  (a) JHVLICO Certificate of Incorporation, included in the initial
filing of this registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.

          (b) JHVLICO By-laws, included in the initial filing of this
registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.


     (7)  Not Applicable.

     (8)  Not Applicable.

     (9)  Not Applicable.

     (10) Forms of individual and master applications for Policy.
<PAGE>
 
2.  Included as exhibit 1.A(5) above.

3.  Opinion and consent of counsel as to securities being registered.

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 flexible premium policy pursuant to Rule 6e-
     3(T)(b)(12)(iii).

9.   Powers of attorney for Cleary, Tomlinson, D'Alessandro, Shaw, Luddy, Lee,
     Reitano, Van Leer and Paster, included in the initial filing of this
     registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.

10.  Representations, Description and Undertaking pursuant to Rule 6e-
     3(T)(b)(13)(iii)(F) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, included in
     the initial filing of this registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.

11.  Exemptive Relief Relied Upon, included in the initial filing of this
     registration statement, filed January 25, 1996.

27.  Financial Data Schedule.
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES
    
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the John
Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company has duly caused this 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 23rd day of July, 1996.      

                                 JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE
                                 INSURANCE COMPANY

(SEAL)

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



Attest:     /s/ SANDRA M. DADALT
        -----------------------------
             Sandra M. DaDalt
             Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
 
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
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.

      Signature          Title                             Date
      ---------          -----                             ----

/s/ Robert S. Paster
- -----------------------
Robert S. Paster         Director(Acting Principal             
                         Accounting Officer)               July 24, 1996
                                                                         
/s/ Patrick F. Smith
- -----------------------  Controller (Principal                           
Patrick F. Smith         Accounting Officer)               July 24, 1996
                                                                         
/s/ Henry D. Shaw
- -----------------------  Vice Chairman of the Board
Henry D. Shaw            and President(Acting Principal        
for himself and as       Executive Officer)                July 23, 1996
Attorney-In-Fact                                                         

FOR:  David D. D'Alessandro     Chairman of the Board
      Robert R. Reitano         Director
      Thomas J. Lee             Director
      Michele G. Van Leer       Director
      Barbara L. Luddy          Director
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-
    
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant, John Hancock Variable Life Account S, has duly caused this
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 23rd day of July, 1996.      



                      JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S
                                  (Registrant)

                 By John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                  (Depositor)



(SEAL)



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



Attest:     /s/ SANDRA M. DADALT
       --------------------------------
             Sandra M. DaDalt
                 Counsel

<PAGE>
 
                                                                  Exhibit 1.A.5.

[LOGO FOR JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE                John Hancock Place
 INSURANCE COMPANY FINANCIAL SERVICES              Boston, Massachusetts 02117
 APPEARS HERE]                                     [(800) 732-5543]
 
 
       INSURED  John Hancock           TOTAL SUM INSURED AT ISSUE  $200,000

 POLICY NUMBER  9-000001                        DATE OF ISSUE September 1, 1996

 DEATH BENEFIT  OPTION A: (See Section 4)

          PLAN  FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE

                      INDIVIDUAL VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE

The John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company ("the Company") agrees, subject
to the conditions and provisions of this policy, to pay the Death Benefit to the
Beneficiary upon the death of the Insured if such death occurs while the policy
is in full force, and to provide the other benefits, rights, and privileges of
the policy. The Death Benefit (see Section 4) will be payable, subject to the
"Deferral of Determinations and Payments" provision, on receipt at the Home
Office of the Company of due proof of the Insured's death.

The policy, which includes any Riders which are a part of the policy on
delivery, is issued in consideration of the application and payment of the
Minimum Initial Premium.

The policy Specifications and the conditions and provisions on this and the
following pages are part of the policy.

THE POLICY IS A LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN THE OWNER AND THE COMPANY.  READ YOUR
POLICY CAREFULLY.

Signed for the Company at Boston, Massachusetts:

 

/s/ Henry D. Shaw                               /s/ Laura L. Mangan

PRESIDENT                                       SECRETARY


Variable Life Insurance policy
Flexible Premiums
Death Benefit payable at death of Insured
Not eligible for dividends
Benefits, premiums, and the policy class are shown in the Specifications Section
of the policy.

To the extent any benefit, payment, or value under this policy (including the
Account Value) is based on the investment experience of a Separate Account, such
benefit, payment, or value may increase or decrease in accordance with the
investment experience of the Separate Account and is not guaranteed as to fixed
dollar amount. However, this policy may provide a Guaranteed Death Benefit while
the policy is in full force during the Guaranteed Death Benefit Period shown on
page 3, measured from the Date of Issue, provided that premiums are paid on a
timely basis and other conditions are met as described in Sections 4 and 6.

Right to Cancel--The Owner may surrender this policy by delivering or mailing it
to the Company at Boston, Massachusetts (or to the agent or agency office
through which it was delivered) within 45 days after the date of Part A of the
application, or within 10 days after receipt by the Owner of the policy, or
within 10 days after mailing by the Company of the Notice of Withdrawal Right,
whichever is latest. Immediately on such delivery or mailing, the policy shall
be deemed void from the beginning. Any premium paid on this policy will be
refunded within 10 days after timely receipt from the Owner of appropriate
written notice (including the surrendered policy, if it has been delivered)
exercising the rights described above.
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
          Policy Provisions                       Alphabetical Guide
               Section                                  Section
<C>  <S>                          <C>  <C>
 1.  Policy Specifications         8.  Account Value
 2.  Table Of Rates               14.  Allocation To Subaccounts
 3.  Definitions                  16.  Annual Report To Owner
 4.  Death Benefit                23.  Assignment
 5.  Payments                     12.  Basis of Computations
 6.  Guaranteed Death Benefit      9.  Charges
     Funding Requirement
 7.  Grace Period                 22.  Claims Of Creditors
 8.  Account Value                27.  The Contract
 9.  Charges                       4.  Death Benefit
10.  Loans                        21.  Deferral Of Determinations And Payments
11.  Surrenders and Withdrawals    3.  Definitions
12.  Basis of Computations         7.  Grace Period
13.  Separate Account and Fixed    6.  Guaranteed Death Benefit Funding
     Account                           Requirement
14.  Allocation To Subaccounts    24.  Incontestability
15.  Investment Policy Change     19.  Interest On Proceeds
16.  Annual Report To Owner       15.  Investment Policy Change
17.  Reinstatement                10.  Loans
18.  Owner and Beneficiary        25.  Misstatements
19.  Interest On Proceeds         18.  Owner and Beneficiary
20.  Transfer of Assets to         5.  Payments
     Fixed Account
21.  Deferral Of Determinations    1.  Policy Specifications
     And Payments
22.  Claims Of Creditors          17.  Reinstatement
23.  Assignment                   13.  Separate Account and Fixed Account
24.  Incontestability             28.  Settlement Provisions
25.  Misstatements                26.  Suicide Exclusion
26.  Suicide Exclusion            11.  Surrenders And Withdrawals
27.  The Contract                  2.  Table Of Rates
28.  Settlement Provisions        20.  Transfer of Assets to Fixed Account
 
</TABLE>

2
<PAGE>
 
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
1. POLICY SPECIFICATIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Insured  John Hancock      Plan: Flexible Premium Variable
                                               Life
                                            
           Issue Age  45                Policy Number 9-000001
           
                 Sex  M

       Premium Class  Select            Date of Issue Septemver 1, 1996

Death Benefit Option  Option A: Level Death Benefit (see Section 4)

                                        Sum Insured   
                                        Basic Sum Insured at Issue  $100,000
                                        Additional Sum Insured at   
                                        Issue                       $100,000
                                                                    --------
                                        Total Sum Insured at Issue  $200,000
                                               
                                 

                                   Premiums
                                   --------

                                                    ANNUAL PREMIUMS

Planned Premium                                         $3,000
Target Premium                                          $2,000
Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium                        $2,500
 
 

Billing Interval:  [Annual]
Guaranteed Death Benefit Period:  [Five Years]

3                                                               VO396A


<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. POLICY SPECIFICATIONS, continued
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Current Policy Charges*

                                Current Deductions from Premium Payments
                                ----------------------------------------

               Sales Charge

          Policy Years 1-10     6% up to Target Premium, 0% of Excess Premium.

  Policy Years 11 and after     0% up to Target and Excess Premium

   State Premium Tax Charge     2.35% up to Target and Excess Premium for all
                                  Policy Years
 
     Federal DAC Tax Charge     1.25% up to Target and Excess Premium for all
                                  Policy Years


                                  Current Deductions from Account Value
                                  -------------------------------------

               Sales Charge
           Policy Years 1-5     $.30 per $1000 per month of Basic Sum Insured

      Administrative Charge     $6.00 per month for all Policy Years.

               Issue Charge     $20.00 per month for first Policy Year plus $.03
                                per $1,000 of Basic Sum Insured at Issue 
                                deducted for first 5 Policy Years.

          Cost of Insurance     Determined in accordance with Section 9, and
                                deducted each month for all Policy Years.


                                  Current Deductions from Separate Account
                                  ----------------------------------------

 Mortality and Expense Risk     .600 of Account Value (deducted daily at a 
                     Charge     rate of .001639% for all Policy Years)




* We reserve the right to change the amount or percentage of any of these
  charges, but no charge will exceed the amount or percentage shown in the Table
  of Maximum Policy Charges shown on page 3B.


3A                                                              V3A96A

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. POLICY SPECIFICATIONS, continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Maximum Policy Charges

                                  Maximum Deductions from Premium Payments
                                  ----------------------------------------

               Sales Charge

          Policy Years 1-10       6% up to Target Premium, 0% of Excess Premium

  Policy Years 11 and after       3% up to Target Premium, 3% of Excess Premium

   State Premium Tax Charge       2.35% up to Target and Excess Premium for all
                                  Policy Years

     Federal DAC Tax Charge       1.25% up to Target and Excess Premium for all
                                  Policy Years


                                    Maximum Deductions from Account Value
                                    -------------------------------------

               Sales Charge

           Policy Years 1-5       $.30 per 1000 per month of Basic Sum Insured

      Administrative Charge       $8.00 per month for all Policy Years.

               Issue Charge       $20.00 per month for first Policy Year plus
                                  $.03 per $1,000 of Basic Sum Insured at Issue
                                  deducted for first 5 Policy Years.

          Cost of Insurance       Determined in accordance with Section 9, and
                                  deducted each month for all Policy Years: see
                                  Table of Rates, Section 2, for Maximum Monthly
                                  Rates used to determine Cost of Insurance.


                                  Maximum Deductions from Separate Account
                                  ----------------------------------------

 Mortality and Expense Risk       .90% of Account Value (deducted daily at a 
 Charge                           rate of .0024548% for all Policy Years)


3B                                                              V3B96A

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. TABLE OF RATES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rate Table

         Maximum Applied 
        Monthly rates per 
          $1,000 of Net      Death Benefit      Corridor
Age       Amount at Risk        Factors         Factors
- ---       --------------        -------         -------

 35            0.176             3.9726           2.50
 36            0.187             3.8433           2.50
 37            0.200             3.7186           2.50
 38            0.215             3.5985           2.50
 39            0.233             3.4829           2.50
 40            0.252             3.3717           2.50
 41            0.275             3.2649           2.43
 42            0.297             3.1623           2.36
 43            0.323             3.0636           2.29
 44            0.350             2.9689           2.22
 45            0.380             2.8779           2.15
 46            0.411             2.7904           2.09
 47            0.444             2.7064           2.03
 48            0.480             2.6255           1.97
 49            0.519             2.5477           1.91
 50            0.561             2.4728           1.85
 51            0.610             2.4008           1.78
 52            0.666             2.3317           1.71
 53            0.729             2.2654           1.64
 54            0.800             2.2019           1.57
 55            0.877             2.1412           1.50
 56            0.960             2.0831           1.46
 57            1.047             2.0275           1.42
 58            1.140             1.9742           1.38
 59            1.239             1.9230           1.34
 60            1.350             1.8740           1.30
 61            1.474             1.8269           1.28
 62            1.613             1.7818           1.26
 63            1.772             1.7387           1.24
 64            1.949             1.6976           1.22
 65            2.143             1.6584           1.20
 66            2.351             1.6211           1.19
 67            2.573             1.5855           1.18
 68            2.809             1.5516           1.17
 69            3.065             1.5191           1.16
 70            3.354             1.4880           1.15
 71            3.682             1.4583           1.13
 72            4.060             1.4301           1.11
 73            4.496             1.4033           1.09
 74            4.984             1.3781           1.07
 

 On a policy anniversary, "age" means the age of the Insured at his or her
 birthday nearest that date.  That "age" will apply until the next anniversary.

 Maximum Monthly Rates are based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary
 Mortality Tables.

4                                                               VD496A

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. TABLE OF RATES, continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
Rate Table (continued)

            Maximum Applied 
           Monthly rates per       Death 
             $1,000 of Net         Benefit      Corridor
Age          Amount at Risk        Factors      Factors
- ---          --------------        -------      -------
<S>          <C>                   <C>          <C>
75               5.513              1.3546      1.05
76               6.077              1.3325      1.05
77               6.666              1.3117      1.05
78               7.276              1.2922      1.05
79               7.924              1.2737      1.05
80               8.635              1.2560      1.05
81               9.431              1.2392      1.05
82              10.339              1.2232      1.05
83              11.374              1.2082      1.05
84              12.514              1.1942      1.05
85              13.738              1.1812      1.05
86              15.022              1.1692      1.05
87              16.357              1.1580      1.05
88              17.738              1.1475      1.05
89              19.172              1.1374      1.05
90              20.678              1.1277      1.05
91              22.287              1.1181      1.04
92              24.064              1.1082      1.03
93              26.120              1.0979      1.02
94              28.813              1.0869      1.01
95              32.818              1.0748      1.00
96              39.643              1.0616      1.00
97              53.066              1.0476      1.00
98              85.527              1.0334      1.00
99             165.340              1.0198      1.00
                                
</TABLE>                       


On a policy anniversary, "age" means the age of the Insured at his or her
birthday nearest that date.  That "age" will apply until the next anniversary.

Maximum Monthly Rates are based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary
Mortality Tables.


4A                                                              V4A96A
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. DEFINITIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The term "Account Value" is as defined in Section 8.

The term "Age" means on any policy anniversary, the age of the person in
question at his or her birthday nearest that date.

The term "Annual Processing Date" means every 12th Processing Date starting with
the Processing Date next after the Date of Issue.

The term "Excess Premium" means that portion of the total Premiums received
during any Policy Year that exceeds the Target Premium.

The term "Fixed Account" means an account established by us which accumulates at
rates which we will determine and declare from time to time, but which will not
be less than 4%. The assets of a Fixed Account are invested in a segment of our
General Account.  The General Account consists of assets owned by us other than
those in the Separate Account.

The term "Fund" means a series type mutual fund registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as an open-end diversified management investment company.

The term "Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium" is as defined in Section 6.

The term "in full force" means that the policy has not lapsed in accordance with
Section 7.

The term "indebtedness" means the unpaid balance of a policy loan. As provided
in Section 10, the policy loan amount includes accrued interest.

The term "Minimum Initial Premium" means one-quarter of the sum of the Target
Premium plus any Rider Premium as shown on page 3.  However, if a Monthly
Premiumatic or Monthly Employee Consultation billing mode is selected on the
application, the "Minimum Initial Premium" shall be equal to one-twelfth of the
sum of the Target Premium plus any Rider Premium.

The term "Modal Processing Date" means the first Processing Date of each premium
billing interval.

The term "Net Premium" is as defined in Section 5.

The term "Payment" means, unless otherwise stated, payment at our Home Office in
Boston, Massachusetts.

The term "Planned Premium" means the amount shown on Page 3.

The term "Policy Year" means (a) or (b) below whichever is applicable:

 (a) The first Policy Year is the period beginning on the Date of Issue and
 ending on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the first Annual Processing
 Date;

 (b) Each subsequent Policy Year is the period beginning on an Annual Processing
 Date and ending on the Valuation Date immediately preceding the next Annual
 Processing Date.

The term "Portfolio" means each division of a Fund which has a specific
investment objective.

The term "Premium" is as defined in Section 5.

The term "Processing Date" means the first day of a policy month. A policy month
shall begin on the day in each calendar month which corresponds to the day of
the calendar month on which the Date of Issue occurred.  If the Date of Issue is
the 29th, 30th, or 31st day of a calendar month, then for any calendar month
which has fewer days, the first day of the policy month will be the last day of
such calendar month. The Date of Issue is not a Processing Date.

The term "Separate Account", unmodified, means a separate investment account,
established by us pursuant to applicable law, in which you are eligible to
invest under this policy.

The term "Subaccount" means a Variable Account or a Fixed Account.

The term "Target Premium" means the amount shown on Page 3.

The term "Valuation Date" means any date on which we are open for business, the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, and on which the Fund values its
shares.

5                                                               V0596A
<PAGE>
 
The term "Valuation Period" means the period of time from the beginning of the
day following a Valuation Date to the end of the next following Valuation Date.

The term "Variable Account" means each division of a Separate Account which has
a specific investment objective. The assets of each Variable Account are
invested solely in shares of the corresponding Portfolio of a Fund.

The terms "we", "us", and "our" refer only to the John Hancock Variable Life
Insurance Company.

The term "written notice" means, unless otherwise stated, a written notice
received at our Home Office in Boston, Massachusetts.

The terms "you" and "your" refer only to the Owner of this policy.


6                                                               V0696A
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. DEATH BENEFIT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Death Benefit is payable when the Insured dies while the policy is in full
force. The Death Benefit will equal the death benefit of the policy minus any
indebtedness on the date of death. We will also deduct any unpaid charges under
Section 9. In addition, if the Insured dies during a grace period as described
in Subsection A of Section 7, we will also deduct the amount of any unpaid
shortfall described in that subsection.

The death benefit of the policy depends on which of the following Options is
selected in the application for the policy.

The determination of the death benefit under each of these Options will be
affected by withdrawals as described in Section 11.

  Option A: Level Death Benefit: The death benefit of the policy is the greater
  of: (i) the Sum Insured; and (ii) the Account Value on the date of death times
  the applicable Corridor Factor or Death Benefit Factor, shown in Section 2,
  and described below.

  Option B: Variable Death Benefit: The death benefit of the policy is the
  greater of: (i) the Sum Insured plus the Account Value on the Date of Death;
  and (ii) the Account Value on the Date of Death times the applicable Corridor
  Factor shown in Section 2.

The Total Sum Insured equals the sum of the Basic Sum Insured and any Additional
Sum Insured, subject to the provisions on withdrawals in Section 11.

Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature

Payment of the Basic Sum Insured, as shown on Page 3, less any withdrawals, upon
the death of the Insured will be guaranteed from the Date of Issue for the
Guaranteed Death Benefit period shown on page 3, provided that:

   (a) the funding requirements described in Section 6 continue to be met; and

   (b)  the policy is in full force.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   5.  PAYMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Payments under the policy shall be made only to us at our Home Office. A premium
reminder notice for Planned Premiums, as shown in the application for the
policy, will be sent to you at the beginning of each payment interval.

When we receive a payment, we first deduct any amount specified as payment of
accrued interest on loans then due under Section 10 and any amount specified as
loan repayment. The remainder will constitute Premium.  We then deduct the State
Premium Tax Charge, the Federal DAC Tax Charge, and the applicable Sales Charge.
The remainder will constitute Net Premium.

If coverage under the policy takes effect in accordance with the provisions of
the application, the following will apply:

   (a) All amounts received prior to the Date of Issue will be processed
       as if received on the Date of Issue.

   (b) If a payment equal to the Minimum Initial Premium is not received
       prior to the Date of Issue, a portion of each payment
       subsequently received will be processed as if received on the
       Date of Issue. Each such portion will be equal to the (i) Minimum
       Initial Premium minus (ii) all payments previously received. The
       remainder, if any, of each such payment will be processed as of
       the date of receipt.

Premiums are payable in advance and a premium receipt will be furnished upon
request.  Except as provided above, all payments will be processed as of the
date of receipt.

You may pay Premiums in an amount other than the Target Premium or the Planned
Premium at any time while the policy is in full force.  At our option, we may
either (i) refuse any premium that causes the policy to be in violation of
section 7702 of the IRS Code or any successor provision (unless such premium is
necessary to continue coverage), or (ii) require evidence of insurability for
such premium.


7                                                               V0796A
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.  GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT FUNDING REQUIREMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature described in Section 4 is in effect at
the Date of Issue, it will only continue to be available if, at all times during
the Guaranteed Death Benefit period shown on Page 3, starting with the Date of
Issue, the Cumulative Premium Balance equals or exceeds the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Premium  ("the GDB Premium") described below.

The annual Guaranteed Death Benefit Premium ("the GDB Premium") at Date of Issue
is shown on Page 3.  Thereafter, the GDB Premium shall be revised on any Annual
Processing Date on which the policy is amended.

The Guaranteed Death Benefit Modal Premium ("the GDB Modal Premium") on each
Modal Processing Date shall equal the GDB Premium then in effect divided by 12
multiplied by the number of months in the billing interval then in effect.

On each Modal Processing Date we will determine the GDB Premium Target by
determining the sum of (a) plus (b) where:

   (a) equals the GDB Modal Premium then in effect; and

   (b) equals the amount of the GDB Modal Premium in effect at Date of Issue
       plus the sum of all GDB Modal Premiums for all prior Modal Processing
       Dates combined.

If there are Section 9 charges during the period that the Guaranteed Death
Benefit Feature is in effect which remain unpaid, these charges will not be
forgiven.  Any Net Premium amounts received during this period will first be
applied to any outstanding Section 9 charges which are in arrears.  Any such
charges which remain unpaid at the end of such period will become immediately
due and payable, and the provisions of Section 7B will apply.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. GRACE PERIOD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On any Processing Date the provisions of Subsection A or Subsection B, or both,
will apply as described below.

The policy will be tested under the Subsection A grace period provisions on any
Processing Date that the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature is in effect under the
policy.

The policy will be tested under the Subsection B grace period provisions on any
Processing Date that there is an Additional Sum Insured in effect under the
policy or there is not a Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature in effect under the
policy.

A. If the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature is in effect:

On each Modal Processing Date, we will compare the Cumulative Premium Balance at
the end of the immediately preceding Valuation Date to the GDB Premium Target as
of that Valuation Date. If, on any such Modal Processing Date, the Cumulative
Premium Balance is less than the GDB Premium Target, which is then applicable,
then the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature will be deemed to be in default as of
such Processing Date.

The amount by which the GDB Premium Target exceeds the Cumulative Premium
Balance is the "GDB Shortfall".  In order to keep the Guaranteed Death Benefit
Feature in effect, a GDB Shortfall must be paid within a period which ends on
the second Processing Date after the date of default, which period shall be
referred to as "the GDB Grace Period".  We will send notice to your last known
address at least 31 days before the end of the GDB Grace Period specifying the
minimum payment that you must make in order to keep the Guaranteed Death Benefit
Feature in effect.

If a payment at least equal to the GDB Shortfall is received before the end of
the GDB Grace Period, the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature will remain in effect
under the policy, subject to the requirements described in Sections 4 and 6. Any
payment will be processed as of the date of receipt.

If a payment at least equal to the GDB Shortfall is not received by the end of
the GDB Grace Period, the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature will be permanently
discontinued, with no possibility for restoration. If such Feature is
discontinued, then on the Processing Date on which the GDB Grace Period ends and
on each Processing Date thereafter, the provisions of Subsection B of this
Section 7 will become applicable.

8
<PAGE>
 
B. If there is an Additional Sum Insured in effect or if the Guaranteed Death
   Benefit Feature has not been elected or has been removed:

On any Processing Date in which either an Additional Sum Insured is in effect or
the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature is not in effect, we will determine whether
the total of all unpaid Section 9 charges as of such date are greater than the
Account Value minus indebtedness as of such date.  If, on any such Processing
Date, the Account Value minus indebtedness is less than the total of all Section
9 charges for that Processing Date, there will be a default as of the Processing
Date on which such determination is made.

If on such date of default, there is both the Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature
in effect and an Additional Sum Insured in effect, then only the Additional Sum
Insured will be in danger of discontinuance and the default will be an
Additional Sum Insured Default (referred to below as an "ASI Default").  If
there is not a Guaranteed Death Benefit Feature in effect, the entire policy
will be in danger of lapsing and the default will be a "Policy Default".

The minimum amount you must pay to cure either type of default is "the Default
Payment".  The Default Payment will be equal to a payment which, after deduction
of all Section 5 charges (i.e., State Premium Tax Charge, Federal DAC Tax
Charge, and the applicable Sales Charge) equals:  (i) any and all Section 9
charges unpaid prior to the date of default plus (ii) the total of all Section 9
charges for the date of default and the next two Processing Dates, where the
charges for each of the next two Processing Dates are assumed to be equal to
such charges on the date of default.

An amount equal at least to the Default Payment must be received within a grace
period of 61 days after the date of default.  We will send notice to your last
known address and to any assignee of record at least 31 days before the end of
this grace period specifying whether there is an ASI Default or a Policy Default
and the Default Payment which you must make to cure the default.

If a payment at least equal to the Default Payment is received before the end of
the grace period, there will no longer be a default.  Any payment received will
be processed as of the date of receipt at our Home Office.  When payment is
received, any Section 9 charges which are past due and unpaid will be deducted
from the Account Value.

If there is an ASI Default and a payment at least equal to the Default Payment
is not received by the end of the grace period, then any Additional Sum Insured
will cease to be in effect and will be removed from the policy.  If there is a
Policy Default and a payment at least equal to the Default Payment is not
received by the end of the grace period, then the policy will lapse and will no
longer be in full force.  Upon a lapse of the policy the remaining Surrender
Value, if any, will be paid to the Owner.

If the Insured dies during the Policy Default, and the GDB is not in effect,
then we will deduct from the proceeds the Default Payment.

The policy may also lapse due to excess indebtedness in accordance with the
terms described in Section 10.

No Rider provisions will be in effect after the policy ceases to be in full
force.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. ACCOUNT VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Account Value as of the end of any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of
(a) through (d), where:
  (a) is equal to the value of the Fixed Account at the end of the Valuation
      Period.  The value in the Fixed Account at the end of a Valuation Period
      is equal to the value of the Fixed Account at the beginning of the
      Valuation Period plus the proportion of net premiums and loan repayments
      allocated to it during the period, plus any amounts transferred to it and
      interest credited to it during the period, minus the proportion of Section
      9 charges, as described below, partial withdrawals, and loans deducted
      from it and amounts transferred from it during the period.  The value of
      the Fixed account will accrue interest daily at an effective annual rate
      of at least 4%.
  (b) is equal to the value of each Variable Account as of the end of the
      Valuation Period, equal to the number of shares in each Variable Account
      at the end of the Valuation Period multiplied by the unit value of each
      Variable Account at the end of the Valuation Period.
  (c) is equal to the amount of any Loan Assets, equal to the total of all loans
      advanced plus interest on each loan accrued daily at an effective annual
      rate at least equal to (i) the policy loan interest rate less .75% for
      Policy Years 1-20, and (ii) the policy loan interest rate less .25%
      thereafter, where the policy loan interest rate is calculated in
      accordance with Section 10, less any loan repayments.
  (d) is equal to any Net Premium received during the Valuation Period that has
      not yet been allocated to a Subaccount.

9
<PAGE>
 
The Account Value on the Date of Issue equals the premium paid less the State
Premium Tax, the Federal DAC Tax, and the applicable Sales Charge.

Number of Shares

When transactions are made which affect the Variable Account, dollar amounts are
converted to number of shares.  The number of shares for a transaction is
determined by dividing the dollar amount of the transaction by the unit value as
of that date.

The number of shares increases when:

  (a) the proportion of net premiums is credited to the Variable Account.

  (b) transfers from the Fixed Account or other Variable Accounts are credited
      to that Variable Account.

  (c) the proportion of a loan is repaid to the Variable Account.

The number of shares decreases when:

  (a) a proportion of a loan is taken from that Variable Account.

  (b) a proportion of the charges described in Section 9 is deducted from that
     Variable Account.

  (c) a proportion of a partial withdrawal is made from that Variable Account.

  (d) a transfer is made from that Variable Account to the Fixed Account or
      other Variable Account.

Unit Value

The unit value will vary from Valuation Day to Valuation Day to reflect the
investment performance of each Variable Account.

The unit value in each Variable Account is $10.00 (ten dollars) on the first
Valuation Day for the Variable Account.  The unit value on any subsequent
Valuation Day is equal to its value on the preceding Valuation Day multiplied by
the Net Investment Factor for that Variable Account for that Valuation Period.

Net Investment Factor

The Net Investment Factor is determined for each Variable Account for each
Valuation Period.  The Net Investment Factor equals the amount of investment
income and capital gains and losses (realized and unrealized) of the Variable
Account for taxes paid, divided by the total assets of the Variable Account at
the beginning of the Valuation Period plus 1.0 minus the Mortality and Expense
Risk Charge for the Valuation Period.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. CHARGES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the Date of Issue and on every Processing Date, we will deduct, in order,
each of the charges (a) through (f) from the Account Value at the end of the
immediately preceding day, where:

   (a)  is the applicable Sales Charge;

   (b)  is the Administrative Charge;

   (c)  is the sum of the charges for Riders which are part of the policy, if
        applicable;

   (d)  is the sum of all charges for ratings, if applicable;

   (e)  is the Issue Charge, if any; and

   (f)  is the Cost of Insurance.

10
<PAGE>
 
The Cost of Insurance on the Date of Issue or on any Processing Date, as the
case may be, is an amount equal to the applicable Applied Monthly Rate divided
by 1,000, multiplied by the Net Amount at Risk on the Date of Issue or such
Processing Date, as the case may be.

Each Cost of Insurance charge is deducted in advance of the insurance coverage
to which it applies.

The Net Amount at Risk is the amount determined by subtracting (a) from the
greater of (b) or (c) where:
   (a) is the Account Value at the end of the immediately preceding Valuation
       Period less all charges due on the Date of Issue or Processing Date;
   (b) (i)  is the Sum Insured divided by 1.0032737 for death benefit option A;
         or
       (ii) is the Sum Insured divided by 1.0032737 plus the Account Value for
            death benefit option B; and
   (c) (i)  is the amount defined in (a) multiplied by the applicable Corridor
            Factor or Death Benefit Factor as shown in Section 2 for death
            benefit option A; or
       (ii) is the amount defined in (a) multiplied by the applicable Corridor
            Factor as shown in Section 2 for death benefit option B.

The Applied Monthly Rates are the actual rates used to calculate the Cost of
Insurance. We will determine the Applied Monthly Rates to be used for this
policy. The Applied Monthly Rates will be based on our expectations of future
mortality experience. They will be reviewed at least once every 5 Policy Years.
Any change in Applied Monthly Rates will be made on a uniform basis for insureds
of the same sex, Issue Age, and premium class, including smoker status, and
whose policies have been in force for the same length of time.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. LOANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You may borrow money from us on receipt at our Home Office of a completed form
satisfactory to us assigning the policy as the only security for the loan.

Loans may be made if a Loan Value is available.  Each loan must be for at least
$1,000.  We may defer loans as provided by law or as provided in Section 21.

The Loan Value while the policy is in full force will be an amount equal to (i)
90%  of the Variable Account portion, if any, of the Account Value, plus (ii)
100% of the Fixed Account portion, if any, of the Account Value.  Values will be
determined, subject to the "Deferral of Determinations and Payments" provision,
at the end of the day of receipt of the loan application at our Home Office
occurs.

The effective annual rate of Loan Interest for years 1-20 is 4.75%.  The
effective annual rate of Loan Interest for  years 21 and after is 4.25%.  The
Loan Interest will accrue daily and will be payable on each Annual Processing
Date and on the date the loan is settled. Accrued interest will be added to the
loan daily and will bear interest from that date at the same rate.  Interest may
be paid in advance at the equivalent effective rate.

A loan may be repaid in full or in part at any time before the Insured's death,
and while the policy is in full force.

When excess indebtedness occurs, the policy will terminate on the 31st day after
the Notice Date occurs if such excess has not been repaid by that date. "Excess
indebtedness" is the amount, if any, by which indebtedness exceeds an amount
equal to the Account Value.  "Notice Date" is the date on which notice of Excess
indebtedness is mailed to you and any assignee of record with us at the address
last known to us.

11
<PAGE>
 
When a loan is made, the amount of the loan will be transferred to Loan Assets.
The amount of the loan transferred will be removed from the Subaccounts in
proportion to your policy investment in each Subaccount on the date such loan is
made. Upon loan repayment, Loan Assets will be reduced by the amount of the
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 Subaccount Investment Option.

Loan Assets are the total of all loans advanced plus interest credited on each
loan amount from the date of the loan at a rate at least equal to (i) the policy
loan interest rate less .75% for Policy Years 1-20 and (ii) the policy loan
interest rate less .25% for all other Policy Years.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We will determine the Surrender Value of the policy if the Insured is then
alive, subject to Section 21, and if the policy is in full force.  The policy
will terminate as of the Surrender Date.  The Surrender Date is the end of the
day in which we have received at our Home Office (i) written notice requesting
full surrender of the policy, and (ii) the surrendered policy.

While the policy is in full force, the Surrender Value will be an amount equal
to the Account Value less any indebtedness.

When the policy ceases to be in full force under Subsection B of Section 7, we
will pay the Surrender Value, if any, to you.

You may request a withdrawal of part of the Surrender Value in accordance with
our rules then in effect.  The amount of the withdrawal will be removed from the
Subaccounts in proportion to your policy investment in each Subaccount on the
date such withdrawal is made.  For each withdrawal, we reserve the right to make
a charge to the Account Value of an amount not to exceed $20.  Each withdrawal
must be at least $1,000.

All amounts withdrawn will be subtracted from the Cumulative Premium Balance as
described in Section 6 and will also be subtracted from your Account Value.
Further, your death benefit will be affected as provided below.

With respect to determining the death benefit under Option A, the Total Sum
Insured will be reduced by the total of all withdrawals other than any
Terminated ASI Withdrawal Amounts.  Your Death Benefit will continue to be
determined in accordance with Section 4, subject to these provisions.

With respect to determining the death benefit under Option B, the death benefit
will only be affected to the extent that the Account Value will be reduced by
all amounts withdrawn.  However, withdrawals will not affect the Total Sum
Insured.  Your Death Benefit will continue to be determined in accordance with
Section 4, subject to these provisions.

With respect to determining the death benefit under the Guaranteed Death Benefit
Feature, the Basic Sum Insured will be reduced by the total of all withdrawals
other than any Terminated ASI Withdrawal Amounts.  Your Death Benefit will
continue to be determined in accordance with Section 4, subject to these
provisions.

12
<PAGE>
 
Terminated ASI Withdrawal Amounts are any withdrawals made while there is an
Additional Sum Insured in effect which is later discontinued under the policy
because a timely default payment has not been made in connection with an ASI
Default as described in Subsection B of Section 7.  Under no circumstances may
the total of Terminated ASI Withdrawal Amounts exceed the Additional Sum Insured
in effect at the time the Additional Sum Insured is discontinued under
Subsection B of Section 7.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. BASIS OF COMPUTATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minimum surrender values, reserves and net single premiums referred to in the
policy, if any, are computed on the basis of the Commissioners 1980 Standard
Ordinary Mortality Tables with percentage ratings, if applicable, and based on
the underwriting class of the Insured on the Date of Issue. The computations are
made using interest at the rate of 4% a year and using continuous functions.

The Account Value while the policy is in full force is computed as described in
Section 8. A detailed statement of the method of computation of values has been
filed with insurance supervisory officials of the jurisdiction in which this
policy has been delivered. The values are not less than the minimum values under
the law of that jurisdiction.

Any values, reserves and premiums applicable to any provision for an additional
benefit shall be specified in the provision and have no effect in determining
the values available under the provisions of this Section 12.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. SEPARATE ACCOUNT AND FIXED ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We will allocate Net Premiums, other credits, and charges to the Variable
Accounts and the Fixed Account  in accordance with Section 14. We will allocate
a proportional share of the investment results of the Variable Accounts to your
policy. We will make a Valuation Period Mortality and Expense Risk Charge in
accordance with the policy Specifications Section.  We reserve the right to
increase this rate at any time;  however, it shall never exceed the maximum
amount shown in the policy Specifications Section.  We also reserve the right to
make a charge for any applicable income taxes.

The assets of the Variable Accounts will be invested in shares of corresponding
Portfolios of a Fund. The Portfolios will be valued at the end of each Valuation
Period at a fair value in accordance with applicable law. We will deduct
liabilities attributable to a Variable Account when determining the value of a
Variable Account. The Variable Accounts available on the Date of Issue of this
policy are shown in the Prospectus for this policy, along with any investment
management fees associated with the corresponding Portfolios.  Actual expense
and mortality results shall not adversely affect the dollar amount of the
variable benefits.

The assets of the Separate Account are the property of the Company. They shall
be available to cover liabilities of our general account only to the extent that
the assets of the Separate Account exceed the liabilities of the Separate
Account arising under the variable life insurance policies supported by the
Separate Account.

We reserve the right to make certain changes if, in our judgment, they would
best serve the interests of the owners of policies such as this or would be
appropriate in carrying out the purposes of such policies. Any changes will be
made only to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable laws. Also,
when required by law, we will obtain your approval of the changes and approval
from any appropriate regulatory authority.

13
<PAGE>
 
Examples of the changes we may make include the following:

   (a) To operate a Separate Account in any form permitted under the Investment
       Company Act of 1940, or in any other form permitted by law.

   (b) To take any action necessary to comply with or obtain and continue any
       exemptions from the Investment Company Act of 1940.

   (c) To transfer any assets in a Variable Account to another Variable Account;
       or to add, combine or remove Subaccounts.

   (d) To substitute, for the investment company stock held in any Portfolio,
       another class of stock of the investment company or the stock of another
       investment company or any other investment permitted by law.

   (e) To make any other necessary technical changes in this policy in order to
       conform with any action this provision permits us to take.

If any of these changes results in a material change in the underlying
investments of Variable Accounts to which the reserves for this policy are
allocated, we will notify you of such change. You may then make a new election
under the Subaccount Investment Option and the Variable Account Transfer
Provision.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. ALLOCATION TO SUBACCOUNTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the Date of Issue and during the first 19 days after the Date of Issue, Net
Premiums will be invested in the Money Market Subaccount. On the 20th day after
the Date of Issue, we will reallocate the amount in the Money Market Subaccount
in accordance with the Subaccount Investment Option, as chosen by you and shown
in the application for this policy. We will then allocate future Net Premiums
and other credits among the Subaccounts in accordance with this Subaccount
Investment Option. You may elect to change the Subaccount Investment Option at
any time. A change will be effective on the day in which we receive notice
satisfactory to us; however, fund transfers will not be made if the policy is in
a grace period. We reserve the right to impose limits on the number and
frequency of such changes. The minimum percentage that may be allocated to any
Subaccount and the maximum number of Subaccounts in which assets may be held
will be subject to our administrative rules in effect at the time of election.
We will allocate any charges under Section 9 among the applicable Subaccounts in
proportion to the value of your policy investment in each Subaccount on the date
of the charge.

Variable Account Transfer Provision

You may elect to transfer assets held in the Variable Accounts to any Subaccount
without charge. We reserve the right to impose limits on the number and
frequency of such transfers. A transfer will be effective on the day on which we
receive notice satisfactory to us.

Fixed Account Transfer Provision

Subject to the limitations below, you may elect by notice satisfactory to us to
transfer without charge part or all of the assets in a Fixed Account to any
Subaccount, in the manner described below. Except as provided in Section 15,
such a transfer will be permitted only once during the period beginning 60 days
before each policy anniversary and ending 30 days after such anniversary. If
notice is served on or before the anniversary, the transfer will be effective on
the anniversary date. If notice is received after the anniversary, the transfer
will be effective on the day we receive the notice. The maximum transfer amount
is 20% of the Fixed Account Assets, or $500, if greater. We may defer the
transfer for up to 6 months after your election would be effective.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. INVESTMENT POLICY CHANGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The investment policy of the Portfolios shall not be materially changed unless a
statement of the change is filed with, and not disapproved by, the Insurance
Commissioner of Massachusetts. In the event of such a change in investment
policy, and while this policy is in full force you may elect a transfer in
accordance with Section 14 within 60 days after (i) the effective date of the
material change or (ii) the receipt of a notice of the available options,
whichever is later. No charge will be made for any such transfer (regardless of
the number of transfers previously made). Any such transfer will be effective as
of the day we receive the notice. If required, any statement of material change
filed with the Insurance Commissioner of Massachusetts will be filed with the
insurance supervisory officials of the jurisdiction in which this policy is
delivered.

14
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. ANNUAL REPORT TO OWNER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

While the policy is in full force, we will furnish annually to the Owner a
statement which shows:

(a) The Death Benefit, in connection with the Death Benefit Option elected,
    Guaranteed Death Benefit, and Account Value as of the date of the report;
(b) Payments received and charges made since the last report;
(c) Withdrawals since the last report; and
(d) Loan information.

We will furnish other reports if required by law or regulation.  Upon request, a
projection of future values will be provided.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. REINSTATEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If there is a Policy Default under Subsection B of Section 7, it may be
reinstated within 3 years after the beginning of the grace period.

The date of reinstatement is the date as of which all 4 requirements below have
been satisfied:

   (l) Written application for reinstatement.
   (2) Production of evidence of insurability satisfactory to us.
   (3) We have received a payment which, after deduction of all Section 5
       charges (i.e., State Premium Tax Charge, Federal DAC Tax Charge, and
       applicable Sales Charges) is at least equal to the sum of (i) all unpaid
       charges described in Section 9, plus interest on each such charge from
       the date due to and including the date of reinstatement at an annual
       effective rate of 6%, compounded annually, plus (ii) the total of all
       Section 9 charges for the three Processing Dates next following the date
       of reinstatement, where the charges for each of the next three Processing
       Dates are assumed to be equal to such charges on the date of default.
   (4) Our approval of items (1) through (3).

On the date of reinstatement (i) the death benefit of the policy will be the
same as if no lapse had occurred and (ii) the policy will have indebtedness
equal to any indebtedness at the end of the day immediately preceding the date
of reinstatement.

The Account Value on the date of reinstatement will be the amount specified in
(3) above, (i) less the sum of all Section 9 charges that would have been made
from the date of lapse to the date of reinstatement if the policy had not
lapsed, (ii) less interest on each such charge at an effective annual rate of 6%
from the date such charge would have been due to the date of reinstatement.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. OWNER AND BENEFICIARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Owner and the Beneficiary will be as shown in the application unless you
change them or they are changed by the terms of this provision.

You shall have the sole and absolute power to exercise all rights and privileges
without the consent of any other person unless you provide otherwise by written
notice.

If there is no surviving Beneficiary upon the death of the Insured, you will be
the Beneficiary, but if you were the Insured, your estate will be Beneficiary.

While the Insured is alive, you may change the Owner and Beneficiary by written
notice.

15
<PAGE>
 
You may also revoke any change of Owner prior to its effective date by written
notice.  No change or revocation will take effect unless we acknowledge receipt
on the notice.  If such acknowledgment occurs, then (i) a change of Beneficiary
will take effect on the date the notice is signed, and (ii) a change or a
revocation of Owner will take effect as of the date specified in the notice, or
if no such date is specified, on the date the notice is signed.  A change or
revocation will take effect whether or not you or the Insured is alive on the
date we acknowledge receipt.  A change or revocation will be subject to the
rights of any assignee of record with us and subject to any payment made or
other action taken by us before we acknowledge receipt.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. INTEREST ON PROCEEDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


We will pay interest on proceeds paid in one sum in the event of the Insured's
death from the date of death to the date of payment. The rate will be the same
as declared for Option 1 in Section 28, Settlement Provisions.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. TRANSFER OF ASSETS TO FIXED ACCOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At any time you may elect to transfer all assets held in the Variable Account to
the Fixed Account. No charge will be made for such transfer, regardless of the
number of transfers previously made.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. DEFERRAL OF DETERMINATIONS AND PAYMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During any period when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading (except
for normal holiday closings) or when the Securities and Exchange Commission
("the SEC") has determined that a state of emergency exists which may make
payment impractical, or the SEC by order permits postponement for the protection
of our policyholders, we reserve the right to do the following:

   (1) To defer determination of the Account Value, and if such determination
       has been deferred, to defer:
       (a) determination of the values for a loan as of the end of the day we
           receive the loan application at our Home Office, and payment of the
           loan; and
       (b) payment or application of any Death Benefit in excess of the
           Guaranteed Death Benefit, if elected.
   (2) To defer determination, application, processing, or payment of a
       Surrender Value or any other policy transaction dependent upon Account
       Value.

A deferral, as described above, will be applicable only if any portion of the
Account Value is invested in a Variable Account.

We reserve the right to defer payment of the Surrender Value from the Fixed
Account for a period of six months.

Except as provided in this provision we will make payment of the Death Benefit,
any Surrender Value, any withdrawal, or any loan amount within 7 days of the
date it becomes payable.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. CLAIMS OF CREDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The proceeds and any income payments under the policy will be exempt from the
claims of creditors to the extent permitted by law. These proceeds and payments
may not be assigned or withdrawn before becoming payable without our agreement.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. ASSIGNMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your interest in this policy may be assigned without the consent of any
revocable Beneficiary. Your interest, any interest of the Insured and of any
revocable Beneficiary shall be subject to the terms of the assignment.

We will not be on notice of any assignment unless it is in writing, nor will we
be on notice until a duplicate of the original assignment has been filed at our
Home Office. We assume no responsibility for the validity or sufficiency of any
assignment.

16
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. INCONTESTABILITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This policy, except any provision for a disability benefit, shall be
incontestable after it has been in force during the lifetime of the Insured for
2 years from its Date of Issue, except for nonpayment of premium.  However, with
respect to any reinstatement of the policy or any addition of a supplemental
benefit or rider, we will not contest the validity of the change or
reinstatement after it has been in effect, during the Insured's life, for 2
years.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. MISSTATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the age or sex of the Insured has been misstated, we will adjust the Basic
Sum Insured, the Additional Sum Insured, and every other benefit to that which
would have been purchased at the correct age or sex by the most recent Cost of
Insurance charge deducted under Section 9.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. SUICIDE EXCLUSION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the Insured commits suicide, while sane or insane, within 2 years from the
Date of Issue, the policy will terminate on the date of such suicide and we will
pay (in place of all other benefits, if any) an amount equal to the premiums
paid less the amount of any indebtedness on the date of death and less any
withdrawals under Section 11.  If the Insured commits suicide, while sane or
insane, after 2 years from the Date of Issue and within 2 years from the
effective date of any increase in the Death Benefit resulting from any payment
of Premium we are authorized to refuse under Section 5, the benefits payable
under the policy will not include the amount of such Death Benefit increase but
will include the amount of such Premium.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. THE CONTRACT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The written application for the policy is attached at issue. The entire contract
between the applicant and us consists of the policy, such application, and any
riders and endorsements. However, additional written requests for policy changes
or acceptance of excess payment under Section 5 may be submitted to us after
issue and such additional requests may become part of the policy. All statements
made in any application shall, in the absence of fraud, be deemed
representations and not warranties. We will use no statement made by or on
behalf of the Insured to defend a claim under the policy unless it is in a
written application.

Policy Years, policy months, and policy anniversaries are measured from the Date
of Issue.

Any reference in this policy to a date means a calendar day ending at midnight
local time at our Home Office.

An exchange of this policy for a new policy on a different plan may be made by
agreement between you and us in accordance with our published rules in effect at
the Date of Issue.

We reserve the right to make any changes necessary in order to keep this policy
in compliance with any changes in federal or state tax laws. Other changes in
this policy may be made by agreement between you and us. Only the President,
Vice President, the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary of the Company has
authority to waive or agree to change in any respect any of the conditions or
provisions of the policy, or to extend credit or to make an agreement for us.

17
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional Methods of Settlement

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 us,
under the terms of a supplementary agreement. The agreement will be issued when
the proceeds are applied through the choice of any one of the options below, or
any additional options we, in our sole discretion, may make available after
issue. We shall at least annually declare the rate of interest or amount of
payment for each option. Such declaration shall be effective until the date
specified in the next declaration.

Option 1--Interest income at the declared rate but not less than 3.5% a year on
proceeds held on deposit. The proceeds may be paid or withdrawn in whole or in
part at any time as elected.

Option 2A--Income of a Specified Amount, with payments each year totaling at
least 1/12th of the proceeds, until the proceeds plus interest is paid in full.
We will credit interest on unpaid balances at the declared rate but not less
than 3.5% a year.

Option 2B--Income for a Fixed Period with each payment as declared but not less
than that shown in the Table for Option 2B.

Option 3--Life Income with Payments for a Guaranteed Period, with each payment
as declared but not less than that shown in the Table for Option 3. If the Payee
dies within that period, we will pay the present value of the remaining
payments. In determining present value, we will use the same interest rate used
to determine the payments for this option.

Option 4--Life Income without Refund at the death of the Payee of any part of
the proceeds applied. The amount of each payment shall be as declared but not
less than that shown in the Table for Option 4.

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.
The amount of each payment shall be as declared but not less than that shown in
the Table for Option 5.

You may choose an option by written notice to us: (a) while the Insured is
alive; and (b) before the proceeds become payable. If you have made no effective
choice, the Payee may make one by written notice within: (a) 6 months after the
death of the Insured; or (b) 2 months after the date on which the proceeds, if
any, are payable in any case except death.

No choice of an option may provide for payments of less than $50.00. The first
payment will be payable as of the date the proceeds are applied, except that
under Option 1 it will be payable at the end of the first payment interval.

The Payee under an option shall be the Insured, if living, and otherwise the
Beneficiary.

No option may be chosen without our consent if the proceeds are payable: (1) in
any case, except death, before the policy has been in force on the same plan for
at least 5 years; or (2) in any case to an executor, administrator, trustee,
corporation, partnership, association, or assignee.

A Payee may, by written notice, name and change a Contingent Payee to receive
any final amount that would otherwise be payable to the Payee's estate.

18
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table for Settlement Options 2B, 3, 4, and 5
(Monthly payments for each $1,000 of proceeds applied)
 
              Option 2B                 Age of      Option 3     Option   Option 5
      Income for a Fixed Period        Payee at    Life Income      4      Life
                                       Birthday       with        Life    Income with Cash
                                        Nearest    Guaranteed    Income
                                        Date of      Period      without
                                         First
                                        Payment
 
- -------------------------------------           ---------------
Period of Years         Payment                    10     20    Refund   Refund
                                                  Years   Years
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>            <C>        <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>
        1                  84.46          40        3.53   3.50     3.54    3.46
        2                  42.86          41        3.57   3.54     3.58    3.50
        3                  28.99          42        3.62   3.58     3.63    3.54
        4                  22.06          43        3.66   3.62     3.68    3.58
        5                  17.91          44        3.77   3.66     3.73    3.62
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        6                  15.14          45        3.76   3.71     3.78    3.66
        7                  13.16          46        3.82   3.75     3.83    3.71
        8                  11.68          47        3.87   3.80     3.89    3.75
        9                  10.53          48        3.93   3.85     3.95    3.80
       10                   9.61          49        3.99   3.90     4.02    3.85
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       11                   8.86          50        4.05   3.95     4.08    3.91
       12                   8.24          51        4.12   4.01     4.15    3.96
       13                   7.71          52        4.19   4.06     4.22    4.02
       14                   7.26          53        4.26   4.12     4.30    4.08
       15                   6.87          54        4.34   4.18     4.38    4.15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       16                   6.53          55        4.42   4.24     4.47    4.21
       17                   6.23          56        4.50   4.31     4.56    4.28
       18                   5.96          57        4.59   4.37     4.66    4.36
       19                   5.73          58        4.69   4.44     4.76    4.44
       20                   5.51          59        4.79   4.50     4.87    4.52
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       21                   5.32          60        4.89   4.57     4.99    4.60
       22                   5.15          61        5.00   4.64     5.11    4.69
       23                   4.99          62        5.12   4.71     5.25    4.78
       24                   4.84          63        5.24   4.77     5.39    4.88
       25                   4.71          64        5.37   4.84     5.54    4.99
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       26                   4.59          65        5.50   4.91     5.70    5.09
       27                   4.47          66        5.64   4.97     5.87    5.21
       28                   4.37          67        5.79   5.03     6.06    5.33
       29                   4.27          68        5.94   5.09     6.26    5.46
       30                   4.18          69        6.10   5.14     6.47    5.59
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Annual, Semi-annual, or quarterly       70        6.27   5.19     6.69    5.73
 payments under Option 2B are             71        6.44   5.24     6.94    5.88
 11.839, 5.963, and 2.993                 72        6.61   5.28     7.20    6.04
 respectively times the monthly           73        6.79   5.32     7.48    6.20
 payments.                                74        6.98   5.36     7.79    6.38
 
 
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                          75        7.16   5.38     8.11    6.56
                                          76        7.35   5.41     8.47    6.75
                                          77        7.54   5.43     8.84    6.96
                                          78        7.72   5.45     9.25    7.17
                                          79        7.91   5.46     9.69    7.39
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                          80        8.08   5.48    10.17    7.64
                                          81        8.25   5.49    10.68    7.88
                                          82        8.41   5.49    11.23    8.13
                                          83        8.56   5.50    11.82    8.43
                                          84        8.71   5.50    12.46    8.70
                                       85 & over    8.83   5.51    13.14    8.99
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                       Options 3, 4 and 5 are available only at
                                       the ages as shown.
                                     -------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

19
<PAGE>
 
Communications about this policy may be sent to the Company at John Hancock
Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02117.

Variable Life Insurance policy
Flexible Premiums
Death Benefit payable at death of Insured
Not eligible for dividends
Benefits and premiums and the policy class are shown in the Specifications
Section of the policy.



To the extent any benefit, payment, or value under this policy (including the
Account Value) is based on the investment experience of a Separate Account, such
benefit, payment, or value may increase or decrease in accordance with the
investment experience of the Separate Account and is not guaranteed as to fixed
dollar amount. However, this policy may provide a Guaranteed Death Benefit while
the policy is in full force during the Guaranteed Period shown on Page 3,
measured from the Date of Issue, provided premiums are paid and other conditions
are met as described in Sections 4 and 6.

Right to Cancel--The Owner may surrender this policy by delivering or mailing it
to the Company at Boston, Massachusetts (or to the agent or agency office
through which it was delivered) within 45 days after the date of Part A of the
application, or within 10 days after receipt by the Owner of the policy, or
within 10 days after mailing by the Company of the Notice of Withdrawal Right,
whichever is latest. Immediately on such delivery or mailing, the policy shall
be deemed void from the beginning. Any premium paid on this policy will be
refunded within 10 days after timely receipt from the Owner of appropriate
written notice (including the surrendered policy, if it has been delivered)
exercising the rights described above.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                Exhibit 1.A.(10)

This application for Variable Universal Life Insurance is to John Hancock 
Variable Life Insurance Company which will sometimes hereinafter be referred to 
as "the Company."



                      [LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
                              Financial Services



If applicable, this application is part of the case applied for in Master 
Application Number ____________


                                        Part A Statements to the Company's Agent
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. PROPOSED INSURED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     1.  Name of Proposed Insured (please print):
         First___________________  MI________

         Last________________________________

     2.  Sex        [_]  Male      [_]  Female

     3.  Date of Birth ___ /___ /___

     4.  Place of Birth __________________________________
                           STATE    COUNTRY, IF NOT U.S.A.

     5.  Soc. Sec. Number_____-___-_____
                         
     6.  Height _____ft. _____in.       7. Weight _____lbs.

     8.  Occupation_______________________________________

     9.  Address _________________________________________ 
                 STREET ADDRESS
         _________________________________________________
                    CITY                    STATE    ZIP

     10. Home Phone (____)____-______

     11. Work Phone (____)____-______

         Fax Number (____)____-______

     12. Best time and place for Underwriting to call (in Proposed
         Insured's local time zone)____________________________

     13. Has the Proposed Insured smoked cigarettes or used any other tobacco
         product, i.e., cigars, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc., in the past
         12 months.

                 [_] Yes                 [_] No
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. BENEFICIARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please indicate the full name and relationship to the Proposed Insured (please 
print)




The right to change the beneficiary as to any proceeds is reserved to the owner.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. POLICY OWNER (IF OWNER IS NOT THE PROPOSED INSURED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1.  Name of Owner

         _________________________________________________

         _________________________________________________

     2.  Soc. Sec. Number _____-___-_____   or

         Tax ID Number ____-____________
     
     3.  Address _________________________________________ 
                 STREET ADDRESS

         _________________________________________________
                 STREET ADDRESS

         _________________________________________________
                 CITY                    STATE    ZIP

     4.  Relationship to Insured _________________________

     5.  Date of Birth ___________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


FORM 156-MVI 21-96
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]     Part A Statements to the Company's Agent
        Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. BENEFITS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  Basic Sum Insured (BSI) $_________________________

2.  Death Benefit Option (choose one)
    [_] Option A - Sum Insured only    
    [_] Option B - Sum Insured plus Account Value

3.  Life Insurance Definition
    [_] Cash Value Accumulation Test (must select Option A)       
    [_] Guideline Premium Test

4.  Additional benefits
    [_] Additional Sum Insured (check no more than one, if desired)
        [_] Level Sum Insured of $__________  for life
        [_] Initial Sum Insured of $__________  increasing
            by [_] _____% or [_] $__________
            per year for life of policy        
        [_] Customized Level or Increasing Schedule     
        (list by policy year or years, ASI amount may not decrease)
                  Policy Year(s)            ASI Amount
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (1)             
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (2)
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (3)         
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (4)
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (5)    
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (6)
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (7)     
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (8)
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (9)    
                   _____-_____            $_____________    (10)

        [_] Premium Cost Recovery for life of policy     
               [_] Optional Recovery Increase Percentage ____%       
               [_] Optional Recovery Increase years_________

5.  Living Care Benefit (Accelerated Death Benefit)
         [_] Yes       [_] No
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. PAYMENT DETAILS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Premium billing interval
   [_] Annual                [_] Semiannual   
   [_] Quarterly             [_] Monthly-(premiumatic)
   [_] Monthly - EC Case #______________

2. Planned Premium (Check a or b, or Target Premium will be billed)
   a. [_] $__________ annually for __________ year(s).   
          Optional:  Annual Increase of _____% OR
          $__________ annually for __________ years
      Additional first year Planned Premium $ ____________
   b. [_] Customized Schedule (list by policy year or years)
      Policy Year(s)  Planned Premium Amount
      --------------  ----------------------
       _____-_____       $_____________    (1)
       _____-_____       $_____________    (2)                      
       _____-_____       $_____________    (3)
       _____-_____       $_____________    (4)                        
       _____-_____       $_____________    (5)
       _____-_____       $_____________    (6)  
       _____-_____       $_____________    (7)
       _____-_____       $_____________    (8)           
       _____-_____       $_____________    (9)
       _____-_____       $_____________    (10)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. SUBACCOUNT INVESTMENT OPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentages must be whole and Total 100%
 
Domestic Equities

____% Growth & Income             ____% Mid Cap Growth 
____% Equity Index                ____% Mid Cap Value 
____% Large Cap Growth            ____% Small Cap Growth
____% Large Cap Value             ____% Small Cap Value 
____% Real Estate Equities        ____% Managed 
____% Special Opportunities

Bond, Money Market, & Fixed Income

____% Money Market                ____% Fixed Account
____% Sovereign Bond              ____% Strategic Bond
____% Short-Term U.S. Government Bond

International

____% International Equities
____% International Opportunities
____% International Balanced

Other

____% ________________            ____% ________________ 
____% ________________            ____% ________________    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
G. SUITABILITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Have you received a prospectus for          [_] Yes        [_] No
   the policy applied for?  (If YES, Prospectus Date:_______________)

2. Do you understand that the amount of Death  [_] Yes        [_] No
   Benefit above any Guaranteed Death Benefit 
   and the entire amount of the Account Value 
   may increase or decrease depending on 
   investment experience?

3. Is the policy and allocation of subaccounts [_] Yes        [_] No
   in accord with your insurance objectives 
   and your anticipated financial needs?

4. Have you received an illustration of        [_] Yes        [_] No
   benefits based on your Planned Premium?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. TELEPHONE TRANSFER AND LOAN OPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I direct the company to act upon telephone instructions from the owner (a
trustee, if the owner is a trust; or an authorized business official, if the
owner is a business entity) to change future payment allocations, transfer
existing funds among the subaccount investment options, and process policy
loans, subject to the provisions of the Contract. 

Telephone Subaccount Transfer    [_] Yes    [_] No 

Telephone Loan                   [_] Yes    [_] No
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]     Part A Statements to the Company's Agent
        Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. UNDERWRITING INFORMATION 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Has the Proposed Insured done in the past three years, or intend to do any:

     a. flying except as a passenger on regularly 
        scheduled airlines?                                 [_] Yes     [_] No
        (If yes, please complete aviation questionnaire.)

     b. skin/scuba diving, parachuting, motorized racing, 
        or other hazardous sports?                          [_]Yes      [_] No
        (If yes, please complete avocation questionnaire.)

2. In the past three years has the Proposed Insured been 
   convicted of two or more motor vehicle moving violations [_] Yes     [_] No 
   or had a driving license suspended or revoked?

3. In the past ten years has the Proposed Insured been 
   convicted of or incarcerated for the violation 
   of any criminal law (unless later acquited), are any     [_] Yes     [_] No 
   criminal charges now pending against any person, or
   is any person currently on probation?

4. Does the Proposed Insured intend to reside or travel 
   outside the U.S. or Canada?                              [_] Yes     [_] No

If any of questions 2 - 4 are answered "yes", please explain:  _________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. OTHER INSURANCE/REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Give information indicated as to all insurance in force on the Proposed 
   Insured, including term riders.
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Company    Issue Year   Plan      Amount     ADB Amount   Business Insurance?
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               [_] Yes  [_] No
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               [_] Yes  [_] No
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               [_] Yes  [_] No
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               [_] Yes  [_] No
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               [_] Yes  [_] No
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Is any other insurance application now pending or 
   contemplated on the life of the Proposed Insured?           [_] Yes  [_] No 

   If yes, what company(ies)/amounts?___________________________________________

3. Is the insurance applied for intended to replace or change  [_] Yes  [_] No
   any life insurance or annuity now in force on the Proposed 
   Insured? (If yes, give writing company of insurance being 
   replaced,policy number, and insurance amount.)
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Company     Policy #      Amount      Company     Policy #       Amount
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

3b.Check this box if this case is a 1035 exchange.   [_]

4. Has any application for life, disability, or health 
   insurance on the Proposed Insured ever been declined, 
   postponed, or modified? (If "Yes," give most recent 

   company, including John Hancock.)___________________________________________
                                            COMPANY       APPROXIMATE DATE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K. SPECIAL REQUESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------






- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]     Part B Statements to the Company's Agent
         Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLETE FOR NON-MEDICAL APPLICATIONS ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Please give full details below for every "Yes" answer to Questions 1 - 4 .

1. Has the Proposed Insured ever been treated for or had       [_] Yes   [_] No 
   any known indication of disease of the heart or blood 
   vessels, chest pain or high blood pressure, stroke or
   paralysis, diabetes, tumor or cancer, convulsions, 
   kidney disease, gastro-intestinal disease, mental or 
   psychiatric disorder, lung or respiratory disease, or 
   blood disorder?

2. Has the Proposed Insured had or ever been diagnosed or      [_] Yes   [_] No
   treated by a physician or other medical practitioner 
   for Human Immunodeficiency Virus III (HIV), Acquired 
   Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), or AIDS-Related 
   Complex (ARC)?

3. Within the past 5 years has the Proposed Insured received   [_] Yes   [_] No
   counseling or treatment regarding the use of alcohol, 
   drugs, illegal drugs, or used any illegal drug or 
   controlled substance?

4. Other than the above, within the past 5 years has the 
   Proposed Insured
     a) been admitted to a hospital or other medical or 
        rehabilitation facility?                               [_] Yes   [_] No
  
     b) consulted or been treated by a physician, or had a 
        physical exam or checkup?                              [_] Yes   [_] No

5. Is the Proposed Insured currently taking any 
   prescription drug?                                          [_] Yes   [_No}

   If yes, what drugs? How frequently? _________________________________________

   _____________________________________________________________________________

6. If the Proposed Insured has a personal physician, please 
   enter name, address, and details below.  Otherwise leave blank.

   _____________________________________________________________________________
   FIRST NAME               MI                 LAST NAME
   
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
   STREET ADDRESS                  CITY                    STATE       ZIP

   Date last seen______________  Reason(s) last seen____________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Details to "yes" answers.

Question No. ___________________________________________________________________

Condition ______________________________________________________________________

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date of onset_____________________ Last occurrence______________________________

Treatment/medication, if any____________________________________________________

Names/addresses of physicians/hospitals providing treatment_____________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question No. ___________________________________________________________________
 
Condition ______________________________________________________________________
  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date of onset_____________________ Last occurrence______________________________

Treatment/medication, if any____________________________________________________

Names/addresses of physicians/hospitals providing treatment_____________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question No. ___________________________________________________________________

Condition ______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Date of onset_____________________ Last occurrence______________________________

Treatment/medication, if any____________________________________________________

Names/addresses of physicians/hospitals providing treatment_____________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question No. ___________________________________________________________________

Condition ______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Date of onset_____________________ Last occurrence______________________________

Treatment/medication, if any____________________________________________________

Names/addresses of physicians/hospitals providing treatment_____________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


       Please record any additional details on a seperate pice of paper.
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]             Statements to the Companys Agent
       Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               STATE DISCLOSURES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All jurisdictions except CT, FL, NJ, NY, OK, PA, VA

Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a
fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing a
false or deceptive statement is guilty of insurance fraud.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
FL only

Any person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud, or deceive any
insurer files a statement of claim or an application containing any false,
incomplete, or misleading information is guilty of a felony of the third degree.

Florida Agent License Number _____________________

Alternate Billing Address for overdue notices

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
NJ only

Any person who includes any false or misleading information on an application
for an insurance policy is subject to criminal and civil penalties.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
OK only

Any policy issued hereunder shall be considered an Oklahoma contract and its
terms, including those concerning the receiving of information by the agent,
shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma.
WARNING: Any person who knowingly and with intent to injure, defraud or deceive
any insurer, makes a claim for the proceeds of an insurance policy containing
any false, incomplete or misleading information is guilty of insurance fraud. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
PA only 

Any person who, knowingly and with intent to defraud any insurance
company or other person, files an application for insurance or statement of
claim containing any materially false information or conceals for the purpose of
misleading, information concerning any fact material thereto commits a
fraudulent insurance act, which is a crime and subjects such person to criminal
and civil penalties.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
CT only 

Any person who, with intent to defraud or knowing that he is facilitating a
fraud against an insurer, submits an application or files a claim containing a
false or deceptive statement is guilty of insurance fraud, as determined by a
Court of Competent Jurisdiction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  AGREEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All statements in this application are, to the best of my knowledge and belief,
true, complete, and correctly recorded.  I assent to this application and also
agree that:

1. The statements and answers in this application are representations and not
   warranties and attachments hereto will be relied upon and form the basis of
   any insurance.

2. No information will be considered as having been given to John Hancock unless
   it is written in this application.

3. No agent, producer, or medical examiner or any other person, except an
   officer of John Hancock, is authorized to make or discharge contracts or
   waive or change any of the conditions or provisions of any application or
   policy, or to accept risks or pass on insurability. Any such unauthorized
   action is not notice to or knowledge of the company. A medical examiner is
   not an agent of the Company. In order for any of the above events to take
   effect they must be provided for in writing signed by an officer of the
   Company.

4. If the Company has issued a receipt and Temporary Insurance Agreement bearing
   the same date and number of this application, any policy issued on the basis
   of this application will take effect as provided in such Agreement.

5. In cases other than those described in "4." above, any policy issued on the
   basis of this application will take effect as of the Date of Issue, but (i)
   only upon approval of the application by John Hancock and delivery to and
   acceptance by the Applicant of the policy and payment of the minimum initial
   premium (in accordance with the billing frequency chosen) and (ii) only if,
   at the time of such delivery and payment, the person proposed for insurance
   in Parts A and B of this application is living and has not consulted or been
   examined or treated by a physician or practitioner since the latest Part B
   was completed.

6. All benefits, payments, and values, including the Death Benefit and Account
   or Cash Value, under any policy issued which is based upon the investment
   experience of a separate investment account may increase or decrease in
   accordance with the investment experience of the separate investment account
   and are not guaranteed as to fixed dollar amount. The Account Value or Cash
   Value may even decrease to zero.

7. The registered representative's signature below certifies that a prospectus
   for the policy applied for has been given to the Proposed Insured and/or to
   the Applicant and that no written sales materials other than those approved
   by JHVLICO or JHMLICO have been used.


________________________________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature

on ________________________________________, 19_________________________________
                      Date

________________________________________________________________________________
Witness (Agent must witness where required by law)

at ________________________________________, ___________________________________
                       City                                State

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
      Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     VERIFICATION OF TRUST (IF APPLICABLE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.  Names of Proprosed Insured (please print)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      FIRST NAME         MIDDLE INITIAL            LAST NAME

2.  Name of Trust:
    ____________________________________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    ____________________________________________________________________________

3.  Name of Trustee:
    
    ____________________________________________________________________________
       FIRST NAME        MIDDLE INITIAL             LAST NAME

4.  Address of Trustee:

    ____________________________________________________________________________
         STREET ADDRESS

    ____________________________________________________________________________
         CITY                       STATE        ZIP

5.  Names of Additional Trustees:

    ____________________________________________________________________________
       FIRST NAME        MIDDLE INITIAL             LAST NAME

    ____________________________________________________________________________
       FIRST NAME        MIDDLE INITIAL             LAST NAME

    ____________________________________________________________________________
       FIRST NAME        MIDDLE INITIAL             LAST NAME

    ____________________________________________________________________________
       FIRST NAME        MIDDLE INITIAL             LAST NAME

6.  Date of Trust      _____/_____/_____

7.  Trust established in state of _______________________

8.  Taxpayer ID # (when available) ______________________

9.  Application Date     _____/_____/_____
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The undersigned Trustee(s) certify that the following statements are true:

The Trustee(s) has the authority, either by the terms of the trust or applicable
state law, to own and purchase life insurance on the life of the Insureds. The
Trustee(s) signing this document and the application are sufficient in number to
act on behalf of the trust.

The trust document containing the names of the Trustee(s) and the date of the
trust is in full force and effect and existed prior to the date of the
application for life insurance.

The trust empowers the Trustee(s) to exercise any and all rights associated with
owning life insurance policies and the Trustee(s) can exercise these rights
without the consent of the Insured. These rights include but are not limited to:
surrendering the policy, withdrawing policy values, borrowing against the policy
values, assigning the policy, transferring ownership, and changing the
beneficiary.

The undersigned Trustee(s) agrees that John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance and
Variable Life Companies shall not be responsible for the application or
disposition of the proceeds of the said policy purchased by the Trustee(s), and
the payment to the Trustee(s) of the proceeds of the policy shall fully
discharge John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance and Variable Life Companies from
all liability under the said policy to the extent of such payment. By signing
this verification form, the Trustee(s) verify that all information contained
herein is true and complete. We agree jointly and severally to indemnify the
insurer and its agents, and hold them harmless from and against all liability as
a result of claims, demands, or judgments against them arising from effecting
any insurance transactions in reliance on this certification.

Dated At ________________________________________  on  _____________, 19______
               CITY OR TOWN            STATE                DATE

________________________________             _________________________________
SIGNATURE OF WITNESS                         SIGNATURE OF TRUSTEE
         
                                             _________________________________
                                             SIGNATURE OF TRUSTEE
                                          
                                             _________________________________
                                             SIGNATURE OF TRUSTEE
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
      Financial Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       AUTHORIZATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   I hereby authorize any licensed physician, medical practitioner, hospital,
clinic, or other medical or medically related facility, insurance company, the
Medical Information Bureau or other organization, institution, or person that
has any records or knowledge regarding the undersigned to give to the John
Hancock Company or its reinsurer(s) any such information, including information
concerning every condition for which each has been under observation or
treatment, including if the information specified contains information related
to treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse or for psychiatric and/or mental
conditions, the history obtained, physical and laboratory findings, diagnosis
and treatment. I hereby authorize the Company to release any records or other
information in its possession regarding the undersigned to the JH Networking
Insurance Agency, Inc. which may use this information in its efforts to secure
insurance coverage for substandard risks with other insurance companies, a list
of which is available upon request.

   I acknowledge receipt of the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act notice which
contains a notice concerning the Medical Information Bureau.

   A copy of this authorization is as valid as the original. This authorization
is valid for 24 months from the date below.


____________________________________   ______________________ 19________________
Signature of Proposed Insured               Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     AUTHORIZATION FOR PREMIUMATIC BILLING
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   I authorize the John Hancock Company to deduct the monthly premiums for the
   policy applied for on this application from the bank account listed below. I
   understand that the deduction will take place on or about the third Friday of
   each month.


Transit Routing Number____________________   PC Control Number (If an existing
                                                               account)_________

Bank Account Number_________________________              EFTS Transfer Code____

Name(s) of Depositor(s)_____________________    Signature(s) of 
                                                            Depositor(s)________
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    SUPPLEMENTARY UNDERWRITING INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Please provide the Proposed Insured's addresses for the last two years.

Time at Residence      Street Address       City/Town          State    ZIP
                       See Part A. Page 1
_____yrs. _____mos.    ---------------------------------------------------------

_____yrs. _____mos.    _________________________________________________________

_____yrs. _____mos.    _________________________________________________________

2.  Please provide the Proposed Insured's employment details for the last 
two years.

Time Employed          Employer Name   Street Address   City/Town   State   ZIP
_____yrs. _____mos.    ________See Part A, Page 1_______________________________

_____yrs. _____mos.    _________________________________________________________

_____yrs. _____mos.    _________________________________________________________

3.  Driver's License   State______________ Number_______________________________

4.  Has Proposed Insured been known   [_] Yes(what names)________________ [_] No
    other names within the last ten 
    years?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From my knowledge and investigation, the proposed insured is of temperate habits
and good moral character, and I know nothing affecting the insurability of the
Proposed Insured not stated hereon, and I recommend his/her acceptance without
qualification. Proposed Insured interviewed by me on ____/____/____.

The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act notice has been delivered as required.

- ------AGENT---------------------------------------------------------------------
Is the insurance applied for intended                  [_] Yes  [_] No 
to replace or change any life insurance or 
annuity now in force on the Proposed Insured?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This application and report have been reviewed by me, and I recommend risk.


- --------------------------------
   Producer
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
      FINANCIAL SERVICES

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         PLEASE COMPLETE ANY SECTION BELOW THAT PERTAINS TO THIS CASE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.  COMPLETE FOR MODIFIED ENDOWMENTS

1.  Does the sales illustration show that the policy applied     [_] Yes [_] No
    for is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC)?

2.  If yes, has the Policyowner signed the MEC Acknowledgment    [_] Yes [_] No
    Form below?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. COMPLETE FOR BUSINESS INSURANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.  Authorized officer signing the application
    Name _____________________________    Title ________________________________

2.  Amount of business insurance already in force on Proposed Insured $_________

3.  Proposed Insured's total compensation from the business for each of 
    the last two years.
    Year_____ Compensation $___________ Year_____ Compensation $___________

4.  Total book value of business $___________________________________

5.  Total market value of business  $________________________________

6.  Year founded or incorporated  ___________________________________

7. % of business owned by Proposed Insured  _______________________ %

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
III. COMPLETE FOR ADVANCED SALES CASES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.  Does this insurance satisfy one of the estate and business needs listed
    below?                                                    [_]Yes   [_]No
    If yes, check one need catagory and one sales 
    concept, if applicable.
    1  [_]Estate Conservation                     
       a [_]Irrevocable Trust Owned
       b [_]Adult Children Owned

    2  [_]Business Continuation
       c [_]Stock Redemption
       d [_]Stock Purchase

    3  [_]Qualified Retirement Plan (Pension, Profit Sharing, 401(k), HR-10)

    4  [_]Individually Owned Insurance
       e [_]Collateral Assignment: Split Dollar
       f [_]Executive Bonus

    5  [_]Non-Qualified Retirement Plan
       g [_]Salary Continuation
       h [_]True Deferral
       i [_]Death Benefit Only
       j [_]Severance Benefit

    6  [_]Corporate Owned Insurance
       k [_]Endorsement Split Dollar
       l [_]Key Person
       m [_]Business Loan

    7  [_]Charitable Insurance
      
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTICE OF POTENTIAL INCOME TAX IMPLICATIONS FOR MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On November 10, 1988, the Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue Act of 1988
(TAMRA) was signed by President Reagan. This law changes the income taxation of
cash withdrawn from certain affected life insurance policies called Modified
Endowment Contracts, or MECs. Due to the amount of premium you plan to pay into
this policy, you will be affected by this law.

It is important for you to understand that all distributions made from your
policy as applied for, including policy loans, withdrawals, partial surrenders
and certain dividends, will be considered to be a distribution of any gain. This
means that if your policy is in a gain position when the withdrawal is made
(i.e., the value of your policy exceeds the amount you've paid into it), you
will owe ordinary income tax on the amount you withdraw. In addition, a 10%
penalty tax is imposed by the IRS on any taxable distribution made prior to age
59 1/2 , except on disability or if taken in the form of an annuity.

The insurance proceeds payable to your beneficiary upon the death of the
Proposed Insured will continue to be income tax free under current legislation.

This notice is designed to inform you of the income taxation of life insurance
based upon our understanding of the information currently available. It is not
intended to provide you with legal advice, which neither John Hancock nor its
Representatives can give. Therefore, if you have questions as to the
applicability of any provision of the law, you should seek the advice of your
own tax and legal counsel.

If you wish to modify your planned premium payments to avoid creating a Modified
Endowment Contract, your Marketing Representative will assist you. Otherwise,
please sign the Acknowledgment below.

                   Policyowner Acknowledgment and Signature
I have read the above Notice of Potential Income Tax Implications. I understand
that my premium payments will cause the proposed policy to become a Modified
Endowment. I also understand the potential income tax effects of a distribution
from a Modified Endowment.

Policyowner Signature  _____________________________________  Date _________
                         sign here only if your Contract 
                          will be a Modified Endowment
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
       Financial Services

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REQUEST FOR PREMIUMATIC BILLING: PLEASE SEND COPY TO AUTOMATIC COLLECTIONS, C-8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please make sure that the Premiumatic Authorization on Page 7 is completed and
signed.

Name of Insured___________________________   Policy Number_________________

1.  All cases: please check one of a or b

    [_] a. This is a new Premiumatic account. Please attach either 1) a blank
           voided check; 2) a copy of the Payor's check for the initial premium;
           or 3) a copy of a cancelled check.

                          Note: Do not send voided check until policy is issued.

    [_] b. This is an addition to an existing Premiumatic account, Control 

           Number______________________________________

2.  Please place policy on Premiumatic effective       /      .
                                                 -----   -----
3.  Special Premiumatic Requests:





     Agency Name____________________  Ord Code________________________

     Submitted by___________________  Date____________________________

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    DETACH THIS SECTION AND GIVE TO CLIENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Information obtained about your insurability will be treated as confidential.
The Company may, however, make a brief report thereon to the Medical Information
Bureau, a non-profit membership organization of life insurance companies which
operates an information exchange on behalf of its members. If you apply to
another Bureau member company for life or health insurance coverage, or a claim
for benefits is submitted to such a company, the Bureau, upon request, will
supply such company with the information it may have in its file.

   Upon receipt of a request from you, the Bureau will arrange disclosure of any
information it may have in your file. (Medical information will be disclosed
only to your attending physician.) If you question the accuracy of information
in the Bureau's file, you may contact the Bureau and seek a correction in
accordance with procedures similar to those set forth in the Federal Fair Credit
Reporting Act. The address of the Bureau's information office is:

                           Medical Information Bureau
                           Post Office Box 105, Essex Station
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02112
                           Telephone (617) 426-3660

   The Company may also release limited information in its file to other
properly authorized life insurance companies to which you may apply for life or
health insurance, or to which a claim for benefits may be submitted.

   Information may be released to proper regulatory agencies on request and to
insurance companies in connection with reinsurance.

   Underwriting actions are not reported to the Bureau, nor is the Company
informed through the Bureau of the underwriting actions of other companies to
whom you may have applied for life or health insurance.



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 

[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    DETACH THIS SECTION AND GIVE TO CLIENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL                                      JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE 
LIFE INSURANCE                                           LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY 

          Notice to Each Person Proposed for New or Changed Coverage

   As required by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, we wish to advise that 
in connection with the insurance (or change in coverage) applied for, an 
investigative consumer report may be requested by the Company with respect to 
any person proposed for insurance or change in coverage.  Such a report may 
contain information as to character, general reputation, personal 
characteristics and mode of living of such person, and is customarily obtained 
through personal interviews with neighbors, friends, or associates of the 
subject of the report.  You have a right to make a written request for 
information as to the nature and scope of any such report under the Act by 
writing to :
                        John Hancock
                        P.O. Box 111 John Hancock Place
                        Uncerwriting and Issue - Federal Fair Credit Control C-5
                        Boston, Massachusetts 02117
For identification purposes, your request must include your full name, 
birthdate, address, and any applicable policy number.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
  This application for Variable Universal Life Insurance is to John Hancock
  Variable Life Insurance Company which will sometimes hereinafter be referred
  to as "the Company."
  

  State of Issue
                 ----------------




            [LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK FINANCIAL SERVICES APPEARS HERE]











          Instructions
      1.  Please print all answers legibly in black ink.
      2.  Any change or deletion must be initialed by the Proposed Insured or
          Applicant.
      3.  Required medical information must be completed on all people proposed
          for coverage unless they are to be medically examined. (Form 
          156-MVL2I-96)
      4.  Please confirm that each proposed insured is currently working at
          least 30 hours per week in a normal capacity and not hospitalized or
          absent from work due to illness or accident.


Form 156-MVL2M-96

<PAGE>
 
[LOGO OF JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]
                                        Master Application Number ______________

================================================================================
 A. Corporation
================================================================================
 1. Name of Corporation                 4. Address of Corporation

                                        -----------------------------------
   ---------------------------------    STREET ADDRESS
   NAME
                                        -----------------------------------
- --------------------------------------  STREET ADDRESS
 2. Name and title of Company Officer
 -----------------------------------
                                        ___________________________________
                                        CITY           STATE           ZIP
   --------------------------------- 
   NAME                                 -----------------------------------
                                        PHONE                  FAX
   ---------------------------------    --------------------------------------
   TITLE                                5. Type of Business
- --------------------------------------  
 3. Tax ID Number                       ----------------------------------------
                                        6. Corporate Fiscal Data (Month/Day)
 __ __ - __ __ __ __ __ __ __                    __ / __
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

================================================================================
 B. BILLING INFORMATION
================================================================================
    Name/Address/Phone for mailing of        
    policy statements and                 Name/Address/Phonbe for mailing of
    correspondence other than premium     Premium Notices: (If same as address
    notices:                              to left, stat "same")

    ---------------------------------     ------------------------------------ 
    NAME                                  NAME                              
                                                                               
    ---------------------------------     ------------------------------------ 
    STREET ADDRESS                        STREET ADDRESS                    
                                                                               
     ---------------------------------    ------------------------------------ 
     CITY            STATE      ZIP       CITY            STATE      ZIP    
                                                                               
     ---------------------------------    ------------------------------------ 
     PHONE                FAX             PHONE                FAX           

  Billing Frequency
         [_]Annual [_] Semi-Annual [_]Qtly [_]Monthly - EC Case #____________
===============================================================================
 C. BENEFICIARY
===============================================================================
 (If beneficiary is not superseded by any individual application submitted as 
 part of this case)

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

===============================================================================
 D. SPECIAL REQUESTS
===============================================================================

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
===============================================================================
 E. OWNERSHIP INFORMATION (LEAVE BLANK IF INDIVIDUAL IS OWNER)
===============================================================================
   1.  Owner                             3. Social Security or Tax ID Number
                                              (no dashes)

   ---------------------------------      -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
   NAME
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2.  Name and title of Owner/Trustee (Authorized Business Official)

   ----------------------------------------------------
   NAME                        TITLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Page 2

  Form 156-MVL2M-96
<PAGE>
 
===============================================================================
 F. SUBACCOUNT INVESTMENT OPTIONS 
===============================================================================
  Percentages must be Whole and Total 100%
  (If Investment Option not superseded by any individual application submitted
  with this case)
- -------
  Domestic Equities
  ____% Growth & Income                         ____%  Mid Cap Growth
  ____% Equity Index                            ____%  Mid Cap Value
  ____% Large Cap Growth                        ____%  Small Cap Growth
  ____% Large Cap Value                         ____%  Small Cap Value
  ____% Real Estate Equities                    ____%  Managed
  ____% Special Opportunities
 
  Bond, Money Market, & Fixed Income
  ____% Money Market                            ____%  Fixed Account
  ____% Sovereign Bond                          ____%  Strategic Bond
  ____% Short-Term U.S. Government Bond
 
  International
  ____% International Equities
  ____% International Opportunities
  ____% International Balanced
 
  Other
  ____% _____________     ____%  _____________
  ____% _____________     ____%  _____________
- -------
===============================================================================
 G. TELEPHONE TRANSFER AND LOAN OPTION
===============================================================================
    I direct the Company to act upon telephone instructions from the owner (a
  trustee, if the owner is a trust; or an authorized business official, if the
  owner is a business entity) to change future payment allocations, transfer
  existing funds among the subaccount investment options, and process policy
  loans, subject to the provisions of the Contract.

                  Telephone Subaccount Transfer     [_] Yes     [_] No
                                   
                  Telephone Loan                    [_] Yes     [_]  No

================================================================================
  H. SUITABILITY
================================================================================

  1. Have you received a prospectus for the policies applied for?
     (If YES,  Prospectus Date:  )                      [_] Yes    [_] No

  2. Do you understand that the amount above the Total Sum Insured at issue and
     the entire amount of the Account Value for each policy may increase or
     decrease depending on investment experience?       [_] Yes    [_] No

  3. Are the policies and allocation of subaccounts in accord with
     your insurance objectives and your anticipated overall financial needs?
                                                        [_] Yes    [_] No

  4. Have you received illustrations of benefits based on the Planned Premium
     for each of the policies?                          [_] Yes    [_] No


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    Page 3
                                                               Form 156-MVL2M-96
<PAGE>
 
[LOGO FOR JOHN HANCOCK APPEARS HERE]

================================================================================
 I. AGREEMENTS
================================================================================

     All statements in this application are, to the best of my knowledge and
     belief,  true, complete, and correctly recorded.

     I assent to this application and also agree that:

    1.  The statements and answers in this application are representations and
        not warranties and attachments hereto will be relied upon and form the
        basis of any insurance.

    2.  No information will be considered as having been given to John Hancock
        unless it is written in this application.

    3.  No agent or medical examiner or any other person, except an officer of
        John Hancock, is authorized to make or discharge contracts or waive or
        change any of the conditions or provisions of any application or policy,
        or to accept risks or pass on insurability. Any such unauthorized action
        is not notice to or knowledge of the company. A medical examiner is not
        an agent of the Company. In order for any of the above events to take
        effect they must be provided for in writing signed by an officer of the
        Company.

    4.  Any policy issued on the basis of this application will take effect as
        of the Date of Issue, but (i) only upon approval of the application by
        John Hancock and delivery to and acceptance by the Applicant of the
        policy and payment of the minimum initial premium (in accordance with
        the billing frequency chosen) and (ii) only if, at the time of such
        delivery and payment, the person proposed for insurance in Parts A and B
        of this application is living and has not consulted or been examined or
        treated by a physician or practitioner since the latest Part B was
        completed.

    5.  All benefits, payments, and values, including the Death Benefit and
        Account or Cash Value, under any policy issued which is based upon the
        investment experience of a separate investment account may increase or
        decrease in accordance with the investment experience of the separate
        investment account and are not guaranteed as to fixed dollar amount. The
        Account Value or Cash Value may even decrease to zero.

    6.  The registered representative's signature below certifies that a
        prospectus for the policy applied for has been given to the Proposed
        Insured and/or to the Applicant and that no written sales materials
        other than those approved by JHVLICO have been used.




    -------------------------------------
    Applicant's Signature

    on                    19                --------------------------------
       ----------------,     ------------    Witness (Agent must witness where  
         Date                                required by law.)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




================================================================================
 J. SALES CREDIT FOR APPLICATION
================================================================================

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>                        <C>                                 <C>   
  AGENCY NAME              ORIG CODE CITY TAX  GA/AM INITIALS
- -------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
- -------------------------  --------  --------  -------------- 
   SALES/STAFF MGR. NAME   NUMBER     MARKETING REP. NAME       CONTRACT    MARKTG REP.#    MARKTG TERR. #   %
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
   SALES/STAFF MGR. NAME   NUMBER     MARKETING REP. NAME       CONTRACT    MARKTG REP.#    MARKTG TERR. #   %
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
   SALES/STAFF MGR. NAME   NUMBER     MARKETING REP. NAME       CONTRACT    MARKTG REP.#    MARKTG TERR. #   %
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
- -------------------------  --------  ------------------------  ----------  --------------  ---------------  ----
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                    Page 4


Form 156-MVL2M-96


                                                             

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 3



                                                               June 20, 1996


Board of Directors
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company

Members of the Board:

      In my capacity as Counsel to John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company,
I have supervised the establishment of John Hancock Variable Life Account S (the
"Account") on May 27, 1993 by the Board of Directors of John Hancock Variable
Life Insurance Company (the "Company") as a separate account for assets
applicable to variable life insurance policies, pursuant to the provisions of
Section 132G of Chapter 175 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.  Moreover, I have participated in the preparation of this Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 (the
"Registration Statement"), to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 for the registration of individual
variable life insurance policies to be issued with respect to the Account.

I am of the following opinion:
      (1) The Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under
the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
      (2) The Account is duly created and validly existing as a separate account
pursuant to the aforesaid provisions of Massachusetts law.
      (3) The individual variable life insurance policies, when issued as
contemplated by this pre-effective amendment, will be legal and binding
obligations of the Company in accordance with their terms.
      (4) The portion of the assets to be held in the Account equal to the
reserves and other liabilities under the individual variable life insurance
policies is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct.

      In arriving at the foregoing opinion, I have made such examination of law
and examined such records and other documents as in my judgement are necessary
or appropriate.

      I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and to the use of my name under the caption "Legal Matters" in the
Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

                                 Very truly yours,


                                 Sandra M. DaDalt, Esq.
                                 --------------------- 
                                 Counsel

<PAGE>
 
                                    EXHIBIT 6



                               June 20, 1996



Board of Directors
John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company

    Re: Actuarial Opinion:

Members of the Board:


This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing of Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement on Form S-6 by John Hancock
Variable Life Insurance Company (JHVLICO) under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the flexible 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 S ("Account").  The flexible
premium policy is described in the prospectus indicated in this amended
Registration Statement.

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

1.  The "sales load", as defined in paragraph (c)(4) of Rule 6e-3(T) under the
    Investment Company Act of 1940, will not exceed 9 per centum of the
    "payments" (as defined in the first sentence of paragraph (c)(7) of the
    (Rule) equal to the sum of the guideline annual premiums (as defined in
    paragraph (c)(8) of the Rule) that would be paid 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.  The sales load on payments made in excess of such sum
    will not exceed 9%.

2.  Except to the extent that exemptive relief is applicable, the proportionate
    amount of sales load deducted from any payment during the policy period will
    not exceed the proportionate amount deducted from any prior payment during
    the policy period, unless an increase is caused by a reduction in the annual
    cost of insurance.

3.  The illustration of death benefit, surrender value, and accumulated premiums
    shown in the appendix of the flexible premium prospectus included in the
    amended Registration Statement, based on the assumptions stated in the
    illustrations, are consistent
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

    with the provisions of the policy.  Such assumptions, including the current
    cost of insurance rates and other charges, are reasonable.  The policy has
    not been designed so as to make the relationship between premiums and
    benefits, as shown in the illustrations, appear disproportionately more
    favorable to a prospective purchaser of a policy for a standard risk male
    age 45 than to a prospective purchaser of a policy for a male at other ages
    or in another risk classification or for a female nor, have the particular
    examples set forth in the illustrations been selected for the purpose of
    making this relationship appear more favorable.

4.  The charge for federal taxes that is imposed under the policy is reasonable
    in relation to JHVLICO's increased tax burden under Section 848 of the
    Internal Revenue Code of 1986, resulting from JHVLICO's receipt of such
    premiums.  The cost to JHVLICO of capital used to satisfy its increased tax
    burden under Section 848 is, in essence, JHVLICO's targeted rate of return.
    The targeted rate of return is reasonable and the factors taken into account
    by JHVLICO in determining such targeted rate of return are appropriate
    factors to consider.

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the amended
Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the heading "Experts" in
the prospectus to actuarial matters.



                                 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 S, and 
February 7, 1996 with respect to the financial statements of John Hancock
Variable Life Insurance Company, included in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
to the Registration Statement (Form S-6, No. 333-00425).


 
                                       /s/Ernst & Young LLP
                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Boston, Massachusetts
July 25, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 8


June 1996

                Description of JHMLICO's and JHVLICO's Issuance,
                Transfer and Redemption Procedures for Policies
                      Pursuant to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii)

                                      and

            Method of Computing Adjustments upon Conversion to Fixed
                                Benefit Policies
                     Pursuant to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(v)(B).
                     --------------------------------------



Set forth below is the information called for under Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii) and
Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(v)(B) under the Investment Company Act 1940 ("1940 Act")
regarding certain procedures under John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company's
("JHMLICO") and John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company's ("JHVLICO")
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policies (hereinafter referred to
individually as the "Policy" and collectively as the "Policies") newly issued in
1996, pursuant to a Form S-6 registration statement filed by JHVLICO and any
registration statement with respect to comparable Policies that may be filed by
JHMLICO.

Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii) provides an exemption for a variable life insurance
separate account, its sponsoring insurance company, its investment adviser and
its principal underwriter from Sections 22(d), 22(e) and 27(c)(1) of the 1940
Act and Rule 22c-1 thereunder for issuance, transfer and redemption procedures
under a variable life insurance Policy to the extent necessary to assure
compliance with Rule 6e-3(T), state insurance law or established administrative
procedures of the life insurance company.  The Rule requires, as a condition for
exemption, that such procedures be reasonable, fair and nondiscriminatory, and
be disclosed in the registration statement filed with respect to such variable
life insurance policies.

JHMLICO and JHVLICO represent that their procedures meet the foregoing standards
of Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii), based on the following facts and circumstances:

1. Because of the insurance nature of the Policies and, in certain instances, as
a result of the requirements of the state insurance laws, the procedures
necessarily differ in significant respects from the procedures for mutual funds
and contractual plans for which the 1940 Act was designed.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


2. Many of the procedures have been adapted from those established and utilized
in connection with the administration of JHMLICO's fixed benefit life insurance
policies and earlier versions of variable life insurance policies issued by its
subsidiary, JHVLICO.

3. Certain procedures, including the 24-month conversion right to fixed benefit
policies, are required by Rule 6e-3(T).

4. JHMLICO and JHVLICO, in structuring their procedures to comply with Rule 
6e-3(T), state insurance laws, and their established administrative procedures,
have attempted to meet the intent of the 1940 Act to the extent deemed feasible.



5. Generally speaking, the state insurance laws to which both JHMLICO and
JHVLICO are subject reflect the fundamental principle that the procedures shall
not be unfair, unreasonable or unjustly discriminatory to any policyholder.

6. Because of the intricate insurance methodology underlying the procedures, it
is often difficult to determine, with certainty, whether and to what extent a
particular procedure, or a given step to that procedure, deviates from a
specific requirement of Section 22(d), 22(e) or 27(c)(1) of the 1940 Act or Rule
22c-1 thereunder.

Accordingly, the summary below includes the principal Policy provisions and
procedures that might be deemed to constitute, either directly or indirectly,
accommodation of the 1940 Act requirements and insurance practices.  Given the
complexities of the Policies' operations, the summary, although comprehensive,
does not attempt to treat each and every mechanical variation or permutation
that might occur and does not repeat every provision or procedure that is
already set forth in the registration statement or exhibits thereto.  At the
same time, the summary, in order to provide a comprehensive view of the
procedures, includes certain procedural steps that do not constitute a deviation
from the Sections and Rule cited above.

Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(v)(B) grants an exemption for a flexible premium variable
life insurance separate account, its sponsoring insurance company, its
investment adviser and its principal underwriter from Section 27(d) of the 1940
Act for flexible premium variable life insurance policies which allow the
policyholder to convert a flexible premium variable life insurance policy into a
fixed benefit life insurance policy at any time during the first 24 months after
issuance.  The Rule requires, as a condition for exemption, that the method of
computing any adjustments made in payments (or charges) or cash values to 
reflect variances between the payments and cash values under the original 
policy and new policy be set out in an exhibit to the registration statement 
filed with respect to the variable life insurance Policy.  JHMLICO's and 
JHVLICO's Policies provide for such a conversion privilege.  No adjustments in
payments (or charges) and cash values are made upon exercise of that privilege,
as described below.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

This memorandum divides the information called for by Rules 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii)
and 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(v)(B) into three parts.  The first part summarizes procedures
under the policies which might be deemed to involve, either directly or
indirectly, a "redemption" within the meaning of the 1940 Act.  The second part
summarizes procedures which might be deemed to involve, either directly or
indirectly, a "purchase" transaction.  The third part summarizes the procedures
for converting a Policy to a fixed benefit Policy.*/
                                                  - 

This exhibit refers to procedures as they affect the respective variable
accounts of JHMLICO and JHVLICO ("the Account") used in funding the Policies.
Except as otherwise stated herein, these procedures do not necessarily reflect
the Fixed Account under the Policies which is held in the General Account of
each insurer.  Whenever reference is made herein to JHMLICO it should also be
read as JHVLICO, insofar as JHVLICO and its Account are concerned, each insurer
having adopted identical procedures.

Except as otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this memorandum
have the same meaning as are defined in the prospectus contained in the
applicable registration statement.


_____________________

*/ If an Owner requests a "purchase" or "redemption" transaction which is
- -                                                                        
impossible (for example, allocation of a loan or partial surrender to
subaccounts which have insufficient assets to support said allocation) or
impermissible (such as a reduction in the Basic Death Benefit below the minimum
required amount), JHMLICO will notify the Policy Owner to determine what action,
if any, the Policy Owner wishes to take instead.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

                          I.  "Redemption" Procedures:
                       Surrender and Related Transactions
                       ----------------------------------

JHMLICO's Policies provide for the payment of monies to a policyholder ("Owner")
or beneficiary upon presentation to JHMLICO of a Policy.  Such presentation
might be deemed to constitute, either directly or indirectly, a "redemption" of
the Owner's interest within the meaning of the 1940 Act.  Set forth below is a
summary of the principal policy provisions and procedures which might be viewed
as involving such a "redemption".  The principal difference between such
"redemptions" and redemptions in the mutual fund or contractual plan context is
that under the Policies, the payee may be deemed not to receive a pro rata or
proportionate share of the assets in JHMLICO's account within the meaning of the
1940 Act.  The amount received by the payee will depend upon the particular
benefit for which the Policy is presented, including, for example the Surrender
Value or Death Benefit.

There are also certain Policy provisions--such as Policy loans--under which
the Policy will not be presented to JHMLICO but which will affect the Owner's
benefits and involve a transfer of the assets supporting the Policy reserve out
of the Account.  Finally, state insurance law may require that certain
requirements be met before JHMLICO is permitted to make payments to the payee.

A.  Surrender Values
    ----------------

If the insured party under a Policy ("Insured") is alive, JHMLICO will pay,
within seven days, the Surrender Value next computed after receipt, at its Home
Office, of the Policy and a signed request for surrender. Computations with
respect to the investment experience of the subaccounts will be made as of 
4:00 p.m., New York City time, on each day during which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading and on which the fund values its shares. This will
enable JHMLICO to pay the Surrender Value based on the next computed value after
a request is received.

While no premium is in default, the Surrender Value is equal to the Account
Value less any indebtedness, plus any Sales Charge Refund.  In general, the
Account Value for any day equals the Policy Account Value for the previous day,
increased by any net premium and decreased by any charges against the Account
Value, accumulated at the subaccount's rate of return after charges against the
Account.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

The total charge for sales load, over the lesser of 20 Guideline Annual Premiums
as defined in Rule 6e-3(T) or the number of Guideline Annual Premiums
corresponding to the life expectancy of the insured, will not exceed 9% of the
Guideline Annual Premium at issue.  No minimum amount of Policy Account Value is
guaranteed.  JHMLICO will make the payment of the Surrender Value out of its
General Account and transfer assets from the Account to the General Account for
the amounts held for the Policy in the Account.

In lieu of payment of the Surrender Value upon surrender of a Policy in a single
sum, an election may be made to apply all or a portion of the proceeds under one
of the benefit settlement options described in the Policy or, with the approval
of JHMLICO, under other optional methods of settlement available from JHMLICO.
The election may be made by the Owner during the Insured's lifetime, or, if no
election is in effect at death, by the beneficiary.  The benefit settlement
options are subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in the Policy.

B.  Death Claims
    ------------

JHMLICO will pay a death benefit to the beneficiary within seven days after
receipt at its Home Office of due proof of death of the Insured, and all other
requirements necessary 1/ to make payment.  Provided the Policy is in full
                       -                                                  
force, 2/ the Death Benefit will be the greater of (1) the Sum Insured (and
       -                                                                   
Account Value, if any, under Option B) less any indebtedness on the date of
death, and (2) the Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period in which
death occurs multiplied by the applicable Death Benefit Factor or Corridor
Factor, as applicable, less any indebtedness on the date of death.  The Death
Benefit is also less any overdue monthly deductions if death occurs during the
61 day Policy grace period.

The proceeds payable on death also reflect interest from the date of death to
the date of payment.

JHMLICO will make payment of the Death Benefit out of its General Account, and
will transfer assets from the Account to the General Account in an amount equal
to the amount held in the Account for the Policy terminated by death.

In lieu of payment of the Death Benefit in a single sum, a settlement option may
be selected as described in Section I.A, above.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

C.  Default
    --------

Premium Grace Period, Default and Lapse.  Unless the Guaranteed Death Benefit is
in force, at the beginning of each Policy month JHMLICO determines whether the
Surrender Value is sufficient to pay all monthly charges then due under the
Policy.  If not, the Policy is in default and JHMLICO will notify the Owner of
the amount estimated to be necessary to pay three months' deductions, and a
Policy grace period will be in effect until 61 days after the date the notice
was mailed.  If JHVLICO does not receive payment of at least this amount by the
end of the Policy grace period, the Policy will lapse, and any remaining amount
owed to the Owner as of the date of lapse will be paid to the Owner.

If the Guaranteed Death Benefit has been in effect and lapses at the end of a
Guaranteed Death Benefit grace period, the usual default, Policy grace period
and lapse procedures described in the preceding paragraph will be applied
commencing with the first day of the Policy month in which the lapse of the
Guaranteed Death Benefit occurs.

The insurance continues in full force during the grace period but, if the
insured dies during the Policy grace period, the amount in default will be
deducted from the amount of 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 any grace period.  If in the Policy grace
period, the notice will specify the minimum amount which must be paid to
continue the Policy in force on a premium paying basis after the end of the
Policy grace period.  If in the Guaranteed Death Benefit grace period, the
notice will specify the new amount which must be paid to continue the Guaranteed
Death Benefit feature in force.

- ---------------
1/State insurance laws impose various requirements, such as receipt of a tax
- -                                                                           
waiver before payment of the Death Benefit may be made.  In addition, payment of
the Death Benefit is subject to the provisions of the Policy regarding suicide
and incontestability.

2/"In full force" means that the Policy has not been surrendered or lapsed.
- -                                                                          
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-


D.  Policy Loan
    -----------

Loans may be made at any time a Loan Value is available.  The Owner may borrow
money on completion of a form satisfactory to JHMLICO assigning the Policy as
the only security for the loan.  Payment of the loan will be made from JHMLICO's
Home Office.  The Loan Value will be 90% of the Account Value of the subaccounts
and 100% of the Fixed Account Value.  Interest accrues and is compounded daily
at an effective annual rate determined by John Hancock at the start of each
Policy year.  This interest rate will be 4.75% in Policy years 1 through 20 and
4.25% in Policy years 21 and beyond.

The amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued interest is called the
"indebtedness".  A loan will not be permitted unless its is at least $1000.  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, shares are redeemed in
an aggregate equal to the amount of the loan and this aggregate value is
allocated to the Loan Account.  The shares redeemed will be redeemed in each
subaccount 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.

Loan interest which is not paid by a Policy anniversary will be added to the
loan principal by automatically effecting an additional Policy loan.  Amounts
transferred to the Policy loan account are credited with interest at .75% less
than the loan interest rate per annum for the first 20 Policy years and .25%
less than the loan interest rate per annum in years 21 and beyond, which
interest is transferred to the subaccount when the loan is repaid, according to
the Investment Rule then in effect.

While the indebtedness is outstanding, that portion of the Account Value that is
in the Loan Account is credited with interest at a rate of .75% less than the
loan rate for the first 20 Policy years and .25% less than the loan rate in
years 21 and later, a rate which 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 Sum Insured, the Account Value, and the Surrender Value
are permanently affected by any indebtedness, whether or not repaid in whole or
in part.  The amount of any outstanding 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 JHMLICO to the Owner
specifiying the minimum amount that must be paid to keep the Policy in force
beyond that period.  The Policy lapses unless a repayment of at least that
amount is made within that period.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

E.  Transfers Among Variable Subaccounts
    ------------------------------------

The Owner may reallocate the amounts held for the Policy in the variable
subaccounts in each Policy year without charge. The Owner may use either
percentages (in whole numbers) or designate the dollar amount of funds to be
transferred between subaccounts.  The reallocation must be such that the total
in the subaccounts after reallocation equals 100%.  The change will be effective
at the end of the Valuation Period in which JHMLICO receives at its Home Office
notice satisfactory to JHMLICO.

F.  Conversion Privilege
    --------------------

The conversion privilege provided in a accordance with Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(v)(B)
under the 1940 Act is discussed under III. below.

G.  Partial Withdrawal of Account Value
    -----------------------------------

An Owner may withdraw a portion of Account 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, will be effective as of
the end of the Valuation Period in which JHMLICO receives written notice
satisfactory to it at its Home Office.  The minimum amount that may be withdrawn
is $1000.  The Sum Insured of the Policy will not be reduced until the Account
Value multiplied by the applicable Corridor or Death Benefit Factor is less than
or equal to the Sum Insured.  At that time, the Sum Insured is reduced by the
amount of any withdrawals.  An amount equal to $20 is charged against Account
Value for each partial withdrawal.  When a withdrawal is made the cumulative
premiums calculated for purposes of determining the availability of the
Guaranteed Death Benefit feature will be adjusted.  If the cumulative premiums
paid are less than the Guaranteed Death Benefit Premiums required at this point,
the Guaranteed Death Benefit will no longer be in effect.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

                     II.  Purchase and Related Transactions
                     --------------------------------------

Set out below is a summary of the principal provisions of the Policies and
administrative procedures thereunder that might be deemed to constitute, either
directly or indirectly, a "purchase" transaction within the meaning of the 1940
Act.  The summary shows that, because of the insurance nature of the Policies,
the procedures involved necessarily differ in certain significant respects from
the purchase procedures for mutual funds and contractual plans.  The chief
differences revolve around the premium rate structure and the insurance
underwriting (i.e., evaluation of risk) process.  There are also certain Policy
provisions -- such as reinstatement -- which do not result in the issuance of a
Policy but which required certain payments by the Owner and involve a transfer
of assets supporting the Policy reserve into the Account.

A.  Premium Schedules and Underwriting Standards
    --------------------------------------------

Premiums for JHMLICO's Policies will not be the same for all Owners.  The chief
reason is that the principle of pooling and distribution of mortality risks is
based upon the assumption that each Owner pays a premium commensurate with the
Insured's mortality risk which is actuarially determined based upon factors such
as age, sex, health and occupation.  In the context of life insurance as
contrasted with mutual funds, a uniform premium (or "public offering price") for
all Insured's would discriminate unfairly in favor of those Insured's
representing greater mortality risks to the disadvantage of those representing
lesser risks.  Accordingly, although there will be no uniform "Public offering
price" for all Insured's, there will be a single "price" for all Insured's in a
given actuarial category.

The Policies will be offered and sold pursuant to established premium targets 3/
                                                                              - 
and underwriting standards and in accordance with state insurance laws.  Such
laws prohibit unfair discrimination among Policyholders, but recognize that
premiums may be based upon factors such as age, sex, health, and occupation.  In
a few states, the premiums and values under the Policies will not directly
reflect the sex of the insured.

- ----------------
3/In accordance with industry practice, JHMLICO will establish procedures to
- -                                                                           
handle errors in initial and subsequent premium payments to collect
underpayments, except for de minimis amounts.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-


B.  Application and Initial Premium Processing
    ------------------------------------------

Upon receipt of a completed application from a proposed Owner, JHMLICO will
follow certain insurance underwriting (i.e., evaluation of risk) procedures
designed to determine whether the proposed Insured is insurable.  This process
may involve such verification procedures as medical examinations and may require
that further information be provided by the proposed Insured before a
determination can be made.  A Policy cannot be issued, i.e., physically issued
through JHMLICO's computerized issue system until this underwriting procedure
has been completed.  Policies issued on a guaranteed issue basis do not require
evidence of insurability.

The date on which a Policy is issued is referred to as the "Date of Issue".  The
date of issue coincides with the beginning of a Valuation Period.  It represents
the commencement of the suicide and contestable periods for purposes of the
Policies.  It is also the date as of which the insurance age of the proposed
Insured is determined.  It represents the first day of the Policy year and
therefore determines the Policy anniversary.  It also marks the commencement of
the variability of benefits.

These processing procedures are designed to provide immediate benefits to the
proposed Owner in connection with payment of the initial premium and will not
dilute any benefit payable to an existing Owner.  Although a Policy cannot be
issued until after the underwriting process has been completed, the proposed
Insured will receive immediate insurance coverage, if he has paid his minimum
first premium, subject to the other terms and conditions of JHMLICO's Receipt
and Conditional Temporary Insurance Agreement. If the minimum first premium is
paid with the application and the Policy is issued as applied for, the date of
issue in general will be the last of the Part A date or the Part B date of the
application or the date of most recent evidence of insurability, so that
variability of benefits will commence as of that date.  If the minimum first
premium is not paid with the application, the date of issue will be the actual
date the application is processed for issue or the next valid issue date
provided the Owner pays the necessary premium.  Except as referred to above, no
coverage will take effect with respect to a Policy until the minimum first
premium has been paid and the Policy is delivered to the Owner while the insured
is living and has not consulted, been examined, or treated by a doctor since the
latest Part B of the application was completed.  If coverage under a Policy
never goes into effect, any premium paid will be returned without interest.

JHMLICO will require that the Policy be delivered and the minimum initial
premium paid within a specific period to protect itself against anti-selection
by the proposed Owner resulting from deterioration in the Insured's health.
Generally, the period will not exceed 60 days from the date of completion of the
latest of Parts A and B of the application and any required medical examination.

JHMLICO will transfer the appropriate amount from its general account to the
Account on the date the Policy is approved.  The appropriate amount will be
calculated as though the net premium had in fact been transferred from the
General Account to the Account commencing on the date the Policy is issued.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-

D.  Reinstatement Provision
    -----------------------

The Policy may be reinstated within 1 year after the beginning of the Policy
grace period.  A Policy will be reinstated upon receipt by JHMLICO of a written
application for reinstatement and production of evidence of insurability
satisfactory to JHMLICO and payment of an amount equal to the sum of (a) and
(b).


(a)All paid monthly charges grossed up for State Premium Tax, Federal DAC Tax
and Sales Load if applicable plus interest from the due date to and including
the date of the reinstatement at an effective rate of 6%.

(b)Total of all monthly deductions grossed up for State Premium Tax, Federal DAC
Tax and Sales Load if applicable for the next three monthly processing dates
following the date of reinstatement, where the charges for each of the next
three processing dates are assumed to be equal to such charges as on the date of
default.

On the date of reinstatement the Policy will have (i) a Sum Insured as if no
lapse had occurred and (ii) indebtedness equal to any indebtedness at the end of
the day immediately preceding the date of reinstatement.

The Account Value on the date of reinstatement will be (a) less (b) and (c)
where:

(a) is the amount in Payment above;

(b) is the aggregate premium expense charges, i.e. sales charge, premium tax
charge and Federal DAC tax charge; and

(c) is the sum of all Mortality Charges, Maintenance Charges and charges for
Riders and ratings, if any, that would have been made from the date of lapse to
the date of reinstatement if the Policy had not lapsed, with interest an
effective annual rate of 6% to the date of reinstatement.

In order to assist a lapsed Owner in making a considered judgment as to whether
to reinstate, JHMLICO may calculate the amount payable upon reinstatement and
"freeze" the amount for up to ten days.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

F.  Repayment of Loan
    -----------------

The Owner may repay all or a portion of any indebtedness while the insured is
living and premiums are duly paid.  When a loan is made, shares are redeemed in
an aggregate value equal to the amount of the loan and this aggregate value is
transferred to the general account and carried as a Loan Account.  The shares
redeemed will be redeemed in each subaccount 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.

While the indebtedness is outstanding, that portion of the Account Value that is
in the Loan Account is credited with interest at a rate of at .75% less than the
loan rate in the first 20 Policy years and .25% less than the loan rate in years
21 and beyond, a rate which 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 Sum Insured, the Account Value, and the Surrender Value
are permanently affected by any indebtedness, whether or not repaid in whole or
in part.  The amount of any outstanding indebtedness is subtracted from the
amount otherwise payable when the Policy proceeds become payable.

G.  Correction of Misstatement of Age or Sex
    ----------------------------------------

If JHMLICO discovers that the age or sex of the Insured has been misstated,
JHMLICO will reconstruct the Policy by determining what benefits the premium
paid would have purchased at the correct age or sex.  Special adjustments may
have to be made if the resultant face amount is below JHMLICO's minimum size
Policy.

Once the benefits are redetermined, JHMLICO will make the necessary adjustment
in the reserve assets in the Account to reflect the redetermined benefits and
the correct age and sex of the Insured.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-

                           III.  Conversion of Policy
                                 --------------------

JHMLICO's Policies, in accordance with Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(v)(B) under the 1940 Act,
provide that the Owner within 24 months of issue, or any time after thereafter,
may transfer the entire Account Value under the Policy to the Fixed Account thus
creating a non-variable or fixed benefit life insurance Policy.  This conversion
privilege is designed to permit an Owner to change his or her mind and to obtain
a fixed benefit Policy.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 7
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM STATEMENTS
OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND UNASSIGNED DEFICIT AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                       601,955,739             552,783,491
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                0                       0
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                  0                       0
<EQUITIES>                                   6,436,330               6,692,979
<MORTGAGE>                                 154,500,550             146,730,102
<REAL-ESTATE>                               36,433,160              36,381,549
<TOTAL-INVEST>                             799,325,779             742,588,121
<CASH>                                      48,439,623              76,623,174
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                   0                       0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                               0                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                           3,626,030,209           3,446,285,957
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                      0                       0
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                                  0                       0
<POLICY-OTHER>                             678,507,978             671,135,547
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                0                       0
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                      0                       0
                                0                       0
                                  5,030,000               5,030,000
<COMMON>                                     1,406,330               1,662,979
<OTHER-SE>                                           0                       0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>             3,626,030,209           3,446,285,957
                                 113,823,714             453,853,570
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         17,821,652              62,111,216
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                             (2,368)                 561,845
<OTHER-INCOME>                              87,650,044             202,905,077
<BENEFITS>                                 204,828,153             646,890,183
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                          0                       0
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                                 0                       0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             12,026,843              60,023,019
<INCOME-TAX>                                 8,069,665              28,397,605
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          3,957,178              31,625,414
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                 3,957,178              31,625,414
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                        0                       0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0                       0
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                       0                       0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                  0                       0
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                    0                       0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                                   0                       0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                     0                       0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                      0                       0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                              0                       0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 1
   <NAME> SELECT STOCK. (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                                        <C>                        <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              3-MOS                      12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995                DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996                JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996                DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        9,296,094                  6,909,172
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       9,659,513                  7,064,890
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,933                     39,836
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                          0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                          0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               9,672,446                  7,104,726 
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                     39,567
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                          0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          126                        269
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                126                     39,836 
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                          0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                          0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          533,141                    406,768 
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                          0 
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                          0 
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                          0 
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        128,420                    126,908  
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                          0  
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                          0 
<NET-ASSETS>                                 9,672,320                  7,064,890 
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               44,758                     92,364   
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                          0 
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                    417,223 
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   9,533                     17,330  
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         35,225                    492,308 
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       128,420                    126,908 
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      207,703                    180,251 
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          371,348                    799,467 
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                          0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                          0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                          0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                          0 
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      3,147,300                  7,299,567    
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    888,798                  1,444,204 
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                          0 
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,607,430                  6,162,521  
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                          0 
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                    926,902 
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                          0  
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                          0 
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                          0 
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                          0 
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  9,533                     17,330 
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                          0  
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                          0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                          0 
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                          0  
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                          0 
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                          0  
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 2
   <NAME> BOND (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                   <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                       DEC-31-1995           DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                          JAN-01-1996           JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                            MAR-31-1996           DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                     2,018,263             1,357,549
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                    1,989,477             1,388,285
<RECEIVABLES>                                11,530                 1,076
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                    0                     0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                              0                     0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                            2,001,007             1,389,361
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                          0                 1,011
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                           0                     0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        28                    65
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              28                 1,076
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                   0                     0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                          0                     0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       203,667               137,078
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                             0                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                         0                     0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                            0                     0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       2,355                21,718
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                          0                     0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          0                     0
<NET-ASSETS>                              2,000,979             1,388,285
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            27,763                54,549
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                 0                     0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                    0                12,423
<EXPENSES-NET>                                2,146                 4,148
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      25,617                62,824
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                      2,355                21,718
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                   (59,520)               34,574
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       (31,548)              119,116
<EQUALIZATION>                                    0                     0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         0                     0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                          0                     0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                             0                     0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     704,392             1,480,183
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  46,033               365,240
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                               0                     0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      612,694             1,171,236
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                           0                     0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         0               220,888
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                           0                     0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                        0                     0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                             0                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                0                     0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                               2,146                 4,148
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                              0                     0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             0                     0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0                     0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           0                     0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                              0                     0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                         0                     0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                              0                     0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               0                     0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0                     0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                            0                     0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                              0                     0
         


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 3
   <NAME> INTERNATIONAL (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                       <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                     12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995               DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996               JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        3,092,822                 2,448,039
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,211,966                 2,554,818
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,398                     2,172
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                         0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                         0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,218,364                 2,556,990
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                     2,051
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                         0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           51                       121
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 51                     2,172
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                         0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                         0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          198,811                   463,670
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                         0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         77,099                  (25,931)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                         0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                         0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,218,313                 2,554,818
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                6,514                    19,256
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                       246
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   3,726                    10,434
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          2,788                     9,067
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        77,099                  (25,931)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       12,365                   153,715
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           92,252                   136,851
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                         0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,269,939                 2,211,508
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    702,255                   776,801
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                         0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         663,495                 1,562,491
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                 1,039,263
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                         0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                         0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  3,726                    10,434
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                         0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                         0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                         0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                         0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                         0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                         0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                         0
                                                                               



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 4
   <NAME> MONEY MARKET (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                                        <C>                  <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              3-MOS                12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996          JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996          DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        5,166,731            4,626,512
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       5,166,731            4,626,512
<RECEIVABLES>                                      715              612,373
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                    0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,167,446            5,238,885
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0              612,185
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           76                  188
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 76              612,373
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                    0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                    0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          516,673              462,652
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         77,099                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                    0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                    0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 5,167,370            4,626,512
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               40,781              119,746
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                    0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   4,455               12,117
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          2,788              107,629
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        77,099                    0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       12,365                    0
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           36,326              107,629
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                    0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,375,158           12,860,558
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  3,834,937           10,289,180
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                    0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         540,858            2,371,379
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                    0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0            2,255,133  
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                    0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                    0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  4,455               12,117
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                    0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                    0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                    0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                    0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                    0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                    0
                



</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 5
   <NAME> REAL ESTATE EQUITY (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                    12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995             DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996             JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996             DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          580,947                 535,769
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         616,317                 570,782
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,299                  12,369
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                       0 
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 622,616                 583,151
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                  12,340
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           10                      29
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 10                  12,369
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                       0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                       0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           51,875                  48,801
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                       0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                       0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                       0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          8,736                     613
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                       0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                       0
<NET-ASSETS>                                   622,606                 570,782
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                9,373                  32,578
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                       0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     871                   2,766
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          8,502                  29,812
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         8,736                     613
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                          357                  25,077
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           17,595                  55,502
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                       0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                       0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        106,089                 451,518
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     69,646                 326,311
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                       0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          51,824                 150,898
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                       0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                 409,948
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                       0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                       0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                       0 
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                       0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                    871                   2,766
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                       0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                       0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                       0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                       0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                       0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                       0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                       0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                       0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                       0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                       0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 6
   <NAME> STOCK (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                         <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                       12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         DEC-31-1995          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                            JAN-01-1996          JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                              MAR-31-1996          DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      12,959,626            8,664,530
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     13,548,121            8,919,796 
<RECEIVABLES>                                  26,452            1,291,449
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                      0                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                0                    0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             13,574,573           10,211,245
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                            0            1,291,107
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                             0                    0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                         201                  342
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                               201            1,291,449
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                     0                    0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                            0                    0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                         928,004              639,815
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                               0                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                           0                    0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                              0                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       145,704              170,322
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                            0                    0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                            0                    0
<NET-ASSETS>                               13,574,372            8,919,796
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              68,637              118,733
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                   0                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                      0              550,909
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 14,908               23,428
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        53,729              646,215
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                      145,704              170,322     
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     333,230              322,628
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                         532,663            1,139,165
<EQUALIZATION>                                      0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                           0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                            0                    0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                               0            8,733,659
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     5,017,740            1,659,437
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   868,339                    0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 0            8,784,534
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      4,654,576                    0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                             0            1,419,985
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                    0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                             0                    0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                          0                    0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                               0                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  0               23,428
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                14,908                    0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                               0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                     0                    0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                             0                    0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                0                    0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                           0                    0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                0                    0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                 0                    0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                     0                    0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                              0                    0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                0                    0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 7
   <NAME> SHORT-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995              DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996              JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996              DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,506,926                2,187,260
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       2,484,819                2,209,047
<RECEIVABLES>                                   10,956                    9,631
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                        0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                        0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,495,775                2,218,678
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                    9,585
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                        0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           21                       46
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 21                    9,631
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                        0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                        0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          247,053                  215,888
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                        0 
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                        0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          1,850                    8,250
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                        0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                        0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,495,754                2,209,047
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               64,502                   59,460
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                        0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                    5,041
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,645                    2,917
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         30,412                   61,585
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         1,850                    8,251
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (43,893)                   22,112
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                         (11,631)                   91,948
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                        0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                        0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                        0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                        0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        474,813                2,584,350
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    156,998                  447,128
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                        0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         286,707                2,167,584
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                        0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                   41,788
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                        0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                        0 
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                        0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  1,645                    2,917
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                        0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                        0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                        0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                        0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                        0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                        0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                        0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                        0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                        0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 8
   <NAME> MANAGED (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995              DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996              JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996              DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        4,886,176                3,766,357
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       4,924,306                3,809,723
<RECEIVABLES>                                   16,956                   93,566
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                        0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                        0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,941,262                3,903,289
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                   93,412
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                        0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           71                      154
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 71                   93,566
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                        0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                        0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          358,062                  277,537 
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                        0 
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                        0 
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                        0 
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         12,945                  179,089 
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                        0 
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                        0 
<NET-ASSETS>                                   (5,236)                3,809,723 
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               47,637                  115,159 
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                        0 
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                  201,615 
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   5,660                   10,978 
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         41,977                  305,796 
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        12,945                  179,089 
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (5,236)                   51,622 
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           49,686                  536,507 
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                        0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                        0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                        0 
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                        0 
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,257,968                5,319,428 
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    151,094                2,437,109 
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                        0 
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,131,468                3,162,990 
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                        0 
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                  655,030 
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                        0 
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                        0 
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                        0 
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                        0 
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  5,660                   10,978 
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                        0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                        0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                        0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                        0 
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                        0 
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                        0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                        0 
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                        0
         


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 9
   <NAME> SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES (John Hancock Variable Life Account S)
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                    12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995               DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996               JAN-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996               DEC-31-1995
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,431,406                 1,481,556
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       2,691,633                 1,670,060
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0                        81
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0                         0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0                         0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,691,633                 1,670,141
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0                         0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0                         0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           43                        81
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 43                        81
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0                         0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0                         0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          186,841                         0
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0                         0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        115,750                         0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0                         0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0                         0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,691,590                 1,670,060
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0                    40,159
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0                         0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0                         0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   3,079                     4,949
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        (3,079)                    35,210
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       115,750                    28,812
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       71,723                   185,349
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          184,394                   249,371
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0                         0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0                         0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,215,444                 1,350,626
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    381,344                   227,618
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0                         0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,021,530                 1,337,170
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0                         0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0                         0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0                         0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0                         0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0                         0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                  3,079                     4,949
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0                         0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0                         0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0                         0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0                         0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0                         0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0                         0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0                         0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0                         0
                                                                               


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JOHN HANCOCK
VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 10
<NAME> TURNER CORE GROWTH SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        9,296,094
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       9,659,513
<RECEIVABLES>                                   12,933
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               9,672,446
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          126
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                126
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          533,141
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        128,420
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 9,672,320
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               44,758
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   9,533
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         35,225
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       128,420
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      207,703
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          371,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      3,147,300
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    888,798
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,607,430
<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>                                  9,533
<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
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JOHN HANCOCK
VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 11
<NAME> EDINBURGH OVERSEAS EQUITY SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,018,263
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,989,477
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,530
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,001,007
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           28
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 28
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          203,667
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          2,355
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,000,979
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               27,763
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   2,146
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         25,617
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         2,355
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                     (59,520)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                         (31,548)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        704,392
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                     46,033
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         612,694
<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>                                  2,146
<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
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM JOHN HANCOCK
VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT S AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 12
<NAME> FRONTIER CAPITAL APPRECIATION SUBACCOUNT
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                              3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        3,092,822
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       3,211,966
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,398
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,218,364
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                           51
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                 51
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                             0
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          198,811
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         77,099
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                             0
<NET-ASSETS>                                 3,218,313
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                6,514
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   3,726
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          2,788
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        77,099
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       12,365
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           92,252
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,269,939
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    702,255
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         663,495
<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>                                  3,726
<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>


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