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It's a mixed blessing, but Frank Herbert's Dune goes a long way toward satisfying science fiction purists who scoffed at David Lynch's previous attempt to adapt Herbert's epic narrative. Ironically, director John Harrison's 288-minute TV miniseries (broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2000) offers its own share of strengths and weaknesses, which, in retrospect, emphasize the quality of Lynch's film while treating Herbert's novel with more comprehensive authority. Debate will continue as to which film is better; Lynch's extensive use of internal monologue now seems like a challenge well met, and Harrison's more conventional approach is better equipped to convey the epic scope of Herbert's interplanetary political intrigue.
This much is certain: this Dune is a sumptuous treat for the eyes, with sets and costumes that were conceived with no apparent limits of budget or creativity. In terms of architecture alone, this is one of the most impressive films in science fiction history. And although the special effects fall short of feature-film quality, writer-director Harrison (who rose from an extensive background in TV) admirably tames the sprawling narrative that pits the opposing houses of Atreides and Harkonnen in a struggle to control the lucrative market for the spice melange. This is as accurate as any Dune adaptation is likely to get (i.e., there's no need for another attempt), and even then, it can be tricky to keep track of who's doing what to whom. Unfortunately, the film's biggest flaws are the casting of a nearly comatose William Hurt as Duke Leto, and a wooden Alec Newman as the messiah-to-be, Paul Atreides. These are regrettable shortcomings, but this Dune remains altogether respectable. That Frank Herbert would be impressed is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay. --Jeff Shannon
Special Features
Owing to the differing broadcast standards of global television, the director's cut of Frank Herbert's Dune essentially combines the international versions originally broadcast in 2000. Several scenes are new to American audiences, including some brief and tasteful nudity, but the real benefit comes from scenes that clarify the politics and betrayals that arise between the houses of Atreides and Harkonnen. In his articulate and informative commentary track, writer-director John Harrison illuminates the value of these scenes, while additional DVD supplements explore the challenges of production and, most eloquently, the artistic philosophy of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, whose color strategies are outlined in interviews and an intellectual essay. And while the "Defining the Messiah" and "Science Future/Science Fiction" supplements are not directly related to the film, they place this epic production (and Frank Herbert's legacy) into a rich and meaningful perspective. Even if viewed only once, these and other features provide valuable context for a deeper appreciation of Harrison's ambitious adaptation. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
As a TV miniseries, this version of Dune worked extremely well. As a DVD it is nice because you can watch as much of it as you like at one time - it's broken into three 90 minute "episodes." The acting is much better than average for television, and the sets and costumes are really superb. The portrayal of the primitive yet sophisticated (and beautifully spiritual) fremen culture will have you cheering for their cause. And the evil baron and emporer, as well as the weasly spicing guild nerds, provide a terrific and fun element of comedy to the production. (They sure have a lot of weird, funky hats in this universe !!)
The special effects and battle scenes do leave something to be desired, although the space scenes actually look pretty real. One star is lost for the cheesy looking battle scenes and fake looking desert mouse, and the DVD itself is pretty bare bones. Nevertheless, this DVD is worthwhile addition to your science fiction collection, especially since the price is so reasonable.
PS - I'm getting really annoyed with reviewers who compare a film to the book upon which it is based, and complain when they don't coincide exactly. When a film is "based" on a novel, it is not necessary to copy it verbatim. So, all you anally retentive Dune (and Lord of the Ring) geeks out there - lighten up already !!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Ignore the Lynch version, cult classic though it may be--this is the true movie version of the original Dune. William Hurt plays a fantastic Duke Leto. If they had a little better funding, they could have made it a real feature film and played it in the theatres. This is a definite must see for Dune fans who are disappointed with the Lynch Dune!
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
haven't seen a movie version yet that really captures the story as written in the books, but for the most part, this isn't too bad. I think most of the visuals work really well even if the adaptation is a little loose.
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
The unfortunate down side of the small screen.
The Frank Herbert novel, Dune, is something that deserved to be adapted in a format that allows for the amount of screen time that provides the detail that only a mini-series can... Read more
Published 21 months ago by A. Kydd
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great TV Adaptation Of A Wonderful Book
This is a great adaptation of Frank Herbert's book. The casting is great, the look of it is beautiful and very truthful to the book. Read more
Published on Feb 16 2010 by The Shade
5.0 out of 5 stars
A LOT TO CHEW ON BUT SATISFYING
After having sat through David Lynch's version of "Dune", I longed for something that was more in tune with, what I thought, it the whole spirit of Frank Herbert's amazing novels. Read more
Published on Jun 13 2009 by B. C. Whitcomb
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dune
This was better that the version of 1984,but the music wasn't as good as the music from The Children of Dune. Read more
Published on Mar 31 2009 by Neil Eaton
3.0 out of 5 stars
the other version
I am a hardcore fan of Frank Herbert's science fiction. Since other people on here have written very good reviews, I will try to keep mine short and to the point. Read more
Published on July 17 2004 by SystemStructure
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Movie!
Great Acting,Great Script,Great Special Effects,Great Story!There are millions of Frank Herbert fans all across the world. Read more
Published on July 3 2004 by W. Matlock
5.0 out of 5 stars
A LETTER 4 JOHN HARRISON
Actor Mark Hamill would made a terrific aging Moneo for 'God Emperor of Dune'. He's a memorable sci-fi icon. He can act and inexpen... well,he's not as expensive as Mr. McBeal. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2004 by lando
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sci Fi Shakespere
There are a lot of arguments over hardcore David Lynch fans and fans of the movie compared to fans of this min series. So I am going to look at both in my review of this. Read more
Published on Jun 21 2004 by A. M Robertson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, not great
This seems like a pretty good adaptation for the mini-series format. The figures are clearly drawn, for people who came in late. Read more
Published on May 19 2004 by wiredweird
2.0 out of 5 stars
The Messiah Pit
Let's shoot for a little heresy here. Maybe the reason neither this "Dune" nor Lynch's really works is that Frank Herbert's story just isn't very good. Read more
Published on May 17 2004 by Wayne A.
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