- Actors: William Hurt, Alec Newman, Giancarlo Giannini, Uwe Ochsenknecht, Saskia Reeves
- Format: EP, NTSC, Import
- Language: English, Italian
- Number of tapes: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Live / Artisan
- VHS Release Date: Oct 23 2001
- Run Time: 265 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (465 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005O5H0
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon.com
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
Additional 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
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Epic science fiction,
By
This review is from: Frank Herbert's Dune (Widescreen) (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 !!
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is an amazing movie!,
By RavenRing (USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Dune: Special Edition Director's Cut (Widescreen) [3 Discs] (DVD)
When I first sat down to see this movie, I didn't really have much enthusiasm about it. I had never read the book, and didn't understand what the movie was supposed to be about. But that was all before the movie actually started. And as soon as the movie was over, I went and hunted down a copy of the book as quickly as possible. Dune has a very complex plot, and so reading the book helped me to understand the little twists and turns, so when I saw the movie a second time, it was even better. But you don't have to read the book to enjoy this movie. It has amazing visual effects, and all of the actors were very good at portraying the characters. While some of the desert backdrops are obviously fake, it actually just improves the movie's grandness. Once the movie is over, it leaves you wanting more. And fortunately they did a sequel, so there is more to be had, in Children of Dune, which is based on Frank Herbert's books Dune Messiah and Children of Dune.
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is THE version to see,
By
This review is from: Dune: Special Edition Director's Cut (Widescreen) [3 Discs] (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!
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