Frank Herbert's Dune (Sci-Fi TV Miniseries) (Special Edition Director's Cut) (3-Disc DVD Set) |  | Director: John Harrison
Actors: William Hurt, Alec Newman, Giancarlo Giannini, Uwe Ochsenknecht, Saskia Reeves
Studio: Artisan Home Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.98
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Rating:  568 reviews
Sales Rank: 6277
Format: Anamorphic, Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, Director's Cut, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC
Languages: English (Unknown), English (Original Language)
Rating: Unrated
Region: 1
Discs: 3
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Running Time: 265 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.8
MPN: LGED18478D
UPC: 012236125297
EAN: 0012236125297
ASIN: B0000639EV
Theatrical Release Date: December 3, 2000
Release Date: June 11, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 07/08/2005
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
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 568
 Frank Herbert's Dune (mini TV Series) July 12, 2010
Abid Hasan Mujtaba (Texas, USA)
If you are a die-hard fan of the book then you must definitely buy this. Head, Shoulders and Torso above the movie adaptation. This magnificent mini-TV Series will bring the book to life.
One of my favourite Sci-Fi Minseries ever. June 28, 2010
Belteshazzar (Australia)
There has always been plenty of discussion about different versions of Dune.
This TV Miniseries is definitely my favourite version by far.
Everything I ever imagined Dune to be, seems to have manifested in this series.
The quality of the special effects, the quality of the acting, and the over-all look of the film is beautiful.
If you are going to bother to watch Dune, then please, please, please make sure you hang around and watch Children of Dune. I felt a real sense of things coming one full circle after watching Children of Dune. It made me appreciate Dune in far greater way.
If you are a Sci-Fi fan, then you should definitely add this to your DVD collection - because whenever you can't decide what to watch, you can return to Dune and breathe in The Spice.
Peace.
 Uwe Ochsenknecht (Stilgar) June 13, 2010
Yankee Papa (Pacific NW, USA)
Since there are so many reviews here, I will just hit a couple of points. Both versions have their attractions... including very good music... though I have to go with the Miniseries version... so much of the flavor of the desert.
One area where the Miniseries shines is in the casting of Uwe Ochenknecht in the role of Stilgar... Unlike the actor in the first film who was more of a "big brother" and showed no sign of doubt or introspection, the casting of Uwe was a master stroke. A second father to Paul... While a product of his culture... and trapped by its conventions... he can see beyond it.
While obviously a dangerous man... once on your side you know that this is a man that you can not only trust... but a man with whom you can be comfortable. Jessica likes him almost immediately and shows consternation when he tells her that he can be replaced... by being called out and killed.
Uwe (I am not going to type out his last name ever again...) brings warmth, humor and thoughtfulness to his character. It was unfortunate that he was not in the follow-up, Children of Dune...
Keep your knife hand free...
YP
Dune (Sci-Fi TV Miniseries) June 7, 2010
G. F. Barber (Provo, UT)
A great counterpoint to the David Lynch version. In many ways I like this one better. Product came as ordered, in great shape.
A more faithful interpretation. June 6, 2010
David Stockett (APO, AE, US)
I've been a Dune fan since the movie came out in 1984. I hadn't read the book before then, but since the movie was so dark, I knew I had to read it. (Dark movies are very appealing to me -- "The Crow", "Blade Runner", etc.)
After reading Dune, and watching the movie, I have to admit that the 1984 version left a bad taste. I wanted something more, but sadly, I had to wait until 2000 when Frank Herbert's Dune showed on the SciFi channel. I was stoked! But, the finished product was not what I had expected. My desire for all things "Dune" died. Until...
One quiet evening not too long ago, I downloaded the unabridged version of Dune off of iTunes. Listening to it made want to see the movie on the big screen once more. The 1984 rendition was out of the question. So, I settled for 2000 mini-series. Listening to the audio version of Dune first helped to refresh the storyline.
Pressing on:
The Storyline: The series holds to the book -- more or less. There are a few Hollywood liberties, but not too many. They did a pretty good job of packing the essentials into 3 DVDs.
The Characters: Believable. I don't see what the complaint is about William Hurt's performance. He is supposed to be a duke! He showed the noble reserve and aloofness one would expect. Alec Newman as Paul -- a good choice for an older Paul, but trying to be a 14-ish year-old teenager in the beginning...uh...just doesn't work. He is much better as Paul later on. Saskia Reeves as Jessica -- well, to me, she's not the tough Jessica as portrayed in the book.
The Baron is the baron. Feyd -- well, he's not a rock star this time. Alia -- not menacing, but at least she didn't try to burn any houses down like the "Firestarter" kid from 1984. Gurney Halleck -- too old. I kept waiting for him to fall over in the combat scenes. Hawat and Idaho -- their involvement was brushed over, in my opinion. Oh, and they didn't die that way in the book.
Special effects. Very well done. The landscape is perfect. The ships are excellent. The worms are awesome! The costumes...well...they are a bit overboard. However, the story is about Paul -- not some costume designer's whim.
My favorite parts of the series:
1. The Guild Highliners.
2. The worms!
3. Paul's evolution to a Fremen warrior.
4. Riding the worms!
5. The Shield Wall explosion, and the Fremen attack.
Least favorite parts:
1. Did not show much of Caladan.
2. The Navigators. A bat?!
3. No explanation of the Crysknives. The book detailed these.
4. Doctor Yueh and Thufir Hawat. Needed more involvement.
5. Too much Princess Irulan -- Hollywood interpretation.
On the whole, it is a good series to watch. I'm considering purchasing "The Children of Dune". But, I need to re-read both books first. Have to come at it fresh.
"Bless the Maker and his water. Bless his coming and going..."
Showing reviews 1-5 of 568
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