Rating: 
Summary: loved it!
Review: I am not a Dune devotee, or at least I wasn't before i saw this miniseries! Now I have delved deep into reading Frank Herbert's masterpiece, and I must say that the miniseries certainly lives up to it's name. I think that Daniela Amavia and Alica Krige were the shining stars, and the other devoted actors and actresses also shone brightly. Of course, the talent was characteristically snubbed by the Emmys this year, the miniseries only going up for a couple of technical awards, but that just strengthens my belief that this project is one to remember! Definitely worth buying!
Rating:
Summary: Leaps and bounds above its predecessor.
Review: Being a huge fan of Frank Herbert's literary works, and a self-confessed critic of the first mini-series, I must admit I was astounded when I saw Children of Dune. When I say that this rates among the finest mini-series every aired, I am being wholly honest. Forget for one second the rich, vivid, and fully imagined world that John Harrison and Greg Yaitanes had to work with. The performances, special effects, script, and marvelous score alone warrant this a five star rating. I was completely impressed with Alec Newman's performance as Paul, so much so in fact that it actually helped me forget his stilted and cold protrayal of the Mahdi in the first mini-series. The entire cast save one are perfect in their roles. Julie Cox is breathtaking as Irulan. Steven Berkoff has brought an edge to the performance of Stilgar...something Ewe never seemed to grasp the first time around. Daniela Amavia is absolutely stunning in her protrayal of Alia. Alice Krige makes Lady Jessica a sorrowful but proud mother-figure, at once bound by destiny but fearing every tenous step to it's completion... and now for the single complaint. Susan Sarandon is so mis-cast as the devious and deviant Princess Wensicia that I had a hard time even watching her. But her preformance aside, this is a wonderful mini-series, for lifelong Herbert lovers and fans new to the hypnotically exciting world of Dune. I can only hope and pray that Mr. Harrison continues bringing the books to the screen.
Rating: 
Summary: Okay but not perfect
Review: Several of the actors/actresses changed from the original mini-series Dune, this was a bit distracting as the actresses that played Paul's mother had a very different acting style. It was a decent movie, followed the books farily well (considering that it was based on two of frank's books). However, I've found that reading the books adds so much to the experience and my understanding of the events and setting that the mini-series is very pale in comparision.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty darn good, nicely done
Review: Well, having read the books after Dune, which sucked, I didn't expect much from this, much less a TV production. But the first mini-series was quite good, and so is this. The sets and effects are interesting (except in the first series, where one of the stone pieces gets bumped into and is revealed to be styrafoam, an editing foul up). The players are not all the same as in the first movie, but that was no big deal, most have bit parts anyway. Like the first series, and the brilliant but badly flawed David Lynch version, it's the decadent politics that makes this compelling. It's very much like "I Claudius" acted out in space. I like the continuity in the costumes as well. The beany jesses still have the nice hats, but they're much more restrained than in the first series, like they had to cut back on the hat budget now that they're out of power. Cute. I was confused in the first part of this where he sees through the baby's eyes. I don't see what advantage it gave him, it's not like he had the baby reach out and grab the bad guy's arm or something. It seems like all the workup leading up to that point was needless, he dispatches the bad guy pretty easily in any event, a quick move and a chrys knife up the ying yang. There are a few other places in the plot where I scratched my head a bit. But, details. For the source and the money spent, it's quite impressive, and well worth the investment in the DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Great
Review: One decade after the events of the first Dune miniseries Paul Muad'dib has conquered the entire known universe. That is the point where the new miniseries starts. Somewhere far away from Arrakis Muad'dibs loyal Fedaykin lead the holy djihad. This start of a TV-miniseries is simply great. The audience realises the this film must be great, not only because of the impressive pictures, but because of the outstanding soundtrack and the fascinating story, which is full of intrigue, love and conspiracies. The beginning of the movie is also very intelligent. Irulan is absolutely right when she says that "every revolution carries within the seeds of its own destruction". She also says that "every empire that arises, will one day fall". This introduction also conveys the impression of the philosophic character of the great movie and the overwhelming novels. The best scene of the entire movie, however, is the beginning of the second part. The worms coming out of the sand really make one respect them. The top of the mountain is the music that is played during this scene - it is incredible. After this scene, Irulan, Leto, and Ghanima fly into Arakeen and the Atreides theme is played. One can see the architecture of Dune. All in all this was probably the best miniseries I have ever seen. Buy this DVD, people!!
Rating: 
Summary: Enticing, but the end is a let down
Review: I really enjoyed SCiFi channels Dune, so I was very happy to see Children of Dune. The story is quite gripping, and the return of actors makes it all the more enjoyable. The sets are the same quality as Dune. I think where the problem lies in this is that they put two books into this 4.5 hours of film instead of making it two movies. The build up is great, but without giving away the ending, its not as exciting as it could have been.
Acting is good, characters are believable. If you like a good story, and are a Dune junky then you should get this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Fine adaptation of an SF classic
Review: This sequel to the mini-series "Dune" combines action from Frank Herbert's novels "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune." Paul Muad'Dib (Alec Newman) has taken control of Arrakis, but all does not go as planned. He has become the figurehead for a violent revolution that is spreading across star systems, various conspirators are gathering against him, and the greening of Dune is playing havoc with the traditional Fremen way of life. His children, Leto (James McAvoy) and Ghanima (Jessica Brooks), are destined to play pivotal roles in the complicated machinations for control of Dune and its spice. This is a handsome production with mostly impressive special effects. The acting tends to be rather wooden, as a great deal of dialogue is given over to exposition about the various complex maneuverings that are ongoing throughout the story. However, if you enjoy complicated stories full of scheming and strategizing among the powerful, as well as an impressive, fully realized alien milieu, you should find something to enjoy here.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent! Spellbinding! And that's just the introduction!
Review: Following an opening that sets the theme for the movie, Brian Tyler's inspiring music opens the scene for the children's flying over Arakeen - the introduction, alone, is worth the price of the DVD. If YOU want to be Emperor of the Known Universe, hire this man as your court musician; everyone will pay attention when they hear it... The movie is magnificent; Robbie Coltrane is perfect as Baron Harkonnen, and, well, everyone, EVEN Susan Sarandon, is perfect. This is the caliber of movie Frank Herbert would have made.
Rating:
Summary: 3.5 stars, really
Review: This miniseries took on the monumental task of converting two of Frank Herbert's books into one miniseries. (Those books being Dune Messiah and Children of Dune.) While the film is visually stunning, the faithfulness to the original plot was lacking. The original Sci-Fi production of Dune was much better. Granted, these books are difficult to adapt, it seems as though Sci-Fi didn't take quite the amount of original care and work they put into Dune in this sequel. Possibly the only thing that really had me giving this film 4 stars is that I enjoy the Dune series, and commend them on their efforts for converting difficult books to the small screen. Additionally, for a TV movie, it is quite excellent.
Rating:
Summary: The Spice Must Flow
Review: Children of Dune is one of the most amazing fantasy movies i have ever seen. the effects were positively brilliant and the storyline flowed beautifully. The music set the scenes beautifully, especially the montage at the end of Night One. Alec Newman was wonderful in his second time playing DUke Paul Muad'Dib Atreides. I loved Barbara Kodetova as Chani, I love Chano so much. And Jessice Brooms and James McAvoy as the twins! I'm positively obsessed with this DVD and the movie itself. The books were wonderful and scenes were quoted right from the novels. I wish someone would buy this for me so i didn't have to rent it from Blockbuster!!!
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