Rating: 
Summary: 'Children' a fantastic epic...
Review: Children of Dune is in many ways a perfect sequel. While the first Dune mini-series was quite a treat, it was a bit rough around the edges. Children, however, is so polished it shines.
Both the acting and the writing is superb, with only a few scenes bordering on less-then-excellent, and with a few superlatives in the acting department who truly breathe life into their characters (James McAvoy, Julie Cox). The direction is much tighter than in the first series, with its own sense of style and grandeur. The costumes no longer look cheap and flat out absurd. The sets are bigger and better, and in combination with the much improved visual effects, truly bring Arrakis to life (though they are still far from perfect). The music is more moving, more epic, and far more integrated into the film than in the first.
Children isn't perfect, however. Some of the actors stumble through their lines at times (as many are not native speakers of English). The special effects still suffer from a TV budget (the contact timing between Alia's blades and the discs during her practice session is very off, and the tigers were not as polished as the environments). Children is severely lacking in action, and unfortunately the DVD is often listed in the 'Action' genre. Like the books, Children has small, short sequences of action, and vast, complex dialogues and endless political intrigue; those with a short attention span, this film is not for you. And finally, Frank Herbert's story was overly complex in itself; the books themselves were rough and confusing in places, and failed to tie loose ends at times. Sadly, the film suffers from the same flaws; characters often reduced to cameos, never fully as fleshed as they should be.
Despite all this, however, Children of Dune is a great success. The story truly does come before everything else. All parties involved clearly dedicated themselves to making as perfect a film as possible, and the attention to details and passion behind Children is evident. These qualities, often lacking in modern movies, shine through above all minor flaws, and make it a joy to behold.
Rating:
Summary: An amazing piece of television
Review: Just finished watching this DVD and WOW!! Ive been a fan of Dune since i was thirteen (choosing to read Dune rather than Lord of the Rings, being put off by the latters size). This epic storyline has been carefully adapted by John Harrison and Co. and the end result is an amazing piece of television that has satisfied me as a fan and ignited my senses by the eye candy on screen. I did initally grimace at the thought of Lady Jessica's actress being changed... not by Alice Krige's acting abilities but rather the fact that Saskia Reeves portrayl of a determined mother and holy teacher made the role her own in the first mini series but upon watching Ms Kriges performance in Children i realise the creators decision in this matter was a just one as Lady Jessicas new direction perhaps required another actress to take up that challenge. Susan Sarandons venomous performance should earn high praise also as her screen prescence as a villian would make Darth Vader wince. All in all a wonderful adaptation that benefits from improved FX from the first mini series and a tight script that keeps you gripped throughout. Can't recommend enough.
Rating:
Summary: Franks vision brought to the screen with amazing skill!
Review: I have read the whole Dune series over and over again since the first time i read Dune (At the age of 10 years old) and my love for the complexity of the novels, Franks amazing prose skills and the wonderful characters and plot lines, truly, one of the 21st Centurys greatest novelists....SO my sceptism of ANYONE (Including the rather silly portayal and mis-directing of the storyline in David Lynchs very poor big screen version) of doing a good screen version (either big or small) was acute..... CONGRATULATIONs on both "Frank Herberts Dune Saga" and the following "Children of Dune" for being an amazing portrayal of one of the most complex science fiction sagas of all time. Truly an astounding performance all round, true (to the point where i couldnt believe my eyes and ears) to the original story, brilliant effects on a fairly low budget, superb character portrayal, especially the sensitive portrayal of Chani and Paul, the astounding acting abilities of the young Leto and the amazing Lady Jessica, who would have thought that the actors and Director could have made such a good job! Anyone whether Dune fans or not should watch this film and for the Dune "Geeks" AT LAST a film worthy of the books!...Great job, roll on "God emperor of Dune" Being an Brit, i had to buy the DVD's they take pride of place in my collection!! Astounding!
Rating: 
Summary: Great adaptation, but poor DVD features
Review: I coudn't wait to buy this DVD after watching the miniseries over and over again on Sci-fi. Luckily for me and other ravenous fans, the DVD was released quickly. The story remains segmented as it was featured on Sci-fi, which makes sense considering the score and other dramatic effects that introduce each new part. I was bitterly disappointed by the lack of special features on the DVD. Not only is there limited scene selection (only the first four scenes from each part are available--something I've never seen before), but there is no commentary or cast interviews. There is a short documentary film about the special effects of this movie, but it looks rushed and tacked on. Overall the quality of the picture on this DVD is superb. There are a couple scenes where the dialogue is off from the picture by a few seconds, but it lasts only long enough to become noticeable. Since the Sci-fi Children of Dune official website provided such wonderful background information, including written and audio cast interviews, I don't understand why these supplemental pieces didn't make it onto the DVD. Perhaps the production company plans to make a
"Special Edition."
Rating:
Summary: It HAD to be made-for-TV
Review: For the first Sci-Fi Channel Dune movie, there were endless comparisons to David Lynch's original $40 million production. In this follow-up, which covers the events of Dune Messiah and Children of Dune (despite the title) there is no comparison, because there hasn't ever been a movie made of this. Despite that, I don't think there would be a better one than this made-for-TV series. To be blunt, I don't think it's possible to make a good movie of any of the Dune novels as a 1-2 hour flick. There's just too much that happens in any one of them to adequately squeeze into that time frame. So I don't think any feature-length film could be as good as this miniseries. Additionally, the look and feel is similar to the first Sci-Fi series, which is nice for continuity. Most of the original cast is back, absent some such as the original Lady Jessica and Stilgar. This isn't a big deal, though, because it's set long enough after Dune that one would expect the cast to have aged. The special effects are what you would expect from a big screen production, and the films (divided into three sections) run a whopping 266 minutes. It's not at all boring, however, and so even those who have no knowledge of Dune can enjoy this saga. There is no mistaking that this is an adaptation of the original novels. The films follow the original Herbert plot almost to a tee, and the actors do a great job of playing out their characters. Most of these (save for Sarandon) are known only in the theater circuit, but there's no doubt they are good. I was especially impressed with Daniela Amavia as Alia Atreides- she definitely convinced me that she was going nuts. Brian Tyler has also composed an original soundtrack to remember- one worthy of a real epic. Probably the best thing I can say about this miniseries is that if Frank Herbert were still around, I'm sure he'd have enjoyed it. Hopefully, Sci-Fi will keep with the franchise and carry on to the end of this awesome classic series.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This DVD actually covers Dune Messiah and Children of Dune books. It is very well done, very well acted and all around excellent. The cast from the Dune mini-series returns with the exception of Alice Krige as Lady Jessica. I liked the actress from the Dune series better, but Ms. Krige does not detract from the story. I can only hope that the Sci-Fi Channel does God Emporer of Dune so that we can see Leto Atreides complete his transformation into a sand worm.
Rating:
Summary: Dune fans won't want to miss it.
Review: This is a pretty darned good adaptation of "Dune Messiah" and "Children of Dune" to the big screen. Dune enthusiasts who enjoyed the "Dune" miniseries will enjoy this one about as much. I was surprised at how closely the movie hewed to the novels from which it derives, especially "Dune Messiah." The acting, special effects, and the artistic direction are all pretty good. I almost wouldn't have believed it could be done this well. Viewers who have not read the "Dune" series at least through "Dune Messiah" will have trouble following the story, simply because it is a complicated story set in a future world and society utterly unlike our own. In this sequel to "Dune" the Fremen have surged out from the planet Arrakis ("Dune") in a Holy War to assert their ruler's authority ("Muad 'Dib") over the entire Galaxy. Billions die, and there are complex intrigues between the ruling House Atreides (the new emperor) and the old Imperial house that it overthrew (House Corrino). I enjoyed this spectacle thoroughly, and I suspect most "Dune" fans will as well. Those who have not yet read "Dune" and "Dune Messiah" would be well advised to do so before seeing either the "Dune" or "Children of Dune" miniseries.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work all around
Review: Though a fan of the original "Dune" novel and "Dune Messiah," I found the novel "Children of Dune" to be truly dreadful. I was thus surprised and delighted upon seeing the television version of "Messiah" and "Children of Dune." Improving upon the original "Dune" mini-series in terms of effects and casting, the creators have also managed to make a compelling and moving story from what were originally two relatively weak novels. Leto II is a much more likeable hero in this work than the smug, insufferable character from the novels (especially in "God Emperor of Dune"), and the plot, a confused sequence of diatribes and often pretentious dialogue in the novels, has been streamlined into a compelling story of conspiracies and betrayel without sacrificing the work's thematic and deeply philosophical underpinnings. Indeed, what is truly amazing about this miniseries is how it keeps the viewer's attention through long sequences of compelling dialogue and conversations without having to resort to token action sequences. The score is excellent, a vast improvement on the original mini-series rather pedestrian music, and the transformation of Arakeen into an Imperial capital is magnificent and fully in the spirit of the city described by Herbert. There are a few problems however. The role of Duncan Idaho, though well cast, is not developed as fully as it was in the novels. It is a shame, considering the important role he and his successors will play in the subsequent novels as the one common link throughout the entire series. Secondly, there is the horrible casting of Susan Sarandon. She is painfully out of place, and spoils what could have been an intriguing character. All in all though, this is a wonderful work fully exploiting the possibilities of the television mini-series. Though it would be a mistake for Sci-fi to try and make versions of the subsequent novels, the possibilities for other similar mini series is open.
Rating:
Summary: A true masterpiece
Review: I've never read the Dune series. I did see the David Lynch movie and the Sci-Fi channel miniseries. I actually liked Lynch's Dune much better, so I wasn't expecting much from Children of Dune. However, I found this new miniseries to be so incredibly captivating! The acting on the part of Alia and the twins were incredible! I could actually feel the strife that the family was going through. The CG effects were definitely above average for a made-for-TV movie and the film's score was breathtaking. The movie moves at a decent pace, just slow enough to unravel the intricate plot but fast enough that you don't get bored. That was a problem with the Dune miniseries. I would recommend this to anyone who has seen the original Dune. This film is truly epic.
Rating:
Summary: True Dune
Review: This is Dune the way it was meant to be. The first mini-series was strong but not as well executed as Children of Dune. Both the casting and acting of Leto II, his sister, and Alia could not have been any better, they were all perfect in their roles. The worms were improved beyond expectations when compared to the first series. The tigers in the second part, just flat out [stunk], but the CGI of the hover crafts and the city of Arakeen etc.. were fantastic. The story was divulged fabulously, kudos to the writer and director, they did a truely wonderful job adpating this into a remarkable piece of film. I didn't like Dune Messiah when i read it, but as the first part of this 3 part television series it, dare i say, was done better than Herbet himself did on it, it was enjoyable. The second book seemed to have a loss of ideas compared to the first, contrary to this tv series. I hope that they'll figure out a way, some how, to adapt the next 3 books, although they will be much more difficult to do than these were.
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