Rating: 
Summary: Series and DVD review
Review: This adaptation of the Frank Herbert classic 'Dune', is more faithful to the story line. I don't think a single scene in the mini-series wasn't also in the book. Although Fremen running around without still suits in the open would be unheard off. The visuals aren't as stunning as David Lynch's version. Although the costumes were at times over the top, especially when it came to headgear. In particular, the Saldukar tended to look like a band of evil chefs. The acting was not as good either. In the first episode the cast seemed a little stiff and wooden. As the series goes on they seem to ease into their roles more or perhaps I just didn't notice it as much once I got into the story. Since the series was filmed in Czech Republic, many of the actors are not American. There are British, Irish, Scottish, German, Italian, Czech and French actors in the mix. Although this gives the film an exotic touch it makes some of the dialogue difficult to understand and without subtitles, I found I was constantly rewinding to hear dialogue that I missed. Some of the dialogue sounded muffed too, or was that the accents?, and I had to have the volume way up from where I usually set it. The DVD special features were adequate. A good 30-minute documentary with brief interviews with the cast and crew is included. Cast and Crew biographies are included but with notable omissions such as the actress that plays Chani, although she gives a brief interview in the documentary. Short production notes are included, but this is also covered in the documentary. Photo gallery and style notes are also included. Overall as a huge fan of the Dune world, I think this an excellent value for 6 hours of screen time. I was also happy to learn that the series will be continued, presumably with a adaptation of 'Children of Dune.'
Rating:
Summary: Frank Herbert's Dune
Review: It shouldn't be difficult to see why the Sci-Fi Channel version is superior to Lynch's - the story makes sense. Though the dark atmosphere of Lynch's touch is gone, we finally have something that helps one to appreciate the vast scope of Herbert's tale - the greatest Sci-Fi story of all time. While the 1984 version had superior casting (how are you going to beat Patrick Stewart and Max von Sydow?), the crew on hand fit into their respective roles very well with the exception of William Hurt. Hurt wanders through early scenes just mumbling his lines. While some prefer Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreities, I thought he came across as too fragile. Alec Newman was better at capturing the icy (arrogant?) edge necessary for someone who was going to change the fate of the universe. And I did not expect digital FX from ILM, but I was surprised at just how shoddy they were for something like this! But this was easily forgivable when compared to the horrible costumes and cheap sets. Lynch's 'old-world' and neo-gothic look captured in the 1984 version was so much better than this one. The Emperor especially looked silly. Toto's score had a much more 'epic' sound to it than the one composed by Graeme (The Crow) Revell. But Revell's did a nice job at integrating Middle Eastern sounds and styles into the world of the Fremen. Without a doubt, this is what one naturally expects to hear on a world like Dune. Even though it would have been nice to see this version get the production treatment of a major motion picture, the story is simply too complex to be captured in one single movie. So we have the Sci-Fi channel version instead. Which may ultimately prove that 'Frank Herbert's Dune' is just better on paper.... But hey, for what this is, it isn't really that bad. Do yourself a favor, rent it before you decide to buy it.
Rating: 
Summary: Anything's better than the original movie!
Review: I was excited when I heard the Sci-Fi Channel was making a version of "Dune". As a big fan of the books, I had always known that it would take a mini-series to even scratch the surface of this classic tale. This television version is a mixed effort. The plus side: great computer-generated effects, many of the actors do a fine job, and it manages to communicate some of the feel of the "Dune" universe. The downside: Terribly fake background paintings, outdoor scenes that are very obviously on a soundstage (and not a very big one), some of the actors do horrible jobs, the costumes are appalling (apparently, in the future we'll all be wearing GIANT hats),the majority of the actors are foreign which is not in and of itself a bad thing, but with so many different accents the movie begins to feel disjointed and confused. I would single out William Hurt as the main offender for poor performance, he walks through his pivotal role like he's been sedated. The DVD itself is somewhat disappointing, on 2 discs they've only put one "making-of" documentary (which is essentially a collection of interviews, with no real delving into the effects or the philosophy of the book), a few sketchbook drawings and photos and an extremely difficult to read and dull treatise from the visual director. Overall, it's probably not worth buying, unless you're a big fan of BIG hats.
Rating:
Summary: This blows... sand in your eyes
Review: I looked forward to this production and wanted to like it. The film succeeds insofar as the special effects are, of course, more current than those in Lynch's film, and there are some nice touches here and there. But Lynch's _Dune_ is all depth and subtlety and atmosphere (despite its shortcomings and quirks), whereas this TV miniseries is all beautiful surfaces that leave little impression: more like a series of gorgeous tableaus (with some startling nudity--not that I'm complaining) whose affect, to paraphrase Fredric Jameson, remains completely flat. It's as though the filmmakers deliberately chose actors who, with few exceptions, wouldn't look out of place in a fashion spread and then had them walk through their scenes. There's no fear, no menace, no disgust, no ambiguity--no one and nothing to care about. Anyone who likes Frank Herbert's work will want to own this DVD for the sake of being familiar with it, but it can in no way supplant Lynch's version.
Rating: 
Summary: Some Pros, Some Cons
Review: There's plenty to like about the latest screen incarnation of Frank Herbert's Dune. There are also several areas in which this version comes up short. Overall, it's worth seeing, but it isn't spectacular. We see more of the story with this Dune than we do in the big-screen version. Crucial scenes like Paul's first fight to the death do a lot for character development. Many transitions that are skipped over on the big screen are handled adequately here. Also, there is more of an earthy tone to the film, which may be as much a reflection of the budget as a deliberate device of the creative team. There's also a strong theme of clashing cultures that wasn't as apparent on the big screen. Sets, costuming, and a handful of well-chosen scenes make the world of the Emperor, the Great Houses, and the Guild into Europe. The Arabesque nature of the Fremen, which comes across so clearly in the book, is played up much better. One can easily see the parallels between the struggle over the spice and the European/Middle Eastern situation regarding oil. Unfortunately, the small screen version seems, well, small when compared with its predecessor. The performances of the big screen actors simply tower over what we're seeing on TV. By comparison, Harrison's characters are quite mundanely represented. In fact, everything is smaller and duller, so the overall production is far less exciting than Lynch's version. If you can look beyond the lessened excitement factor, though, Harrison's version has some good things to say. Harrison's Dune is worth watching once. I don't know that it will become a cult classic, but it is a very creditable effort to bring a fabulous story to life.
Rating: 
Summary: The Region 4 version has got DTS 5.1
Review: Take note region 1 Gods, the Australian/New Zealand region 4 release of DUNE has a very nice DTS 5.1 soundtrack! Terrific atmospherics and, for it's age, the spacecraft fly-overs are good. The print is clean and althought there is not the extras of the region 1 issue who cares with that sound. Now all you have to do is convert your playewrs to region 4 compatability, and oh yes,... to PAL video!
Rating:
Summary: Not Bad
Review: Have to take it for what it is, a pretty good attemp at a very complex story..... Don't pick it apart and you will enjoy it much better....after all it is NOT the book.
Rating: 
Summary: If this movie was a dog, I'd have it put out of its misery!
Review: What a disappointment this movie was, phony desert scenes, B rate movie acting, unbelievable costumes, lacks the punch and the thrill of the first movie. Oh and one more complaint the soundtrack is completely dead compared to the first!
Rating:
Summary: A Good Effort.
Review: The effort of everyone involved in this film shows, but it just cannot compare to the book. Maybe it is unfair to make that type of comparison but when you make a film based on a classic, I think you should expect it. Don't get me wrong, I think the movie was okay, but the book was almost unique, certainly in a much different class then this movie. Let me be clear, between this movie and the earlier movie version, this is much better. Instead of rushing the story and deleting critical parts, the T.V. mini-series takes its time and develops most of the story. The actors here also do a very good job. So then, what's missing? I don't know, really. Dune, the book, is about a man who almost becomes a God. He can see the now and the future. He is immune to poison. His reflects and combat skills are the best in the Universe. He is also a living computer and on and on I could go. But, he begins the story as a boy who loves his father. He is close with his mother. Because of his position, he often alienated and alone, but he becomes good friends with his teachers. He is, more then anything else, very human. My feeling is both movies stress the special effects and his superhuman powers too much, and forget his other human side. Again, the t.v. version does take the time to develop these human connections better them the first release, it just seems like an incomplete effort. However, if you aren't familiar with the book, this version probably would make for a very interesting watch. Even if you are a big fan, I do think this version is worth seeing, it just it a little flat.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST BUY VIDEO FOR DUNE PLAYERS FOR THE PC!!!
Review: Since I saw the trailer of this movie on TV, I was inspired with its computer generated graphics and enhancement since I have a copy of Dune which was starred by Kyle MacLachnan. Since this movie is better than the 1984 version which is starred by William Hurt, this edition is more connected to the game a usually play rather than the 1984 edition. If your a PC gamer with this title of the game then watch it but with no Ordos though ... =)
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