Dune (Special Edition, Director's Cut)

I haven’t read the books but have seen the 1984 movie. This is a long (over 5 hours) take on the story line. The special effects aren’t cinema big screen quality but the acting and story line are well done. I enjoyed it.

Dune is the first book (actually three sub-books) of an astounding award-winning Science Fantasy epic by Frank Herbert, that ultimately consisted of seven total original books over 7,000 pages. This movie, along with its sister movie, "Children of Dune" is EXTREMELY lengthy and complex, with dozens of pertinent role-playing characters.Twice before, this movie was attempted. The first was widely acclaimed, yet juvenile in its approach and special effects; the second was a flop.This third movie is a welcomed, adult approach giving validity to the unique universe within.The basic story line revolves around a spice called Melange that permits certain users to "see" the future. The spice is only "grown" on a single planet, and various factions or "houses" seek to control that planet. However, an unexpected human of unnatural capacity arrives a generation early within a breeding program, who's unusual vision brings forward a much broader, expansive destiny for the universe. Still, his inner conflict with the death and destruction mandated by his fate constantly imprisons him to an irreversible path he initiates.As a Hugo/Nebula award winner as one of the greatest ever epics of its genre, this story introduces many mind-boggling concepts and explores the ramifications in depth. One can imagine how prescience alone would alter mankind irrevocably, yet that is miniscule to the other deeply astounding concepts entwined within this and its sister movie.Having a HUGE array of characters with their own multitude of ploys makes this story, at times, difficult to follow (I recommend reading the books), yet the story is told in a very adult fashion. Themes of romance, war strategy, religion, deceit, technology, planetary politics, culture and etiquette all play intertwined roles in this vast story.For those simply seeking a very good story, this, though lengthy and complex is among the best. For those seeking science fantasy at its best, this story is unparalleled in ingenious diversity of epic proportions.This is a must-see movie, and the "Children of Dune" must follow!

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..."

Received as advertised, happy.

this isn't made with the quality of the new dune movie, but it covers more of herbert's works. Definitely better than 1984 version. Recommend for the diehard Dune fan

arrived ahead of schedule, very good condition.

Frank Herbert was one of the hardest working authors of our time, and his book shows up to readers as the sci-fi equivalent of Lord of the Rings, and it shows. It is also a very contemporary message, not mere fiction--it is a visceral commentary on our own world, as well as the world of 10,191. This film truly made up for what the other, older big-screen movie lacked--although both films have their proud moments. The costumes, international-cast acting, and set decorations are excellent, and the stylizing, particularly the lighting effects and special effects, were remarkable. My only wish was that there were more deleted scenes included in the final package, and that the dessert scenes were fully outdoors, but otherwise, one might not have been able to tell the difference. A great version of this book and it's sequel was just as well done. I recommend this version right alongside the 1984 film, for it helps to flesh out the story through an explanation of the galactic human civilization of 10, 191 as a year not all too different from 2014; a universe that thrives on the exploitation of 'Spice' as much as our Oil, and the dramatic revealing of souls in both universes to be just as respectably real.

Better than the disastrous new Dune movie.... At least it has some class and cultural messages....spice and navigators included.

not as gorgeous to look at as Lynch's but damn good as a "made for TV"Much more coherent storytelling.

Nothing will ever be as good as the images of the mind but my younger daughter is becoming a sci-fi fan and experiencing this with her was a treat.

Version low-tech de Dune. Certains raccourcis ont été pris par rapport à l’histoire, mais somme toute le visionnement en vaut la chandelle (surtout comparé au navet de David Lynch). Reste à voir si la nouvelle mouture de Villeneuve saura se démarquer.

Tengo el libro y tuve la serie en dvd, lo preste y lo perdi, he esperado mucho tiempo para volver a tenerla estoy encantada.