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Even more than most of David Lynch’s deliberately bizarre and idiosyncratic movies, Dune is a “love-it-or-hate-it” affair. An ambitious, epic, utterly mind-boggling–and, let’s admit it, all-out weird–adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel, Dune remains one of the most controversial films in the director’s exceedingly provocative career. The story (if Dune can be said to have just one story) is complex and convoluted in the epic tradition; it has something Read more…
March 22nd, 2010 on 9:56 pm
This review is from: Dune (Widescreen Edition) [VHS] (VHS Tape)
A beginning is a very delicate time. In 1984, the long awaited film version of Frank Herbert’s epic novel Dune came to the silver screen. What happened next? The worst box office disaster in history! Sad to say it, but mostly everyone who saw Dune hated it except for the few who actually read the book! I’ve always loved this movie but if I ever said that in public I was usually beaten with large rocks or a baseball bat. This review isn’t really about the story of the film or it’s direction. Its about the confusing truth of their actually being two editions of the 1984 film version of dune.Now here is where the entire true purpose to this review comes in. Many may wonder, “why was I watching this on Sci-Fi channel and the director was Alan Smithee instead of David Lynch?” Well little Jimmy, the answer is complicated. David Lynch knew when he made Dune he was in trouble and cut the film down incredibly to make it fit the desired time limit. Lynch was slightly pleased with this cut of the film and hoped that that would be the last he would have to do with it… Wrong!A few years when Dune finally was on TV, a special edition version was prepared containing an HOUR of extra footage. A new narration covers the film and practically spells out every bit of information to the audience this time. The studios were ready to show it when suddenly David Lynch says “Woa woa, I liked it the way it was!” and refuses to have credit for this new longer version. The studio then takes out Lynch’s name and replaces it with the fake Alan Smithee who doesn’t exist. With me so far?The version of Dune available on DVD and VHS is the David Lynch version which in my opinion actually works better than the longer version. It cuts to the chase and doesn’t drag as badly as Smithee’s version does. For those of you who have never seen the Alan Smithee version, its not available to buy but it’s shown on the Sci-Fi channel twice a year so there you go!So, even though critics bombed it, audiences hated it, and David Lynch disowned the longer version, I still love this movie for some mysterious reason! If you’re the type who likes weird artistic movies like 12 Monkeys, 2001, or Blade Runner, you will probably enjoy this. Also anime fans, this is right up your alley! For all you other people, get the hell out of here!p.s. Toto’s score is a masterpiece! Yea… of all bands… Toto…
March 23rd, 2010 on 5:26 am
This review is from: Dune (Widescreen) (DVD)
David Lynch’s (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks) adaptation of Frank Herbert’s defining saga ‘DUNE’ may very well be, if truth be told, the most epic enterprise, and in many ways the most rewarding, of Lynch’s work thus far.Dune is a difficult movie to review, if only because there is no easy (or maybe I should say simple) way to look at it. At its core though DUNE tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man whose destiny as a Messiah of worlds echoes that of such classics like Brazil or Spartacus, where seemingly ordinary men become extraordinary beings. This however is an over-simplification, DUNE is built from a collection of stories and legends that form a unique whole -perfectly captured by Lynch.Make no mistake, this movies begs to be seen in its original 2,35:1 widescreen format. Freddie Francis’ photography of the barren Dune world is simply amazing, and even though some of the special effects may seem old when compared to today’s standards, the amazing designs by Anthony Masters will simply take your breath away. The DVD edition, while not anamorphic, is very well presented, sporting a very high quality video transfer and excellent sound. A brief, if yet interesting, collection of production notes are also included, as well as cast and crew bios and the original theatrical trailer in widescreen format.DUNE seems slow at times and it may not be for everyone -but then that’s always been the trademark of Lynch’s work, I think. Still, DUNE is an excellent example of how a complex story can make a Sci-Fi movie be truly epic. Couple that with the amazing designs and the beautiful photography and you got a winner here. Highly recommended.