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Frank Herbert's Dune (TV Miniseries)


: Frank Herbert's Dune (TV Miniseries)
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Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0012236115175
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Sales Rank: 87657
Theatrical Release Date: December 03, 2000



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Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
It's a mixed blessing, but Frank Herbert's Dune goes a long way toward satisfying science fiction purists who scoffed at David Lynch's previous attempt to adapt Herbert's epic narrative. Ironically, director John Harrison's 288-minute TV miniseries (broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in December 2000) offers its own share of strengths and weaknesses, which, in retrospect, emphasize the quality of Lynch's film while treating Herbert's novel with more comprehensive authority. Debate will continue as to which film is better; Lynch's extensive use of internal monologue now seems like a challenge well met, and Harrison's more conventional approach is better equipped to convey the epic scope of Herbert's interplanetary political intrigue.

This much is certain: this Dune is a sumptuous treat for the eyes, with sets and costumes that were conceived with no apparent limits of budget or creativity. In terms of architecture alone, this is one of the most impressive films in science fiction history. And although the special effects fall short of feature-film quality, writer-director Harrison (who rose from an extensive background in TV) admirably tames the sprawling narrative that pits the opposing houses of Atreides and Harkonnen in a struggle to control the lucrative market for the spice melange. This is as accurate as any Dune adaptation is likely to get (i.e., there's no need for another attempt), and even then, it can be tricky to keep track of who's doing what to whom. Unfortunately, the film's biggest flaws are the casting of a nearly comatose William Hurt as Duke Leto, and a wooden Alec Newman as the messiah-to-be, Paul Atreides. These are regrettable shortcomings, but this Dune remains altogether respectable. That Frank Herbert would be impressed is perhaps the biggest compliment one can pay. --Jeff Shannon



Customer Reviews
Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Close... But Still Lacking
In many ways, this version of Dune is more faithful to the original source material than the David ... Read More


Rating: 1 out of 5 stars - total stinker
How about some acting. Looks like they spent the entire budget on stupid costumes. Don't waste your ... Read More


Rating: 2 out of 5 stars - Every Desert Rose Has Its Thorn
The Sci Fi Channel started out ambitious,and its faithful re-creation of Frank Herbert's "Dune" was ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Nice Quality!
The price for this movie made me go "hmmm". I thought it was a joke or that the movie was so badly scratched ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Favorite Mini Series
I love this series. I cannot say enough good things about it. This series was pretty accurate compared to the ... Read More

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Copyright ©2003, Mark Carey.