Dune(1984)...which editions have you seen and like?

[Lindley]

I have only seen the SciFi Channel miniseries and thought it was one of the most boring pieces of film I've ever seen. I'm not even sure I finished it. I kept falling asleep.

The miniseries has to be approached as a stage play that was filmed. If you look at it that way, it's actually pretty good, particularly if you've read the book and realize how closely they stuck to it.

But I'll agree it can drag in places. As a television production, Children of Dune was much better, although some of the abridgments confuse the story in places.

 

[FPAlpha]

I always thought that the visual style of Lynch's version was amazing and fit in very well with how i imagined this universe.. plus it had Patrick Stewart als ultimate badass Gurney Halleck. However it failed abysmally with the story, especially with the Fremen and the ending (WTF? Rain???) so it loses out.

The miniseries was close the original material but lacked the production values and casting of the movie but nonetheless it was very enjoyable.

 

[Set Harth]

The miniseries has to be approached as a stage play that was filmed.

That's the same impression I got.

As a television production, Children of Dune was much better, although some of the abridgments confuse the story in places.

They kind of mangled the Jacurutu plot, deleting Gurney's and Jessica's roles in it. And, of course, a needle full of blue fluid had to be changed to a bowl of mushroom soup. I find it interesting that some dialogue was apparently based on passages from God Emperor of Dune but appropriated for COD's earlier timeframe, similar to the moving around of dialogue sometimes seen in the LOTR films.

 

[OsmiumJohnnycake]

I would imagine with today's technology, if a big budget Dune was made, the weirding way concept would be kept as it is in the book. But I really like the "words have power"/weirding modules concept from Lynch's film a lot.

 

[RAMA]

I just watched Children of Dune from beginning to end for the first time ever. I must say its a polished piece of work compared to the first mini-series, and pretty engrossing for something so long. I was really happy with it (not having read the 2nd and 3rd books).

RAMA

 

[RAMA]

I've only seen the theatrical version, which is a complete disaster of a movie. I don't see any reason to see the longer versions. Lynch is on record as preferring the shorter cut and the movie's problems only begin with parring down the story. Visually it's just a plain ugly movie.

I saw Ebert or Siskel called it ugly too, and yes there are elements that are, but overall I think the look is impressive.

I would imagine with today's technology, if a big budget Dune was made, the weirding way concept would be kept as it is in the book. But I really like the "words have power"/weirding modules concept from Lynch's film a lot.

I think it makes the Fremen army more believable the way its done in Lynch's film. I do understand why some purists don't like it though.

RAMA

 

[Sector 7]

I have the 2005 DVD stamped-metal box set of Lynch's Dune. It includes the 137 minute Original Theatrical Feature AND the 177 minute Extended Version. Many extras are also included.

Having seen Dune in theatrical release after reading the Dune novels, the mini-series disappointed me. It looked like a cheap imitation of the movie I loved so much. I did not even bother to watch the second mini-series because of my disappointment in- and boredom with- the first one.

 

[Kirkman1987]

I hated the miniseries at first. the lack of the breathtaking visuals and Lynchian style is disappointing coming off of the film, and it's stage play quality takes some getting used to. It's grown on me over time however. I've come to think it's on par with the film, just for different reasons.

That 2005 dvd doesn't have a ton of stuff, but what's there is cool. It's nice to see footage of David Lynch actually having a little bit of fun on the Dune set now and then. Lynch is a so much of a perfectionist and obsessed with directorial control that I think he underestimates how interesting the film is. It's completely keeping with Lynch's themes and signature touches, and as a fan I'd rank it above at least 3 or 4 of his other films.

I appreciate the Miniseries just for sticking closely to the books. Once you got used to the production design and lower spectacle, It's very well done. I wish they could have made more. In addition to God Emperor, weren't there vague plans for a television series of some kind afterwards?

Also, anyone with that third stage edition of the film willing to share? my PM box is open.

 

[lurok]

I did not even bother to watch the second mini-series because of my disappointment in- and boredom with- the first one.

Shame because it's really so much better, imo. Better directed, shot, cast and acted certainly. They kept who and what was striking/good in original mini-series (Irulan, the Baron, even the actor who played Paul is better in CoD) and did smart things like bring in Alice Krige as Jessica and Steven Berkoff as Stilgar.

I hated the miniseries at first. the lack of the breathtaking visuals and Lynchian style is disappointing coming off of the film, and it's stage play quality takes some getting used to. It's grown on me over time however. I've come to think it's on par with the film, just for different reasons.

Despite having seen both mini-series before film, I think I may be rare in loving Lynch film. Most people I know who prefer it to TV shows usually saw it first. Plus I've never read books, though have read a lot about them. But what I think the Lynch film has in buckets is a very unique style and vision that I think is lacking in a lot of SF and fantasy, especially in these rather sterile CGI times. Though I love the vfx in CoD, there's something weird and engrossing about the Lynch mechanical fx (esp the worms and 3rd stage Navigator)

Also, anyone with that third stage edition of the film willing to share? my PM box is open.

If no-one else offers, I have as an avi I can upload later and send you a link.

 

[FPAlpha]

I would imagine with today's technology, if a big budget Dune was made, the weirding way concept would be kept as it is in the book. But I really like the "words have power"/weirding modules concept from Lynch's film a lot.

See how opinions differ.. i absolutely despised the modules because they were apparently the only thing apart from the Worms that let them win against the Empire.

In the book however there is this awesome scene between Thufir Hawat and Baron Harkonnen where Hawat opens the eyes of the Baron about who the Fremen are.. elite fighters who have been drilled to survive and fight from the earliest age in one of the most inhospitable areas known to man. The Sardaukar (the Empire's own elite shocktroops which are superior to any other unit in existence) are similarly trained but the Fremen are several levels above them (old Fremen and kids almost obliterated an entire cadre of Sardaukar when they assaulted a sietch).

To just give them high tech weaponry makes them look like backwater rebels who only got powerful because of a new weapon when in essence any Fremen is more than a match against the best fighters of the galaxy.

 

[Kirkman1987]

I agree, The 3rd stage guild navigator is pretty unique.

I'm also fond of the Carryall design and that mechanical training device Paul fights against in the beginning. I think the old European style clothing was inspired, and fit in perfectly with the Dune universe. It is that vision in Lynch's film that makes it stand out. The miniseries is excellent as an adaptation, but it feels somehow sterile. You can tell there wasn't a creative vision other than "let's follow the book as closely as possible." I'm not bashing the approach, as it's what makes the mini worthwhile, but I find it hard to directly compare the two.

 

[lurok]

I would imagine with today's technology, if a big budget Dune was made, the weirding way concept would be kept as it is in the book. But I really like the "words have power"/weirding modules concept from Lynch's film a lot.

...To just give them high tech weaponry makes them look like backwater rebels who only got powerful because of a new weapon when in essence any Fremen is more than a match against the best fighters of the galaxy.

As someone who's only come to Dune through TV and film (not books), when I first saw mini-series I thought the 'power' of the Fremen (apart from worms) was that they were essentially guerilla fighters; were more in number than suspected; and Paul had taught them a new fighting/martial arts method - hence why they beat Sardauker (sp?). When I saw Lynch film, viewed in context of the first visual adaptation of Dune, I thought weirding modules were GREAT (esp that moment/line when one Fremen says 'Muad'Dib' and device goes off: "even his word is death" - apologies if got wrong but writing from memory) and thought worked for a cinema audience. Also reason I didn't mind the rain on Arrakis at end. But then I'm not a Dune purist...just a fascinated fan and must get round to reading book one day...

 

[Starbreaker]

I think the book is far better than either adaptation, but that doesn't make me a
"purist." Imagine somebody taking your favorite book and then completely changing half the story... it's just hard to accept.

Those ridiculous heart plugs, the telepathy, weirding modules, the contradictory ending, etc.

But, Herbert said he enjoyed it, so that's good enough for me I actually want to buy it now that it's dropped to $9.99

 

[OsmiumJohnnycake]

When I saw Lynch film, viewed in context of the first visual adaptation of Dune, I thought weirding modules were GREAT (esp that moment/line when one Fremen says 'Muad'Dib' and device goes off: "even his word is death" - apologies if got wrong but writing from memory) and thought worked for a cinema audience.

Yeah that is a great moment. Also IIRC, Paul says "Chani," the name of his beloved, and the module fires off even though that wasn't his intention. The power of words and the emotion behind those words is a great idea, and them powering weapons mirrors the use of the "voice" used elsewhere.

I also don't think the film suggests the fremen are helpless without Paul, but he is the one who comes in and leads them to their ultimate victory. The impression given in the dialogue of the film is that Arrakis belongs to the fremen and that their numbers are huge and they are flying under the radar, keeping their strength secret.

That said, you should try reading the book sometime, lurok. I think it's a fantastic piece of literature and it works as a standalone. You really don't need to read any of the books beyond it.

My point of entry into the world of Dune was seeing the Lynch film in the theater, then reading the book, then reading National Lampoon's Doon (which I still find hilarious and had to track down a copy on ebay some years back because I lost my original copy), then the two tv miniseries.

I enjoy them all.

 

[Marc]

I appreciate the Miniseries just for sticking closely to the books. Once you got used to the production design and lower spectacle, It's very well done. I wish they could have made more. In addition to God Emperor, weren't there vague plans for a television series of some kind afterwards?

Maybe Children of Dune/Dune Messiah were closer to the books (haven't read them in over 20 years) but Dune wasn't particularly close to the book.

 

[lurok]

That said, you should try reading the book sometime, lurok. I think it's a fantastic piece of literature and it works as a standalone. You really don't need to read any of the books beyond it.

Great comments and I've promised myself I will try to read this summer. I'd forgotten about 'Chani' module/word also. But I do love Lynch film. Always feel a bit sub-par in Dune discussions here as I've realised most people have read books. But sometime I think it's useful to have an alternative opinion from someone who loves SF/fantasy and can appreciate work as film/TV show on its terms rather than judging against source material...

 

[Kirkman1987]

I appreciate the Miniseries just for sticking closely to the books. Once you got used to the production design and lower spectacle, It's very well done. I wish they could have made more. In addition to God Emperor, weren't there vague plans for a television series of some kind afterwards?

Maybe Children of Dune/Dune Messiah were closer to the books (haven't read them in over 20 years) but Dune wasn't particularly close to the book.

Well, as close as a filmed adaptation is likely to get. I think the only thing that took me a while to get used to was the characterization of Paul in the beginning as kind of whiny. He's not a brat, but he's not the determined and mature Paul seen at the start of the book. I understood the change and came to like it well enough. In fairness, I can't recall a lot of the changes as I've only read the book once a few years ago. The different versions kind of get mixed together in my mind.

I'm mixed on the weirding modules. I like the concept, but as actual weapons they come off as kind of silly looking when they are actually used in combat.

I haven't read everything either. I still need to read the last two books one of these days.

 

[DrCorby]

I always thought that the visual style of Lynch's version was amazing and fit in very well with how i imagined this universe.. plus it had Patrick Stewart als ultimate badass Gurney Halleck.

Certainly, much of the visual style was quite striking, showing an oppulant but somewhat decadent empire. But then there were the times Lynch got ridiculous (the Emepror and his generals on a revolving see-saw during the final battle?! What was THAT?!) or gross-for-the-sake-of-gross (boils on the Harkonen faces -- except Sting, of course -- Harkonens should have been seen as evil due to their actions, not because they looked gross).

However it failed abysmally with the story, especially with the Fremen and the ending (WTF? Rain???) so it loses out.

The miniseries was close the original material but lacked the production values and casting of the movie but nonetheless it was very enjoyable.

I enjoyed both miniseries much more, despite their sometimes slow pacing and other shortcomings. And my wife also enjoyed them, despite never having read any of the books.

I think the book is far better than either adaptation, but that doesn't make me a
"purist." Imagine somebody taking your favorite book and then completely changing half the story... it's just hard to accept.

Those ridiculous heart plugs, the telepathy, weirding modules, the contradictory ending, etc.

Exactly! Weird changes that made no sense to the original story. And just being generally bizarre. About half an hour after the movie started, I leaned over and apologized to the friends I had dragged to see the movie with me. It was that bad...

 

[RAMA]

I think the book is far better than either adaptation, but that doesn't make me a
"purist." Imagine somebody taking your favorite book and then completely changing half the story... it's just hard to accept.

Those ridiculous heart plugs, the telepathy, weirding modules, the contradictory ending, etc.

But, Herbert said he enjoyed it, so that's good enough for me I actually want to buy it now that it's dropped to $9.99

Well just to be the devil's advocate here...the ending WORKED as the climax of the movie, especially if they didn't expect a sequel....also though Herbert mentioned the rain as a problem, he didn't seem angry about in quotes I've seen...and MOST OF ALL: Doesn't PAUL DO EXACTLY the SAME thing by TERRAFORMING Arrakis in the sequels????????

RAMA

 

[DrCorby]

Well just to be the devil's advocate here...the ending WORKED as the climax of the movie, especially if they didn't expect a sequel....also though Herbert mentioned the rain as a problem, he didn't seem angry about in quotes I've seen...and MOST OF ALL: Doesn't PAUL DO EXACTLY the SAME thing by TERRAFORMING Arrakis in the sequels????????

RAMA

Yes, through science over many years (actually it was his son, Leto II, the so-called God Emperor, who accomplished it). Not through a "magic" ability that suddenly came out of nowhere...