A blast from the past, David Lynch’s Dune is a breakthrough Sci-Fi film that although received a cold reception, still comes up in chats about science fiction fantasy. Now restored in 4K, the film is being released on Blu-ray for home video in a special case that includes a comprehensive booklet and a copy of the original poster. The case also has a set of post card size scenes from the film and the two discs that have the full length movie and bonus features. The cast is a Who’s Who of 1980’s acting including Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Sting, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, Max von Sydow, José Ferrer, Brad Dourif, Linda Hunt, Dean Stockwell, and Alicia Witt.
The screenplay is based on the novel Dune my Frank Herbert and is introduced by Virginia Madsen as Princess Irulan. The opening sets the mood describing the Known Universe in the year 10191 and the mood of the 4 planets that are short distances apart, space wise. Each of the planets are governed separately, but are ruled over by the Padisha Emperor Shaddam IV (Jose Ferrer). The four planets are Caladan (home of House Atreides), Planet Giedi Prime (home of House Harkonned), Planet Kaitain (home of the Emperor Shaddam) and Arrakis, also (known as Dune where the spice of extended life is mined).
It seems however, that the four planets have become aware of a plot which could jeopardize the valuable spice production. Disturbed over the possibility of an overthrow, The Guild, the ruling order, sends a third stage Guild navigator (a worm person) to Kaitain to demand details from the Emperor. Thus begins a story that will take you into the sanctums of each of the planets as they deal with the problem and protection of the precious spice.
Director David Lynch makes his film exciting as the audience ventures into to the many problems, deceptions, and worlds of doom. The film may have lost money at the box office the year it was released, but it was still a gem for its time. Some of the reasons include timing and going up against films like Sudden Impact, Silkwood, Scarface, and Beverly Hills Cop. The only downside I could see was the enormity of the project, the worms looked a bit unrealistic, the set-up was slow and the action was often staid. But, on the upside it opened the door to using other planets, fictional as they may be, on which to develop a space story.
Just watching the cast perform in the movie is somewhat of a treat. It was Kyle MacLachlan’s first film and it sprung him into a fine career with David Lynch’s Blue Velvet and then 30 episodes of the hit “Twin Peaks”. Virginia Madsen went on to a career with 129 credits that included The Haunting and Sideways. Patrick Stewart went on to be Captain Picard in the Star Trek franchise both film and TV, and continues to do so. Sean Young has had a good run that included Blade Runner 1 & 2, Fatal Instinct and Escape Room. Max von Sydow is noted for The Exorcist 1 & 2, Three Days of the Condor, Butterfly and Star Wars: Episode VII. Dean Stockwell was in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet, 97 Episodes of TV’s “Quantum Leap.
Bonus features are many and include the following:
“Audio Commentaries” by Paul M. Sammon and Mike White
“Impressions of Dune”
“Dune FX”
“Dune Models & Miniatures”
“Dune Costumes”
“Deleted Scenes”
“Destination Dune”
“Image Galleries”
And Many More
Dune is perfect for a video collection and will remain a classic. Included along with the double disc set are a copy of the poster that was used for the film and a booklet that is packed with comments and information on Dune. The film is rated PG-13 for Sci-Fi violence, some gore, beheaded skulls and sexual innuendos.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Sting, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, Max von Sydow, Richard Jordan, Kenneth McMillan, José Ferrer, Everett McGill, Brad Dourif, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Sian Phillips, Jürgen Prochnow, Dean Stockwell, Jack Nance, Paul L. Smith, Alicia Witt
Directed and screenplay by: David Lynch
Based on a Novel by: Frank Herbert
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 137 min.
Video Release Date:
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format:
Audio: English 5.1
Video: Fully Restored in 4K
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 2 discs, BRD and 4K
Distributed by: Arrow Video
Released on: Blu-ray from 4K
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
