Dune (Mini series)

[buckster666]

Is the Sp Ed worth getting?

I'm a big fan of the David Lynch film version and was wondering how this version compares to it?

[robarnold99]

The mini series is more faithful to the book than David Lynch's version (considering god knows how much was cut from Lynch's). It can be found for a pretty low price and if you liked the story then it would probably be worth it.

With that being said I prefer it over the Lynch version.

[limacharliewhiskey]

I share the same sentiments with robarnold99.

I remember watching the David Lynch film at the theaters as a teenager and remember coming out of it very confused. As I've watched the longer "Alan Smithee" version aired on the Sci-Fi Channel, certain plot points are filled in with the opening narrative, but the overall plot is still a jumbled mess for the movie.

I definitely prefer the mini-series version. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the mini-series was done with a relatively low budget in the Czech Republic, and every scene is done on sets, so all of the desert scenes have a certain type of fake look to them. Whether that bothers you when viewing it or not, that'll be up to each viewer.

The storytelling is much more cohesive in the mini-series. Every family and all of the terminology is explained out such that you can follow what is going on throughout the story.

I picked up the Dune: Director's Cut 3-disc set for $12 (just checked that Digital Eyes has it currently for $10.98, which is where I got mine). If you've read the book and like the story, the mini-series is the better representation of Frank Herbert's vision. Well worth the money, IMO, and entertaining commentary track.

[1138]

I like both. The miniseries is indded much better at telling the book story. And they don't have dorky weirding modules. However, the movie has some nice production (even for today) and some good acting. And who can't like the cheesy score?

[Brikar99]

I also prefer the Sci-Fi Channel mini-series over the Lynch movie. I got the 3-disc "Director's Cut" for 10 bucks, so that's definitely a plus since it's got more features and a better transfer (as well as an additional half-hour of footage).

The sequel, "Children of Dune" was also really good, with MUCH higher production value.

[EPKJ]

I prefer the mini-series. The movie was just too confusing and Sting cannot act to save his life. The Director's Cut of the mini-series is worth picking up. It is inexpensive and very entertaining. I have watched my copy twice since buying it.

[MrTony]

Count me in with those preferring the mini-series. Aside from being truer to the novel, the mini-series finds better ways to communicate characters' thoughts than having an internal monologue for almost everybody. I also like the look of the mini-series better. Yes, there are some obvious soundstage moments and CGI work, but the costume designs and interior sets are a treat. And for the most part, the acting is excellent.

Like others have said, for the price you can't go wrong if you're a fan.

[wahlers]

Would it be recommended to buy Children of Dune in the following circumstance:

I bought the first mini-series, and honestly, I watched it once through because I wanted to follow the story, and while I can't bring myself to sell it, I have had problems getting through it a 2nd time, primarily because I find myself getting kind-of bored. But, at the same time I feel that at some point I will be in the right mood and will want to watch it again.

So, does this seem like I would orobably enjoy Children of Dune, or would it be more of the same?

[Brikar99]

In that case, you might want to consider renting it first. I know it's available at Blockbuster, so I'm sure it should be fairly easy to find.

[PALMERLIME]

Originally Posted by whalers

Would it be recommended to buy Children of Dune in the following circumstance:

I bought the first mini-series, and honestly, I watched it once through because I wanted to follow the story, and while I can't bring myself to sell it, I have had problems getting through it a 2nd time, primarily because I find myself getting kind-of bored. But, at the same time I feel that at some point I will be in the right mood and will want to watch it again.

So, does this seem like I would orobably enjoy Children of Dune, or would it be more of the same?

Children of Dune is a much more engrossing and professionally done mini than the 1st scifi production. The director of the first one just did not quite get the feel for directing TV until the last part of the mini. I think his background was in theatre, if I remember. Hence his decision to use backdrops in lieu of the location shoots that went all windy on them. His ability to direct actors also didn't translate well to the small screen. Everyone came across either cold or hammy with little in between.

COD, however, is a different animal. The direction is much more competant and some very moving performances were squeezed from the actors we all laughed at from the first. Sure, plot points were condensed and others discarded, it's going to happen. Adapting a novel to screen ain't easy and I never envy anyone the task... especially when it comes to the "well padded" Dune series. The main concern with a mini is if, ultimately, does one have that driving feeling to know "what happens next?" I feel COD does. Basically, everything that failed in the first mini was noted, acted upon and improved in the second mini. It's worth at least seeing.

[wahlers]

Well I finally bought "Children of Dune" because Media Play has a buy 1 $17.99 DVD and get 1 50% off, so I picked this up along with "The Faculty" for $27 a couple of days ago.

I will admit that I was standoffish about watching it and waited until yesterday to actually put it in because of the memories of feelings of boredom from the original mini-series.

I was incredibly, pleasantly surprised.

From the very beginning I was impressed by the vast improvement of effects, digital sets and camera work/movements.

And the acting quite impressed me (although I was a bit taken aback by how kind-of dull and one-dimensional Susan Saradon's acting seemed-- but maybe it's just the character or something, although she never struck me as a Sci-Fi/Fantasy kind-of girl... doubt if she'd ever read the books, etc.).

I was very enthralled, and the ending of each part really snuck up on me (rather than in the original Mini-Series, where I was counting the minutes sometimes) and really left me wanting more.

The ending of the series itself also left me wanting more, even if it had been something more than the promotional piece-of-crap featurette they included.

I really really wanted to see more makings-of.

That, or to have that room with the big marble walkway... that was absolutely beautiful...

[UFO]

I can tolerate the extended Lynch version, and the SFC ones aren't bad. But neither are spectacular achievements. I remember seeing the Lynch version in the theater and I thought it was a wretched mess compared to Herbert's work.