Frank Herbert's Dune (Sci-Fi TV Miniseries) (Special Edition Director's Cut) (3-Disc DVD Set)

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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:

Not quite as good as I had hoped, but much better than I expected.......2007-09-05

I read the novel when it first appeared back in the `70s, and I saw the originally movie when it came out in 1984. You're not supposed to buck the critics, but I rather enjoyed David Lynch's film, even with its obvious shortcomings. (But then, I'm a Lynch fan.) Its biggest problem, to my mind, was the inability of any screenwriter or director to cram all the major themes and characters of the book into a two-hour flick, which greatly confused viewers. This miniseries solves that problem up front by running four-and-a-half hours -- lots of time to explicate what Frank Herbert had to say. Even so, this being a visual medium, the emphasis is on the revolt of the Fremen against the Harkonnen, as led by Paul Atreides, a/k/a Muad'Dib. Only William Hurt among the cast is very well known, and he played the duke as a very downbeat character. But the duke's character is much better developed. P. H. Moriarty's portrayal of Gurney Halleck (an ex-slave, don't forget) is much truer to the book's character than Patrick Stewart's boy scout impersonation in the original movie. On the other hand, Linda Hunt was a much more impressive Shadout Mapes in the original. Ian McNiece provided a nice over-the-top rendition of the Baron -- very similar, actually, to Kenneth McMillan's version in the movie. The sets were gorgeous, the effects were . . . well, . . . adequate, and the costumes varied between interesting (the stillsuited Fremen and the cavalier Saudaukar) and laughable (the Bene Gesserit's Easter bonnets). Well, fans will argue the two versions, and both versions against the book, for some time to come. But the miniseries is very much worth watching.

Not Perfect, But the Best So Far.......2007-08-01

It may be impossible for even a three-disc production to approach the depth of Frank Herbert's Dune (Dune Chronicles, Book 1). David Lynch's 1984 adaptation (Dune (Extended Edition)) was interesting, but failed to capture the spirit of the book. This 2000 attempt from the Sci-Fi Channel comes closer, though it still falls short. There are many themes and characters in the book that would have to be sacrificed in a shorter treatment that are given their due here. And even minor characters are fleshed out more fully here than in Lynch's version. On the other hand, many details are changed from the book for no apparent reason. The cast does a fair job--no one actor is outstanding, but all do their job in a way that leaves the viewer free to focus on the story. Alec Newman is not as convincing in the role of Paul as Kyle MacLachlan in Lynch's version, and William Hurt is a puzzling choice for Duke Leto; but P.H. Moriarty fits my vision of Gurney perfectly and Barbora Kodetová is bewitching as Chani. The special effects are below industry standard, but given that the story is the point of the movie, that's not a big concern. Unfortunately, while the movie is a reasonable first approximation to the book, the DVD release wastes an opportunity to enrich our experience: there are many "extras", but only a few are worth watching. So, while I recommend this version of Dune, it's no substitute for reading one of the great epic novels of the 20th century.

great!.......2007-07-23

the item came as reqested. It plays great and I am happy about the transaction!

frank herberts dune.......2007-07-17

After watching this movie i am very pleased to say well done
amazon top marks .
fist class service and i will use you again anytime.
thanks heaps .
Ray Ryan

Frank Herbert As High Literature Complete With A Blue-Eyed Messiah And The Requisite Giant Carnivorous Worms.......2007-07-14

The multi-nuanced tale told in Dune was never one of my favorites until I saw it here, given a Masterpiece Theater treatment in the small screen version of this much-acclaimed sci-fi heavyweight. By comparing this 2000 release to Masterpiece Theater I refer to the similarities in the way all those classic British novels receive a chapter by chapter breakdown and re-telling on Masterpiece Theater, and the way Dune was unveiled in exactly that detailed format. But I'm saying this in a good way and I'm glad Dune was handled as it was. I have always really enjoyed this re-telling of Frank Herbert's novel, and feel the way it layered its storylines to create depth was admirably reverential. This is a no frills, no superstars production that puts the plot ahead of all else, and as a result this version of Dune is all the better for it. In fact "balanced" is a nice way to describe the final product of this movie: performances, special effects, scenery, story, it all came together very nicely, and I was and am impressed by the result. A film can never match a novel for weight of detail, but here a film does come close.

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Walken's Iconic Portrayals
SKID ROW SONG AND VIDEO FROM PROPHECY I
Boxed set the only way to get part 2 now?
There was a BOXED SET???
Chris Walken Is At The Top Of His Game!

Prophecy Collection
Starring: Christopher Walken , Vincent Spano , Dave Buzzotta , Kayren Butler , and Steve Hytner
Director: Patrick Lussier , Gregory Widen , and Greg Spence
Manufacturer: Dimension
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6306004068

Description

The Prophecy - DVD- Big-screen favorite Christopher Walken heads an all-star cast in this chilling and suspenseful thriller! At the scene of a bizarre murder, L.A. homicide detective Thomas Dagget (Elias Koteas -- EXOTICA) discovers a lethal heavenly prophecy now being fulfilled on earth! Yet in his fight to stop the forces of evil -- led by the powerful angel Gabriel (Walken) -- Dagget finds an unlikely ally in an elementary school teacher (Virginia Madsen -- THE HAUNTING). Together they race against time and terror to save the world as we know it! Also starring Eric Stoltz (PULP FICTION) and Viggo Mortensen (THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) -- critics everywhere praised THE PROPHECY for its high-powered thrills and knockout performances -- don't miss it! The Prophecy II - DVD- Big-screen favorite Christopher Walken (THE PROPHECY, PULP FICTION) returns in a riveting performance as the menacing angel Garbriel! When the powers of good and evil again descend to earth in a battle over humankind, the only hope for survival is the unborn child of an innocent woman (Jennifer Beals). With the help of a mysterious stranger, she races to protect her child and save all humanity ... unless Gabriel catches her first! With edge-of-your-seat thrills and suspense, THE PROPHECY II is an unforgettable motion picture experience! The Prophecy 3: The Ascent - DVD- Christopher Walken (SUICIDE KINGS, THE PROPHECY) and Vincent Spano (THE TIE THAT BINDS) star in THE ASCENT, the third thrilling installment of the action-packed PROPHECY trilogy! As fearsome armies of rebel angels continue to wage war in heaven and on earth, Pyriel, the brutal Angel of Genocide, rises to power with the evil intent to destroy all of humankind! The only one on earth with the ability to stop the bloodshed is Danyael, who was born of an angel and a woman. But he is unaware of his true purpose ... until, during a harrowing journey of discovery, Danyael meets Gabriel (Walken), the fallen angel who has acted as his secret guardian! Brace yourself for an epic battle of the ages as Danyael sets out to confront Pyriel in a bid to save the world and fulfill his ultimate destiny!

Customer Reviews:

Walken's Iconic Portrayals.......2007-06-15

That's saying alot, but I think it's true. The movies are all very good, even the third one. I was surprised at how well they've held up, having not seen them for several years. This is a good, not great, series of movies, and I'm happy that I bought the whole set.

Highest rating.

SKID ROW SONG AND VIDEO FROM PROPHECY I.......2005-10-19

IF ANYONE HAS ANY IDEA HOW TO GET THE VIDEO WHICH WAS FOR BREAKIN' DOWN THE FEATURED SONG IN THE PROPHECY, I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFO, IT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THE FIRST RELEASE OF THE VHS FOLLOWING THE MOVIE
PLEASE EMAIL ME!
WENDY1TIKI@AOL.COM

Boxed set the only way to get part 2 now?.......2004-12-19

I wrote a review for part one and part 3 which were both superb movies, but part 2 I can not find to write a review although I do own the dvd.

Part 2 I do feel helps greatly to understanding part 3 much better although wasnt *as* good as the others, but still in all rights, a great movie!

Enjoy!

There was a BOXED SET???.......2004-12-16

I have been looking for a boxed set of this series ever since I bought the VHS tapes many many years ago. I have yet to actually see an actual image of the boxed set.. just references to the fact that there was one... and I missed it. I think if they take these things off the market I wish they wouldnt advertise them and get peoples hopes up.

Overall though I have bought the individual DVDs of this series and the movies are great entertainment (the first being my favorite - Viggo Mortensen as Lucifer was just totally creepy and to go from Lucifer to the King of Middle Earth is quite a feat..LOL). I do recommend at least seeing the first to get the true flavor.

Chris Walken Is At The Top Of His Game!.......2004-03-05

I've been a life-long Christopher Walken fan. The first film I can recall seeing him in was "The Deer Hunter". He may be creepy-looking, but he's one hell of an actor. In my opinion, he'll go down in history as one of the greatest actors that ever lived. He again proves himself with this trilogy. If you like a good thriller/horror film, this series is the one to get!

Robin of Sherwood - Complete Series 2 (2-DVD Set) (Prophecy / Children of Israel / Lord of the Trees / Enchantment / Swords of Wayland / Greatest Enemy) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Great B

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Robin of Sherwood - Complete Series 2 (2-DVD Set) (Prophecy / Children of Israel / Lord of the Trees / Enchantment / Swords of Wayland / Greatest Enemy) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Great B
Director: Robert Young , and James Allen
Manufacturer: Network
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Description

"Great Britain released, PAL/Region 0 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. LANGUAGES: English (Dolby Digital 2.0), SYNOPSIS: The Prophecy: John has been taken prisoner at Nottingham and makes a friend in fellow prisoner Mark, who, after Robin has found an opportunity to free John and his new found friend, decides to join the band of outlaws. The Children of Israel: The Sheriff has borrowed money from the rich Jew Joshua de Talmont, who makes his living as a ""money-lender"". Reluctant to return the money when the time is due, The Sheriff makes Gisburne arrange a riot in which all Jews in Nottingham will be killed. Lord of the Trees: Sherwood Forest and the neighbouring villages are celebrating ""The Time of the Blessing"", an annual forest tradition. The Enchantment: Robin is put under a spell by the witch Lilith, who makes him steal Herne's Silver Arrow for her. The Swords of Wayland: The village of Uffcombe is getting nightly visits from strangely disguised riders, called ""The Hounds of Lucifer"" by locals, who kill and drag away terrified villagers. The Greatest Enemy: The Sheriff is ordered by the King to put a stop to Robin Hood once and for all, or else Robert de Rainault will lose all his power as sheriff. SPECIAL FEATURES: 2-DVD Set, Commentary, Deleted Scenes, Interactive Menu, Making Of, Photo Gallery, "

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