Last night James and I watched the 1984 cult disasterpiece, Dune. The film was based on Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel Dune, first published in 1965.
Dune is a great movie in my opinion, but then I’m a huge sci-fi fan. Dune is not a tune-in, zone-out kinda movie, it’s deep. Giant worms living under the surface of a barren desert planet, a mysterious spice that can expand human consciousness and lifespan and the main character transforms from a young man called Paul into a God-like messiah called the Kwisatz Haderach.
I have to admit the sheer volume of footage that has been cut from Dune makes it slightly unwatchable for the average person, however anyone with any interest in Sci-fi will probably find it really enthrawling. The post-production cut of Dune was 4hrs long, then Director David Lynch curtailed it to 3hrs and then re-cut by the studio for theatrical release at 2hrs 15mins.
Last night myself and James watched the Region 2 DVD Extended Edition DVD version of Dune. Neither the audio, nor the video has been remastered so parts of it seem slightly low quality – however it is the longest and most complete cut of the 5 versions of the film that’ve been released.
Sadly the Americans have a Region 1 DVD that’s the same cut, in a better aspect ratio, with a documentary and clips that didnt make it to any version of the film. Wankers!
I have now pledged to read Frank Herbert’s Dune novel after I finish Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh.
I’m told that in the 416 page novel, Frank Herbert describes every person and every planet in immense detail and much of this is reflected visually in the film but not necessarily explained. Add to this David Lynch’s artistic license (which as usual, never make any sense what-so-ever) and Dune definately has some great wtf? moments.
Could it be am i the Kwisatz Haderach the ultimate human being. Quality old school sci-fi now looking forward to the release of Spice World a different portrayal of the film.
Ha ha, just found this Dune lolcat…