Dune (Special TV Edition) (DVD)

...all six of Herbert's original Dune series, as well as the three 'House' series that his son wrote with Kevin Anderson, so I'm well versed in the world of 'Dune'. For this reason, I probably followed the movie a lot more than others might have done and probably didn't recognise where the uninitiated might struggle with certain aspects. Prior knowledge of the books isn't essential, but it probably does help.

This Special TV Edition attempts ...
...comers to the world of Dune will probably appreciate this, more experienced viewers will probably prefer Princess Irulan's introduction.

Alan Smithee is credited with directing this film. Alan Smithee is a fictional director, his name only appearing when the original director is unprepared to lend his name to the movie. Does Lynch's refusal to lend his name mean the movie worse? Well, no, not as such...but nor is it really any better.
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'Dune' was written by Frank Herbert. It's a story set ten thousand years into humanity's future, in a universe of political intrigue and conspiracy, where the spice known as "Melange" is critical to the running and ruling of the "Known Universe". Set around four main worlds, Emperor Shaddam IV's Kaitan, Duke Atreides' Caledan, Baron Harkonnen's Gidi Prime and Dune, (or Arakis), a desert planet and the only source of Melange in the known universe, it follows the 'hero', Paul Atreides, son of Duke Leto Atreides as he finds his destiny.

Made in 1984, when CGI-type special effects were just coming into there own, 'Dune' does better than some other movies from around the same time, (such as 'The Last Star Fighter'), in terms of the creditability of the visuals. Surprisingly, the visuals haven't actually aged all that badly. They're obviously not up to the standard of special effects seen in today's cinema, of course, but I really don't find them that bad at all.
The cast is actually quite famous, with the likes of Patrick Stewart (Star Trek), Dean Stockwell (Quantum Leap) and Brad Dourif (Lord Of The Rings) to name but a few.
Whilst one or two minor details have been changed, (such as Paul not being a fifteen year old), the vast majority of the plot and story remains faithful to the books and fans such as myself appreciate that.

One thing David Lynch's original Theatrical version suffered from was time restrictions. In order to get the film down to a respectable runtime, scenes were hacked out and the flow of the movie itself, as well as the plot was interrupted by some very poor editing. Herbert placed an awful lot of detail and subtlety within his books that, when you're reading, you can pick up on. However, translating these nauances onto the "Big Screen" is no easy task and by removing large sections, viewers were often left confused and baffled in places as to what had just happened, or why something had just happened. I should point out that I have read all six of Herbert's original Dune series, as well as the three 'House' series that his son wrote with Kevin Anderson, so I'm well versed in the world of 'Dune'. For this reason, I probably followed the movie a lot more than others might have done and probably didn't recognise where the uninitiated might struggle with certain aspects. Prior knowledge of the books isn't essential, but it probably does help.

This Special TV Edition attempts to correct some of these issues by providing some of the deleted scenes and now run at approximately three hours.
The most noticable difference is the introduction. Originally handled by Princess Irulan, the TV Edition has replaced it with a load of still images and a voice over. This gives you much more information about the origins of the 'Dune' universe; however, the original Irulan speech lent weight to the universe, (especially if you've read the books and known her role later on) whereas, having some outsider tell the story makes it feel less connected. Arguably, new comers to the world of Dune will probably appreciate this, more experienced viewers will probably prefer Princess Irulan's introduction.

Alan Smithee is credited with directing this film. Alan Smithee is a fictional director, his name only appearing when the original director is unprepared to lend his name to the movie. Does Lynch's refusal to lend his name mean the movie worse? Well, no, not as such...but nor is it really any better.

The additional scenes do help to explain certain things to anyone who hasn't read the books, but the movie still suffers from poor editing. Some scenes do look a little butchered in places and can really spoil your enjoyment of the movie. It's a shame, because the it's such an intriguing and worth-while story, but I know several people who never bothered to read the books because of the movie, with or without the additional scenes.

About the DVD itself. The special features are listed as:

New Prologue
35 Minutes Extra Footage Not Included In The Original Theatrical Release
Original Theatrical Trailer
Booklet With Production Stills
And Reproduction Of Original Film Poster

Now, the 'New Prologue' is the replacement of Princess Irulan's introduction, so not actually a special feature. The booklet isn't a booklet at all, but a piece of A3 paper with the information printed on one side and the Reproduction Poster on the other, meaning if you wanted the poster, you lose your booklet, and vice-versa.

In fact, apart from the Theatrical Trailer, there really isn't any special features what-so-ever, which is a disappointment. Some kind of 'Making Of...' or perhaps a look at the designs for the sand-worms (creatures who inhabit the deserts of Arakis, growing up to 400 metres in length)

I personally, on the whole, enjoyed the movie, though I felt it could have been done a lot better. Even with the additional scenes, it probably is only my prior knowledge of the books that help me fully understand everything.

I would recommend this, but with a few disclaimers.

The Special Edition certainly makes a more sense then the Theatrical version, though whether you enjoy it or not very much depends on your own personal taste and approach to such a movie.

Whilst it is entertaining, some people, particularly those not into science-fiction, may struggle with some of the concepts and principles of the universe. Secondly, both Theatrical and Special Editions in no way do justice to the books. Finally, I think this is a movie that can polarise it's viewers. Some not familar with the books will get it, whilst others won't. Some die hard fans will appreciate the attempt, other's will simply hate it because it doesn't do justice to the book. My advice is try to approach it with an open mind. If you're really not sure, see if you can find a friend or work college who owns a copy you could borrow. 

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