David Lynch’s version of the classic Frank Herbert novel was much derided upon its release. However, over the years, the film has found its fanbase, and this ViaVision Australian 3-disc release presents the movie in a new light. It includes both the original theatrical cut and the extended TV version that Lynch disowned, as well as a full disc of bonus features.
The plot covers more or less the same territory as the recent, much better-budgeted Denis Villeneuve version. Rival planetary dynasties are feuding about who can control the lucrative spice mining on the planet Arrakis. The son of Duke Atreides, Paul (Kyle MacLachlan), becomes the centre of the battle when he is adopted by the Arrakis natives, the Fremen.
As we’ve seen with the aforementioned modern movies, adapting a story as vast as this is difficult. Lynch makes the most of the budget, but the result is more Flash Gordon than the Lawrence of Arabia-style epic it should be. The director and his troupe do their best. There are some standout performances; MacLachlan is a convincing Paul Atreides, Kenneth McMillan is repulsively brilliant as Baron Harkonnen and Freddie Jones’ eyebrows should have their own credit. However, the slight miscasting of Sting (however iconic he is visually) and Paul Smith (who provides his trademark look throughout) can be overlooked. As an of-its-time space epic, it’s entertaining enough despite the reputation it holds.
Accompanying the two versions of the film is a disc literally jam-packed with extras. The flagship being the feature-length documentary The Sleeper Must Awaken: Making Dune. Other featurettes cover different in-depth aspects (with the occasional bit of anecdotal repetition) alongside a number of vintage interviews. There’s only one commentary, this time for the expanded TV version, making its debut on this release. Top it off with a nifty lenticular hard case and some art cards, and it’s a must for collectors.
DUNE 3-disc Limited Edition Blu-ray is out now from Via Vision.
