Denis Villeneuve’s film has already been released on media and in streaming. I am checking the DVD version. Is it worth going for this release or is it better to pay a little more for Blu-ray?
Almost everything is beautiful, the rest is in beige and brown
It was a difficult task: to screen Frank Herbert’s Dune in such a way as to fully reflect its atmosphere, its specific world, include in it the appropriate doses of philosophy and religion, and give it all the momentum worthy of this classic science fiction novel . At the same time, it was necessary to make the next – after all, the third – Dune film different not only from the previous screen adaptations, but also from other great cinema shows that we had the opportunity to watch in the cinema over the last twenty years.
Denis Villeneuve, in whom many lovers of the genre had their hopes after Blade Runner 2049 , fortunately lived up to this task. You can read more about the movie Dune in our review.
And how did all the majesty and atmosphere of Dune , its monumental scenes, intimate moments, and atmospheric music by Hans Zimmer translate into home cinema? On the Dune DVD release , we do not get an extended version of the film (there are also no deleted scenes in the extras), but in the end even the basic version of this production is a real treat for every cinema lover.
As a DVD version, Dune looks a bit worse, but you have to take into account the availability of better-quality Blu-ray media on the market. In addition, during a screening on a home TV set, colors carefully selected for each world spoil the reception of the whole in several scenes. The world of princely halls, painted in black, beige and brown, makes a much better impression on the big screen. Of course, then we leave the palace on the green-blue hills and cliffs of the Caladan planet, say goodbye to the homeland of Duke Leto and Paul Atreides, and move to Arrakis, illuminated, bright, sparkling with spice. The Dune world becomes dangerously downright beautiful again.
As many accessories as flowers on Arrakis
Unfortunately, if someone counts on this DVD to find curiosities from the set, special materials about heroes, stories of individual families and tribes, they will be really disappointed. To say that this edition has few specials is like saying nothing.
The only material on the album is a series of short stories about the main characters. Short shots from the set are interwoven with even shorter statements by actors who play specific roles. A few words about the Atreides, a few about the Harkonnens, a memory of the Fremen. That’s it. Apart from what we know from the movie itself, we learn neither about any of the main characters or side characters, nor about the families or worlds in which Dune takes place.
There is also something missing about the backstage of creating such a great show. And I would like to delve into the process of designing ornithopters, Fremen filtrrakes, find out about the inspiration for the appearance of the Harkonnen (especially for the Baron himself, played by the wonderful Stellan Skarsgård), military uniforms and the beautiful costumes of Lady Jessica. I’d love to hear from those responsible for the technical aspects of Dune ‘s creation , not just the main cast and director.
So if you’re looking for more than the movie itself, the DVD release is unlikely to captivate you. If your goal was the Dune movie itself, rather than finding the answer to where they got ideas for these armor, halls, and veils, then the DVD would be just right for your shelf. Otherwise, reach for Blu-ray, where you will find add-ons that suit you.
