DVD Review | Dune 2000 Miniseries) (Special Edition Director's Cut)
Written by: Kage Alan

Film Rating: B
DVD Special Features: A-

I reviewed Artisan's original lackluster release of "Dune" some months back.  
I suspected it wouldn't be long before we had to shell out more money for the
better version of the miniseries and here it is at long last.  If you are
inclined read about the plot, go back to the original review.  The only
things that have changed with this edition is additional footage put back in
to each of the three parts and a huge number of additional extras, so that's
where my focus will be.

First off, the additional 30 minutes edited back into "Dune" furthers some
conspiracy plot points, clears up what happens to some of the characters
during certain events and also adds nudity to the mix.  The footage does
compliment the story, but it still doesn't make it "A" material.  My original
grade was a "C-" and I believe (besides the lack of additional footage or
extras) it was influenced by the lack of a proper screen ratio transfer and
no Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track.  Thankfully, those last remaining problems
have also been taken care of.  We now have a much improved Anamorphic
Widescreen video transfer and an incredible sounding 5.1 track as well as a
DTS one to boot.  Now, on to the heart and soul of what makes this edition so
much better than the first release.

The extras are divided up over the three discs and each one (disc) contains
an audio commentary with director John Harrison and members of the production
team, but they (the production team) vary from episode to episode.  The
commentaries are extremely insightful and touch on almost every facet of the
production, especially the areas that were previously cut for North American
audiences.  While I don't know what they will do for other viewers, the
commentaries definitely gave me more of an appreciation for the film and of
Harrison himself.

Aside from the commentary on the first disc, there is also the same 25-minute
titled "The Lure Of Spice" that was found on the original release.  It's a
decent look behind-the-scenes and I'm pleased Artisan added it to this
edition as well.  Next up is a 5-minute interview with music composer Graeme
Revell, who I really began to appreciate after listening to the score of "The
Crow." It's just long enough to get a flavor for the man and his work and
short enough not to go overboard.  Finally, rounding off the first disc is a
fairly in-depth photo and sketch gallery divided up into three sections;
Visual Effects, Storyboards and Character And Costume Sketches.

Disc 2 starts off with "Willis McNelley On Dune," a 12-minute retrospective
of one man's memories of Frank Herbert and the story of "Dune." His insight
into both subjects is warm and intelligent, so it's a shame that the
documentary isn't shot to those same standards.  Is the editor aware of
something called a "jump cut"?  Apparently not.  "Science Future/Science
Fiction" is the next piece and is basically a 28-minute round table
discussion hosted at UCLA with authors, an inventor and a filmmaker
(Harrison) involved in Science Fiction.  While a short introduction as to why
it's included here would have been helpful, I found myself drawn into the
discussions and wanting to see more.  Cast and Crew information and
Production Notes top off the extras here.

Disc 3 begins with "The Color Wheel," a 12-minute interview with Vittorio
Storaro, the cinematographer of "Dune." He has a bit of trouble expressing
himself, so subtitles are provided.  It's obvious he's intelligent, so
perhaps he should have helped the people out filming this interview as well.  
Not only is it flat and dull looking, but there are conversations going on in
the background that his microphone picks up.  How disrespectful.  Following
this discussion is "The Cinematographic Ideation Of Frank Herbert's Dune," a
text explanation of sequences in the film.  The 13-minute "Defining The
Messiah" is actually a rather fascinating look into the origins of the word
"Messiah" and what it has meant throughout history and religion while the
11-minute "Walking And Talking With John Harrison" is a very sloppily shot
piece that has more substance than style.  Harrison was short changed here.  
The last few extras are a sneak peek at the preproduction gallery of
"Children of Dune," the sequel, and a trailer gallery that doesn't include
the "Dune" miniseries at all.

Even though I still feel that "Dune" has a number of weaknesses, I do have
new respect for it and especially for its director.  I'm even eager to see
what's done with the sequel.  It's too bad John Harrison won't be directing
it, but I'm sure his presence will be felt.  Of the two versions available,
the "Dune Special Edition Director's Cut" is by far the one to get.  If only
Artisan will learn from its mistakes and do things correctly the first time.  
We can hope.