Dune 2-Film Collection (DVD)

4.5 stars (Review of Dune Parts 1 and 2)When I read DUNE in the 70s, I loved the book! Beautiful characterizations, dense and richly detailed. I remember thinking that no one should ever try to make it into a movie. Particularly with so much subtext and internal dialog, squeezing everything into such a visual medium -successfully- would be next to impossible. The earlier movie attempts did not give me reason to change my mind.But three seems like it is the charm. The third attempted remake by Denis Villeneuve nails the essence of the main story and themes, and the cast nails the characters so well that I (almost) don’t miss what is missing from the book. Of course, purists will notice that there are departures from the book, but the changes still felt true to the book’s spirit.DUNE and DUNE Part 2 together tell the story of Paul Atreides, House Atreides and the events of the first book of Frank Herbert’s DUNE trilogy. Both movies are visually beautiful. They really do deserve to be seen on a theater screen. The interior sets are dark and grand and create the perfect atmosphere for the story to play out. The desert vistas are mesmerizing. (I love the sandrider sequences!) I cannot picture a better cast.DUNE Part 1 introduces the Great House of the Atreides family. A young Paul Atreides is the only son and heir. Commanded by the Emperor, House Atreides has no choice but to relocate to, and assume rule over the planet, Dune (AKA Arrakis), from the current ruling Great House and rival, the Harkonnen family. Dune is the Empire’s sole source of a vital and valuable spice substance. Of course, interference, treachery and betrayal from many directions ensues. Amidst maneuvering by the Emperor, the Houses, and a powerful, secretive sect called the Bene Gesserit, the Atreides family struggles to survive.DUNE Part 2 picks up immediately where the first movie ends with House Atreides apparently wiped out by treachery. Paul and his Bene Gesserit mother, Jessica, have survived and escaped to the desert and an uncertain future with the wary band of indigenous Fremen.The story’s focus expands from the political maneuverings of Padishah Emperor, the Great Houses, the Bene Gesserit, to reveal more of the indigenous people of Arrakis (Dune) with their customs, way of life and their own factions making a bid for their planet and their future.Meanwhile, Paul is making a transition from young son of a great house and outworlder, to acceptance and leader among Dune’s Fremen, and on the precipice of becoming a religious figure based on prophecies planted long ago by the Bene Gesserit. He is also increasingly drawn to a young Fremen woman, Chani. Movie-Chani’s character is actually an improvement over book-Chani. Her character has been filled out (as opposed to rewritten) and I like it. Frank Herbert, like most science fiction writers of that era, could write brilliant stories, create imaginative alien worlds and lifeforms…. but most couldn’t for the life of them write a decent female character. Without turning her into a superwoman, Villeneuve made her real and authentic to her world. Frankly, I feel the movie ending surpasses the book in the honesty and the emotional impact of Chani and Paul at a painful crossroads instead of the book’s pat, stand by her man ending.I held my breath when the first movie was announced, fearing the worst, and went from pleasant surprise to real enjoyment. When the second was announced, I held my breath, fearing that it might suffer the same problems that the vast majority of sequels fall victim to, but was quickly and happily engrossed. DUNE Parts 1 and 2 are science fiction at its best; rich, engrossing characters that don’t get lost in the intrigue, sweeping drama and adventure. I would strongly recommend, whether or not you’ve read the book.

Not sure what all the downvotes are for in regards to the quality of this release. The set does not come with blurays, so the extras from the first film are available in digital through Movies Anywhere when you redeem your card. The IMAX stuff has never been promised or suggested for any of these releases.Both of these films make up the first book of the Dune series, hence why I value them as a two pack. The slip happens to be the best art out of all the products, and it unites the coverage of both films well. The picture and sound is outstanding, and the storytelling is on point. Another high mark for the director and his crews.Denis Villeneuve has made Dune finally fit for the big screen, and this release is absolutely fantastic for any 4K collector out there. Personally, I find most of the Dune products pleasing, but the aesthetics here are top notch, and I don't need or want the blurays.These are fairly long films, and the bitrate hovers around the 50-60Mbps average for both. Very good for how long they are. Excellent sound and picture, and the films are definitely one of a kind. This is my preferred package of the films. Some may like the steelbooks, but I thought the slipcover here was high quality and felt great in hand. Easy recommendation.

The pictures are awesome!Movies are great!

Outstanding double feature. The mastering of the images and sound is, well... masterful. There have been several versions of the Dune saga. This version is the best because of how the material was adapted to the screen.The way the story is told is mesmerizing. It just pulls you in.

Beautiful set. Item arrived quickly as described at a fair price.As for the movies themselves, I don't pretend to understand them, but they're beautiful to watch. And disturbing at times. Modern sci-fi at its best.

Both movies are fantastic 5-star films, but my item came without the case sleeve that is advertised on the product page and in the customer review photos. I wanted the sleeve because it has a nice glossy, metallic look as shown in the product photo. The case by itself is a bit flat. Only reason for the 4-star review, otherwise would've been 5.

These 2 movies are going to be part of every cinephiles collection for generations and this is a great price for both movies. This 2 movie set is the exact same quality, bit for bit, as the more expensive limited edition or collectors cases. It's a rigid paper box sleeve with a super basic disc case containing exactly 2 discs, one for each movie, no extra discs, and a digital copy with a piece of paper how to claim it. There is an hour of bonus footage on the dune 2 disc, that I didn't watch.You know they will give Villeneuve the green light to make Dune Prophecy and then they'll release a 3 movie box set in IMAX aspect ratio, but that's several years away and you need these 2 movie in your collection now. So get this super well priced widescreen 2 movie collection for a pretty good price.

Lifelong SF fan here. With few exceptions, I usually enjoy reading SF more than watching SF movies. This is one of these exceptions!