Dune (1984) [DVD] [REGION 1] [US Import]

This is the review I would have liked before buying this blu-ray title.

I don't understand why this title has only been published for the German market. Perhaps it has a stronger following over there. Anyway, although the packaging and disk art is in German, once the movie's playing, that's all irrelevant.

I took the risk in getting this German import because although the movie is deeply flawed it has qualities that I really appreciate. The soundtrack by Toto is stunning and Brian Eno's "Prophecy Theme" is haunting. The story is epic. As a kid I was a fan of the book series and was deeply disappointed when the movie came out and was universally slated by the critics.

However, it is also beautiful. The sets and costumes are sumptuous. It oozes atmosphere, like Brade Runner and Aliens. If you can filter out the flaws and focus on enjoying its qualities, it is moving and uplifting. I will add my plea to those of others: "David Lynch, please transcend the trauma of making this film and the confused reactions of the test screening audiences that caused the studio to force you to butcher the movie down to its theatrical release length, recognise that this is a cult film and delight your fans by publishing your original, full-length director's cut." Given that this isn't likely to happen, the next best thing is this German blu-ray package...

To my immense relief, the upgrade to blu-ray was worth it. High definition detail makes it a different experience, one that amplifies the DVD experience. The dire special effects and the grainy scenes are rendered even more painful by high definition. However, the richness of the sets, costumes and performances from the all-star cast are equally boasted to new heights.

For me, the way that high definition brings out the rich production and performance qualities actually helps to heal the flaws and makes it a better movie. If you were able to enjoy the DVD version despite its flaws then you'll love the blu-ray presentation. Enjoy.

I have wanted to own this film on blu ray for a long time as I am a big fan, I own the special edition UK DVD, and I had read very good things about the US and French blu ray transfers. Unfortunately, this UK blu ray transfer, released at the same time as the David Lynch boxset, is absolutely awful. It is no exaggeration to say that this is the worst blu ray transfer I have ever seen and Universal should be ashamed of themselves for releasing it. I urge you not to waste your money on this version of Dune. You will be sorely disappointed!

Firstly, the picture is so dark that sometimes it is almost impossible to see what is going on, especially during the final night battles scenes. Secondly, the picture is blocky and pixelated throughout the entire film, but is especially bad during the desert scenes. The swirling sand becomes a mass of blocky colours. Even the DVD is far better quality than this horrendous rubbish. It is not my TV or blu ray player settings, as I have two players and two screens and I have tested them extensively alongside other films I own, such Alien and Aliens, which look absolutely fine.

I also got a replacement for the first disc I purchased, in case it was just a faulty disc. The second disc I received was exactly the same and I will be getting a refund before sending off for the US blu ray import. Steer well clear and, if you want the film, order any other version than this! How dare they dump this rubbish on the UK when other countries get perfectly good transfers! Shame on you, Universal!!!!

EDIT:
I received my US Dune blu ray and it is so much better than the UK blu ray. None of the problems described above. It's a shame because there is quite a lot of print damage on the US blu ray compared to the UK one (I think), but I would take vastly superior picture and sound and put up with some print damage any day of the week!

Dune is a fantastic scifi classic and I really enjoyed watching this disc. Picture quality is excellent considering the films age with some nice detail coming through.
Proper colour reproduction also means your seeing it as intended. I've read this german version has a different transfer to the american bluray, which has elements of print damage.
I didn't notice any print damage on this disc.

Sound wise you get an english 5.1 DTS-HD track (selected by default on my PS3) and english/german Dolby stereo tracks.
The DTS-HD track was good quality with everything coming through clearly.
The disc is Region B and goes straight into the film. There are no special features and it comes in a slim case which I wish all my blurays used.
Overall this a great way to experience Dune and is a good addition to your collection.

LONG LIVE THE FIGHTERS!!!