Howdy,

I thought some people might appreciate a couple of details on this DVD. As you're probably aware, the 180-minutes version of "Dune" is not available in the U.S., due to studio policy. Therefore, your best bet is http://www.blackstar.co.uk

Technically, the DVD is a nice piece of work. Some small company made it, but the overall quality is at par with what Warner and MGM create for their regular releases (chapter search, theatrical trailer and a relatively large booklet, which unfolds into a full-size poster.) The image is pan-and-scan - an unfortunate result of being a TV-only movie. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that, although the cover states that the sound is mono, it is actually a very crisp stereo.

The extra footage is well inserted, with one or two exceptions, where the change is indeed visible, and the end titles contain some modifications, quite easy to spot. The greatest problem with the added footage is that it does not contain post-production special effects (the blue eyes). Although the majority of the added scenes are either very dark (in the caves) or bright (in the open desert), where the "blue eyes" are not very clear anyway, there are instances where these inconsistencies are very visible (pardon the pun) - for instance in the Paul vs. fremen knife fight sequence or in the bunker scenes of the atomic attack on the Emperor.

Another (possible) source of viewer displeasure is the repeating footage. The TV version has inserted some "fill-in" scenes, in order to connect various sequences. They consist of images of ships flying and/or landing, and several images of the Baron Harkonnen with his doctor. These scenes are obviously the same, and might distract some viewers.

On the positive side, I have to say that this version makes things clearer than the original version, as far as background and in what the characters are concerned. You'll finally understand some of the actions that otherwise seemed incomprehensible, especially if you haven't read the book.

Overall, if you really want the "long" version of the movie, the DVD is really worth it - nice packaging and transfer, and probably your best chance to get the movie in a stable, non-deteriorating format. And even if you're picky, you can still consider it an interesting lesson in montage techniques, and an alternative to the original release.



[Edited by Playitagainsam on 03-19-01 at 12:34 PM]

And for those who can't play PAL (or don't want to convert PAL), it is also available in Japan (Region 2, NTSC).

There is tons of detail about the TV version here:
http://members.aol.com/Hiphats/arrakis0.html