Henrik Erlandsson David Lynch did good with what was a rather dusty book at its release in the 60s; it reads (and therefore views) like Buck Rogers slash English costume drama after decades of much more modern Sci-fi greats, and doesn't satisfy.Herbert displays lack of knowledge in the field, and in pulp this was compensated for by fantasy, but as with pulp this too lacked innovation - with one exception: the Sandworms. They became truly iconic; the concept, established. The Spice was stolen from Asimov like much else in the 60s; there's some attempt at politics but it never takes off beyond quarreling families, medieval style.After Star Trek made the movies (also without knowledge in the field) and the partially mature/partially childish Space Fantasy of Star Wars, this movie came at exactly the wrong time (and, essentially over a decade too late).A few memorable scenes, but you will want to know that you want to watch this to have the patience to stay for the duration. It's educational in that it tells the story of an immature mind; the writer.

Tweetienator Imo Dune is one of the best sci-fi-movies ever made and e.g. far more impressive story- and graphic-wise to Star Wars. Frank Herbert's Dune cycle is for sure one of the best sci-fi/fantasy epics ever written, imo even superior to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings - in imagination, philosophical and political depth, the universe of Dune is unchallenged by most other fictional works with only a very few exceptions.David Lynch adapted the first book of Frank Herbert's epic accurate, only changed in some details. The actors are very good ones (e.g. Jürgen Prochnow, famous for his role as der Alte in Das Boot, Sting as the Harkonnen Feyd Rautha, Linda Hunt, Patrick Stewart etc). Maybe they are not the biggest stars of Hollywood, but all are serious and very good actors indeed (well, Sting proved he can do acting too).Sadly, the project was due the lack of financial success not continued. Imagine, the whole of Frank Herbert's work (not those stuff from his son) would have adapted into movies of this quality! Dune is one of the most unique movies of the sci-fi and fantasy genre like The Dark Crystal (Jim Henson, Frank Oz), Flash Gordon (the 80s movie), Blade Runner, The Matrix and Fight Club.Lucas' Star Wars is for the inner cowboy and Indians or dragon hunting knight part of our self. Dune is one for our adult self.Must watch. Must collect.

sharonyovanoff This is an incredible and above all visually stunning adaptation of what is in many science fiction lovers' opinions, including my own, the greatest SF/fantasy novel ever written.The movie is not quite as amazing as the novel, with David Lynch giving it the "David Lynch treatment" and twisting it into an even more fantastical story. What you can't say is it's not interesting. Love it or hate it your eyes will be glued to the screen and you will certainly never be "bored" by any of the visuals you will see.And what visuals they are!The effects were definitely way ahead of the game for their time and in my opinion should have earned the Academy Award that year (the movie did receive one nomination).Check it out if you haven't seen it.

Tweekums In the distant future control of the universe depends on the control of the spice mélange; it is only found on the planet Arrakis. The spice is so vital because it is essential for space travel as it allows the folding of space so vessels can instantly travel between any points in the universe. Not surprisingly there is conflict to control the spice with various noble families vying for power… none of whom seems too interested in the Fremen, the natives of Arrakis. There is however a prophecy that a Messiah like figure will come to lead the Fremen; that man turns out to be nobleman Paul Atreides and he will help them take control of Arrakis and defeat the enemies of the Fremen.This film could have been so much better; the central story is solid but the film is a bit of a mess. Sci-fi set in the future tend to depict a bright, shiny future, like 'Star Trek'; a rather functional future, like 'Alien' or be high camp… this is definitely high camp. That wouldn't be a problem but it takes it self far too seriously for such a style. The characters spout dialogue that I assume is meant to sound deep but more often just seemed pretentious. The special effects may have been impressive when it was made but seem rather dated now… on the plus side the sandworms that move through the deserts of Arrakis were pretty cool. The characters were okay in an over-the-top way; Paul Atreides was a decent protagonist even if he is too perfect at times. The cast do a decent enough job but I couldn't help thinking all the well-known actors who feature have all done much better work. Director David Lynch has certainly done much better; this may partly be down to studio interference though. Overall I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see this but if it is on TV or the DVD is in the bargain bin you might want to check it out.