Now onto MY fav best DUNE adaption SYFY CHILDREN OF DUNE(includes Dune Messiah) with JAMES McAVOY being the BEST LETO II/God Emperor and should be cast as God Emperor with his work doing psychotic characters multi personalities in SPLINTER and GLASS.
I always say this version of Dune was done like a BROADWAY STAGE PLAY, because of the obviousness of the Stages and the operatic style of dialogue spoken. Lynch was more Shakespeare not so stagey. recent Dune is immersive and realistic.
I always liked the shakespearian drama atmosphere the miniseries had. It helps get past the effects issue. I liked it and liked the sequel miniseries even more.
The sci fi channel mini series is best viewed, i think, as a filmed stage Play. If you imagine yiu are watching a really well done amateur production, then you can forgive the low budget desert sets and appreciate how well done so much of it is. The nu.ber of similarities between the mini series and the villneuve film suggest he (or someone on the production team) watched it closely with a notebook handy.
I tracked down the dvds last year. I love this version of Dune. I did get a chuckle out of how the dvd was better than the aired version I saw. You could see the painted backdrops hung behind the actors on dunes. Still was awesome.
Man, I love this show! I'm a bit more forgiving, because it didn't have a huge budget and it showed, but it still looks (mostly) nice. And being longer, they adapted more of the books than the movies did. And they even managed to adapt the next two books! For me, it fits perfectly in the plethora of low-mid budget sci-fi shows that populated tv in late 90s - early 2000s.
I too loved it! (And own the DVD set. And the Children of Dune too.) The only thing that I feel really could be held particularly against it, is that (at moments) it sometimes looks (to me) like an elaborate school (or University stage) play! But, for some reason, I can't really view even THAT as much of a "negative". Also, I was somewhat "crushing" on Barbora Kodetova! (I thought she was a very pretty Chani!) LOL
@@MarcelNLyes, very pretty but I found it strangely cold and slow. I prefer the mini series and the Lynch film….even with their flaws. Nothing wrong with 2021 version but nothing I loved about it either
CoD is where I first discovered (and fell madly in lust with) James McAvoy. He has gone on to give some truly brilliant performances in the 20year since, including the Shamalamadingdong ones [Split/Glass] as a character with a bazillion different personalities... That was MESMERIZING (and terrifying). Also adored him in Wanted, Last King of Scotland, and the XMen series.
I just love this show. The first time I saw it was when I was about 8 y/o, and it brought me to the world of complicated fantasy, encompassing politics and economics, which is still my hobby even almost 20 years later. And it also makes me proud to be Czech, as this is usually considered to be one of the best movies made in Czechia and with Czech actors. Its a shame that it was made only in studio, but thats what you get for making a movie about desert planet in a country that is very much the opposite of that. At first, I didnt even know that the backgrounds are just painted, I was too much interested in the story to notice that, and I just generally assumed that they were green screen.
Irulan's subplot was not only labored and ultimately pointless, but it also makes Paul's treatment of her problematic. The book's Irulan was raised a manipulative bene geserit and statesperson. It seemed fitting that her plans of control were thwarted, and only after that is she given a redemption. In the miniseries she not only reaches out to Paul on a personal level even before he would be a statehood target, but she seeks to uncover the truth of the attack on his house. She becomes a relatable character on the side of good, only to be snubbed and treated like a political pawn by Paul.
I see your point, but isn't her snubbing and submission ultimately part of her tragedy? And might this be a hint that the actions of the "good" guy can be objectively not good? I'm not sure if this is giving the miniseries too much credit, but I'd argue some of that is thematically consistent.
@@marocat4749 by that logic he should be going around randomly killing and raping people because he's problematic. The behaviour doesn't fit the circumstances like it does in the book.
The miniseries adaptations are still my favorites. They really do convey the aforementioned "Shakespeare in Space" feeling. Even the painted backdrops help the series seem like a televised stage production.
I gave this a re-watch last year on youtube and it isn't as bad as I remember. The only really unforgivable thing are the outfits of the "Chef-Boy-Ardaukar" with those ridiculous hats.
@@the_once-and-future_king. I could not take that spokesman seriously AT ALL. Aside from costume and gesticulation, the actor's voice delivery was farcically bad. Like PH Moriarty bad.
@@ZakhadWOW haha right? "The guild..(swish)....does not answer....(swish)....TO YOU! (pout) I absolutely broke out laughing the first time I saw that, at a time you should NOT be laughing.
The _Dune_ miniseries is made better when watched in *black & white.* It mutes the cheapness of the production/design & augments it's strengths, putting the cinematography & performances in greater focus. The staginess then works in it's favor & the miniseries becomes a "prestige BBC adaptation from the 1960s".
Interesting idea. While watching this review I also got the impression, that the colors are really garish. Perhaps a de-saturation already helps a lot. I'll definitely try this out when re-watching it. Thanks!
@@loslobos786 turn the colour setting on your TV down to zero. If you're watching on a Windows PC, you can go to the accessibility settings, find colour filters, and turn on grayscale. I assume that other devices have similar options somewhere.
I loved Ian McNeice in this miniseries. For me, he's the definitive baron Harkonnen. Though, Stellan Skarsgard is also very impressive. I'd add about Graem Revell, that he's also a prominent figure in the world of industrial music, as the leader of a famous band SPK.
I prefer the miniseries, it comes off like a professionally produced play with fantastic blocking. It reminds me of Peter Brooks' production of The Mahabharata. Low budgets force directors to get creative, and it really does work for me in this instance. It's not a masterpiece, but it's really entertaining theater made for people who probably never read the book. I can't say anything bad about it, and the scene with Paul and Irulan is actually quite cute until the bodyguards show up. Thanks for the video, it reminded me to watch The Mahabharata again sometime soon. Try it out yourself, it's EPIC.
This is the one 2 disk dvd I kept for 20 years because it was made love the Dune novels. It had a super low budget but it sold me on everything this universe could offer and I owe it for my life of sci-fi.
agreed. 1984 is a visual spectacle but doesnt really follow the story that well, especially near the end. the new stuff is all style and no substance, honestly felt like it was made in a lab by a robot. dune 2000 strikes a nice balance, plus leads on to children of dune with the same actors and i really love that adaption
Villeneuve's 2021 movie adaption was a game changer. In its reception, I always saw comparisons made with Lynch's 1980s version. But the 2000s Dune miniseries hardly gets mentioned, which is a shame really. Watching it years ago I was impressed with how much better it was than Lynch's version, imo. I also get the impression that Villeneuve and his production team scrutinized this version closely, I spotted signs of this in the 2021 adaption. I don't think it nearly gets enough credit in terms of acting, set design, soundtrack (!), book loyalty. Plus: Ian McNeice as the baron Harkonnen! :)
Are you talking about the Dune miniseries or the Children of Dune miniseries? The Children of Dune had clearly a much bigger budget and was better than the prequel series.
@@vulc1 Likely due to the relative success of the first. But yeah the miniseries(es) gave a LOT more from the book than the 80s version did. You read the book then go watch the 80s movie and you see the point where it skips over the ENTIRE middle portion of the book and right to the cusp of the climax, it's honestly kind of jarring once you realize it's there. It definitly should get way more credit in the annuals of Dune adaptations, great acting from an all-star cast.
We've now had the 1984 film, the 2000 TV series, and the 2021 film. None are perfect, but each brought their own thing to the table. 1984 had the best cast, best sets and costumes, and best overall visual aesthetic. 2000 series had best alignment to source material and spent the most time with the story, and in a lot of ways took some of the biggest risks. 2021 film had the best effects and sound, but honestly I'm still trying to figure out why it exists because it's not going to tell as much of the story as the TV series did, so it'll always be inferior from that perspective, and all it's really doing is putting a pretty coat of paint on a derivative work.
Very well said, I agree with pretty much everything you said but especially you made the perfect statement of why I am so unimpressed with the newest Dune movie while so many others are saying it's the greatest EVAR.
How have I never watched this version? I've read the book many, many times. Watched and re-watched the 1984 film (and loved it). watched (and re-watched and got the 4k bluray) of the 2021 Dune film. Now I have to find a version of this. Can't wait
I still vividly remember watching this series as it came out when I was 13. It did get me into the book and greatly increased my love for different kinds of science fiction. I had already been a Star Trek fan since I was a small child, but I had never seen anything like Dune before. Reading up to God Emperor of Dune at 14 greatly expanded the scope of my imagination and perspective on life. I still have a deep affection for this mini-series, despite it's technical short comings. The depictions of dreams and vision in this series is something that particularly stays with me. I felt they handled the symbolism very well, which is something the books can't necessarily spell out how to do in a visual medium.
This version of Dune surely has it's problems, but I actually prefer many aspects of this version to Dennis Villenuve's film. At least the first half. We'll see how he handles the second half. This miniseries got me reading the books. And I had watched the 84 version years before that. Ultimately, I think Dune should've been a big budget television series, like Game of Thrones. I would love to see an adaptation that got up to God Emperor Dune and beyond. Hell, bring back McAvoy and make it, if Dennis' version doesn't make it past Messiah..lol
i have to disagree with you on Ian Mcniece as the Baron, i think he's a joy to watch, hamming it up at every oppotunity whilst still presenting the charisma of a seasoned Courtier, he definitely fits the operatic tone, and is for me closest to the book.
I seem to remember really enjoying the changes with Irulan. It was a nice mix to bring some interest to an adaptation of a book I've read at least five times. I also thought the actress did a great job. I'm looking forward to the next video on Children of Dune...there is a scene in the desert between Paul and Leto II that I've never forgotten, with amazing performances by both actors. If Dune IV (God Emperoro) is ever made, I think it would be so cool if Denis Villeneuve casts James McAvoy.
I am still waiting for "Lord of the Dune". A trilogy that'll take the best ideas from all three screenings thus far. Truly a test for the art this book is.
Definitely the best adaptation of Dune to date. The best part of it has to be Saskia Reeves as Lady Jessica. She totally nailed the part. Just perfect casting.
@dragonofmordor Alica Krige was the Original Choice for Lady Jessica in the first Miniseries, but scheduling conflicts prevented her from taking up the role.
This Dune miniseries is the best adaptation of Dune that has ever been made. I suspect that this will still be true even after Villeneuve's Dune part 2 (and part 3?) are released.
@@creedecriswell634 It is my opinion; at least. Others are free to have whatever opinion that fits their fancy. In particular -- it is respect of the source material and fidelity to the source material that I value the most in an adaptation.
You just mention something that I believe is the ultimate gift. If you see David Lynch’s version of Dune you’re inspired to read the novel and keep reading the remainder of the series but when you see any others you’re not inspired to go to the source material and ingested yourself.
This version of Dune was actually very well done, especially given their budget. The costumes … hats, so many silly hats! This from a guy who is never far from a fairly silly hat himself. It's interesting that you appreciate the costuming because it's the part I think most people find relatively weak and strange. I have to agree about the casting for Gurney, but I loved this version of the Baron Harkonnen! Not gross, not alien, completely human. The intelligence, the plotting, and all of the menace I'd thought could be conveyed on screen. (I was wrong looking at Denis Villeneuve's adaptation, but that adaptation is missing the humanity and does not convey the intelligence well.) The thing about this miniseries that most made it feel more theatrical than cinematic was the use of colored lighting that was so obviously floods with colored gels, like a theater performance. I don't know if I would have been as forgiving of its budgetary shortcomings had I not read the book first, but I _had_ read the book and found the miniseries competent if constrained by a TV budget.
I too was introduced to Dune by this miniseries. And for that I am grateful. But what was a visual masterpiece for kid me doesn't hold up. I still want to rewatch it though. Of course, the only SF I had seen at that point was ST, SW, Galaxy Quest, and Starship Troopers.
I really enjoyed this miniseries when it came out. The digital special effects and backdrops don't hold up, but I really can't over-emphasize to any young people seeing it today just how blurry our televisions were back then. It looked fine at the time. Also Baron Harkonnen was a stand-out for me. Maybe not what some people envision from the books, but he matched the series itself well, and I feel like his performance carried the character all on its own, without weird makeup or effects needed to sell the character as evil, he was just a power-hungry, evil guy.
Even though I really prefer better storytelling of the Baron in the miniseries and the 2021 movie, there is something memorable about David Lynch’s weird, wrong, insane, diseased, and sick a-hole Baron. “Your sores lovingly cared for, for all eternity” still love that scene.
@@crimsonstudios680 recently, I've been watching Magnum pi and Columbo. There are shots that are out of focus, but they used them because they knew at the time it wouldn't matter on an old tv.
Great adaptation for the budget and time, with some truly inspired casting choices (with the notable exception of William Hurt who both looks and sounds like he zonked on cough syrup the entire time) and a surprisingly well-fitting Irilan subplot
It is amazing to think this miniseries used what was basically an early version of the 360° screen backgrounds that are everywhere in blockbusters today
I bought this on DVD back in the day when my local Blockbuster went out of business. It was definitely the best thing that I bought when that store closed down.
I like the 1984 movie and the 2000 mini-series for similar reasons. As to the visual problems, I think back when we had SD TVs, it wasn't as noticeable. But with HD+ TVs, the flaws become more evident.
You really nailed it with PH Moriarity. He was abominable--wooden and out of place. The rest of the casting was pretty darn good. I did enjoy Ian McNeice's performance, but he was more comedian than menace. Over all I think the miniseries was a great attempt that I enjoy revisiting occasionally.
Ph moroarty's acting was a bit wooden, but his look is, as far as I'm concerned, the most perfect depiction of gurney there is. Whereas Duncan is an elegant fencer, gurney is a bar room brawler and street fighter, and PH moroarty captures that perfectly.
@@Bazookatone1 I'm glad you enjoyed it, but for me, even a brawler should be able to deliver his lines without sounding like he's reading them. Sorry, he stuck outline a sore thumb--like he was acting in a different film--there was absolutely no chemistry between him and Paul or any of the other actors. Even when he confronts Jessica, he's not believable.. Goes down as one of the worst acting performances I've ever seen.
@@Bluehawk2008 Even so, it works well enough - With Lock, Stock...Hatchet Harry didn't emote much and his heavy cockney accent fits right in, whereas it made him stick out like dog's balls in Dune...
Great and fair review. Both parts of the miniseries had their faults / limitations but I felt on the whole they had strong performances, great storytelling and a really good score.
I do think it’s one of the most faithful adaptations of Dune but it’s nowhere near as good as the recent 2021 film. For my two cents that’s the only true successful adaptation. Denis Villeneuve really pulled it off so incredibly in every aspect. I appreciated your thoughts though on this one, the 80s and indeed the new versions.
The production quality is a bit weak, but I think this is the best film/TV adaptation that has been produced. The follow up Children of Dune, which is actually both Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, is even better.
This was my intro into dune! I watched with my dad and its very special to me. I read the series after watching the mini series and have read it multiple times.
Same. This got me into the book (which I had tried to read multiple times but couldn't wrap my head around it). Now the original Dune novels are my favorite books (God Emperor being my favorite book of all time) and I listen to the audiobooks at least once a year.
I remember seeing this on German TV for the first time. As someone who was mesmerized by the first Dune Movie, I was aghast by the terrible CGI and boxy Ornithopter. Also for me, there was always something off with the set decoration. It looks like every cheap Sci-Fi channel show (which is it) that displays its strange plastic-like decorations in weird lighting that enhances its flaws and cheap look. In short, this series utterly fails at immersion and set dressing.
Hello Mister Coleman, I was wondering what you think of the current film adaptation. I think it's excellent. And puts this mini-series to shame. The mini-series is good & it has grown on me over the years, but the production value looks cheap & amateur. The acting is even worse. It may be faithful to the book, & the script may be top quality, but you need a $100 million dollar production for something like this in order to make it truly special & the right actors for such a big project, which I felt this mini-series didn't have, plus the acting felt wooden, as if they are going through the motions. There is nothing that draws you in visually either. At least the Lynch version & the current film adaptation have striking visuals that draw you in to the universe & actors that make you care about the characters. There are parts in the mini-series that are just boring, whereas the other versions take the parts that should be boring & do something interesting. Among the main highlights of the mini-series was the subplot featuring Princess Irulan & how she felt trapped by her duty just like Paul & how she had to prove herself a worthy heir, despite the fact that she was born a girl. Paul is in a similar situation, because the Bene Gessert Sisterhood ordered Jessica to bear only daughters, but Jessica defies this order & gives birth to a son because it's what Leto wanted. Anyway, hope you are looking forward to "Dune: Part 2."
I despised the mini-series when I saw it. Having read all the books and of course seen the original movie maybe I was biased but I could not get past the obvious indoor sets trying to be outside, the terrible acting of some of the main cast and despite everyone saying it was closer to the book certain important aspects of the book were completely omitted. And I'm sorry, but Ian McNiece, as the Baron ending every one of his scenes with a rhyme I thought was absolutely laughable. And you were right, he was far from intimidating or even threatening. And good Lord, with the costumes, why so MANY damn hats?!?!?! The sequel, Children of Dune, was far better. It seems that the showrunners actually listened to the criticism and tried to improve on it. And I will be the first to say that the soundtrack of the sequel is downright amazing. I own it and have listened to it at least four or five dozen times since I initially purchased it.
It's not amazing, but I watched it during its initial run on Sci-Fi Channel. I enjoyed it then and enjoyed it still. I think the unwieldiness of Dune as a story means it only really attracts people to adapt it who feel something deeply compelling about the book. Each adaptation, no matter their flaws, has been a passion project with something unique to offer as a movie or miniseries.
I thought that the Dune mini series was okay and its a pretty fair review. I still prefere the astetics of the Lynch movie as well as the actors but like the mini series for takeing more time. Children of Dune was the part I liked even more then the mini series.
All of the adaptations so far have their flaws - Lynch's was highly compromised by the final edit, the mini series by its low budget, wooden actors and awful costumes, and Villeneuve's by just being bland and ignoring half the story. They also all have their good points too - though that usually comes down to personal taste on what you consider the good points to be.
I really enjoyed the Dune Mini series and thought Alec Newman did a good job as did most of the actors. The new movie Dune which came out recently may have very high production values, but it still seems that it's mainly new actors parroting many of the same lines as the previous versions but with much more impressive and expensive special effects. I wasn't totally thrilled with the new movie, not as much as the younger generation seems to be.
I guess it's a subjective thing, but the actor that played Gurney Halleck in this mini series is the one I imagine when I re-read the book. I thought he did a fine job. If I was ever going to be trained in knife fighting, (ha) he'd be the guy I want to teach me.
I honestly did not mind a mini series I actually rather enjoyed it. It is not aged well. But you can tell based on the technology we had at the time and I'm sure the limited special-effects budget they had the look of the miniseries has not aged well. but very much and entertaining so was second one they brought out a children of Dune which is basically Dune messiah and children of Dune mash together.
A highly respectable effort. They followed it up with an adaptation of Children of Dune. Which imo fixed a lot of flaws. The acting quality rose considerably. Moriarty in particular had obviously made some effort in the time between. And it pulled in quite a few more us stars. Also a great soundtrack and a fabulous opening imperial march as the camera flies of arrakeen. You should review this one. But hey, I'm a sucker for all the dune adaptations. Even the swing and miss lynch one. It was anything but forgettable. Many of the scenes in it stayed with me in a way few films do.
Karel Dobrý's Kynes is how I picture the character in my head. I really enjoy the set and costume design in the series, even if sometimes they look cheap. Villeneuve's all look the same. It's the same brutalism across the worlds and all the soldiers look the same with different colour armour, which doesn't matter much in night scenes. It's especially sad when homogeneous culture across the known universe becomes a plot point later on.
Brilliant as always 😊👍 Small correction though: László I. Kish is Swiss. He was born in my hometown Basel in 1966 and has worked as an actor, director and writer.
I had to laugh at your pronounciation of Ochsenknecht. But it is even hard to transcribe it in a way an english native speaker could get, maybe: Ox'n'cneght
I had a good laugh at his pronunciation, too. Your transcript is misleading, though (written in German letters it would sound like Oxenkniehgt; the “e“ in your description should be an “a“).
This is by far the best Dune adaptation. The new one is prettier but is also more boring compared to the Sci Fi channel. The 1984 version remains a sick joke.
Aww man, I loved this back in the day! Haven't rewatched in 15ish years despite still having the DVDs and the new movie was almost certainly better, but the miniseries initially got me into Dune and will always have a place in my heart. Really liked how Newman managed to be convincing as not only young rich kid Paul (although probably a bit too bratty now that you mention it), but also slightly older cult leader jihadist Paul and... you know, what he'll be later one. Chalamet was great in Dune 1, but I can't imagine him as the later versions of Paul. Hoping to be positively surprised of course. Also, loved some of the costumes. IIRC Irulan's guards had this weird woven hood thing that looked both like a beret and chainmail. That's just the kind of impractical yet reminiscent of ancient badasses detail I'd expect from the ceremonial garb of future warriors. Might have been the Lynch movie and I'm just getting old. Alsoalso, Irulan's long neck always stole the scene for me. Was surprised to find out the actress isn't generally considered a weird giraffe person. Maybe the outfit somehow threw me off?
I like your videos and respect your opinion, but I loved this version of Dune and rewatched both mini series just before the latest version came out in theaters. Like you, this series didn’t get me to read the books, but the new film did (not 80’s version, which I disliked). I felt the second mini series was superior to this miniseries, but in finally reading the books, I do miss some of the added subplot from the scifi mini series. It captured and inspired my, at the time, teenage mind. But I will readily admit, when I went back for that rewatch, I was not ready for just how bad the desert set was.
Thank you for reviewing the Dune Miniseries. I very much hope you are going to review "Children of Dune" as well. IMHO it is much better than the 1984-version because it is faithful to the source-material. In regards of the looks, I am very forgiving because I always saw the miniseries as a Kind of theatrical thing. As if it I'm seeing a shakespeareske play on stage. (non-native speaker here. If you find some mistakes, you can keep it 😅)
I'd say, this one was largly unnecessary, but at least resulted in its sequel-mini-series, which furthered the story decently. And that's why I don't care in the new version either, unless they manage to further the story already told in the sequel-mini.
The super speed element wasn't added it was said in the books that they could move short distances at imperceptible speeds as many animals can such as a jumping spider ,culminating with Miles Teg who in Dune heretics could go full flash mode lol
the Dune Miniseries scores over David Lynch's version in that it's far more comprehensible. Even though I had read the book (all 6 of them, in fact!), there were times when I was lost in the film version. Is the mini perfect? By no means. Its limited budget does show (but as a Dr Who fan, I'm used to that!), but give me story over visuals any day.
I find it odd how similar the musical themes of all 3 versions are. Aside from being completely different stylistically, they all share the same basic structure sound wise. Its almost like an evolution from one to the next to the next.
Dune (2000) is my favorite adaptation to date. Lynch's movie took too many liberties with its scripting & design and its pacing felt like a race to the finish. Villenueve's film is a fantastic piece of visual cinema, but Dune's actual story & drama is nearly non-existent as he jump from tableau to tableau. The miniseries absolutely has its faults, but most of that comes from the audience's refusal to take the work on its own terms. Its commitment to its theatrical design is a strength rather than a weakness, and the more the performers play into the theatricality of it all, the greater it works. I largely agree with your praise and criticisms, but I must disagree in regards to the portrayal of the Baron Harkonnen. Lynch & Villenueve both leaned into the grotesqueness of the design to instill a revulsion in the audience. I much prefer the approach of John Harrison & Ian McNeice in not only refusing to indulge in the bodily stereotyping of the Baron, but letting the menace of the character seep through a veneer of diplomacy, much in the same vein of Hannibal Lecter or Harry Powell. Great review, all told. Thank you.
Fight me if you need to, but I think the miniseries is the best Dune so far. While artistic, watching the new Dune movie would be confusing, if you don't already know who is who. The miniseries does a much better job at that. And the 1984 movie is just shit, I'm afraid to say.
It isn’t that confusing if you pay attention to what is on screen and all the visual storytelling. The new dune was smart not to hit the audience over the head with information instead experiencing the world the way Paul does.
@@creedecriswell634 I hope you enjoyed the girlboss Chani, the six month civil war, the unborn Alia, the bland depiction of the desert, the omission of the Navigators, the omission of Thufir Hawat, the omission of everything that made the book actually memorable. I hope you enjoyed your cookie cutter rebellion story that leads nowhere and says nothing. I bet it was worth it for the special effects. You have a deep and interesting understanding of storytelling.
I unironically like this one a lot, it's the adaptation that put Dune on the map for me. It definitely had some made-for-TV moments (e.g. the painted backdrops), but the storytelling was more than enough to keep me enthralled Plus I haven't been able to get William Hurt's delivery of "desert POWER" out of my head for years
@@hewh0wearspantsIt was very good. Sci-Fi gave it a much bigger budget because of this ones' success and all the returning actors gave much better performances, especially Alec Newman as Paul.
i really didnt like the miniseries much, it claimed it was taking from the book, but there were portions of the series where they completely lifted imagery from the lynch version. specifically the visuals on the water of life trials.
I genuinely enjoyed this miniseries - I even enjoy the "stage production" style of it. Alec Newman, while still older than Paul should have been, was a lot closer than Kyle MacLachlan was (though Timothy Chalowhatever looks even closer). Unlike the new movies, this production remembered the characteristic red hair of the Harkonnens, and I thought MacNiece did amore accurate job than the other guy did (Skarsgaard I still reserve comment on). I agree than Irulan does too much in this production, but I think that's because they decided to give her a lot of the stuff Margot Fenring did in the book (And don't get me started about Susan Sarandon as Irulan's YOUNGER sister in the next series). Oddly enough, the only person I was disappointed in was William Hurt. He was waaaay to milquetoast to be Leto Atreides -- Jurgen Prochnow and Oscar Isaac seem more appropriate.
I'm a lot more forgiving towards the miniseries, if only because it was such an improvement over the 1984 version. My reaction in 2000 was, finally they got it right. On reflection now, my reaction is closer to, well they got it a lot right-er.
You were QUITE generous with your review of the costumes. The costumes look okay from the shoulders down, but EVERYONE gets such a goofy hat that it makes the characters look ridiculous. There is a reason why US Presidents have the unofficial rule "you never look good wearing something on your head" after Dukakis wore a tank commander helmet in 1988.
The "faithful adaptation" is elusive because the overly celebrated source material (i.e. the first book) is as a dry a read as is the location of the majority of it's plot. Once the "Greek Tragedy" elements kick in in the next book & the next miniseries, things get interesting . As for miscasting, I had no problem with the Gurney character as I often appreciate the lone eccentric behavior in a cast (see Brad Dourif as Piter De Vries) . For me the miscasting consisted of Chani (nothing interesting there) and especially Lady Jessica -- who was thankfully re-cast for the second miniseries with a much more capable actress, able to project that regal backbone that the original casting sorely lacks . I'm mixed on Paul, as I (like many) have something of a dislike for "young Paul" -- but for me this goes through the whole of this miniseries ... -- yet I have no complaints against Paul in the second miniseries, despite the performance by the same actor . Perhaps the exquisite casting of Leto in the second miniseries compensated ? I'm not sure . All I know is that as a fan of the books, the second miniseries delivered in almost every way ... , while the first miniseries gets added to the "nice try" 1984/2021pile .
Nice commentary. Despite any flaws, I want to rewatch this series. All the best! Aside: While it's not an accurate representation, David Lynch's Dune remains my favorite adaptation to date. Why hasn't the fabled nine hour version surfaced? It stands alone. I only wish Alejandro Jodorowsky had been able to fulfill his vision. It'd be interesting to see the rough cut of Lynch's film (allegedly over four hours long) and I'd love to see his intended cut (allegedly just shy of three hours long).
The series didn't aged well, but the characters and story are still pretty good. Villeneuve's Dune is probably the most boring and bland thing I ever watched in my entire life. Casting Aquaman and Charlamet was a huge mistake.
I still say that if Villeneuve wasn't such a snob for the big screen, he would have made an incredible TV series on HBO or Amazon instead of the cut-down film he made.
I enjoyed this when it came out, it was only a year or two after I had read the books for the first time. Gurney was a bit of a let down, the worst scene with him was the training scene featured in the review but the one where he meets Jessica again later was pretty unconvincing too. Ian McNiece though I think was a good Baron, not as obviously repulsive as Kenneth McMillan's diseased depiction and a bit of an odd scripting choice to have him speak in occasional rhyme but he seemed like someone who could rule a house perversely yet competently.
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Now onto MY fav best DUNE adaption SYFY CHILDREN OF DUNE(includes Dune Messiah) with JAMES McAVOY being the BEST LETO II/God Emperor and should be cast as God Emperor with his work doing psychotic characters multi personalities in SPLINTER and GLASS.
I always say this version of Dune was done like a BROADWAY STAGE PLAY, because of the obviousness of the Stages and the operatic style of dialogue spoken. Lynch was more Shakespeare not so stagey. recent Dune is immersive and realistic.
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I always liked the shakespearian drama atmosphere the miniseries had. It helps get past the effects issue. I liked it and liked the sequel miniseries even more.
The sci fi channel mini series is best viewed, i think, as a filmed stage Play. If you imagine yiu are watching a really well done amateur production, then you can forgive the low budget desert sets and appreciate how well done so much of it is. The nu.ber of similarities between the mini series and the villneuve film suggest he (or someone on the production team) watched it closely with a notebook handy.
Uwe Ochsenknecht (Stilgar) was on the cast of "Das Boot", just like Jürgen Prochnow, who playes Duke Leto in Lynch's version.
I still have my DVD copy of this downstairs. Even with the current films coming out, it is still worth the watch.
It's still the best version of Dune to be released.
This is my ONLY DVD I haven't sold in my switch to online digital media. I still love it 23 years later.
I wish they would have gotten to God Emperor of Dune. It's going to be years before we get there this time, if they get there at all.
I tracked down the dvds last year. I love this version of Dune. I did get a chuckle out of how the dvd was better than the aired version I saw. You could see the painted backdrops hung behind the actors on dunes. Still was awesome.
New film is trash. The character changes they made literally in the name of feminism, completely destroys the lore of the novels.
This mini-series will always be my version. For the low budget they had, they did a great job. I've watched it so many times.
I loved it too. I was keenly aware of its visual shortcomings but let my imagination go with it instead of waiting to be hand fed every bit.
It feels like an actual adaption, and not some re-imagining, for [insert] audience. The big screen material is not really there.
Agree, I absolutely loved it!
Late to the party but, yes this will always be my version as well. ruclips.net/user/clipUgkxZYYI_yGaERGRZ2jMNrfXTyXA9khIumAZ?si=G-sTKaqTdNrY4dfp
I'd love to see a remaster of the series. It was apparently filmed and printed on 35mm film so it could possibly get a 4k remaster.
Man, I love this show!
I'm a bit more forgiving, because it didn't have a huge budget and it showed, but it still looks (mostly) nice.
And being longer, they adapted more of the books than the movies did.
And they even managed to adapt the next two books!
For me, it fits perfectly in the plethora of low-mid budget sci-fi shows that populated tv in late 90s - early 2000s.
I too loved it! (And own the DVD set. And the Children of Dune too.)
The only thing that I feel really could be held particularly against it, is that (at moments) it sometimes looks (to me) like an elaborate school (or University stage) play!
But, for some reason, I can't really view even THAT as much of a "negative".
Also, I was somewhat "crushing" on Barbora Kodetova! (I thought she was a very pretty Chani!) LOL
@@sharkdentures3247 Heh, I agree, on both points!
The amount of mileage the show gets out of CRAZY HATS is incredible.
I absolutely prefer it over the latest movie.
Yeah it all looked impressive, but it was just so boring!
@@MarcelNLyes, very pretty but I found it strangely cold and slow. I prefer the mini series and the Lynch film….even with their flaws.
Nothing wrong with 2021 version but nothing I loved about it either
Speaking of the Children of Dune I hope we have a retrospective on that too. I loved James McAvoy role in CoD. :-)
An even better showing than this Dune, both were so good but Children was the better of the Two.
CoD is where I first discovered (and fell madly in lust with) James McAvoy. He has gone on to give some truly brilliant performances in the 20year since, including the Shamalamadingdong ones [Split/Glass] as a character with a bazillion different personalities... That was MESMERIZING (and terrifying). Also adored him in Wanted, Last King of Scotland, and the XMen series.
@@ZakhadWOWAnd he could actually done the god emporer justice.
I just love this show. The first time I saw it was when I was about 8 y/o, and it brought me to the world of complicated fantasy, encompassing politics and economics, which is still my hobby even almost 20 years later. And it also makes me proud to be Czech, as this is usually considered to be one of the best movies made in Czechia and with Czech actors. Its a shame that it was made only in studio, but thats what you get for making a movie about desert planet in a country that is very much the opposite of that. At first, I didnt even know that the backgrounds are just painted, I was too much interested in the story to notice that, and I just generally assumed that they were green screen.
Irulan's subplot was not only labored and ultimately pointless, but it also makes Paul's treatment of her problematic. The book's Irulan was raised a manipulative bene geserit and statesperson. It seemed fitting that her plans of control were thwarted, and only after that is she given a redemption. In the miniseries she not only reaches out to Paul on a personal level even before he would be a statehood target, but she seeks to uncover the truth of the attack on his house. She becomes a relatable character on the side of good, only to be snubbed and treated like a political pawn by Paul.
I see your point, but isn't her snubbing and submission ultimately part of her tragedy? And might this be a hint that the actions of the "good" guy can be objectively not good? I'm not sure if this is giving the miniseries too much credit, but I'd argue some of that is thematically consistent.
Paul is supposed to be problematic. Its a good addition then.
@@marocat4749 by that logic he should be going around randomly killing and raping people because he's problematic. The behaviour doesn't fit the circumstances like it does in the book.
But it works though, because his treatment of her in the books isn't very good either.
The miniseries adaptations are still my favorites. They really do convey the aforementioned "Shakespeare in Space" feeling. Even the painted backdrops help the series seem like a televised stage production.
And also a bit of Dallas in Space with Ian McNeice and Susan Sarandon chewing the scenery.
@@polreamonn Let's face it, you can't NOT chew the scenery when you're playing the Baron
I gave this a re-watch last year on youtube and it isn't as bad as I remember. The only really unforgivable thing are the outfits of the "Chef-Boy-Ardaukar" with those ridiculous hats.
Well, that and the Buttplug Spacing Guild with their extremely campy hand gestures.
@@the_once-and-future_king. I could not take that spokesman seriously AT ALL. Aside from costume and gesticulation, the actor's voice delivery was farcically bad. Like PH Moriarty bad.
@@ZakhadWOW haha right? "The guild..(swish)....does not answer....(swish)....TO YOU! (pout) I absolutely broke out laughing the first time I saw that, at a time you should NOT be laughing.
@@exidy-yt I thought you were meant to laugh at them because they looked ridiculous in the presence of the domineering Paul.
The _Dune_ miniseries is made better when watched in *black & white.* It mutes the cheapness of the production/design & augments it's strengths, putting the cinematography & performances in greater focus. The staginess then works in it's favor & the miniseries becomes a "prestige BBC adaptation from the 1960s".
That sounds pretty rad
Really!?! I didn't know that was an option? How do you make it Black & White? If so I'm definitely going to have to give the mini series another look.
Interesting idea. While watching this review I also got the impression, that the colors are really garish. Perhaps a de-saturation already helps a lot. I'll definitely try this out when re-watching it. Thanks!
Black and white, but with the glowing blue eyes, would be pretty great to watch.
@@loslobos786 turn the colour setting on your TV down to zero. If you're watching on a Windows PC, you can go to the accessibility settings, find colour filters, and turn on grayscale. I assume that other devices have similar options somewhere.
I loved Ian McNeice in this miniseries. For me, he's the definitive baron Harkonnen. Though, Stellan Skarsgard is also very impressive.
I'd add about Graem Revell, that he's also a prominent figure in the world of industrial music, as the leader of a famous band SPK.
Stella may be impressive but has essentially nothing in common with Frank Herbert's Baron.
Only good part
I prefer the miniseries, it comes off like a professionally produced play with fantastic blocking. It reminds me of Peter Brooks' production of The Mahabharata. Low budgets force directors to get creative, and it really does work for me in this instance. It's not a masterpiece, but it's really entertaining theater made for people who probably never read the book. I can't say anything bad about it, and the scene with Paul and Irulan is actually quite cute until the bodyguards show up.
Thanks for the video, it reminded me to watch The Mahabharata again sometime soon. Try it out yourself, it's EPIC.
😂 the pun
This is the one 2 disk dvd I kept for 20 years because it was made love the Dune novels. It had a super low budget but it sold me on everything this universe could offer and I owe it for my life of sci-fi.
This is still the best on screen adaptation. I don't care about visual effects. It's all about the story. And they did a great job.
I think we have to wait till part 2 is out before determining that
agreed. 1984 is a visual spectacle but doesnt really follow the story that well, especially near the end. the new stuff is all style and no substance, honestly felt like it was made in a lab by a robot. dune 2000 strikes a nice balance, plus leads on to children of dune with the same actors and i really love that adaption
@@eradius**Most of the same actors - there were definite differences: Jessica, Stilgar, Duncan Idaho especially.
@@LoudmouthReviews The new one reminds me of the 1984 version. With a few added scenes.
@@LoudmouthReviews no we don't
Villeneuve's 2021 movie adaption was a game changer. In its reception, I always saw comparisons made with Lynch's 1980s version. But the 2000s Dune miniseries hardly gets mentioned, which is a shame really. Watching it years ago I was impressed with how much better it was than Lynch's version, imo. I also get the impression that Villeneuve and his production team scrutinized this version closely, I spotted signs of this in the 2021 adaption. I don't think it nearly gets enough credit in terms of acting, set design, soundtrack (!), book loyalty. Plus: Ian McNeice as the baron Harkonnen! :)
Are you talking about the Dune miniseries or the Children of Dune miniseries? The Children of Dune had clearly a much bigger budget and was better than the prequel series.
John Harrison appears as executive producer on the Villeneuve film.
@@vulc1 Likely due to the relative success of the first. But yeah the miniseries(es) gave a LOT more from the book than the 80s version did. You read the book then go watch the 80s movie and you see the point where it skips over the ENTIRE middle portion of the book and right to the cusp of the climax, it's honestly kind of jarring once you realize it's there. It definitly should get way more credit in the annuals of Dune adaptations, great acting from an all-star cast.
Villeneuve's is a game changer because he completely destroyed the lore of the Fremen.
First contact with Dune, awesome series, got on VHS the extended version (Brazil), still in love with it (read all the books thanks to it)
We've now had the 1984 film, the 2000 TV series, and the 2021 film. None are perfect, but each brought their own thing to the table. 1984 had the best cast, best sets and costumes, and best overall visual aesthetic. 2000 series had best alignment to source material and spent the most time with the story, and in a lot of ways took some of the biggest risks. 2021 film had the best effects and sound, but honestly I'm still trying to figure out why it exists because it's not going to tell as much of the story as the TV series did, so it'll always be inferior from that perspective, and all it's really doing is putting a pretty coat of paint on a derivative work.
Very well said, I agree with pretty much everything you said but especially you made the perfect statement of why I am so unimpressed with the newest Dune movie while so many others are saying it's the greatest EVAR.
How have I never watched this version? I've read the book many, many times. Watched and re-watched the 1984 film (and loved it). watched (and re-watched and got the 4k bluray) of the 2021 Dune film.
Now I have to find a version of this. Can't wait
The matte painting do not age well by most standards, but as a sci-fi fan of a particular era I love them.
I still vividly remember watching this series as it came out when I was 13. It did get me into the book and greatly increased my love for different kinds of science fiction. I had already been a Star Trek fan since I was a small child, but I had never seen anything like Dune before. Reading up to God Emperor of Dune at 14 greatly expanded the scope of my imagination and perspective on life. I still have a deep affection for this mini-series, despite it's technical short comings. The depictions of dreams and vision in this series is something that particularly stays with me. I felt they handled the symbolism very well, which is something the books can't necessarily spell out how to do in a visual medium.
This version of Dune surely has it's problems, but I actually prefer many aspects of this version to Dennis Villenuve's film. At least the first half. We'll see how he handles the second half. This miniseries got me reading the books. And I had watched the 84 version years before that. Ultimately, I think Dune should've been a big budget television series, like Game of Thrones. I would love to see an adaptation that got up to God Emperor Dune and beyond. Hell, bring back McAvoy and make it, if Dennis' version doesn't make it past Messiah..lol
i have to disagree with you on Ian Mcniece as the Baron, i think he's a joy to watch, hamming it up at every oppotunity whilst still presenting the charisma of a seasoned Courtier, he definitely fits the operatic tone, and is for me closest to the book.
I seem to remember really enjoying the changes with Irulan. It was a nice mix to bring some interest to an adaptation of a book I've read at least five times. I also thought the actress did a great job. I'm looking forward to the next video on Children of Dune...there is a scene in the desert between Paul and Leto II that I've never forgotten, with amazing performances by both actors. If Dune IV (God Emperoro) is ever made, I think it would be so cool if Denis Villeneuve casts James McAvoy.
I am still waiting for "Lord of the Dune". A trilogy that'll take the best ideas from all three screenings thus far. Truly a test for the art this book is.
I remember when this aired for the first time on the Space Channel in Canada
Definitely the best adaptation of Dune to date.
The best part of it has to be Saskia Reeves as Lady Jessica. She totally nailed the part. Just perfect casting.
Yes! I was so sad when she was recast for Children of Dune.
Wrong. Best part was Chani in the unrated DVDs.
@dragonofmordor Alica Krige was the Original Choice for Lady Jessica in the first Miniseries, but scheduling conflicts prevented her from taking up the role.
I'm sure. I still prefer Saskia. She just owned the role.@@eamonndeane587
@@medicin3man1 a fedora wearing man of culture I see
This Dune miniseries is the best adaptation of Dune that has ever been made. I suspect that this will still be true even after Villeneuve's Dune part 2 (and part 3?) are released.
I doubt that.
@@creedecriswell634 It is my opinion; at least. Others are free to have whatever opinion that fits their fancy. In particular -- it is respect of the source material and fidelity to the source material that I value the most in an adaptation.
@@gilian2587 Yes, in your opinion. In mine, the new movies are the definitive Dune.
@@JosephRocco-mi4cm That works. Glad you liked it.
Yep. Correct.
You just mention something that I believe is the ultimate gift. If you see David Lynch’s version of Dune you’re inspired to read the novel and keep reading the remainder of the series but when you see any others you’re not inspired to go to the source material and ingested yourself.
This version of Dune was actually very well done, especially given their budget. The costumes … hats, so many silly hats! This from a guy who is never far from a fairly silly hat himself. It's interesting that you appreciate the costuming because it's the part I think most people find relatively weak and strange. I have to agree about the casting for Gurney, but I loved this version of the Baron Harkonnen! Not gross, not alien, completely human. The intelligence, the plotting, and all of the menace I'd thought could be conveyed on screen. (I was wrong looking at Denis Villeneuve's adaptation, but that adaptation is missing the humanity and does not convey the intelligence well.)
The thing about this miniseries that most made it feel more theatrical than cinematic was the use of colored lighting that was so obviously floods with colored gels, like a theater performance. I don't know if I would have been as forgiving of its budgetary shortcomings had I not read the book first, but I _had_ read the book and found the miniseries competent if constrained by a TV budget.
I too was introduced to Dune by this miniseries. And for that I am grateful. But what was a visual masterpiece for kid me doesn't hold up. I still want to rewatch it though.
Of course, the only SF I had seen at that point was ST, SW, Galaxy Quest, and Starship Troopers.
I am sold on this series. Going to download it now.
I really enjoyed this miniseries when it came out. The digital special effects and backdrops don't hold up, but I really can't over-emphasize to any young people seeing it today just how blurry our televisions were back then. It looked fine at the time. Also Baron Harkonnen was a stand-out for me. Maybe not what some people envision from the books, but he matched the series itself well, and I feel like his performance carried the character all on its own, without weird makeup or effects needed to sell the character as evil, he was just a power-hungry, evil guy.
The miniseries version of the Baron is my favorite.
I think he especially shined in his scenes with Adult Alia in Children of Dune.
Even though I really prefer better storytelling of the Baron in the miniseries and the 2021 movie, there is something memorable about David Lynch’s weird, wrong, insane, diseased, and sick a-hole Baron. “Your sores lovingly cared for, for all eternity” still love that scene.
When this came out, HD tv's weren't as common as they are now. A lot of people watched it on a old fashion tube tv.
I have VHS copies of both this and CoD, and watching them on my CRT really does hide these imperfections really well
@@crimsonstudios680 recently, I've been watching Magnum pi and Columbo. There are shots that are out of focus, but they used them because they knew at the time it wouldn't matter on an old tv.
Great adaptation for the budget and time, with some truly inspired casting choices (with the notable exception of William Hurt who both looks and sounds like he zonked on cough syrup the entire time) and a surprisingly well-fitting Irilan subplot
Great video, just one thing. Uwe Oxenknecht - Ou-weh Ox (like an ox) en-knek-ht. I almost didn't know who you mean by the way you said it.
It is amazing to think this miniseries used what was basically an early version of the 360° screen backgrounds that are everywhere in blockbusters today
I bought this on DVD back in the day when my local Blockbuster went out of business. It was definitely the best thing that I bought when that store closed down.
I like the 1984 movie and the 2000 mini-series for similar reasons. As to the visual problems, I think back when we had SD TVs, it wasn't as noticeable. But with HD+ TVs, the flaws become more evident.
Irulan is my favourite character in the mini-series.
My preferred adaptation, although I do wish Jodorowsky's Dune had been made
Yes, the LGBT version
You really nailed it with PH Moriarity. He was abominable--wooden and out of place. The rest of the casting was pretty darn good. I did enjoy Ian McNeice's performance, but he was more comedian than menace. Over all I think the miniseries was a great attempt that I enjoy revisiting occasionally.
Ph moroarty's acting was a bit wooden, but his look is, as far as I'm concerned, the most perfect depiction of gurney there is. Whereas Duncan is an elegant fencer, gurney is a bar room brawler and street fighter, and PH moroarty captures that perfectly.
@@Bazookatone1 I'm glad you enjoyed it, but for me, even a brawler should be able to deliver his lines without sounding like he's reading them. Sorry, he stuck outline a sore thumb--like he was acting in a different film--there was absolutely no chemistry between him and Paul or any of the other actors. Even when he confronts Jessica, he's not believable.. Goes down as one of the worst acting performances I've ever seen.
@@WMalven Totally agree. He has a very limited range, shall we say. A range that shouldn't stray too far outside a Guy Ritchie movie...
Even in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels he's bad, but at least they hide it by not giving him a lot of dialogue.
@@Bluehawk2008 Even so, it works well enough - With Lock, Stock...Hatchet Harry didn't emote much and his heavy cockney accent fits right in, whereas it made him stick out like dog's balls in Dune...
Great and fair review. Both parts of the miniseries had their faults / limitations but I felt on the whole they had strong performances, great storytelling and a really good score.
I do think it’s one of the most faithful adaptations of Dune but it’s nowhere near as good as the recent 2021 film. For my two cents that’s the only true successful adaptation. Denis Villeneuve really pulled it off so incredibly in every aspect. I appreciated your thoughts though on this one, the 80s and indeed the new versions.
Cannot wait for you to cover the stargate in all its flavours!
The production quality is a bit weak, but I think this is the best film/TV adaptation that has been produced. The follow up Children of Dune, which is actually both Dune Messiah and Children of Dune, is even better.
This was my intro into dune! I watched with my dad and its very special to me. I read the series after watching the mini series and have read it multiple times.
Same. This got me into the book (which I had tried to read multiple times but couldn't wrap my head around it). Now the original Dune novels are my favorite books (God Emperor being my favorite book of all time) and I listen to the audiobooks at least once a year.
I remember seeing this on German TV for the first time. As someone who was mesmerized by the first Dune Movie, I was aghast by the terrible CGI and boxy Ornithopter. Also for me, there was always something off with the set decoration. It looks like every cheap Sci-Fi channel show (which is it) that displays its strange plastic-like decorations in weird lighting that enhances its flaws and cheap look. In short, this series utterly fails at immersion and set dressing.
Hello Mister Coleman,
I was wondering what you think of the current film adaptation. I think it's excellent. And puts this mini-series to shame. The mini-series is good & it has grown on me over the years, but the production value looks cheap & amateur. The acting is even worse. It may be faithful to the book, & the script may be top quality, but you need a $100 million dollar production for something like this in order to make it truly special & the right actors for such a big project, which I felt this mini-series didn't have, plus the acting felt wooden, as if they are going through the motions. There is nothing that draws you in visually either. At least the Lynch version & the current film adaptation have striking visuals that draw you in to the universe & actors that make you care about the characters. There are parts in the mini-series that are just boring, whereas the other versions take the parts that should be boring & do something interesting. Among the main highlights of the mini-series was the subplot featuring Princess Irulan & how she felt trapped by her duty just like Paul & how she had to prove herself a worthy heir, despite the fact that she was born a girl. Paul is in a similar situation, because the Bene Gessert Sisterhood ordered Jessica to bear only daughters, but Jessica defies this order & gives birth to a son because it's what Leto wanted. Anyway, hope you are looking forward to "Dune: Part 2."
I despised the mini-series when I saw it. Having read all the books and of course seen the original movie maybe I was biased but I could not get past the obvious indoor sets trying to be outside, the terrible acting of some of the main cast and despite everyone saying it was closer to the book certain important aspects of the book were completely omitted. And I'm sorry, but Ian McNiece, as the Baron ending every one of his scenes with a rhyme I thought was absolutely laughable. And you were right, he was far from intimidating or even threatening. And good Lord, with the costumes, why so MANY damn hats?!?!?! The sequel, Children of Dune, was far better. It seems that the showrunners actually listened to the criticism and tried to improve on it. And I will be the first to say that the soundtrack of the sequel is downright amazing. I own it and have listened to it at least four or five dozen times since I initially purchased it.
It's not amazing, but I watched it during its initial run on Sci-Fi Channel. I enjoyed it then and enjoyed it still. I think the unwieldiness of Dune as a story means it only really attracts people to adapt it who feel something deeply compelling about the book. Each adaptation, no matter their flaws, has been a passion project with something unique to offer as a movie or miniseries.
I thought that the Dune mini series was okay and its a pretty fair review. I still prefere the astetics of the Lynch movie as well as the actors but like the mini series for takeing more time.
Children of Dune was the part I liked even more then the mini series.
All of the adaptations so far have their flaws - Lynch's was highly compromised by the final edit, the mini series by its low budget, wooden actors and awful costumes, and Villeneuve's by just being bland and ignoring half the story. They also all have their good points too - though that usually comes down to personal taste on what you consider the good points to be.
I really enjoyed the Dune Mini series and thought Alec Newman did a good job as did most of the actors. The new movie Dune which came out recently may have very high production values, but it still seems that it's mainly new actors parroting many of the same lines as the previous versions but with much more impressive and expensive special effects. I wasn't totally thrilled with the new movie, not as much as the younger generation seems to be.
I guess it's a subjective thing, but the actor that played Gurney Halleck in this mini series is the one I imagine when I re-read the book. I thought he did a fine job. If I was ever going to be trained in knife fighting, (ha) he'd be the guy I want to teach me.
I was kinda meh on Dune but this miniseries got me to read the book. I own both dune and children of dune I bought 20 years ago
This is still my favorite version of Dune
I honestly did not mind a mini series I actually rather enjoyed it. It is not aged well. But you can tell based on the technology we had at the time and I'm sure the limited special-effects budget they had the look of the miniseries has not aged well. but very much and entertaining so was second one they brought out a children of Dune which is basically Dune messiah and children of Dune mash together.
A highly respectable effort. They followed it up with an adaptation of Children of Dune. Which imo fixed a lot of flaws. The acting quality rose considerably. Moriarty in particular had obviously made some effort in the time between. And it pulled in quite a few more us stars. Also a great soundtrack and a fabulous opening imperial march as the camera flies of arrakeen. You should review this one.
But hey, I'm a sucker for all the dune adaptations. Even the swing and miss lynch one. It was anything but forgettable. Many of the scenes in it stayed with me in a way few films do.
Dune was a good mini-series and it was a better screen adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel.
And Barbora Kodetová was SCORCHINGLY hot.
The perfect Chani!
I loved this series, but the costume design was just painful to endure.....
Please do children, I still watch that regularly,it's way better than the first mini series.
The Weirding way was always super speed martial art that looks like teleportation
Karel Dobrý's Kynes is how I picture the character in my head. I really enjoy the set and costume design in the series, even if sometimes they look cheap. Villeneuve's all look the same. It's the same brutalism across the worlds and all the soldiers look the same with different colour armour, which doesn't matter much in night scenes. It's especially sad when homogeneous culture across the known universe becomes a plot point later on.
Brilliant as always 😊👍 Small correction though: László I. Kish is Swiss. He was born in my hometown Basel in 1966 and has worked as an actor, director and writer.
While not perfect, I appreciate the creative strives the miniseries took, and it walked, so the 2021 movie could run
I had to laugh at your pronounciation of Ochsenknecht. But it is even hard to transcribe it in a way an english native speaker could get, maybe: Ox'n'cneght
I had a good laugh at his pronunciation, too.
Your transcript is misleading, though (written in German letters it would sound like Oxenkniehgt; the “e“ in your description should be an “a“).
This is by far the best Dune adaptation. The new one is prettier but is also more boring compared to the Sci Fi channel. The 1984 version remains a sick joke.
This looks terrible.
Aww man, I loved this back in the day! Haven't rewatched in 15ish years despite still having the DVDs and the new movie was almost certainly better, but the miniseries initially got me into Dune and will always have a place in my heart. Really liked how Newman managed to be convincing as not only young rich kid Paul (although probably a bit too bratty now that you mention it), but also slightly older cult leader jihadist Paul and... you know, what he'll be later one. Chalamet was great in Dune 1, but I can't imagine him as the later versions of Paul. Hoping to be positively surprised of course.
Also, loved some of the costumes. IIRC Irulan's guards had this weird woven hood thing that looked both like a beret and chainmail. That's just the kind of impractical yet reminiscent of ancient badasses detail I'd expect from the ceremonial garb of future warriors. Might have been the Lynch movie and I'm just getting old.
Alsoalso, Irulan's long neck always stole the scene for me. Was surprised to find out the actress isn't generally considered a weird giraffe person. Maybe the outfit somehow threw me off?
I like your videos and respect your opinion, but I loved this version of Dune and rewatched both mini series just before the latest version came out in theaters. Like you, this series didn’t get me to read the books, but the new film did (not 80’s version, which I disliked). I felt the second mini series was superior to this miniseries, but in finally reading the books, I do miss some of the added subplot from the scifi mini series. It captured and inspired my, at the time, teenage mind. But I will readily admit, when I went back for that rewatch, I was not ready for just how bad the desert set was.
I just wish they go back and fix some of the special effects.
Thank you for reviewing the Dune Miniseries. I very much hope you are going to review "Children of Dune" as well.
IMHO it is much better than the 1984-version because it is faithful to the source-material. In regards of the looks, I am very forgiving because I always saw the miniseries as a Kind of theatrical thing. As if it I'm seeing a shakespeareske play on stage.
(non-native speaker here. If you find some mistakes, you can keep it 😅)
I'd say, this one was largly unnecessary, but at least resulted in its sequel-mini-series, which furthered the story decently.
And that's why I don't care in the new version either, unless they manage to further the story already told in the sequel-mini.
The super speed element wasn't added it was said in the books that they could move short distances at imperceptible speeds as many animals can such as a jumping spider ,culminating with Miles Teg who in Dune heretics could go full flash mode lol
Oops, I thought that was Shelly Duvall playing Revend Mother. Silly me.
Remember to like the video 👍
Done and done! Thx for the reminder!
the Dune Miniseries scores over David Lynch's version in that it's far more comprehensible. Even though I had read the book (all 6 of them, in fact!), there were times when I was lost in the film version. Is the mini perfect? By no means. Its limited budget does show (but as a Dr Who fan, I'm used to that!), but give me story over visuals any day.
I find it odd how similar the musical themes of all 3 versions are. Aside from being completely different stylistically, they all share the same basic structure sound wise. Its almost like an evolution from one to the next to the next.
11:15 Poul is showing a great deal of respect to all gathered before him.
can hardly wait now for the next one :D
Dune (2000) is my favorite adaptation to date. Lynch's movie took too many liberties with its scripting & design and its pacing felt like a race to the finish. Villenueve's film is a fantastic piece of visual cinema, but Dune's actual story & drama is nearly non-existent as he jump from tableau to tableau.
The miniseries absolutely has its faults, but most of that comes from the audience's refusal to take the work on its own terms. Its commitment to its theatrical design is a strength rather than a weakness, and the more the performers play into the theatricality of it all, the greater it works.
I largely agree with your praise and criticisms, but I must disagree in regards to the portrayal of the Baron Harkonnen. Lynch & Villenueve both leaned into the grotesqueness of the design to instill a revulsion in the audience. I much prefer the approach of John Harrison & Ian McNeice in not only refusing to indulge in the bodily stereotyping of the Baron, but letting the menace of the character seep through a veneer of diplomacy, much in the same vein of Hannibal Lecter or Harry Powell.
Great review, all told. Thank you.
Fight me if you need to, but I think the miniseries is the best Dune so far. While artistic, watching the new Dune movie would be confusing, if you don't already know who is who. The miniseries does a much better job at that. And the 1984 movie is just shit, I'm afraid to say.
It isn’t that confusing if you pay attention to what is on screen and all the visual storytelling. The new dune was smart not to hit the audience over the head with information instead experiencing the world the way Paul does.
@@creedecriswell634 I hope you enjoyed the girlboss Chani, the six month civil war, the unborn Alia, the bland depiction of the desert, the omission of the Navigators, the omission of Thufir Hawat, the omission of everything that made the book actually memorable. I hope you enjoyed your cookie cutter rebellion story that leads nowhere and says nothing. I bet it was worth it for the special effects. You have a deep and interesting understanding of storytelling.
Paul’s ultimatum to The Emperor scene is still such a great performance...
I unironically like this one a lot, it's the adaptation that put Dune on the map for me. It definitely had some made-for-TV moments (e.g. the painted backdrops), but the storytelling was more than enough to keep me enthralled
Plus I haven't been able to get William Hurt's delivery of "desert POWER" out of my head for years
This series with Children of Dune was my guilty pleasure. It inspired me to read the books for a win/win overall.
I always imagined in the voice of a villain from world of warcraft.. POWAHHHH!!!
@@-NateTheGreat so you would recommend Children of Dune? I actually never got around to watching it
Why would you need to say “unironically”?
@@hewh0wearspantsIt was very good. Sci-Fi gave it a much bigger budget because of this ones' success and all the returning actors gave much better performances, especially Alec Newman as Paul.
Can you do children of dune as well please?
i really didnt like the miniseries much, it claimed it was taking from the book, but there were portions of the series where they completely lifted imagery from the lynch version. specifically the visuals on the water of life trials.
I genuinely enjoyed this miniseries - I even enjoy the "stage production" style of it. Alec Newman, while still older than Paul should have been, was a lot closer than Kyle MacLachlan was (though Timothy Chalowhatever looks even closer). Unlike the new movies, this production remembered the characteristic red hair of the Harkonnens, and I thought MacNiece did amore accurate job than the other guy did (Skarsgaard I still reserve comment on). I agree than Irulan does too much in this production, but I think that's because they decided to give her a lot of the stuff Margot Fenring did in the book (And don't get me started about Susan Sarandon as Irulan's YOUNGER sister in the next series). Oddly enough, the only person I was disappointed in was William Hurt. He was waaaay to milquetoast to be Leto Atreides -- Jurgen Prochnow and Oscar Isaac seem more appropriate.
I'm a lot more forgiving towards the miniseries, if only because it was such an improvement over the 1984 version. My reaction in 2000 was, finally they got it right. On reflection now, my reaction is closer to, well they got it a lot right-er.
You were QUITE generous with your review of the costumes. The costumes look okay from the shoulders down, but EVERYONE gets such a goofy hat that it makes the characters look ridiculous. There is a reason why US Presidents have the unofficial rule "you never look good wearing something on your head" after Dukakis wore a tank commander helmet in 1988.
The "faithful adaptation" is elusive because the overly celebrated source material (i.e. the first book) is as a dry a read as is the location of the majority of it's plot.
Once the "Greek Tragedy" elements kick in in the next book & the next miniseries, things get interesting .
As for miscasting, I had no problem with the Gurney character as I often appreciate the lone eccentric behavior in a cast (see Brad Dourif as Piter De Vries) .
For me the miscasting consisted of Chani (nothing interesting there) and especially Lady Jessica -- who was thankfully re-cast for the second miniseries with a much more capable actress, able to project that regal backbone that the original casting sorely lacks .
I'm mixed on Paul, as I (like many) have something of a dislike for "young Paul" -- but for me this goes through the whole of this miniseries ... -- yet I have no complaints against Paul in the second miniseries, despite the performance by the same actor .
Perhaps the exquisite casting of Leto in the second miniseries compensated ? I'm not sure . All I know is that as a fan of the books, the second miniseries delivered in almost every way ... , while the first miniseries gets added to the "nice try" 1984/2021pile .
Nice commentary. Despite any flaws, I want to rewatch this series. All the best!
Aside:
While it's not an accurate representation, David Lynch's Dune remains my favorite adaptation to date. Why hasn't the fabled nine hour version surfaced? It stands alone. I only wish Alejandro Jodorowsky had been able to fulfill his vision.
It'd be interesting to see the rough cut of Lynch's film (allegedly over four hours long) and I'd love to see his intended cut (allegedly just shy of three hours long).
Really wish they'd go back and remaster the mini series and throw some CGI backgrounds. Really punch up the series.
The series didn't aged well, but the characters and story are still pretty good. Villeneuve's Dune is probably the most boring and bland thing I ever watched in my entire life. Casting Aquaman and Charlamet was a huge mistake.
I still say that if Villeneuve wasn't such a snob for the big screen, he would have made an incredible TV series on HBO or Amazon instead of the cut-down film he made.
I enjoyed this when it came out, it was only a year or two after I had read the books for the first time. Gurney was a bit of a let down, the worst scene with him was the training scene featured in the review but the one where he meets Jessica again later was pretty unconvincing too. Ian McNiece though I think was a good Baron, not as obviously repulsive as Kenneth McMillan's diseased depiction and a bit of an odd scripting choice to have him speak in occasional rhyme but he seemed like someone who could rule a house perversely yet competently.