Dune 4K (1984/David Lynch/Universal/MVD/Arrow 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray)

4K Ultra HD Picture: A- Picture: B* Sound: A- Extras: A- Film: B

The Sci-Fi cult classic, Dune (1984) directed by David Lynch, is a tough genre film that you either love or hate. Arrow has unleashed an ultimate 4K UHD edition that is sure to please fans of the film. This is the first big screen adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic novel that was almost made in the 1970s by Alejandro Jodorowsky, but that's another story (and a great documentary exists on the subject, reviewed on Blu-ray elsewhere on this site.) In anticipation of the upcoming Warner Bros.' 2021 Dune feature film remake, this seems to be perfect time for a set of this magnitude to come out.

Dune stars Kyle MacLachlan, Sting, Francesca Annis, Sean Young, Kenneth McMillian, Richard Jordan, Virginia Madsen, Patrick Stewart, Brad Dourif, and many more.

In the futuristic year 10191, a substance known as spice (also called called melange) is the most valuable substance known in the universe, and its only source is the desert planet Arrakis. A royal decree awards Arrakis to Duke Leto Atreides and ousts his bitter enemies, the Harkonnens. However, when the Harkonnens strike back, the Duke's son Paul (MacLachlan) leads the Fremen, the natives of Arrakis, in a battle for control of the planet and its precious spice.

Dune is presented in an impressive 2160p 4K scan from the original camera negative with an HEVC / H.265 (82.48 Mbps) codec, HDR (high dynamic range/Dolby Vision 12-bit color and HDR 10), a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 off of the original Todd-AO 35mm anamorphic camera negative, and with audio mixes in English lossless DTS-HD MA (Master Audio 5.1 (based on the 4.1 6-track analog mag stripe 70mm Dolby System blow-up soundmaster) and 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit). The film has an interesting score by Brian Eno that many regard as a classic on its own.

Special Features for the Limited Edition 4K edition include on an included 1080p Blu-ray:

60-page perfect-bound book featuring new writing on the film by Andrew Nette, Christian McCrea and Charlie Brigden, an American Cinematographer interview with sound designer Alan Splet from 1984, excerpts from an interview with the director from Chris Rodley's book Lynch on Lynch and a Dune Terminology glossary from the original release

Large fold-out double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Daniel Taylor

Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions

Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Daniel Taylor

DISC ONE: 4K BLU-RAY

Brand new audio commentary by film historian Paul M. Sammon

Brand new audio commentary by Mike White of The Projection Booth podcast

Impressions of Dune, a 2003 documentary on the making of the film, featuring interviews with star Kyle MacLachlan, producer Raffaella de Laurentiis, cinematographer Freddie Francis, editor Antony Gibbs and many others

Designing Dune, a 2005 featurette looking back at the work of production designer Anthony Masters

Dune FX, a 2005 featurette exploring the special effects in the film

Dune Models & Miniatures, a 2005 featurette focusing on the model effects in the film

Dune Costumes, a 2005 featurette looking at the elaborate costume designs seen in the film

Eleven deleted scenes from the film, with a 2005 introduction by Raffaella de Laurentiis

Destination Dune, a 1983 featurette originally produced to promote the film at conventions and publicity events

Theatrical trailers and TV spots

and Extensive image galleries, including hundreds of still photos

DISC TWO: BLU-RAY - extras only

The Sleeper Must Awaken: Making Dune, a brand new feature-length documentary by Ballyhoo Motion Pictures exploring the making of the film, featuring dozens of new and archive interviews with cast and crew

Beyond Imagination: Merchandising Dune, a brand new featurette exploring the merchandise created to promote the film, featuring toy collector/producer Brian Sillman (The Toys That Made Us)

Prophecy Fulfilled: Scoring Dune, a brand new featurette on the film's music score, featuring interviews with Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, Toto keyboardist Steve Porcaro, and film music historian Tim Greiving

Brand new interview with make-up effects artist Giannetto de Rossi, filmed in 2020

Archive interview with production coordinator Golda Offenheim, filmed in 2003

Archive interview with star Paul Smith, filmed in 2008

and an Archive interview with make-up effects artist Christopher Tucker.

Arrow has a few different versions of this film on the market, so make sure you do your research before you purchase! The film has never looked better, and in wake of the new movie coming out, this seems to be the perfect timing for this release. The film itself is a hard watch, but has aged well, as when it first came out in 1984 was much maligned by audiences. The Dune franchise is a tricky one to translate to the screen, no doubt. I'm not sure that Lynch himself is too fond of this film, and even took his name off it at point. It remains an interesting addition to his vast career in cinema.

* Arrow has also issued a set sold separately, with only the regular 1080p Blu-ray and it is the second-best transfer ever fo the film next to this new 4K edition. If you settle for it, you'll still notice improvements in color and detail over all previous video editions, including all previous Blu-ray and HD editions. Also note that the new 2021 Dune is actually the third adaptation after the 2000 TV mini-series remake and its sequel series, Children Of Dune, both reviewed elsewhere on this site. Yet, Lynch's images and visions can more than compete with these remakes.

- James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/