Dune-Special Edition (1984)
MEDIUM LEVEL VIOLENCE
| Director: | Alan Smithee |
| Actors: | Patrick Stewart, Max Von Sydow, Kyle MacLachlan, Linda Hunt, Sting |
Prepare to see DUNE like you've never seen it before - with almost an hour of never-before-seen-footage.
This special version of "Dune" is the Alan Smithee cut - a three hour reassembling of the film prepared for airing on television. David Lynch had his dirrectorial credit removed from this version, primarily due to his objection to the specially created prologue which attempts to spell out the convoluted twists and turns of what many describe as being an unfilmable plot. Despite Lynch's objections, this version is actually clearer than the original cinema edit, which was notoriously trimmed almost to the point of incomprehension by Hollywood executives determined to make it a more "commercial" duration.
| Status: | Unavailable |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 180mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 2.35:1 Letterbox |
If you like this, try these:
Member Reviews (18)
18 Member
Reviews
Lissa
says
I've just rewatched both my versions of Dune, this and the 3 disc William Hurt version. I'm reminded just how corny and poorly put together this version is. Quite dreadful. The other version is far superior.
Tamaresque
says
I saw this when it first came out in the cinema and I didn't like it then because it corrupted the storyline and killed off one of the most important characters (played by Max Von Sydow) the Planetary Ecologist. This is the expanded (3 hour) version and contains a handy introduction so that you can understand the plot more clearly. It worked very well, but I had completely forgotten that the whole thing was filmed as a Steampunked Space Opera. It is SO soap opera that it is almost laughable and it was Steampunked before anyone had heard of the term. I watched it two sittings (I gave myself an intermission) and it made me want to read the book all over again.
Paul B.
says
I really wanted to give this a go as I'm a fan of the original version of Dune. How can extra scenes spoil a film? Well, the extra scenes aren't what makes this version disappointing, it's the soundtrack. This version has telemovie music all the way through the film and just ruins the experience if you enjoyed the original. It does nothing to enhance.
The narration dialogue has been replaced with also takes away from those who liked the Lynch version. I can see how the additional dialogue would benefit those who haven't read the book or seen the original.
More is definitely less in this case, get the original.
Avril
says
Very dated effects. Worth watching to see young some (now) household names when they were much younger.
David H.
says
Better than the original as the story makes sense with extra information. Stunny visuals but still disjointed. With this version I can see why it is a cult classic.
Lee D.
says
worth watching. I hadn't seen the original so cannot comment on what extra you get in the SE. Quality of the picture is pretty bad.
Robin F.
says
This is much much better than that box set that is around, the movie edition. This explains everything and the acting is extremely good. This is important as there are not that many fancy special effects. I highly rate this and would steer clear of the other set. If you have watched the other one, watch this to explain what on earth is going on.
Chas P.
says
much better than the original
Peter H.
says
Fans of David Lynch’s original 1984 film are advised to give this a wide berth. While the original was edited almost beyond recognition it had some mesmerising scenes. This version puts back a lot of the characters that were left on the cutting room floor but Lynch knew what he was doing when he cut them. They add little that fans of Lynch’s film couldn’t figure out and some abominable acting. The expository scenes at the beginning are now laughable. Quality of the DVD is also pretty poor. Stick with the Lynch version.
Wayne L R.
says
not as good as dune
Matt C.
says
This special edition version makes a quality movie almost unbearable as the extra footage is way too long and was taken out for a reason.
The orginal version is much better
Shane C.
says
Anthony Gavin
says
I have already watched the 3 part modern series of Dune and enjoyed it thouroughly. This 3hour version made some 20 years ago was definately worth watching and answered a lot of questions from the most recent Dune movie series. The prologue at the beginning help put the Dune adventure in perspective which was helpful for someone who hasn't read the book. Although, some of the scenes look a bit corny you have to remember that the budget and technology 20 yrs ago wasn't avaiable to produce the standards we see today.
Jan Howley
says
I saw this movie in the movie theatre ages ago. I absolutely hated it then. Missed so many things. The people I went with had never read the book and were totally lost (read bored) ... this makes up for that painful experience. The EXTENDED version is well worth watching. Notice the lack of 'blue on blue eyes' - this was cut from the original movie theatre version. Dune is my favourite sci-fi book of all time.
Craig Sheffield
says
Keith Elliott
says
Keith Elliott
says
Ray Tehira
says