The release of “Dune 2” on video allows us to see the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s masterpiece in continuity

An experience: “Dune” 1 and 2, brought together in one film, are finally visible in one go, a work with a total duration of 5h45, a phenomenal saga.

More than one director has failed on Dunea flagship title of science fiction novels by Frank Herbert, published in 1965 in the United States, and released in France in 1970 (Ed. Robert Laffont). Ridley Scott or Stanley Kubrick and Alejandro Jodorowsky were in the running without success, and David Lynch released a disastrous adaptation in 1984. Quebec director Denis Villeneuve takes up the challenge magnificently in a clear-sighted and accessible adaptation of a complex and spectacular work.

It is now visible in a single film, on two DVDs/Blu-rays, an intermission not being too much for an exceptional viewing time of almost six hours. With more than an hour of bonuses: from the creation of the different local languages, to the production of the scenes of the giant worm rides, through the costumes and the roles, all the mysteries of Dune revealed.

Frank Herbert’s novel is immersive. Set in an alien universe, with its own languages, customs, politics and conflicts, Dune is the story of a war. That of the Atreides family, from the planet Caladan, appointed to lead the planet Arrakais, holder of the “spice”, a hallucinogenic drug, but also essential fuel for space travel. Until now under the aegis of the Harkonnen family, the latter declares war on the Atreides to recover it. A plan that was fomented by the Empire to eradicate the increasingly powerful Atreides.

Denis Villeneuve has succeeded in the challenge of rendering on screen the magnitude of Frank Herbert’s fresco, in length and with an operatic breath. The casting is chosen, Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atréides, evolves from a fearful, somewhat bland youthfulness, to the assurance of his mission. Charlotte Rampling is an extraordinary Bene Gesserit Mother, the religious order of the Space Guild, who has her own hidden objectives. Zendaya embodies the Fremen Chani, of the desert people. Hans Zimmer’s music translates the mystical atmosphere of the film, as do the percussionist fights he uses.

The aesthetics are of a rare beauty, realistic, sophisticated without being too much, refined and elegant, in the palatine settings of the Atreides, Hakonnen, and Imperial families. The city of Arkoneen, the ships, the costumes and accessories are exotic, but they give credibility to a vast fictional universe by serving the plot.

Released in the United States at a time of ecological awareness, driven by the counterculture, Dunethe novel, was a forerunner of current global challenges. The film echoes the same today, served by the genius of Denis Villeneuve who knows and loves science fiction (First contact). This project has been in his heart since reading Frank Hebert, it is now accessible at home.

Gender : Science fiction
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, James Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling
Country : UNITED STATES
Duration : 2h46
Video output: July 10, 2024 (cinema release: February 28, 2024)
Publisher: 2024 Warner Bros. entertainment Inc. and legendary

Synopsis: In Dune: Part TwoPaul Atreides joins forces with Chani and the Fremen to lead the revolt against those who destroyed his family. Haunted by dark premonitions, he finds himself faced with the greatest of dilemmas : choosing between the love of one’s life and the fate of the universe.