What's up with Dune ?

[J.B.]

I remember when the Dune toys came out they failed really bad.

I still think the action figures arent worth anything

Loved Herbert's book, Lynch's movie and LJN's toys.

[J.B.]

And Jodorowski's version?? Wow, now THAT would have been something to see.

After seeing El Topo, The Holy Mountain and Santa Sangre, one could only imagine what that crazy b*stard would have done with Dune. David Carradine + Charlotte Rampling + Mick Jagger + Orson Welles + Salvador Dali X Pink Floyd Soundtrack =

[J.B.]

Having to study the invented language beforehand really took too much of the enjoyment out of the read for me. It felt more like a literature exercise than a sci-fi tale. It was a novelty for it's day, but never grabbed me like it did some of my friends.

Aw, c'mon droog; no love then for either book or movie version of A Clockwork Orange?

[torgospizza]

Lynch's movie is extremely flawed, borderline incomprehensible, and an insult to the book. It is also wildly imaginative, with a terrific sense of style with outstanding set pieces.

You really nailed it. I read the book after seeing the film, and was wondering "Where are the weirding modules?" the whole time. It was a cool concept to use technology to sort of give normal people their own version of the Bene Gesserit's Voice and Weirding Way without the years of training.

[C.H.O.A.M.]

Seeing as how my name on here is a DUNE reference, I felt obliged to put in my $.02.
I have read each of the 5 original DUNE books 4 times and could stand to read them again. They are, IMHO, truly spectacular works of science fiction. Yes, the first book is dense and absolutely loaded with heady concepts. But it is also an incredible achievement. The second and third books read much more easily. The fourth, God Emperor of Dune, has become my favorite of the bunch. The last two were written much later than the first, and while flawed, are faster paced and introduce some memorable characters and terrific action sequences.
The prequels and sequels, written by Herbert's son, are crap.
The encyclopedia is definitely interesting.
Lynch's movie is extremely flawed, borderline incomprehensible, and an insult to the book. It is also wildly imaginative, with a terrific sense of style with outstanding set pieces.
The Syfy channel's 2 mini series were much truer to the books, and serve as a good introduction to the DUNE universe, even though they are hampered by a small budget.
As for comparisons between DUNE and LOTR, I enjoyed reading both, but LOTR is geared toward young adults. DUNE is aimed at grown ups. I can only dream of DUNE getting the full blown LOTR movie treatment!
There's talk of a new DUNE movie for 2014 but I won't hold my breath.
And Jodorowski's version?? Wow, now THAT would have been something to see.

[Klosterheim]

lol another fan of Ten Bears here.

(he's in White Buffalo too)

Ornithopters!

Dune and it's soundtrack rule! 'nuff said.

[Red Hulk]

I remember when the Dune toys came out they failed really bad.

I still think the action figures arent worth anything

I remember they hung on the pegs at the Hills store here for ages, right next to the Masters Of The Universe figures.

[Werewolf]

I read the book ages ago. Before the movie came out. I thought the book was long winded, meandering and dreary. I think the movie tried to condense it to be more sci-fi adventure. But even then it was never going to be the next SW. Still too depressing and too much gross imagery. It's amazing they thought it would be a hit with kids.

[torgospizza]

Have not seen the other miniseries which incorporates Dune Messiah and Children of Dune though.

I recently watched this on DVD, and it was not at all what I expected, since I hadn't read either of those books. It was a nice surprise to see James McAvoy in the lead role as Muad'Dib's kid (Leto II), but what happened with Alia Atredies was something I wouldn't have even guessed. Definitely worth checking out, even if some of the special effects seem dated.

[Thor]

I like the old movie and the miniseries. I admot the movie does depart from the book a bit but it's still a good movie in it's own right.

[Figuremod73]

Yep, you really need the Encyclopedia.

I hope theres another version filmed someday with a big budget.

[cjefferys]

I read the book around 10 years ago, liked it but didn't love it. I've seen the film several times, I like many parts of it, but as a whole, I don't find it as satisfying as I wish I did. The mind boggles how it would have turned out if Jodorowsky ended up filming it, as was originally planned at one point.

[MIB41]

Having to study the invented language beforehand really took too much of the enjoyment out of the read for me. It felt more like a literature exercise than a sci-fi tale. It was a novelty for it's day, but never grabbed me like it did some of my friends. As a result, I never found much interest in seeing the movie (and never have). Seeing Sting cast in a role just took any serious tone right out of it for me. That was back in the day when people thought performing in music videos meant you possessed "presence" for film. Eh...no.

[Bruce Banner]

I even own the DUNE encyclopedia which is very indepth.
Sammy

Yeah, the Dune Encyclopedia is a cool book.
Used copies can go for a pretty high price now, too.

It's a shame FH's son Brian Herbert won't allow the book to be reprinted, or even revised and updated, because its contents clash with his own Dune continuations & prequel books.

[Splitty]

When I first saw the movie, I was highly disappointed it was so muddled and mixed differently from the books, but on second look, dangit that's a flippin' cool movie. Grand, weird, and iconic actors. Lynch is always neat.

I liked the mini-series alot too. Darn, I wish I had never sold my Sandworm.