Dune (1984, dir. David Lynch)

Dune (1984, dir. David Lynch) [Special Edition]

What Is It?: The notorious adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic novel by beloved quirky genius David Lynch.

What About It?: This is the special edition of the film that Lynch was none too pleased with (so much so that it's an Alan Smithee film, officially), but it's not all that different from the original. Not being a particular Herbert fan, many of the voluminous complaints against this film fall on deaf ears here at the Lost Classic HQ, though there are plenty of things here to complain about outside of fealty to Herbert's geek vision. First among them is the dazzling density of the film. Passions are inflamed, families are embattled, lines are crossed, none of which are made particularly clear to the non-Herbertified viewer. Imagine an entire film made up of the dull parts of the “new” Star Wars trilogy – that's kinda Dune.

Why Should I See It?: That said, there's much to love here – firstly, the visual design of the film is literally stunning. The sets alone are worth the price of admission (the 187 minutes of your life, in this case) and the special effects, though uneven, are inventive and, frankly kinda cool. Lynch was given something like $40 million for this – a huge amount at the time – and, like the cliché says, you can see the dollars on the screen. The acting is very Lynchian – big and mildly silly – but the film is worth watching (if not too closely) if you want to see a high point in epic sci-fi before the age of CGI.

What Else Is It Like?: Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith, Flash Gordon, Excalibur.

When Is It Playing Until ON DEMAND?: 1/11/07

Watch It ON DEMAND On Comcast Cable.

-- ddt/pdx