Blu-ray Movie Reviews

In the year 10,191, the remote world of Arrakis is the only source for "Melange," or spice, which makes interstellar travel possible. When Duke Lito (Jurgen Prochnow) is murdered, his son Paul Atreides (Kyle MacLachlan) sets out to avenge his death by discovering the secret of the planet and uses its resources against his enemies in order to free the people from tyranny.

I've never taken the time to read Frank Herbert's book "Dune," but I'm sure it would help understand the film. I was lost within the first 15 minutes by not understanding the different political factions and character development is severely lacking. I'm sure the book is outstanding but I can't say the same for the film.

Video Highlights

• VC-1/1080p encode on a BD-50 disc
• Occasional bold colors, especially red and gold
• Elevated black level
• Cheesy visual effects
• Inconsistent detail
• Veil of film grain

Audio Highlights

• DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack
• Adequate dynamic range
• Tepid bass
• Intelligibility issues with dialog
• Front-heavy soundtrack

The video encode looks like a port from the previously released HD DVD and any problems in the video are source related due to the age and budget of the film. The audio is rather pedestrian, but I did enjoy the score from Brian Eno.

Bonus Materials

• Deleted scenes with an introduction by Raffaella De Laurentiis
• Designing Dune (SD)
• Dune FX (SD)
• Dune Models & Miniatures (SD)
• Dune Wardrobe Design (SD)
• BD-Live, and D-Box Motion Control

Unfortunately the second time wasn't the charm for me. The pacing is horrific and the screenplay is meant for readers of the book. If you fit in this category, then you'll probably enjoy the above-average presentation for all others, I would take a trip to the library first.

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Release Date: April 27, 2010
Studio: Universal

Movie: 4/10
Picture: 7/10
Sound: 7/10

Review System

Source
Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display
JVC DLA-RS1 projector
Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics
Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro
Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier
Panamax M5400PM power conditioner

Speakers
M&K S-150s (L, C, R)
M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)
SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables
Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)
Best Deal analog-audio cables
PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics