Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Dune 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

A must-see 3D presentation.

Dune: Part One begins the epic adaptation of the original novel. Based on the work of Frank Herbert, director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) takes audiences on a science fiction odyssey. Starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Dave Bautista, and Zendaya, Dune: Part One is only the beginning of the story – but audiences can rest easy with part two on the way (as of this writing).

Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) is a young man born in to a family of nobility. Gifted with intelligence and showered with uncommon resources, Paul sets out on a perilous mission alongside Lady Jessica Atreides (Rebecca Ferguson) to protect a rare and valuable resource on another planet – the most dangerous planet in the entire galaxy. With so many fighting for scarce resources, can Paul protect the resources of the planet and save his people before it is too late? The stakes are high and a mission unlike any other unfolds.

The performances are essential to the filmmaking. Dune has some standout performances – audiences won't be able to look away. In the lead role, Timothée Chalamet provides the character of Paul with surprising sophistication and complexity. The part was perfect for the actor and he brings a exceptional balance to the role. The beautiful and graceful Rebecca Ferguson is as gifted a performer as always – providing Lady Jessica Atreides with a compelling narrative foundation rooted in her authentic voice. Zendaya also enhances the film with a subtle but enjoyable performance (and Zendaya radiates beauty throughout).

A visual feast for the eyes, Dune is a remarkable accomplishment in the field of cinematography. Cinematographer Greig Fraser (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Zero Dark Thirty) has a keen sensibility. The filmmaking is improved through the careful lensing. This is a beautiful production and the cinematography captures the essence of the filmmaking along the way. A extraordinary effort.

The production design by Patrice Vermette (Sicario, Prisoners) is first-rate. An impressive sum of effort was placed in developing the production. The setting is always convincing and compelling to watch unfold. There are no sequences which seem short-changed in regards to the production design. The sets are lavish and the special effects are well-matched to the production aesthetic. The sand dunes are exquisitely brought to life.

The epic begins.

The best thing about Dune is the original score composed by the great Hans Zimmer (Inception, Interstellar). One of the most accomplished scores composed by Zimmer, the Academy Award nominated score impresses throughout the run-time and seems to contain a plethora of ideas: a sketchbook (as the album is called) of otherworldly exploration. Zimmer is a composer with an outstanding gift. Never classically trained (but instead self-taught), Zimmer has made a name for himself as one of the most important composers in the industry. Dune is Zimmer at his best.

The costumes by Bob Morgan and Jacqueline West aid the filmmaking well. The core cast of characters appear with well-balanced and designed costumes which are effective at conveying the different personalities at play in the epic storytelling universe. Morgan and West created effective pieces which ultimately help propel the storytelling forward.

The screenplay by Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts (Passengers, Doctor Strange), and Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is ambitious in scale. The scope of the project isn't lost for a moment. The storytelling is in full swing in the opening act. The one area in which the screenplay could have been improved somewhat is in the conclusion (as it feels like the end of an “episode” and not conclusive – even for the first-half of the story). Overall, Dune: Part One has impressive screenwriting with plenty of promise for the next installment to come.

Denis Villeneuve proved himself a visionary with the neon-colored Blade Runner 2049 (one of the best sequels in cinema history). Few filmmakers would be up to the formidable task of adapting a work of literature as ambitious as Frank Herbert's Dune. Villeneuve was up to the challenge. Dune delivers a compelling visual experience and the film rewards repeat viewings.

Dune 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Warner Bros., Dune is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The 3D presentation is immersive and represents another must-see 3D tent-pole. The action sequences are especially potent – including the sequence with Josh Brolin accompanying a swarm of fighters across a backdrop of fire and rage. The sandy dune landscapes are visually extraordinary in 3D (enhancing the epic production tenfold). The 3D adds impressive depth to the image and the 3D focuses on depth enhancement over pop-out effects. Dune looks great on the format.

Dune 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. The high resolution audio track is top-notch. The release lacks the Dolby Atmos sound mix provided on the 4K UHD. However, the DTS-HD Master Audio presentation isn't lacking – the sound mix is boisterous, enveloping, and engaging. The sound effects are given great prominence throughout the mix.

The surround sound audio track is dynamic and exciting. The soundtrack demonstrates great creativity in design. The score by Zimmer is the real showstopper: providing an epic backdrop to the action and well-developed character themes. The music shines.

Dune 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes the same on-disc supplemental package featured on the standard Blu-ray release. The package includes a 3D Blu-ray and 2D Blu-ray disc. The 2D Blu-ray disc (identical to the one available separately) includes over an hour of supplemental features. For more information on the supplemental package, please refer to the 2D Blu-ray review from my colleague Randy Miller III.

Dune 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Dune begins the epic adaptation of the science-fiction novel by Frank Herbert. Director Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049, Arrival) is at his best when working in the science-fiction landscape and this ambitious production is no exception to that rule. Set against the backdrop of Zimmer's Academy Award nominated score, Dune is also a perfect showcase for the craft of film scoring. Oscars: take note.

The 3D is outstanding and immersive throughout the presentation. 3D enthusiasts won't want to miss out on the release. The presentation is top-notch and provides plenty of depth – greatly enhancing the experience. Highly recommended.