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Everything you get when you download the new release of . buy Dune (1984).
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One of the covers for this release.
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Another cover; this one probably looks more familiar.
The controversial but memorable 1984 film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal 1965 science fiction novel Dune will be released for the first time in 4K and HDR on August 31, thanks to a new 4K UltraHD Blu-ray set from distributor Arrow Films.
According to Arrow Films, the upcoming release has been mastered from the original camera negative in 4K and Dolby Vision HDR, although playback in the HDR-10 format is also supported. The set offers two audio options: uncompressed stereo and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound.
However, there’s one thing genre film buffs hope won’t make it here: commentary from filmmaker David Lynch, who directed the film and became famous for later works like Twin Peaks and Blue velvet† Those familiar with the film’s history, however, won’t be surprised by that omission; Lynch disowned Dune when it was released, saying it didn’t represent his creative vision due to studio interference.
However, there are commentary tracks – they just don’t contain Lynch. Instead, The Projection Booth podcast host Mike White and film historian Paul M. Sammon provide commentary.
The new Blu-ray set comes in two editions: a standard version with two discs and a steel book edition with three. That third disc probably won’t matter to most buyers, though, as it’s just an HD version of the movie rather than 4K on a standard Blu-ray disc.
Regardless of the version you buy, you’ll get a plethora of featurettes and documentaries about the film over the years, including some that explore what the film is probably most remembered for: the production design, costumes, and miniatures. There is also an archive of interviews with various cast and crew members, as well as 11 deleted scenes and multiple trailers.
It’s all on the discs. Physical accompaniments include a 60-page book of interviews and essays about the film, a double-sided poster, and double-sided lobby card recreations.
The 1984 version of Dune was panned by critics and failed completely at the box office upon release. Over the years it has found a new lease of life as a cult classic, few critics even now step forward to claim Dune is a misunderstood masterpiece. The release timing seems strategically planned: Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve has been working on a new cinematic adaptation, which will hit theaters and streaming platform HBO Max on October 1.
List image by Arrow Films