Full disclosure: I didn’t care for Denis Villeneuve Dune movies. Dune: Part One was okay. I think it’s fair to say I appreciated it more on a technical level than an emotional level. The visuals were great, the cast was great, the music and costumes and production design and makeup are all top-notch. But I didn’t really connect with it to a point where I can say I loved it. And I really disliked Part Two. I didn’t connect to it at all. I prefer the David Lynch version.
Villeneuve’s Dune Universe is expanded a bit with HBO‘s prequel series– Dune Prophecy. Dune Prophecy: The Complete First Season is now available on 4K and Blu-ray from our friends at Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, who sent us a copy to review.
Dune Prophecy is set 10,000 years before the events of Dune and follows the origins of the Bene Gesserit sisterhood. Sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen, played by Emily Watson and Olivia Williams, navigate the complex world of politics and power structures within the Imperium. The story explores their personal struggles, conflicts, and battles against a prophesied enemy.
It’s hard to really describe much more as the series is quite complex and there is a lot of world-building going on. Casual viewers may be turned off and find it hard to follow. I think rewatches may help with that a bit, and as the series continues and evolves, it may be easier to follow, like other complex series (Game of Thrones, Babylon 5, etc.) were able to pull off before it. I think it’s fair to say if you liked the Villenueve Dune, you’ll like this (although not as much), and if you found the Villenueve Dune films cold like I did, you’ll feel the same about Dune Prophecy, although again–you’ll be impressed with it on a technical level.
Technically, this disc is a winner. Let’s start with the video quality. The visual presentation of Dune: Prophecy on 4K UHD Blu-ray is nothing short of astounding. The series’ production design, already impressive when it streamed on HBO, truly comes to life in the UHD format. he 4K transfer brings every detail of the Dune universe into sharp focus. From the meticulously designed interiors of the Bene Gesserit citadels, to the vast, arid landscapes of Arrakis, the level of detail is extraordinary. Facial textures, clothing fabrics and even the sandstorms in the desert appear strikingly clear.  The wide shots of barren deserts and expansive ships offer an epic scale, and you can almost feel the gritty textures of the environment.
The audio is equally impressive. The 4K UHD Blu-ray features a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and it’s a standout. The atmospheric score, composed of haunting choral chants and ominous strings, envelops you, adding layers of intensity. The sound design of the Dune universe – whether it’s the colossal rumbling sandworms, or the echo of footfalls in the vast stone halls – is brought to life with impressive spatial clarity.
The disc contains a number of special features, although most of them are short in length and ported over from the HBO Max extras that are available on streaming.
Disc One
- Entering the Dune Universe (HD; 2:58) is a very brief introduction to the production.
- Houses Divided (HD; 2:47) is another quick look at the warring factions.
- Inside the Episode #101 (HD; 2:58) is the first of six featurettes offering insight into individual episodes.
- Inside the Episode #102 (HD; 5:24)
Disc Two
- Truth or Lie (HD; 5:38) is a two part piece with a “quiz” featuring several actors and crew members trying to divine whether “facts” about Dune are true or a lie.
- Expanding the Universe (HD; 2:32) offers various production staff commenting on integrating this series into the overall Dune franchise.
- Inside the Episode #103) (HD; 2:58)
- Inside the Episode #104) (HD; 4:51)
Disc Three
- Behind the Veil (HD; 34:45) is another multi-part piece, though this one gets into a good deal more detail about things like VFX, scoring and production design.
- Building Worlds – Home Entertainment Exclusive (HD; 13:04) is another production design focused featurette.
- Inside the Episode #105 (HD; 4:20)
- Inside the Episode #106 (HD; 6:13)
If you’re a fan on Dune or Dune Prophecy, you can’t go wrong with this release. The quality is superb and will give you a chance to become familiar with the Universe and characters before Season Two arrives.
DUNE PROPHECY
THE SHOW: B
VIDEO: A+
AUDIO: A+
SPECIAL FEATURES: B+
OVERALL VALUE: A
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