Children Of Dune (EP) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)The toughest thing about 'Frank Herbert's Dune', presented on the SciFi Channel in 2000, was that all Dune fans knew, just KNEW, there'd be comparisons made between it and David Lynch's theatrical release. Although the strong casting, new-found special effects and costumes made Lynch's version a film to be reckoned with, it still felt unbalanced and lost amidst the deeply textured background world that Frank Herbert created.
The 2000 miniseries gave us more of the actually pages of Dune translated to the screen, but it's acting, costumes and special effects were lacking.
So, to my surprise, what should appear but a new miniseries with reprising roles and some new cast members for Frank Herbert's Children of Dune on the SciFi Channel. Goodbye comparisons. We entered new screenplay territory since no theatrical version of any other Herbert novels has ever made it out to the public.
A wonderful presentation, Frank Herbert's Children of Dune combines the Dune Messiah and Children of Dune novels into this new miniseries and does so with one graceful motion. Well, almost graceful.
I don't know WHY the SciFi Channel feels the need to keep a "big name" in these films. William Hurt didn't aid the first miniseries with his 'Hurtful' acting. Likewise, I felt Mrs. Sarandon did nothing to aid in the release of this film/mini. Her character was cardboardish and dull. No action involving her at all. Nothing that seemed to help move the storyline along.
Uncharacteristically (and thankfully) Alec Newman reprises his role as Paul (and the new Preacher) and does so with powerfully strong acting (the exact opposite of what I saw from him in the original miniseries). Julie Cox was wonderful as Irulan, Jessica Krige excellently portrayed an aging Lady Jessica, and James McAvoy WAS Leto II. Jessica Brooks balanced the role of Ghanima perfectly by playing Leto's twin sister. And Daniela Amavia was P-E-R-F-E-C-T as the possessed and tortured Alia (preborn sister of Paul). She's also quite an atractive lady.
The costumes (thankfully) were also 'toned-down' a bit, so the large head-dresses and triangular suit attachments are gone. The budget for the special effects were increased (to great advantage). Loved the worms, the thopters, Alia's temple. Wonderful cinematography utilizing blue screens.
And the BIG shocker: the musical score! Brian Tyler! You the man! A true triumph as far as scores go, the music presented in this miniseries is sure to make the soul soar, or plummet into the Great Erg as appropriately presented by Mr. Tyler's score.
This miniseries is the new 5 star TV production for the SciFi Channel, and rightfully so. A presentation worth owning...on DVD.

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