Arrow Video’s limited edition 4K UHD debuts on home video this week with all of the extra spice one could ever imagine. Featuring a 4K UHD disc with HDR, a Blu-Ray disc packed with bonus features, a 60-page perfect-bound book, a fold out poster, and double-sided lobby card reproductions, this set comes housed in a traditional Arrow-style cardboard slipcase which adds even more class to an outstanding package. At this point, enough has been written about this 1984 love-it-or-hate-it David Lynch masterpiece based on the Frank Herbert classic novel. If you love it, you need this set!
Arrow Video’s brand new 4K restoration of Dune from the original camera negative isn’t going to change anyone’s opinion about the film itself, but it sure is beautiful to look at! This is simply as crisp and as clear as this movie has ever looked. The HDR is thoughtfully and conservatively applied, often giving just a little extra pop to the rich blues of the film. There’s no better way to watch this movie. The extra detail helps bring out the intricacies of the costuming, which are even more amazing in 2021 when it can be seen how much of it Denis Villeneuve chose to keep similar in his upcoming version of Dune. David Lynch fans will love the bizarre moments of puppetry and dialogue (and Kyle MacLachlan) which continue to haunt their dreams in the remainder of Lynch’s filmography for decades to come.
Arrow ports over many of Universal’s earlier special features, and it’s nice to have everything in one place. New interviews on the score, the make-up, and a feature entitled, “Beyond Imagination: Merchandising Dune” are especially engaging and they add a new perspective on the fabled film. The printed materials are a blast to thumb through, and their heavy paper stock make them feel special. Arrow never forgot the joy of opening up a new movie (or game, or album) and slowly working your way through all of its printed content, and it makes the whole experience period-appropriate for a film which made its debut in 84.
There’s never been a better time to reevaluate Dune and move beyond its initial negative critical response to discover its influence on the science fiction genre and on David Lynch’s oeuvre. And with this Arrow Video release, there’s never been a better format to watch it on.