"Children of Dune" (2003) TV mini-series

User Rating:

7.6/10   

Director:

Greg Yaitanes

Writers (WGA):

Frank Herbert (books)
John Harrison (teleplay)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

16 March 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

Tagline:

Born to rule an empire. Destined to tear it apart.

Plot:

The twins of Paul "Muad'dib" Atreides become embroiled in the political landscape of Arrakis ("Dune") and the rest of the universe.

Plot Keywords:

Dune | Sequel | Steampunk | Messiah | Desert World

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 7 nominations

Cast

Alec Newman	...	Muad'Dib / ... (1 episode, 2003)
Edward Atterton	...	Duncan Idaho (1 episode, 2003)
Ian McNeice	...	Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (1 episode, 2003)
Steven Berkoff	...	Stilgar (1 episode, 2003)
P.H. Moriarty	...	Gurney Halleck (1 episode, 2003)
James McAvoy	...	Leto Atreides II (1 episode, 2003)
Rik Young	...	Javid (1 episode, 2003)
Martin McDougall	...	Scytale (1 episode, 2003)

Also Known As:

Dune - Bedrohung des Imperiums (Germany) (second part title)
Dune - Der Messias (Germany) (first part title)
Dune - Die Kinder des Wüstenplaneten (Germany) (third part title)
Dune - Krieg um den Wüstenplaneten (Germany) (cut version)
Frank Herbert's Children of Dune (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

Czech Republic:235 min (3 parts) | Germany:182 min (2004) (cut version) | USA:266 min

Country:

Germany | USA

Language:

English | French

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | Finland:K-15 | Australia:M | Canada:14A | Germany:12 | UK:12 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Barrandov Studios, Krizeneckeho namesti, Prague, Czech Republic

Company:

Blixa Film Produktion GmbH & Co. KG

Trivia:

According to interviews, Alice Krige was John Harrison's first choice to play Jessica in "Dune" (2000), but was unavailable. However, Saskia Reeves had to back out of this series because of pregnancy, so Krige was re-offered the part.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the beginning of Part 2 (The Children), when we first see Leto, his eyes are completely normal. But when the camera turns back to him, his eyes have the bright blue tint from the spice.

Quotes:

Alia: I hate you. I love you. I will never forgive you.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Film Geek (2005)

better than I ever dreamed

This four hour miniseries actually covers two books, the shorter sequil to <i>Dune</i>, <i>Dune Messiah</i>, and the next (longer) <i>Children of Dune</i>. I was stunned by how well it was able to capture such complex concepts as were introduced in the books in the visual medium. There were very few times I felt the film hadn't stayed true to the book, most of which were minor. I think anyone who hadn't read the books or at least seen the previous movie would be a little lost, so I recomend this as complimentary to the books; but as such it was a wonderful treat. Actors, make-up, set design were all perfect. I think I liked David Lynch's stillsuits better, these ones don't look like they'd do the job very well, but I suppose it was a trade off with seeing some of the wonderfully figured women =)

The part that would be the end of <i>Dune Messiah</i> had me nearly in tears. Wonderful job. For anyone who's read the books, a must see.