The highly anticipated sequel, Dune: Part Two, has arrived. Given the commercial success of both installments, the completion of the trilogy now seems assured. Senses delves into the UHD 4K edition to share its assessment.
Dune: Part Two directly follows the narrative of the first film. Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), now embracing his destiny as the messianic Muad’Dib, continues his journey with his mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), among the Fremen on Arrakis. Here, his unborn sister will find refuge. Paul hones his skills and strengthens his position within the Fremen, all while preparing to reclaim Arrakis from House Harkonnen and its allies.
This middle chapter, often considered the most challenging yet potentially the best in a trilogy, primarily focuses on Paul’s internal conflict and his burgeoning abilities as a “Kwisatz Haderach”—an individual with extraordinary prescience. He also strategizes to lead a rebellion against the Empire’s oppression, aiming to liberate Arrakis and secure its vital resource: the spice melange, essential for interstellar travel and extended lifespans.
Throughout the film, Paul’s relationship with Chani (Zendaya), a Fremen warrior, deepens. He navigates new alliances and rivalries, notably clashing with Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler), the heir of House Harkonnen. As the battle for Arrakis escalates, Paul must leverage all his capabilities to safeguard himself and his people.
Sound and Vision on UHD 4K
Dune: Part Two exemplifies the rationale behind the UHD 4K home theater format. Denis Villeneuve‘s compelling storytelling, coupled with Greg Fraiser‘s exceptional cinematography, Richard King‘s nuanced sound design, and Hans Zimmer‘s evocative score, delivers a profoundly immersive experience right from Florence Pugh‘s opening narration. The visuals, captured with second-generation IMAX cameras, result in a pristine 2160p transfer that is truly remarkable. While an IMAX viewing was missed, the experience on our reference screen, the Panasonic MZ2000, is exceptional. The color palette, distinct for each planet—ranging from the reddish hues of Arrakis to the stark black and white of Giedi Prime—serves as excellent reference material. Whether observing the contrasts, such as the Fremen’s striking blue eyes in dimly lit caves, or the subtle greens within Emperor Christopher Walken‘s palace gardens, the reproduction is flawless, devoid of digital artifacts or artificial edge enhancement. The Dolby Vision format enhances the color range, and the contrasts benefit substantially from its dynamic 12-bit depth capability.
The sound design warrants recognition; the intricate and varied soundscape was a highlight. The Dolby Atmos mix is as adaptable as the Dolby Vision visuals. It transitions seamlessly from near-silence, capturing minute details, to a full surround experience, particularly during the Harkonnen’s rallies or the gladiatorial combat sequence. From large-scale battles to Paul’s sandworm riding, the audio is captivating. Hans Zimmer’s score subtly permeates the atmosphere, foregoing catchy melodies in favor of creeping discomfort, deep bass tones, and intricate details that enhance the overall ambiance. A masterful achievement.
The quality of extras can be variable on releases, but this UHD 4K edition of Dune: Part Two includes a substantial offering. Over an hour and a half of documentaries are present, covering aspects such as world-building and Austin Butler’s portrayal of his character. These provide both behind-the-scenes insights and a valuable educational resource. While a commentary track from Denis Villeneuve would have been a welcome addition, the included content is commendable.
Final Verdict Dune: Part Two UHD
Dune: Part Two unequivocally achieves reference-class status as a UHD edition. The film itself is a testament to exceptional filmmaking. Many aspire to a fantasy/space opera trilogy that rivals The Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars saga. While the Dune films may not precisely fulfill that role, they represent the closest approximation to date. They possess epic scope, but may be perceived as somewhat protracted and overly polished, lacking the warmth and character engagement found in Frodo’s fellowship or the camaraderie of Luke, Leia, and Han Solo. The author, Frank Herbert, blends messianic themes (a prevalent Hollywood trope) with Eastern mysticism and Semitic-sounding terminology. This provides a compelling foundation, with anticipation for a significant payoff in the concluding film, likely an adaptation of Dune: Messiah (speculating on the possibility of Dune: Part Three).
Dune: Part Two is a lengthy, meticulously crafted, and atmospheric film with thematic depth, but retains the feel of a middle chapter necessitating a definitive conclusion. While the first film was highly impactful, expectations may have been even greater for the sequel. Nevertheless, this UHD 4K edition (with Blu-ray) is a must-have for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts.
SF Studios provided the review copy for this evaluation. The providers of materials have no editorial influence on our assessments. Our reviews are conducted independently, prioritizing the interests of our readers and consumers.
