You know, the first time I saw this movie, I hated it. It was weird, boring, and left me confused. Watching it again, it has become one of my favorites. It's everything a geek could want in a movie. You've got an epic story, low budget special effects, Patrick Stewart and Brad Dourif in supporting roles, an awesome soundtrack, and over the top acting.
The actor who portrayed Baron Harkonnen stole the show. Yes, he chomped on the scenery like there was no tomorrow, but the movie is all the more glorious because of it. Sting's supporting role was also highly amusing.
I said before that the movie was weird and confusing. Seeing it again, I don't find that to be the case. It's actually a pretty straight forward story. There is some surreal imagery, to be sure, but a lot of that is dream sequences, where things are supposed to be surreal.
The DVD and Blu-ray contain an extended cut that attempts to explain more of the story. Normally, I'm a fan of the extended editions, but this is one of the rare instances where I think the theatrical version is superior. The extended one goes to such great lengths to explain what's going on that it becomes repetitive. Also, where the original summed up the background info in a short summary, the extended edition takes 20 minutes to cover what is essentially the same material. It doesn't work and the film is all the weaker for it.
This is most likely a case where your mileage may vary. Critics hated this movie, but it has become something of a cult favorite. I would still recommend this one as it's a joy to watch. If nothing else, you get to hear some awe inspiring music and pick up some great movie quotes. This film is a gold mine of great lines of dialogue. Working various lines into your everyday conversation is quite a bit of fun, I assure you.
I do have to confess, I haven't actually read the books. Fear not, though, they are available on the Kindle and they are on my queue of books that I intend to purchase in the future; so this will be remedied.
There is also a newer TV mini-series adaptation. I haven't seen it, so I can't comment. All I can say is that this movie is a blast to watch.
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