Dune . . . and related ramblings.

Years ago, when I was a kid, I remember watching a movie on a local t.v. station (KTVU) about giant worms and black leather-clad sand people. When I found out the movie was called Dune, I looked for the book in the library and read it. Keep in mind that the whole political and reglious context of the book was way over the head of any 9 year old. But for me, it was an addicting story about this far off desert planet, teleporting spaceships and warring families.

When I finally was in high school and had learned a little more about life and such, I picked up the book and re-read the story with new eyes. Wow! There is a lot going on in that book I hadn't realized was there! I searched and found the other books Herbert had written in the Dune series. I always trip out on the subtleties of the story.

When Frank Herberts son, Brian, began co-authoring the newer Dune books with Kevin J. Anderson, the story was there . . . but not the smaller hidden details that Frank put into it. When Frank wrote the main story, the other part of the story was subliminal. Where Frank was using a quill, Brian and Kevin were using charcoal. The story was interesting because it was bold and in your face, but it didn't make you think.

I'd like to believe what Brian and Kevin have said. That they are using the notes Frank left behind to complete the Dune series, but I really don't know. I do gotta say though, the prequels have been really good.

The only reason I'm even writing about this is that there is a new re-release of the David Lynch / Alan Smithee version of Dune coming out soon and I think you should know about it. It should have been out this month, but there have been delays for one reason or another. One of them being that Lynch may actually be involved with this release somehow. That would be awsome simply because that movie is soooooo gooooood!

The movie, for the most part, is written for the person familiar with the Dune books . . . or a David Lynch fan! The soundtrack is incredible considering that Toto performs it. Do you know who Toto is? Ha! See? Anyway, the music is awesome, the visuals are incredible and it all complements itself so well.

Another reason I'm looking forward to it is that this is supposed to be the longer version of Dune that was shown when I was a kid. The version that made me pick up the book in the first place. The one scene that I always remember that isn't on any official version of the movie, is how the "Water Of Life" is milked out of a baby Arrakeen worm. Sure you can buy a bootleg of that version, but it'll look and sound like crap. I want a pristine version with all the bells and whistles!

I know that there is a six-hour version out there. But trust me . . . nobody wants to see a six-hour David Lynch movie. Don't get me wrong, David Lynch kick some major booty. But anybody . . . ANYBODY . . . watching six hours of David Lynch movies has some serious psychological problems that must be seen to. You either have problems or you will have problems after that much time with Mr. Lynch.

Well, I think that's enough rambling . . . until next time kiddies.

GD

Shai'hulud