"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

Color:

Color

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)

So much better…

The production value on this installment of the Dune series is more than I could have hoped for. Thank you for getting rid of those awful painted backgrounds. I had been contemplating how a real movie version of the Dune books would look for years. I liked the sets on the DL version but the lack of story was just too confusing for anyone that hadn't read the books and disappointing for those that did. When I heard about the SciFi channel doing the movie 3 years ago I was all jazzed up and ready to be dazzled. And while the story was more consistent with the book and the acting was good, I was rather disappointed with the sets. Now with Children of Dune I think we've seen what should have been done from the get go. The special effects are right on target as are the performances in this one. In the first installment it seemed more like a filmed stage play. This one is more like the full-on, glossy, Hollywood production these stories deserve. That said, I (and some of my friends) still feel that these movies are not going to be very comprehensible to anyone that hasn't read the books but I don't mind that much as I am a selfish and self-serving person at heart. I also have lost faith that anyone will do the Lady Jessica character justice. DL's Jessica was horrible.. beautiful, yes, but what a simpering little weakling she was. Not so in the book… Jessica was more solid, calculating and strong. The miniseries did a little better but she still seemed weak in comparison to the novel. Hopefully Alice Krige will prove to be better. Since she was barely in last night's part, we'll have to wait and see. All in all I am very pleased with what the makers have done with this part of the series. I can't wait until tonight and the next night and especially (hopefully) for ‘God Emperor of Dune' and ‘Chapterhouse'. If they don't do the whole series, I will be sorely disappointed. Bottom line: Keep up the great work!