In regards to the shield generator explosion, would it be possible to manipulate the explosion of the spice factory in this scene from DUNE (as you can work with a 1080p source, push it back further into the background to match the distance of the shield generator and possibly recolor the orange sand to the white of the snow)?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwPTIEWTYEI

(seen at 1:30)

I would add that however you do the explosion, to include the shockwave (especially the reaction to the sand around the Spice factory) would be a fantastic visual. I love how it appears that the surrounding area liquifies from the force of the blast. A major bass punch would be quite effective as well.