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Idea & Info: a Dune Fan Edit thread...

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I just have to put this out there.

George Lucas won’t stop messing with Star Wars, and yet we can’t get David Lynch to go near his flawed Dune movie that has the possibility of repair.

Originally coming in May (now on hold) is a dvd set of the theatrical release, the ‘Alan Smithee’ version, and extras of including a bunch additional deleted scenes.
Anamorphic, Dolby Digital.

If anything is begging a fan edit by jamming all 3 of the above together, yanking out all references to “Weirding Modules”, and a few other touch ups (CG fix of missing blue eyes? Re-edited prologue?).

Sigh I can dream.
Heck I’ll go one more than that, anyone knowledgeable, and with full intention of making a fan edit like this, I’ll buy the DVD set for (if and when it comes out).

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Star Wars discussions…

Dr. M

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I am in for that. the smithee version gives us a lot more of the side plots, jamis in the cave of birds for one thing.

When is it out. aside from dune this would be the only other project I'd have a stab at.
When a woman says yes, she means no - when she says maybe, she means no.

http://www.auky37.dsl.pipex.com/falconlogo_web.jpg
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Actually, I rewatched an old VHS from SciFi channel of this yesterday (Alan Smithee version). I didn't realize how integrated the stupid Weirding module is, and killing with a word and all that crap.

It would damn hard to pull off the epic battle scenes since all the Fremen are using them.

Ok, maybe I'll just try to make myself like the Sci-Fi channel miniseries a bit more.

Dr. M

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Is the Smithee version the one with the long "cartoon" into (still images)?

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Don't know what you mean by cartoon, but it looks like they photographed a bunch of production concept art or something with some camera zooms and moves.

Dr. M

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yup, the smithee version used concept stuff for the intro and also had a different intro voice over.

until now it was only ever available as 4:3 release so you could never integrate it with the original cut. from what I've read this new version is being released in germany but I could be wrong.
When a woman says yes, she means no - when she says maybe, she means no.

http://www.auky37.dsl.pipex.com/falconlogo_web.jpg
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I HAD a copy of the 1992 KTVU Edit....

It used the original TV version (with the painting slide-show and male narrator - I have this TV version on DVD now) and a P/S version of the Theatrical version (I have the German Anamorphic DVD also) and edited them into one hell of a film.

I lost the Beta tapes (it was split on two tapes to keep HQ) to a shady-ass VHS trader that was going to transfer them to DVD for me... I also lost my Blade Runner "Denver" and Halloween 6 Workprint VHS tapes to him!!

I would LOVE to see these two edited togather again (or my tapes!)

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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"I lost the Beta tapes (it was split on two tapes to keep HQ) to a shady-ass VHS trader that was going to transfer them to DVD for me... I also lost my Blade Runner "Denver" and Halloween 6 Workprint VHS tapes to him!!"

Oh man. Did you send those all at once!?!

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Originally set with a May 10th release date, a U.S. release (depending on the source either 2 disc or DVD18) with both the theatrical and the extended versions
Dune Extended Edition (@ Amazon) is in the works.

Anamorphic, DD (some sources say DTS as well), Never-before-seen footage of the film including fight scenes and an alternate ending.

That's just a trove for an editor...

Dr. M

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That Soooooooo rocks! I love Dune.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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well having done some reading, when this new version of dune comes out, I will definitely be doing this as a project.
When a woman says yes, she means no - when she says maybe, she means no.

http://www.auky37.dsl.pipex.com/falconlogo_web.jpg
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Originally posted by: MeBeJedi
"I lost the Beta tapes (it was split on two tapes to keep HQ) to a shady-ass VHS trader that was going to transfer them to DVD for me... I also lost my Blade Runner "Denver" and Halloween 6 Workprint VHS tapes to him!!"

Oh man. Did you send those all at once!?!


Sadly yes....

We had traded in the past a few times before this happened so I figured it was safe. After I'd not gotten any emails or anything back after 30 days I set to work to track him down. I did have a friend that lives in L.A. go and find the address that I had mailed the discs to but it turns out that he was using a Mail Boxes Ect. type place... (so much for that beat down huh?)







“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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I may be in the minority here, but I really dug the Sci-Fi mini series... though I had the same problem with it that I had (stress *had*) with the new Battlestar Galactica series- namely the hype and commercial television breakage of the series. I couldn't watch 'Dune' when it aired as I just find the excessive commercials off-putting... majorly. You just can't get in to the flow of the story. But on DVD (the second release)- man I liked it! I sat and watched the whole thing straight. It was like seeing a whole new series.

And not to digress the thread, but Battlestar was the same way. I'm a fan of the original, I tried to watch the mini-series and thought it was total ass. But thanks to encouraging reviews from the guys at theDigitalBits.com I gave it a second try on DVD... and was hooked. Then, thanks to friends in certain alt.b groups, I was able to watch the entire first season before the 6th episode had aired in the States (viva UK!) and like a junkie I want more!! LOL.

But let me also chip in my vote for a fan-edit of 'Dune'. It was a gorgeous film no matter what version I've watched, and I've always been curious about what the loooong version would be like.
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I'm totally for a fan-edit of Dune, though I'm still a big fan of both the theatrical version and the Alan Smithee version.

I used to be very active on this forum. I’m not really anymore. Sometimes, people still want to get in touch with me about something, and that is great! If that describes you, please email me at [my username]ATgmailDOTcom.

Hi everybody. You’re all awesome. Keep up the good work.

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Honestly I've always liked David Lynch's version (preferred in the Smithee form), until I read the books. Then I had real problems with it.

The Sci-Fi channel miniseries IS close to my hearts, I have the expanded version on DVD and have seen it many times.
My real problems with it are:
The painted back drops make it look like a stage production.
Fayd will ALWAY be Sting to me.
It doesn't have Patrick Stewart, Dean Stockwell, Kyle MacLchlan or that score by Toto, need I go on?
No face masks or anything on the stillsuits (is that a nitpick?)
Ok, and Paul was never called Ussle (sp?)

I thought the Miniseries did a great job visually on the whole, with nice effects (compared to the dated original), and was excellent for sticking with the story.

The real bummer was I felt the follow up series was soft. I can understand cast changes, but I couldn't handle costume and effects changes, you need to keep uniformity.

So neither is perfect and I do love both versions for their own strengths.

Anyway, the point is really that David Lynch isn't bothering to do the much needed work on his movie. With an estimated 4-5 hour original run time, you KNOW he meant to do more if he hadn't got turned off to the project.

Dr. M

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I thought the visual effects were great, but the acting of the films is far superior to the acting in the miniseries. It's far more intense.

That being said, I thought the miniseries was pretty clever, and some of the changes were interesting. One thing I found a little annoying was the change in pronunciation of names, seemingly done just to be different. I would like to know which pronunciation was Herbert's choice.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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funnily enough, the pronunciation in the miniseries is closer to herberts vision.

the original mini dug up some recordings of herbert reading some of dune and based the pronunciations from that as I understand it.
When a woman says yes, she means no - when she says maybe, she means no.

http://www.auky37.dsl.pipex.com/falconlogo_web.jpg
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Well my 2 cent's

I liked Lynch's Dune over the sci-fi channel's. Its always been a personal favorite of mine.
Although I did like Children of Dune. I found Sci-fi's to be a bit droll.
Now the Smithee version, I really liked the intro it has, it does add more background into the universe
of Dune, far more than Princess Urlan's intro. I also like the added scenes in this version.
But I do not like the narration track that is over the entire film. I perfer Lynch's version where the actor's have thier own internal thoughts.

Also I have no problem with the "Weirding Modules", I think it enhances the mystique behind Paul and his abilities with out needing the device.

Also doing a fan edit of this, (while I have thought of doing it myself). May prove difficult, and I don't know how you would intergate TV quality 4:3 (as far as I know the only way the smithee version comes in since it was created for tv), and the HQ theatrical 16:9 version. (see that was already mentioned).
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They're discussing a soon-to-be-released DVD that will feature widescreen versions of both edits of the film, so the ratio issue wouldn't be a problem.

I used to be very active on this forum. I’m not really anymore. Sometimes, people still want to get in touch with me about something, and that is great! If that describes you, please email me at [my username]ATgmailDOTcom.

Hi everybody. You’re all awesome. Keep up the good work.

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I'd love to see an edit of this. I saw the longer version first and enjoyed it enough to buy the widescreen video on a whim. There were certain elements I remember missing. I saw the Sci-fi mini series and liked it, but not as much as the movie. It just was a little badly paced for my tastes(maybe it was the commercials). Children of Dune was ok, but I didn't really remember it. I'd say BSG was the superior Scifi channel work. I've yet to read any of the books.


Made for IE Forum's Episode III theme month - May 2005.

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You guys may want to re-think your plans for this. From The Digital Bits:

We've done some digging with our sources at Universal, and we've learned the real reason behind their delay of the Dune: Extended Edition (previously announced for 5/10, but then pulled "indefinitely" with no explanation given). Those of you who are familiar with the film know that there's a longer version that's been shown on TV, credited to director Alan Smithee (a pseudonym used by directors when they want to distance themselves from a project for whatever reason). Well get this... after years of saying he would never revisit Dune, at the 11th hour director David Lynch decided that he wanted to be involved in the new DVD after all. Which means that when it's eventually released, not only is the DVD going to include the original theatrical version of the film... it will include a brand new "director's extended cut" edited by Lynch himself! No kidding.

I used to be very active on this forum. I’m not really anymore. Sometimes, people still want to get in touch with me about something, and that is great! If that describes you, please email me at [my username]ATgmailDOTcom.

Hi everybody. You’re all awesome. Keep up the good work.

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Holy crap, no, I mean really, I'm going to go check moy shorts.

I figured if anything Lynch was suing them to stop the DVD. I never figured this would happen.
Wahoo.

It's not often someone beats me out on Digital Bits news, thanks for the heads up.

Dr. M

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Hmm maybe it had something to do with Cameron revisiting Titanic, and preparing a new multi disc special uber version of Titanic. Not to dis Cameron as a director, afterall Aliens, T1 and T2 are excellent movies.
But Titanic, all cgi effects aside is an awful movie, and for this movie to get a uber release is just... well... yawn...

Lynch must has geez, if that movie can get attention like that. then shoot, maybe I should revisit Dune and make sure it gets done right. Heck, I have no other obligations right... (Has he done anything since Lost Highway?" and get some of my respect and clout back.

(Just rambling, and of course this is probally so far from the truth, but its a thought.)

But thank the Kwizatz Haderach he is doing this... I was quite disapointed that this release was being postboned... and just finding out that this release was going to happen, I can wait.

Update @ digital bits : [Editor's Note - we've been told by studio sources that this isn't a done deal. It IS why the disc was delayed, but Lynch's involvement is still in discussion and no work has been started yet. So cross your fingers and let's hope it comes to fruition.]

By the way, I was also able to confirm with Universal that a Flash Gordon: Special Edition is currently in production. No specs or release information is available yet, but it's good to know that the 80s sci-fi/camp classic is finally getting the long-awaited attention it deserves on DVD. We'll post more as soon as we hear anything.


Cool Flash Gordon SE.... Flash Awwwwwwww
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David Lynch's big issue with the extended version was that it had to be re-cut (and with that softend) for telvision broadcast.

DVD is a much better format for him to work with I'm sure. This is just great and welcome news!

My Wish List for the new DUNE Re-Edit

1) Restore the Complete and original prolog delivered by the Reverend Mother Ramailo as found in the 7th Draft December 9th Shooting Script, and Get rid of Irulan's!

The scripted scene below was to open the film.

1A. INT. ROCK LEDGE - SIETCH TABR - NIGHT

BLACK

FADE IN to the dark eyes of the mysterious face of
the REVEREND MOTHER RAMALLO, who sits against smooth
black rock. Her eyes are deep blue-within-blue and
her skin is a haunting translucent white. Her voice
ECHOES as if in a great cavern.

REVEREND MOTHER RAMALLO
We are the secret of the Universe.

RESPONSE OF TWENTY THOUSAND VOICES
Bi-la kaifa.

REVEREND MOTHER RAMALLO
We are the secret of the Universe. We know
of spice...the spice called melange...the
greatest treasure in the Universe. It
exists on only one planet - ours Arrakis,
Dune. We know of spice and the Bene
Gesserit sisterhood's selective breeding
plan of ninety generations to produce the
Kwisatz Haderach, the one the spice will
awaken.

RESPONSE OF TWENTY THOUSAND VOICES
Bi-la kaifa.

REVEREND MOTHER RAMALLO
And now the prophecy...

Silence...then a powerful low organ NOTE resounding
in the cavernous space.

REVEREND MOTHER RAMALLO (CONT'D)
He will come...the voice from the outer
world, bringing the holy war, the Jihad,
which will cleanse the Universe and bring
us out of darkness. He will have been born
of a Bene Gesserit mother.
--
The Reverend Mother continues speaking of the
Prophecy, but we do not hear it. The huge wind organ
BLOWS louder and louder, obscuring her voice.

The picture FADES.




2) Fix the Lady Jessica / Mapes scene

Only part of the scripted scene is shown in the T.V. version, and it makes no sense how it was put together by the producers of that version.

92. INT. JESSICA'S CHAMBER - ARRAKEEN PALACE - DAY

Jessica HEARS this and looks up just as the Shadout
Mapes silently enters her room.

JESSICA
(staring at the blue-eyed woman --
waiting for possible danger.)
Yes?

SHADOUT MAPES
I am the Shadout Mapes, your housekeeper,
Noble Born. What are your orders.

JESSICA
You may refer to me as "my lady." I am not
noble born. I'm the bound concubine of
Duke Leto -- mother of the heir
designate.... "Shadout"... that's an
ancient word.

MAPES
(strangely asked)
You know the ancient tongues?

JESSICA
I know the Bhotani Jib and Chakobsa, all
the hunting languages.

MAPES
As the legend says.

JESSICA
(inner voice)
That's it! The Missionaria Protectiva has
been here planting protective legends
against a day of Bene Gesserit need. And
that day has come. I must play out this
sham.
(out loud)
I know the Dark things and the way of the
Great Mother. Miseces prejin.

Mapes takes a step backward to flee.

JESSICA (CONT'D)
I know many things. I know you came
prepared for violence with a weapon in
your bodice.
--
MAPES
My lady, I... the weapon was sent as a
gift if you should prove to be the one.

JESSICA
And the means of my death should I prove
otherwise.
(inner voice)
Now we will see which way the decision
tips.

Slowly Mapes reaches into her dress and brings out a
sheathed knife. She unleashes it.

MAPES
Do you know this my lady?

JESSICA
(inner voice)
It could only be one thing....
(out loud)
It's a crysknife.

MAPES
Say it not lightly...
(very slowly)
Do you know its meaning?

JESSICA
(inner voice)
Here is why this Fremen has taken service
with me, to ask that one question. Delay
is as dangerous as the wrong answer.
Shadout is Chakobsa... knife, in Chakobsa
is... maker of death.
(out loud)
It's a maker...

Mapes SCREAMS with elation and grief.

JESSICA (CONT'D)
(inner voice)
Maker?... Maker is the key word... the
tooth of the worm? That was close...
(out loud)
Did you think that I, knowing the
mysteries of the Great Mother, would not
know the maker?

MAPES
My lady, when one has lived with prophecy
for so long, the moment of revelation is a
shock.

Mapes sheathes the blade... slowly
--
JESSICA
(inner voice)
There's more here... yes!
(out loud)
Mapes, you've sheathed that blade
unblooded.

With a GASP Mapes drops the knife into Jessica's
hands and opens her blouse.

MAPES
Take the water of my life!

Jessica withdraws the knife from the sheath and,
with the blade, scratches a line just above Mapes'
right breast.

MAPES (CONT'D)
You are ours.... You are the one.

Jessica's eyes stare ahead. She knows these words
ring with truth.

3) Extend the Paul vs. Jamis Fight Scene

The Jamis Fight Scenes are not in the December 9th Script, but you can tell by the way they play out in the T.V. version that they are most definitely not complete.

4) Restore the missing scene with Paul and Duncan Idaho with the Bulls Head (The Bull that killed Paul's Grandfather)

5) Restore the Full Ending!!!

FEDAYKIN #2
Usul no longer needs the weirding module.

Everyone stares in disbelief. Paul looks to the
Emperor.

PAUL
Now, I will tell you how it will be.
Irulan shall be my wife, opening the way
for an Atreides to take the throne.

EMPEROR
I sit on the throne!!
--
PAUL
You will sit on a throne on Selusa
Secundus, your prison planet. Either that
or you will die.

The Emperor is still. Paul moves to Chani.

PAUL (CONT'D)
(to Chani)
The Princess shall have no more of me than
my name... no child of mine or touch the
softness of glance... nor instant of
desire.... This is my promise to you...
(whispering)
...my love.

Paul turns back to the others.

Jessica turns to Chani and whispers to her.

JESSICA
Think on it Chani... We who carry the name
of concubine... history will call us
wives.

Alia enters with two monks. She signals and one of
them places a cloak over Paul's shoulders.

PAUL
The Fremen have the word of Muad'dib.
They will have their Holy War to cleanse
the Universe... they will have Arrakis...
Dune... their planet. There will be
flowing water here open to the sky and
rich green oases. For the spice there
will always be some desert. There will be
fierce winds and trials to toughen men.
We Fremen have a saying...
(he stares at the Reverend Mother)
"God created Arrakis to train the
faithful."
One cannot go against the word of God.

Everyone in the room stares at him soundlessly.

ALIA
And how can this be?

There are three powerful drum hits.

ALIA (CONT'D)
For... he is the Kwisatz Haderach!
--





Now someone get him to do an extended version of "TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME" please!

GK