The Dune Universe first began in 1965 with the publication of Frank Herbert's novel, Dune. Its success included 5 subsequent novels and a film adaptation in 1984 that, unfortunately, garnered poor reviews. However, in 2021, a second adaptation, broken into 2 parts, made its way to movie theaters. Dune and Dune: Part Two, unlike their predecessor, were critically acclaimed and were considered to be box office successes. While the third movie in the saga is being filmed, HBO and Legendary Entertainment teamed up to bring audiences a prequel story giving them some insight into the secretive and manipulative world of the Bene Gesserit. Dune: Prophecy - The Complete First Season is available this week for purchase in 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD.
The Bene Gesserit are a group of women who make up an exclusive sisterhood whose members train their bodies and minds through years of physical and mental conditioning. It is believed that they possess superhuman powers and abilities that seem magical to outsiders. They are a social, religious, and political force that seeks to acquire power and influence to direct humanity on an enlightened path. Under the ruse of "serving" the Empire, the Sisterhood is a major power in the universe that uses its influence to subtly guide humanity along the path of its own plan for humanity's future.
The limited HBO series begins 10,000 years before the events of Dune and 80 years after an alliance of humans defeated the thinking machines. It mainly focuses on Valya (Emily Watson; Punch-Drunk Love) and Tula (Olivia Williams; The Sixth Sense) Harkonnen, who strive to keep the power and influence of the Bene Gesserit in the Empire while delving into their backstory and the nefarious means Velya took to earn her place as Reverend Mother.
Watson is well cast as the ruthless and focused Velya. She has an anger that seems to simmer below the surface while she outwardly portrays an air of calmness, but then again, most of the Bene Gesserit do. Williams, however, isn't as calm, as she shows her anxiety more obviously than the other Reverend Mothers. Mark Strong (The Kingsman Secret Service), as Emperor Javicco Corrino, is a solid, male figure in a world full of people fighting to gain or keep their power. Travis Fimmel (Vikings) is a standout in every scene he is in. This cast does an excellent job of giving reverence to the various power struggles that permeate Season One.
DUNE: PROPHECY: The Complete First Season is presented in Native 4K (2160p) resolution, and it is a treat to behold. While the grey tones don't offer much of a punch, the color saturation is deep and true. The details are sharp and clean and showcase the care taken to make everything perfect. The highly stylized cinematography is beautifully replicated. The Dolby Atmos audio is a wonderful complement to the video, with its deep bass tones emanating throughout all six episodes. The dialogue is crisp, and the sound mix is perfect.
DUNE: PROPHECY: The Complete First Season includes all 6 episodes from the first season (and an "Inside the Episode" for each one), plus over an hour of bonus content including 5 extended featurettes: Entering the Dune Universe, Houses Divided, Truth or Lie, Expanding the Universe, and Behind the Veil - and one all-new bonus feature, Building Worlds, exclusive to 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD.
Warner Bros. has done a very nice job transferring this limited series to 4K, and the series gives a new perspective and insight into the world of the Bene Gesserit before the events of Dune take place.
Fans of Frank Herbert's novel will definitely appreciate this backstory and the care taken to bring it to life.
Grade: B
