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Never will forget that first viewing in 1984...

posted 8 years ago by lvrepoman
5 replies | jump to latest

I saw it at the old Parkway theater in Las Vegas. I'd never read the books at the time, but my dad and sister had and since I was between semesters at UNLV, I decided to tag along when they went to a matinee. I was somewhat taken aback when they handed me a definition sheet on the way in, and it more or less useless in retrospect.

What I will never forget is that first scene where the Emperor confronts the Guild Navigator in his spice tank. How freaky! After that, I was completely drawn into the film and saw it seven times before the new semester started.

Over the years, the film has taken a lot of hits, many deserved. But I never will forget that first Guild Navigator scene. Looking back, it had sort of a Steampunk feel, although it would be years before I would ever hear that term. To this day, I rank it among my all-time favorite opening scenes.

"He was running around like a rooster in a barnyard full of ducks."--Pat Novak

[–] ratherbebocce 8 years ago

Funny !
I had read the books and was excited about the story hitting the big screen.
A friend and I dropped about an hour before the show.
Needless to say, we were all about the visuals and left our film critic hats at home.
Good times !

I think my favorite aspect of the story was the Fremen and their ability to survive and thrive in those
harsh conditions. Not to mention catching rides on the worms.
best,

[–] pope_duke 8 years ago

The visual are definite draw. They make a great litmus test, too, as I think they can make or break it for people quite early on. I love those sorts of aesthetics, so it drew me in like the most honeyed candy.

[–] bozo_500 (12351) a year ago

i remember being outside a cinema looking at the Dune poster but couldnt go in to see it as was too young (correction - i thought it was rated 15 in uk but apparently it was a PG. so i dont know why i didnt go to see it.) https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/ExcaliburAuctions/42/631242/H20089-L152153354.jpg

[–] WilloughbyStain (194) 3 months ago

Around half a minute was cut to get a PG in the UK when it was released in cinemas. The first VHS was uncut and upgraded to 15, and every subsequent release was rated 15 until it was eventually downgraded to a 12 about 10 years ago, so not surprising you remember it being rated 15.

[–] SolarisPatchwork (215) 3 months ago

Say what you will about the (massive) flaws of the movie, the visuals stood out, especially early in the movie. The heart plugs, the navigator, the hunter killer floaty needle thing, the insanely weird shields.