Dune: Part Two 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 95
from 9 reviewers
Review Date:
Dune: Part Two delivers exceptional visual and audio quality on 4K UHD Blu-ray with stunning visuals, immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and engaging extras, despite minor setbacks like the lack of IMAX formatting and exclusive digital features.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
Dolby Vision
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Video: 98
Dune: Part Two's 4K UHD Blu-ray is a visual and auditory triumph, boasting a 2160p resolution, BT.2020 color, Dolby Vision HDR, and a ferocious Dolby Atmos track. The transfer excels in texture and detail, with stunning color grading and no compression artifacts, though some may miss the IMAX aspect ratio.
Audio: 99
Dune: Part Two's 4K UHD Blu-ray offers an astonishing Dolby Atmos track with deep LFE intensity, expansive directionality, and sublime integration of atmospheric sounds. Whether it's the roaring sandworms, immersive battle scenes, or Zimmer's ethereal score, this audio experience sets a new benchmark for cinematic sound immersion, perfect for home theater demos.
Extra: 81
The UK 4K UHD Blu-Ray of *Dune: Part Two* features over an hour of high-definition content, including making-of featurettes and in-depth interviews covering various aspects of production, from language creation to CGI effects. However, several digital-exclusive bonus materials available on the US release are missing.
Movie: 94
Dune: Part Two delivers a staggering sci-fi epic, eclipsing its predecessor in every aspect. Villeneuve's masterful world-building, relentless action sequences, and a nuanced script blend to create a visually and sonically immersive experience. Notably, the 4K UHD presentation elevates its grandiosity, making it an essential purchase for any home theater.
Video: 98
"Dune: Part Two" comes to Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray, presenting a stunningly detailed visual experience consistent with its predecessor. Shot with Arri Alexa 65 and LF IMAX-certified digital cameras and captured in multiple high resolutions (4.5K and 6.5K), the film's imagery retains remarkable clarity through a unique production process involving scanning digital footage to 35mm and back to digital. Warner’s HEVC-encoded 2160p transfer in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio employs Dolby Vision and HDR10 to render striking visuals. The result is a deeply rich image with finely nuanced fine object detail and texturing, demonstrating meticulous care in each elaborate scene, from fiery prologues to intricate desert landscapes.
The transfer vividly captures the metallic sheen of Harkonnen interiors against the contrastingly bright Arrakis deserts, using HDR to highlight the deepest blacks and most intense brightness in key sequences. The fiery ambush scenes and monochrome arena sequences show the disc’s impressive ability to maintain stability under complex visual dynamics. The final product boasts deep gradations and spectacular highlights that heighten the immersive experience, though some may yearn for the IMAX-expanded aspect ratio. Yet, the 4K presentation remains immune to artifacts or compression issues despite its visually demanding scenes, providing an image that approaches theatrical quality.
Colors are beautifully rendered with just the right amount of boldness without oversaturation. Warm orange tones of the sand dunes contrast against the vivid blue eyes of characters, while the Emperor’s homestead brings an Earth-like vivid contrast with greens, blues, and browns. Black levels are inky with no murky shadows, displaying impeccable separation and grade. Fine details such as grains of sand, facial textures, and costume weaves are crisp and clear, flaunting the movie’s inherent visual spectacle. Overall, "Dune: Part Two" offers a demo-worthy visual feast that will surely become a reference-quality disc for enthusiasts.
Audio: 99
Dune: Part Two's 4K UHD Blu-ray delivers a striking Dolby Atmos experience that sets a new standard for immersive audio. From the opening Sardaukar chant, listeners are immediately enveloped in an expansive soundstage that perfectly balances thunderous bass with intricate spatial cues. The film’s soundscape is rich with atmospheric details, such as whispering winds and shifting sands, flawlessly conveyed through overhead channels. The LFE channel provides a robust and impactful presentation, with bass that rumbles the room during sandworm sequences and explosive battle scenes. Every auditory element, from the subtleties of a thopter fly-by to the visceral sounds of sword clashes, is meticulously crafted to enhance the cinematic experience.
The dialogue remains crisp and intelligible throughout, even amidst the complex audio landscape. The Dolby Atmos track makes full use of audio objects placed above, contributing to the sense of depth and realism. It effectively captures both the large-scale grandeur and intimate moments of the film, ensuring a dynamic and engaging audio experience. The blend of organic and mechanical sounds, coupled with Hans Zimmer's haunting score, adds an additional layer of immersion. Key scenes like Paul's worm-riding test and the intense finale battle are highlights, showcasing the system's ability to deliver both subtle textures and powerful low-end punches.
Overall, this Dolby Atmos mix is a masterclass in audio engineering. It offers a fully immersive sound design that transports viewers directly to the universe of "Dune." This disc is undeniably top-tier demo material, sure to impress both casual viewers and audiophiles alike. The sound design is not just heard but felt, making "Dune: Part Two" a must-have for any serious home theater enthusiast.
Extra: 81
"Dune: Part Two" 4K UHD Blu-ray disc offers a robust and comprehensive suite of extra features, encompassing approximately 67 minutes of high-caliber content primarily in 4K with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. These extras delve deeply into diverse facets of the film’s production, from the creation of the Fremen language and practical set designs to the intricate details of costume work and innovative sound design. The featurettes are enriched by insights from key contributors such as director Denis Villeneuve, cinematographer Greig Fraser, and composer Hans Zimmer, as well as prominent cast members. Despite the absence of an audio commentary and certain digital-exclusive extras available only in the US, the on-disc extras are high-quality and well-rounded, making this release a must-have for fans of the franchise.
Extras included in this disc:
Chakobsa Training: Learning the Fremen language.
Creating the Fremen World: Practical sets and design.
Finding the Worlds of Dune: Filming locations.
Buzz Around the New Thopter: Creating the flying machines.
Worm-Riding: Shooting worm-riding sequences.
Becoming Feyd: Austin Butler’s character transformation.
A New Set of Threads: Costume design insights.
Deeper into the Desert: The Sounds of Dune: Hans Zimmer’s score exploration.
Movie: 94
Denis Villeneuve’s continuation of the Dune saga in "Dune: Part Two" solidifies his status as a maestro of grand, epic filmmaking. Picking up seamlessly from where the first film left off, this installment plunges viewers back into the heart of the desert planet Arrakis as House Atreides is decimated by the sinister House Harkonnen, leaving Paul Atreides and his mother, Lady Jessica, to navigate survival amongst the Fremen. The film continues to build upon the rich, complex world established in the first chapter, delving deeper into the dense lore and character arcs with an apparent disregard for conventional pacing. This unbridled approach results in an experience that feels even more ferocious and expansive as it examines themes of destiny, power, and cultural conflict.
One of Villeneuve's most commendable achievements is his ability to translate Frank Herbert's dense and intricate source material into a coherent and thrilling cinematic experience. The film masterfully balances character development with large-scale action sequences, creating a visually and narratively mesmerizing epic. Technical aspects shine brilliantly; Hans Zimmer’s score underpins every scene with an almost existential gravity, while Greig Fraser’s cinematography captures the sublime vastness of the desert landscapes and intense intimacy of personal struggles. The new additions to the cast, including Austin Butler as the unhinged Feyd-Rautha and Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, blend seamlessly with returning actors, bringing depth and dynamism to the already rich tapestry of characters.
Despite its strengths, the film is not without minor pacing issues. While "Part One" was methodical and deliberate, "Part Two" accelerates at moments where it might have benefited from a more measured approach. However, these are minor grievances in an otherwise monumental piece of work. Villeneuve’s adaptation remains faithful to the spirit of Herbert’s novel while making it accessible and engaging for both fans of the book and newcomers alike, setting a high bar for epic sci-fi cinema. With a potential third film hinted at, "Dune: Part Two" promises an enthralling future for this iconic franchise.
Total: 95
Denis Villeneuve's "Dune: Part Two" triumphantly continues the epic saga with a masterful blend of breathtaking visuals, compelling performances, and an enthralling narrative. This nearly three-hour film maintains a captivating pace, ensuring viewers remain engrossed from start to finish. Boasting a native 4K picture and Dolby Vision, the imagery is nothing short of spectacular, capturing every intricate detail of the desert world of Arrakis. The Dolby Atmos audio track enhances the immersive experience, offering pristine sound quality that elevates the film’s numerous action sequences and atmospheric moments.
The Blu-ray release from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is exemplary, aside from the notable absence of an IMAX Enhanced format, which some fans might find disappointing given its cinematic roots. The disc itself is a technical marvel, with top-tier video and audio presentations that truly showcase what 4K UHD can achieve. The additional content is valuable, providing behind-the-scenes insights and enriching the overall viewing experience. However, a bit more depth and the inclusion of a dedicated extras disc could have made this release even more exceptional.
In conclusion, "Dune: Part Two" stands as a monumental achievement in sci-fi cinema, earning its place among the genre's finest classics. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release solidifies its status as a must-have for enthusiasts, despite minor grievances regarding formatting and bonus content. This edition not only does justice to Villeneuve’s vision but also sets a new standard for home entertainment releases. Undoubtedly, "Dune: Part Two" is one of the greatest films of 2024, offering an unmissable experience for both cinephiles and casual viewers alike.
avforums review by Casimir HarlowRead review here
Video: 100
Shot entirely with IMAX-certified digital cameras - Arri Alexa 65 and LF model - it featured an IMAX exclusive Expanded Aspect Ratio (EAR) of 1.90:1 throughout the entire film for IMAX theatrical presentations,...
Audio: 100
one of the best 4K discs of 2024 Thrumming with sand-thumping LFE intensity, sandworms rumbling to the surface, threatening to split your floor in two, or impossibly giant machines growling across the...
Extras: 80
EDIT - it should be noted that there are a few digital exclusive extras reportedly available to download with purchase of the US 4K release, which didn't make it to UK shores, so the score has been notched...
Movie: 100
If there's going to be one thing that gives viewers pause, and that puts an unexpected twist on the conversation come the end of an otherwise immensely satisfying, exhilarating and exhausting journey,...
Total: 100
one of the greatest films of 2024 Warner's 4K Ultra HD release of Dune: Part Two is - beyond the frustrating commercial decision not to include the "IMAX Enhanced" formatting - also comfortably at the...
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 100
The opening lines of the film with the Spice Navigators speaking (at least I assume it’s the navigators) lets you know that this is NOT going to be a timid track at all, and by goodness it most certainly...
Audio: 100
One of the main ways that he is able to get that across to the viewer is by changing a few characters rather dramatically, the first and foremost being Chani (Zendaya)....
Extras: 60
• Chakobsa Training • Creating the Fremen World • Finding the Worlds of Dune • Buzz Around the New "Thopter" • Worm-Riding • Becoming Feyd • A New Set of Threads • Deeper into the Desert: The Sounds of...
Movie: 90
But the longer and longer he stretches out his fate, the more and more certain it is that he will soon have to fulfill it, thus unleashing a horrific Jihad upon the entire galaxy in order for him to save...
Total: 90
It’s filled with fantastic acting, great visuals, amazing action, and the only thing I have to whine about is that Warner is STILL not releasing their new release films in Combo packs....
Blu-ray.com review by Randy Miller IIIRead review here
Video: 90
Fine detail, textures, and colors are all nicely rendered, with the HDR10 encoding providing plenty of crucial support for some of Dune's deeper hues, such as the strong orange tones that dominate early...
Audio: 100
Dialogue and front-channel effects are as crisp and potent as expected, with regular use of surrounds to convey group conversations, spacious interiors, and of course occasional action scenes, which likewise...
Extras: 50
Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes - This set of short featurettes covers several aspects of the adaptation and production process, pairing finished clips with early test footage, interviews, and candid on-set...
Movie: 80
Peppered with a number of unforgettable moments, revelations, and gripping larger-than-life battle sequences -- some of which see our heroes absolutely dwarfed by the opposition, such as the encounter...
Total: 80
It's still a solid release in every department save for the extras (which could've been more in-depth and ideally moved to their own disc), though I'd consider the Steelbook combo pack the best available...
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
As was the case with the previous film, the footage was then scanned out to 35 mm dupe stock, and that film was itself scanned back to digital in native 4K—it’s those new digital files that were then used...
Audio: 100
Audio standouts include Paul’s worm-riding test (in which the “grandfather” worm almost sounds like a jet engine as it plunges into the dune beneath him), Feyd’s arena fight on Geidi Prime, the Fremen...
Extras: 75
It amount to about 64 minutes’ worth of material, which examines the creation of the Fremen language, the film’s production design, its location filming (in Jordan, Italy, Abu Dubai, and Namibia), the...
Movie: 100
In the wake of the Harkonnen slaughter of House Atredies, a betrayal orchestrated by the Emperor Shaddam IV himself (Christopher Walken), the Bene Gesserit-trained Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) struggles...
Total: 93
The two-part film experience is an instant classic of the genre and—quite honestly—one of the greatest experiences you can have in a movie theatre....
DoBlu review by Matt PaprockiRead review here
Video: 100
Dune: Part Two doesn’t pop with vividness or saturation and is unlikely to stand up as reference for more casual viewers (those impressed by Best Buy displays set to vivid), but for the enthusiast, this...
Audio: 100
Extras: 60
Eight featurettes reach around an hour total of runtime, covering topics like sound, choreography, and more....
Movie: 86
The varying cultures, the disparity of wealth, and the visual kinetics makes this world feel authentic, and watching these clashes between desperate heroes and the monoliths that are the enemies happens...
Total: 87
A story of religion, war, and inequality, Dune: Part Two continues the overwhelming spectacle with dazzling results....
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 100
Inside Harkonnen ships and base, black levels are inky with some neon lighting and silver cool shades of color, which is a stark opposition to the warm sands of the Fremen people....
Audio: 100
The worm ride sequence packs tons of wind, dust, yells, and other noises that create a fully immersive world that rumbles the walls....
Extras: 60
- The cast and crew talk about creating the practical sets and design of each interior and exterior location, which showcases a ton of work and intricate details....
Movie: 80
As the film picks up right where the first movie left off, it's quickly apparent that a bigger threat is on its way as Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) learns the ways of the deep desert and the Fremen...
Total: 100
The bonus features are well-produced, and offer a ton of information, behind-the-scenes, and fun bits on the making of the film....
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 100
As with the first film, Director Denis Villeneuve and cinematographer Greig Fraser (Lion, Rogue One, The Mandalorian) shot Dune: Part Two in a rather unorthodox way to achieve a very particular look by...
Audio: 100
This is one of the most immersive tracks I have ever heard, with sounds all around you, and LFE that will permeate your body....
Extras: 60
Digital Copy: A Movies Anywhere code is included to redeem a 4K digital copy of the film, plus access to the following additional special features: Spice Harvester Attack; Gurney Halleck’s Revenge; Fight...
Movie: 90
Meanwhile, the Harkonnen, led by Beast Rabban (Dave Bautista), have waged all-out war against the Fremen in an effort to control the production of spice on the planet....
Total: 80
Dune: Part Two brings more of Frank Herbert’s dense novel to the screen in a way like never before....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 96
The explosions, weapon fire and bursts of flames stand out in stark contrast to the gradational blacks, grays and sepia, that make up the film’s world....
Audio: 100
This is done to very good effect and creates a tangible level of immersion that coincides with the onscreen in an involving and sometime visceral fashion....
Extras: 70
• Chakobsa Training • Creating the Fremen World • Finding the Worlds of Dune • Buzz Around the New “Thopter” • Worm-Riding • Becoming Feyd • A New Set of Threads • Deeper into the Desert: The Sounds of...
Movie: 80
Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee....
Total: 87
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 100
Depth: Depth of field is given a great look in every scene with focus going in and out tastefully as needed while things look sharp and full of intention in longer shots or closeups....
Audio: 100
Height channels, bass and surrounds all play nicely together with dialogue loud and clear in the center and other speakers when needed too!...
Extras: 60
An Ensemble for the Ages Chakobsa Training Creating the Fremen World Finding the Worlds of Dune Buzz Around the New “Thopter” Worm-Riding Becoming Feyd A New Set of Threads Deeper into the Desert: The...
Movie: 100
Of course, Chani and some of her friends don’t believe in the spirituality of their elders, and Chani is more interested in Paul romantically after they begin to get to know each other....
Total: 100
I can say with some confidence that this will no doubt be one people take out to show off their home theaters, and with good reason....
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson
PlotIn the vast, arid expanse of Arrakis, a planet pivotal for its exclusive resource, spice, which grants superhuman abilities and is crucial for space navigation, the story continues the epic saga. Following the events that led to his family's downfall, the young Paul Atreides finds himself amidst the native Fremen, the desert dwellers of Arrakis. Struggling with his new life in the unforgiving desert, Paul is haunted by visions of a future that could shake the very foundations of the universe. As he adapts to the ways of the Fremen, he grows closer to Chani, a young warrior who becomes his guide and confidant. Together, they embark on a journey that tests their strength and will, as Paul grapples with his destiny and the immense powers he possesses.
Meanwhile, the galaxy is on the brink of war. The fall of House Atreides has created a power vacuum that various factions aim to exploit. Amidst political maneuvering and looming conflict, Paul's mother, Lady Jessica, navigates the treacherous waters of Arrakis politics, striving to secure her son's place among the Fremen and fulfill the prophecies that surround him. As alliances shift and enemies emerge from the shadows, Paul must confront the reality of his path and the role he might play in the fate of Arrakis. The struggle for control of the spice, and with it the power to rule the stars, sets the stage for a showdown that will determine the future of the galaxy.
Writers: Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, Frank Herbert
Release Date: 01 Mar 2024
Runtime: 166 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Jordan, Gambia
Language: English