Jodorowsky's Dune Blu-ray Review

"Jodorowsky's Dune" is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, reflecting midrange documentary standards. The transfer captures the essence of the HD video source, displaying some imperfections yet remaining more than adequate for its purpose. The image maintains serviceable clarity but does not consistently reach the meticulous detail typically available with top-tier digital presentations. While clothing and facial features lack striking sharpness, the high-definition rendering of the intricate drawings and animations is commendable. Color fidelity remains stable, capable of showcasing nuanced hues, especially in detailed images and static interview frames, despite occasional aliasing and minor compression issues, particularly noticeable in certain interview segments.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer showcases a straightforward, talking-head documentary style, with bright and crisp visuals marked by well-saturated colors and acceptable contrast levels. High-resolution close-ups of artwork are a highlight, offering detailed views that are well-represented. Some technical drawbacks include minor color banding and rougher quality for video clips from other movies, especially some appearing in standard definition even when superior versions exist. Clips from David Lynch's "Dune" notably appear significantly inferior to their Blu-ray counterparts from Universal Studios, likely due to licensing constraints. Despite these issues, Sony's transfer manages to deliver a competent presentation that effectively serves the documentary's narrative and visual style.

The audio presentation of "Jodorowsky's Dune" Blu-ray, as captured in the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, is well-executed, although its performance is inherently restrained by the documentary genre. Dialogue clarity is exemplary, crucially so given the frequent switches between English and Spanish by Jodorowsky, who is subtitled due to his thick accent. This clarity ensures that verbal accuracy and detail are impeccably maintained, delivering an engaging auditory experience. Music throughout the film, notably the electronic score, is crisp and resonates well across the front channels, accompanied by subtle surround activity and mild but effective bass.

The Blu-ray handles its frequently active track with relative ease, showcasing a variety of styles, including era-specific electronic notes and sound effects that pulsate crisply. Some sections deliberately feature hissy and muddled tunes, which integrate seamlessly with the film’s aesthetic. Additionally, the scattered science fiction sound effects harmonize with the static images presented throughout. Despite its primary focus on dialogue, the soundtrack offers dynamic and spacious musical passages, providing a well-rounded and immersive audio experience.

In summary, while the audio track might appear understated, it suits the documentary format effectively. It delivers clear, detailed dialogue and dynamic music that enhance the storytelling, without imposing heavily on the viewer's experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Jodorowsky's Dune" offer a comprehensive exploration of the unmade film, containing significant additional content that enriches the documentary. Notable features include 47 minutes of deleted scenes, providing deeper insights into Jodorowsky's unique vision and thought processes. Key segments encompass a wide array of topics from the initial acquisition of the movie rights to Jodorowsky's philosophical musings on filmmaking and the state of Hollywood. The inclusion of a reunion between Jodorowsky and his producer Michel Seydoux adds a personal touch, although it was understandably left out of the main film. English subtitles are necessary for non-English segments; however, they must be manually activated. The disc also features an intriguing 30-second storyboard animatic sequence that teases more of Jodorowsky's eccentric creative ideas. Additionally, the theatrical trailer offers glimpses of unused footage.

Extras included in this disc:

Deleted Scenes: A collection of segments amounting to 47 minutes of illuminating and unused interview content.

Theatrical Trailer: A 2-minute preview showcasing additional unseen footage.

Previews: Additional Sony titles presented in HD.

Alejandro Jodorowsky's aborted attempt to adapt Frank Herbert's "Dune" into an epic film stands as a monumental tale of ambition thwarted by practicality. Frank Pavich's documentary masterfully delves into the grandeur and absurdity of this unrealized dream, presenting what might have been the most audacious sci-fi film ever conceived. Jodorowsky, known for his surreal films like "El Topo" and "The Holy Mountain," assembled a formidable team including H.R. Giger, Jean 'Moebius' Giraud, and music by Pink Floyd. The cast was set to feature icons such as Orson Welles, Mick Jagger, and Salvador Dalí. Despite the detailed storyboards and concept art, the project collapsed due to budgetary and logistic challenges, leaving only a visionary blueprint behind.

Pavich's film is less about the "Dune" that never was and more a celebration of Jodorowsky's creative will. Through interviews and rich visuals, viewers get an inside look at the effervescent passion Jodorowsky had for transforming Herbert's novel into a medium-altering cinematic experience. Jodorowsky's vision required a colossal narrative, expecting the film to run between 12 to 20 hours—a testament to his unrestrained imagination. Though ultimately deemed impractical and unreleasable in Hollywood terms, the documentary illustrates how Jodorowsky's concepts and team influenced future sci-fi landmarks, including "Alien" and "Prometheus."

Exploring the feverish effort put into pre-production, the documentary features interviews with key collaborators and showcases mesmerizing production designs, offering insight into what could have been a psychedelic masterpiece. Jodorowsky sought to create cinema so immersive it would alter viewers' consciousnesses, but the disconnect between his visionary art and studio pragmatism proved insurmountable. The documentary melds reverence and a hint of sad irony, portraying Jodorowsky as both an eccentric genius and a tragic hero of cinema. It’s an engaging homage to a project that touched on greatness but remained tantalizingly just beyond reach.

Jodorowsky's Dune is not merely a documentary; it's a testament to the boundless creativity and unyielding passion of one of cinema's most enigmatic directors, Alejandro Jodorowsky. The film delves into Jodorowsky's unfulfilled dream of adapting Frank Herbert's epic science fiction novel, 'Dune,' offering a glimpse into an audacious project that could have redefined the genre. Through detailed interviews and elaborate concept art, the documentary captures Jodorowsky's infectious enthusiasm and relentless vision, making it a captivating exploration for cinephiles.

The A/V quality of the Blu-ray release is exemplary. High-definition imagery highlights the intricate details of the concept art and storyboards, bringing them to life with remarkable clarity and definition. Historical footage is presented with a pleasing grain structure, stable blacks, and strong contrast, showcasing Sony's adept touch in encoding HD content. While the lossless audio track may not be groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well by delivering clear dialogue and atmospheric musical scores, maintaining a dynamic and spacious audio environment.

In conclusion, Jodorowsky's Dune presents an engaging look at what could have been a cinematic masterpiece. Its profound reflection on the power of filmmaking leaves viewers with a sense of inspiration and nostalgia. Although the supplementary features are limited to deleted scenes, the documentary itself stands as a compelling narrative that requires no additional context. This Blu-ray edition comes highly recommended for its adept presentation and the fascinating story it tells, making it a must-have for any serious film enthusiast’s collection.