I FINALLY saw Dune, and I watched the THEATRICAL CUT as it is the only cut that Lynch allows his name to be used for.  I REALLY would like to see the aired San Fransico cut that shows everything from the theatrical, AND the extended stuff....but that is neither here nor there.

 My impression of Dune is that it is a brilliant EPIC film, that is been edited to death.

It is still really good, but it would be SO GREAT if it was longer.  When watching it, it is SO obvious that much is missing.

 I finally got a hold of the shooting script, and I wanted to do a fun project.  My plan is to get every copy of Dune and ever extra scene that has ever been put out on DVD, VHS, Lazerdisk, and otherwise.....

I want to put all the available scenes in the exact order than Lynch had it in the script, so I can get an idea of what it would have looked like if Lynch would have been able to edit it as he saw fit.  Also, it is worth mentioning that Frank Hebert approved the shooting script as a definative adaption of his novel. 

Well, I wondered if there was anyone here who could guide me in the right direction.  I thought there may be some groups or sites I could visit in order to get as much footage as possible.  I already have the theatrical and extended cut...now I need other things that are harder to find.

Does anyone know of a complete list of every version, and every extra scene to ever be put out?

THis will be a fun project, and I would appreciate any advice.

Try www.dunenovels.com and its accompanying message board.  I don't personally know about all the scripts, but I'm glad to read that there is at least one person here who liked Dune besides me.  I agree with the fact that the original script would have been a lot better, as the novels are so in depth, so should the film have been.  I waited for years for that definitive "director's cut" that never came, and I feel sorry for David, because I personally thought he did a good job, but they did definitely cut too much.

Have you read the books, or is it all about the film?

Keep your eye on the doughnut, not on the hole -- DL

The other thing is I once asked David about whether or not he would revisit 'Dune' to make it what he wanted it to be, and he said very emphatically not. He said knowing he would not have final cut, he made compromises in what and how he shot from the very first day. He said the only good thing about 'Dune' was that by making it, he got to make "Blue Velvet" any way he wanted to.

We screened 'Dune' once on a Friday night at the studio (Friday night wine and cheese screenings happened every now and then), as Dave had just gotten a brand new print of it for his archive. In introducing the film, he said, "Well, I think you all know that I don't like this film very much, but I hope you enjoy it". I did, and to see that film in a perfect theatre that only seated fourteen, with a brand new print, was amazing. I actually like the film, and think David did a helluva job with it, considering that it easily could have been three movies.

One last note, as to outtakes and deleted scenes. When we did the remix of "Blue Velvet", David called for all the work print to see what existed, looking for a particular scene. Remember that DeLaurentiis had gone bankrupt, the property had been stored by a Receiver, and then the films were bought by other companies. Over half of the film and mag elements listed on the "Blue Velvet" manifest were not to be found, even though a warehouse location was spelled out. I believe the same fate awaits for any search for 'Dune' elements. Interim owners and managers just apparently tossed things out without recording it.

Keep your eye on the doughnut, not on the hole -- DL

Thanks for the replies.

I am starting to read the book, but I admit this is more about the film. 

Lynch over Hebert any day!

There are many fan cuts of this movie, with all this extra footage, but that doesn't mean it is according to Lynch's script.  I want something that doesn't adhear to a fan's point of view, but is simply following the script as close as possible.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I will follow it!

Any other ideas?

i'm sure you're aware, but the most recent Universal dvd release contains both the Lynch version of the film and the Alan Smithee version. 

also try http://www.dreamersofdune.com/

I haven't been by their forums in a while, but it is a great DUne resource for books & movies & all things DUNE