After various delays because of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Dune: Part Two has finally been released. There were multiple premieres, and we were lucky enough to attend the NY Premiere here in New York City over the past week full of cast and fans everywhere. We got to see it in the Rose Theater utilizing Dolby Atmos. Director Denis Villeneuve came out to thank everyone before the start of the film.
Dune: Part Two is the direct sequel of Dune: Part One and takes place right after its predecessor ends. It was always set up to be a two-part movie.
Premise
At the end of Part One we had Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) battle Jamis, a Fremen warrior who he defeats, and we see them carrying his body to Sietch Tabr located on Arrakis. This is where Part Two picks up with them encountering Harkonnen troops along the way. The Fremen are divided about whether Paul and Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) are allies or spies. Also, if Paul is the prophet, they been so believing in. Amid this their Reverend Mother is dying, and Jessica becomes her replacement.
Even with this going on Paul advises he doesn’t want to lead but studies the ways of the Fremen and Chani (Zendaya) is hesitant at first but starts to grow fond of him. Paul learns the desert, how to ride sandworms, helps on some missions to take down some Harkonnen spice harvesters and even gets reconnected to his mentor Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin).
On the other side we have a power shift going as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgard) still recovering from the near death he experienced in Part One and having his nephew Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista) take the reins on spice production on Arrakis. Not being able to get it handled from all the Fremen raids, control is passed over to his brother Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler) who Princess Irulan Corrino (Florence Pugh) describes simply as psychotic.
Eventually both sides meet up and there is a sequence of battles in this film like no other. Issues are resolved, hearts are broken, and new questions arise. Dune: Part Two has great pacing giving you a good amount of action while also giving you some backstory on old characters while introducing new ones.
Dolby Experience
So, I ended up watching this movie two times. The first was the NY Premiere at the Rose Theater which was just Dolby Atmos. The second time was in Dolby Cinema which utilized both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. I have to say Dune: Part Two might be one of the best experiences I ever had at Dolby Cinema. Originally, I held that to Blade Runner 2049 which funny enough is directed by Denis Villeneuve as well.
The level of detail makes you feel like you are right in the desert, especially on those extremely hot days with the sun beaming. Characters like Feyd-Rautha in the gladiator-esque scene which is mostly black and white still manage to pop with deep blacks. Seeing those massive sandworms emerge from the sands is incredible. Speaking of those sandworm scenes, they had the seats rumbling. It gave the feeling as if you were the Fremen riding upon one yourself. Swordplay and punches were hard hitting as well as numerous explosions.
Verdict
Dune: Part Two needs to be experienced in theaters and if you can do so in Dolby Cinema. The Dolby Atmos coming from all around you will have immersed easily alone. It’s one of those films that is worth seeing in a large format, especially if you appreciate film. There is action, a love story, family drama, politics, you name it. I may just have to see it again for a third time.
