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- Dune – Sleeper Cut
Dune – Sleeper Cut
New
Updated
Subtitles Available:
Yes
Available in:
- 4K
- Surround Sound
Additional Links:
Faneditor Name:
Arcturus 
Fanedit Type:
Fanmix
Original Movie/Show:
Dune (1984)
Genre:
- Adventure
- Science Fiction
Original Release Date:
1984
Original Running Time:
136 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
May 2024
Fanedit Running Time:
151 minutes
Synopsis:
The Sleeper Cut is an attempt to coalesce the strongest parts of the Theatrical Version and the made-for-TV Extended Edition into a cut of the film that emphasizes its dreamlike quality—in my opinion, the film's greatest strength, and a hallmark of David Lynch's work. In this cut, the sleeper stays dreaming.
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
Video: H.265/HEVC
Bit rate: 50 Mbps
Color space: BT.709 (SDR)
Audio 1: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Audio 2: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Audio 3: 2.0 AAC
English subtitles are included in the video container and as a separate SRT file.
Bit rate: 50 Mbps
Color space: BT.709 (SDR)
Audio 1: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Audio 2: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Audio 3: 2.0 AAC
English subtitles are included in the video container and as a separate SRT file.
Editing Details:
This was my first attempt at a project of this kind. My approach was fairly straightforward and relied primarily on scene selection with occasional trimming, splicing, and reordering as needed. I used the Theatrical Version as the baseline due to its higher source quality, and incorporated shots and scenes from the Extended Edition wherever I felt they were appropriate. Quite a bit of footage from the Extended Edition made its way into this cut, but some of it was excluded for pacing and other reasons noted below.
I tried to emphasize the film's dreamlike quality whenever possible, and used this to guide shot/scene selection and other editing tasks. This meant keeping most of the characters' internal dialogue, as well as preferring the Extended Edition's audio track over the Theatrical Version's.
Although some people dislike the internal dialogue—and yes, it often states the obvious—to me it's an important part of the film's identity. In any other film, I'd probably agree with cutting it, but not here. I also think it's used somewhat sparingly.
The music is even more important to the film's identity, and I've always been disappointed that the Theatrical Version has so many scenes without it. Those scenes feel empty, like something's missing. Therefore, I used the Extended Edition's audio track in scenes where I felt that emptiness. Some people might find the music overbearing, but I think it's a perfect fit—especially this film's score, being as incredible as it is. Note that there are some scenes where the Theatrical Version's audio track is either the same or even preferable to the Extended Edition.
Keep in mind this edit can only go so far. It doesn't fix all of the pacing issues in the second half, or the copious exposition dumps, or the confusion that those unfamiliar with Dune tend to experience. The Sleeper Cut is for fans of the movie who aren't completely satisfied with their current options, and who want a better version of something they already enjoy.
I tried to emphasize the film's dreamlike quality whenever possible, and used this to guide shot/scene selection and other editing tasks. This meant keeping most of the characters' internal dialogue, as well as preferring the Extended Edition's audio track over the Theatrical Version's.
Although some people dislike the internal dialogue—and yes, it often states the obvious—to me it's an important part of the film's identity. In any other film, I'd probably agree with cutting it, but not here. I also think it's used somewhat sparingly.
The music is even more important to the film's identity, and I've always been disappointed that the Theatrical Version has so many scenes without it. Those scenes feel empty, like something's missing. Therefore, I used the Extended Edition's audio track in scenes where I felt that emptiness. Some people might find the music overbearing, but I think it's a perfect fit—especially this film's score, being as incredible as it is. Note that there are some scenes where the Theatrical Version's audio track is either the same or even preferable to the Extended Edition.
Keep in mind this edit can only go so far. It doesn't fix all of the pacing issues in the second half, or the copious exposition dumps, or the confusion that those unfamiliar with Dune tend to experience. The Sleeper Cut is for fans of the movie who aren't completely satisfied with their current options, and who want a better version of something they already enjoy.
Cuts & Additions:
(For the rationale behind each change listed here, see the "Sleeper Cut details.nfo" file included in the distribution.)
-------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL AND EFFECTS CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Cropped out the letterboxing.
* Applied AI upscaling to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Applied color grading to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Cleaned up dirt and other film-related blemishes in certain scenes.
* Added the blue-within-blue eyes of Ibad to certain characters in scenes where they were missing.
* Removed the blue-eyes effect from Paul in a shot after his fight with Jamis.
* Scaled the shots of the planets on Paul's computer so they don't appear stretched.
* Adjusted the opening shot of Yueh's medical lab so that the Harkonnen "corpse" in the background no longer moves his head.
-------------------------------------------
EDITING AND CONTENT CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Excluded Princess Irulan intro from the Theatrical Version.
* Included Theatrical Version title screen and opening credits set to Extended Edition title theme.
* Excluded the Theatrical Version's brief explanation of the Great Houses in favor of the Extended Edition's prologue.
* Excluded the first half of the prologue from the Extended Edition, which mentions the events of the Butlerian Jihad, the Bene Gesserit, and the Spacing Guild. The prologue now begins with, "Know, then, that it is the year 10192."
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that explain CHOAM Company and its partnership with the Bene Gesserit and Spacing Guild. The narrator now mentions the spice for the first time and then directly explains that it only exists on Arrakis.
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that repeat who the Harkonnens and Atreides are and where they're from. Now, after the Baron's directorship is explained, the narrator explains the conspiracy to destroy the Atreides. The rest of the prologue remains as is.
* Excluded the shots of the Harkonnen cruiser landing on Arrakis at the end of the prologue (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the Emperor telling himself that the incoming navigator senses his plan, and then ordering his guards away (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Reverend Mother Mohiam and the Emperor speaking more about the navigator (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Emperor asking if there's a problem, and the navigator responding (Extended Edition).
* Included the navigator's voiceover from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the Emperor's mention of the Duke's secret army and their using a weapon based on sound.
* Included the navigator's mention of the spice and its effects on extending life (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene where Mohiam reports her findings (or lack thereof) to the Emperor after the navigator's visit, then the Emperor commands his guards to have her watched (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the end of the aforementioned scene where the Emperor repeats the question to himself of why the navigator is interested in Paul (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of Mohiam's shuttle ride to Caladan (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the cacti in Paul's research (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots introducing Gurney Halleck, Dr. Yueh, and Thufir Hawatt (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Dr. Yueh explains the uselessness of shields against the harsh winds of Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the training session where Gurney comments on Paul's style being the result of his mother's influence (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Extended Edition narration introducing Duncan Idaho.
* Included the establishing shots of Castle Caladan and the sea below (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Duke Leto expresses to Paul his desire to see their new home on Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Mohiam speaking more about the former giving birth to a son, against the Bene Gesserit's orders (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Jessica reminding Paul he's a duke's son (Extended Edition).
* Moved the scene of the Duke writing the letter to Baron Harkonnen after Paul's ordeal with the box, as it is in the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Mohiam explaining more about the Gom Jabbar being a poison (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots in which Mohiam explains to Paul more about the Bene Gesserit prophecy and the Kwisatz Haderach (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Paul on the verge of tears after Mohiam intimates Leto's fate, as well as the shot of her saying that the voice could save Paul.
* Included the scene of Leto writing a reply to the Baron's message, and the accompanying voiceover narration (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto's message in Piter's transport.
* Included the shots from the Theatrical Version showing the Baron's facial boils being treated, Rabban drinking his bug juice, and the Baron ogling and then killing a slave boy.
* Included the scene of Leto and Jessica in bed, discussing their apprehensions and conceiving a new child.
* Excluded the interior establishing shot from the aforementioned scene (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene introducing the Fremen and their belief in the Kwisatz Haderach.
* Included the shot of Leto receiving the Fremen's warning.
* Used the order for all of the following scenes up until the Duke's betrayal from the Extended Edition:
1) The Shield Wall goes up.
2) Jessica learns Dr. Yueh is hiding something about his wife.
3) Dr. Yueh receives his message.
4) Paul is attacked by the hunter-seeker.
5) Leto meets with his men regarding the Harkonnen presence.
6) Kynes takes Leto and the others on an inspection of the spice-mining operation.
7) Kynes and the Atreides form an alliance based on a water bond.
* Excluded the shots of Dr. Yueh extracting and then reading his secret message (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul walking down the corridor into his room, and the voiceover narration explaining the carryalls and harvesters while Paul is in his room (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Leto radioing Thufir for an update on his search, and expressing concern about the traitor (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir tendering his resignation and Leto rebuking him (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir saying he is against Leto taking Kyne's tour of the spice-mining operation, as well as Gurney's speech (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene where the Shadout Mapes prostrates herself in front of Jessica, and speaks of prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot in the Theatrical Version in which the Atreides techs hear a faint Harkonnen signal.
* Excluded the shot where Kynes explains more about wormsign before Leto actually spots it.
* Included the scene where Kynes agrees to ally himself to the Atreides.
* Excluded the scene where Leto speaks alone with Paul about what should happen were he to die, only to be called away due to incoming ships (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the voiceover narration explaining the ducal signet ring at the beginning of the aforementioned scene.
* Used the invasion sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the scene from the Extended Edition where Feyd taunts Dr. Yueh, instead including the scene from the Theatrical Version showing Dr. Yueh suffering alone.
* Excluded the shots of the Baron looming over Paul, talking about his training (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Dr. Yueh being led into the chamber where the Baron waits for him (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the guards taking Dr. Yueh's corpse away, and Piter asking where Paul and Jessica are (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto being brought to the Baron (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Baron talking about Leto's missing insignia (Extended Edition).
* Replaced the wide shot of Jessica reacting to Leto's death with a closeup of Paul.
* Replaced the Guild navigator's voice in Paul's vision with that of the initial voice from the Extended Edition.
* Included the shots of Paul planting the thumper in the sand (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded a few shots of Paul and Jessica running from the worm, particularly the rear-projection shot (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the rear-projection shot of Paul falling.
* Included the scene where Paul fights Jamis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the old Reverend Mother Ramallo repeating her prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene of Jamis' funeral and water reclamation.
* Excluded the scene of Chani and the Fremen mourning the loss of Liet Kynes (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Giedi Prime establishing shots from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Paul approaching the Fremen, and the extended dialogue of Stilgar explaining to Paul how to ride the worm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the workers fleeing the harvester as the Fremen attack (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the extended shots of the Fremen conducting a raid on the Harkonnens/smugglers in the desert (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of the juvenile worm being drowned to produce the Water of Life (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Alia, and of Mohiam, writhing in pain after Paul takes the Water of Life (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the narration and the extra shots announcing the Emperor's visit to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the narration and extra shots of the Baron traveling to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul, Stilgar, and Gurney entering the base of operations (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of the Emperor speaking about the Fremen's fighting abilities and introducing his hostage (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot of Paul looking up and seeing the storm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul and his allies wearing/taking off their radiation suits (Extended Edition).
* Excluded some of the extra shots in the Extended Edition showing the Sardaukar and the Fremen charging into battle.
* Used the battle sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the shots in between the fighting of Alia telling the Baron to wait for Paul, and some surrounding shots to make the cut smoother (Theatrical Version).
* Replaced the shot of Alia scooting out of frame after the wall explodes with the shot of her stumbling and attempting to get up (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the shot of the Sardaukar retreating as the battle comes to an end (Extended Edition).
* Placed the establishing shot of Arrakeen at the beginning of the scene where Paul makes his entrance, like in the Extended Edition, rather than in the middle, like in the Theatrical Version.
* Included the deleted scene where Thufir gives his life for Paul.
* Excluded the narration of the lines "Where there was war, Muad'Dib would now bring peace. Where there was hatred, Muad'Dib would bring love."
* Recut the ending so Paul no longer makes it rain on Arrakis. After saying, "One cannot go against the word of God," the track "Final Dream" swells and we get several reaction shots. Then, we get the shot of Paul's eyes and his vision of an ocean, followed by Alia proclaiming that he is the Kwisatz Haderach. The final shot is of Paul looking ahead, entranced, as those around him react to something.
-------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL AND EFFECTS CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Cropped out the letterboxing.
* Applied AI upscaling to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Applied color grading to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Cleaned up dirt and other film-related blemishes in certain scenes.
* Added the blue-within-blue eyes of Ibad to certain characters in scenes where they were missing.
* Removed the blue-eyes effect from Paul in a shot after his fight with Jamis.
* Scaled the shots of the planets on Paul's computer so they don't appear stretched.
* Adjusted the opening shot of Yueh's medical lab so that the Harkonnen "corpse" in the background no longer moves his head.
-------------------------------------------
EDITING AND CONTENT CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Excluded Princess Irulan intro from the Theatrical Version.
* Included Theatrical Version title screen and opening credits set to Extended Edition title theme.
* Excluded the Theatrical Version's brief explanation of the Great Houses in favor of the Extended Edition's prologue.
* Excluded the first half of the prologue from the Extended Edition, which mentions the events of the Butlerian Jihad, the Bene Gesserit, and the Spacing Guild. The prologue now begins with, "Know, then, that it is the year 10192."
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that explain CHOAM Company and its partnership with the Bene Gesserit and Spacing Guild. The narrator now mentions the spice for the first time and then directly explains that it only exists on Arrakis.
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that repeat who the Harkonnens and Atreides are and where they're from. Now, after the Baron's directorship is explained, the narrator explains the conspiracy to destroy the Atreides. The rest of the prologue remains as is.
* Excluded the shots of the Harkonnen cruiser landing on Arrakis at the end of the prologue (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the Emperor telling himself that the incoming navigator senses his plan, and then ordering his guards away (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Reverend Mother Mohiam and the Emperor speaking more about the navigator (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Emperor asking if there's a problem, and the navigator responding (Extended Edition).
* Included the navigator's voiceover from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the Emperor's mention of the Duke's secret army and their using a weapon based on sound.
* Included the navigator's mention of the spice and its effects on extending life (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene where Mohiam reports her findings (or lack thereof) to the Emperor after the navigator's visit, then the Emperor commands his guards to have her watched (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the end of the aforementioned scene where the Emperor repeats the question to himself of why the navigator is interested in Paul (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of Mohiam's shuttle ride to Caladan (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the cacti in Paul's research (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots introducing Gurney Halleck, Dr. Yueh, and Thufir Hawatt (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Dr. Yueh explains the uselessness of shields against the harsh winds of Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the training session where Gurney comments on Paul's style being the result of his mother's influence (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Extended Edition narration introducing Duncan Idaho.
* Included the establishing shots of Castle Caladan and the sea below (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Duke Leto expresses to Paul his desire to see their new home on Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Mohiam speaking more about the former giving birth to a son, against the Bene Gesserit's orders (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Jessica reminding Paul he's a duke's son (Extended Edition).
* Moved the scene of the Duke writing the letter to Baron Harkonnen after Paul's ordeal with the box, as it is in the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Mohiam explaining more about the Gom Jabbar being a poison (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots in which Mohiam explains to Paul more about the Bene Gesserit prophecy and the Kwisatz Haderach (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Paul on the verge of tears after Mohiam intimates Leto's fate, as well as the shot of her saying that the voice could save Paul.
* Included the scene of Leto writing a reply to the Baron's message, and the accompanying voiceover narration (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto's message in Piter's transport.
* Included the shots from the Theatrical Version showing the Baron's facial boils being treated, Rabban drinking his bug juice, and the Baron ogling and then killing a slave boy.
* Included the scene of Leto and Jessica in bed, discussing their apprehensions and conceiving a new child.
* Excluded the interior establishing shot from the aforementioned scene (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene introducing the Fremen and their belief in the Kwisatz Haderach.
* Included the shot of Leto receiving the Fremen's warning.
* Used the order for all of the following scenes up until the Duke's betrayal from the Extended Edition:
1) The Shield Wall goes up.
2) Jessica learns Dr. Yueh is hiding something about his wife.
3) Dr. Yueh receives his message.
4) Paul is attacked by the hunter-seeker.
5) Leto meets with his men regarding the Harkonnen presence.
6) Kynes takes Leto and the others on an inspection of the spice-mining operation.
7) Kynes and the Atreides form an alliance based on a water bond.
* Excluded the shots of Dr. Yueh extracting and then reading his secret message (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul walking down the corridor into his room, and the voiceover narration explaining the carryalls and harvesters while Paul is in his room (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Leto radioing Thufir for an update on his search, and expressing concern about the traitor (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir tendering his resignation and Leto rebuking him (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir saying he is against Leto taking Kyne's tour of the spice-mining operation, as well as Gurney's speech (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene where the Shadout Mapes prostrates herself in front of Jessica, and speaks of prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot in the Theatrical Version in which the Atreides techs hear a faint Harkonnen signal.
* Excluded the shot where Kynes explains more about wormsign before Leto actually spots it.
* Included the scene where Kynes agrees to ally himself to the Atreides.
* Excluded the scene where Leto speaks alone with Paul about what should happen were he to die, only to be called away due to incoming ships (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the voiceover narration explaining the ducal signet ring at the beginning of the aforementioned scene.
* Used the invasion sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the scene from the Extended Edition where Feyd taunts Dr. Yueh, instead including the scene from the Theatrical Version showing Dr. Yueh suffering alone.
* Excluded the shots of the Baron looming over Paul, talking about his training (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Dr. Yueh being led into the chamber where the Baron waits for him (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the guards taking Dr. Yueh's corpse away, and Piter asking where Paul and Jessica are (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto being brought to the Baron (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Baron talking about Leto's missing insignia (Extended Edition).
* Replaced the wide shot of Jessica reacting to Leto's death with a closeup of Paul.
* Replaced the Guild navigator's voice in Paul's vision with that of the initial voice from the Extended Edition.
* Included the shots of Paul planting the thumper in the sand (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded a few shots of Paul and Jessica running from the worm, particularly the rear-projection shot (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the rear-projection shot of Paul falling.
* Included the scene where Paul fights Jamis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the old Reverend Mother Ramallo repeating her prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene of Jamis' funeral and water reclamation.
* Excluded the scene of Chani and the Fremen mourning the loss of Liet Kynes (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Giedi Prime establishing shots from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Paul approaching the Fremen, and the extended dialogue of Stilgar explaining to Paul how to ride the worm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the workers fleeing the harvester as the Fremen attack (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the extended shots of the Fremen conducting a raid on the Harkonnens/smugglers in the desert (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of the juvenile worm being drowned to produce the Water of Life (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Alia, and of Mohiam, writhing in pain after Paul takes the Water of Life (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the narration and the extra shots announcing the Emperor's visit to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the narration and extra shots of the Baron traveling to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul, Stilgar, and Gurney entering the base of operations (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of the Emperor speaking about the Fremen's fighting abilities and introducing his hostage (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot of Paul looking up and seeing the storm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul and his allies wearing/taking off their radiation suits (Extended Edition).
* Excluded some of the extra shots in the Extended Edition showing the Sardaukar and the Fremen charging into battle.
* Used the battle sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the shots in between the fighting of Alia telling the Baron to wait for Paul, and some surrounding shots to make the cut smoother (Theatrical Version).
* Replaced the shot of Alia scooting out of frame after the wall explodes with the shot of her stumbling and attempting to get up (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the shot of the Sardaukar retreating as the battle comes to an end (Extended Edition).
* Placed the establishing shot of Arrakeen at the beginning of the scene where Paul makes his entrance, like in the Extended Edition, rather than in the middle, like in the Theatrical Version.
* Included the deleted scene where Thufir gives his life for Paul.
* Excluded the narration of the lines "Where there was war, Muad'Dib would now bring peace. Where there was hatred, Muad'Dib would bring love."
* Recut the ending so Paul no longer makes it rain on Arrakis. After saying, "One cannot go against the word of God," the track "Final Dream" swells and we get several reaction shots. Then, we get the shot of Paul's eyes and his vision of an ocean, followed by Alia proclaiming that he is the Kwisatz Haderach. The final shot is of Paul looking ahead, entranced, as those around him react to something.
Subtitles Available:
Yes
Available in:
- 4K
- Surround Sound
Additional Links:
Faneditor Name:
Arcturus
Fanedit Type:
Fanmix
Original Movie/Show:
Dune (1984)
Genre:
- Adventure
- Science Fiction
Original Release Date:
1984
Original Running Time:
136 minutes
Fanedit Release Date:
May 2024
Fanedit Running Time:
151 minutes
Synopsis:
The Sleeper Cut is an attempt to coalesce the strongest parts of the Theatrical Version and the made-for-TV Extended Edition into a cut of the film that emphasizes its dreamlike quality—in my opinion, the film's greatest strength, and a hallmark of David Lynch's work. In this cut, the sleeper stays dreaming.
Release Information:
Digital
Special Features:
Video: H.265/HEVC
Bit rate: 50 Mbps
Color space: BT.709 (SDR)
Audio 1: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Audio 2: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Audio 3: 2.0 AAC
English subtitles are included in the video container and as a separate SRT file.
Bit rate: 50 Mbps
Color space: BT.709 (SDR)
Audio 1: 5.1 Dolby Digital
Audio 2: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Audio 3: 2.0 AAC
English subtitles are included in the video container and as a separate SRT file.
Editing Details:
This was my first attempt at a project of this kind. My approach was fairly straightforward and relied primarily on scene selection with occasional trimming, splicing, and reordering as needed. I used the Theatrical Version as the baseline due to its higher source quality, and incorporated shots and scenes from the Extended Edition wherever I felt they were appropriate. Quite a bit of footage from the Extended Edition made its way into this cut, but some of it was excluded for pacing and other reasons noted below.
I tried to emphasize the film's dreamlike quality whenever possible, and used this to guide shot/scene selection and other editing tasks. This meant keeping most of the characters' internal dialogue, as well as preferring the Extended Edition's audio track over the Theatrical Version's.
Although some people dislike the internal dialogue—and yes, it often states the obvious—to me it's an important part of the film's identity. In any other film, I'd probably agree with cutting it, but not here. I also think it's used somewhat sparingly.
The music is even more important to the film's identity, and I've always been disappointed that the Theatrical Version has so many scenes without it. Those scenes feel empty, like something's missing. Therefore, I used the Extended Edition's audio track in scenes where I felt that emptiness. Some people might find the music overbearing, but I think it's a perfect fit—especially this film's score, being as incredible as it is. Note that there are some scenes where the Theatrical Version's audio track is either the same or even preferable to the Extended Edition.
Keep in mind this edit can only go so far. It doesn't fix all of the pacing issues in the second half, or the copious exposition dumps, or the confusion that those unfamiliar with Dune tend to experience. The Sleeper Cut is for fans of the movie who aren't completely satisfied with their current options, and who want a better version of something they already enjoy.
I tried to emphasize the film's dreamlike quality whenever possible, and used this to guide shot/scene selection and other editing tasks. This meant keeping most of the characters' internal dialogue, as well as preferring the Extended Edition's audio track over the Theatrical Version's.
Although some people dislike the internal dialogue—and yes, it often states the obvious—to me it's an important part of the film's identity. In any other film, I'd probably agree with cutting it, but not here. I also think it's used somewhat sparingly.
The music is even more important to the film's identity, and I've always been disappointed that the Theatrical Version has so many scenes without it. Those scenes feel empty, like something's missing. Therefore, I used the Extended Edition's audio track in scenes where I felt that emptiness. Some people might find the music overbearing, but I think it's a perfect fit—especially this film's score, being as incredible as it is. Note that there are some scenes where the Theatrical Version's audio track is either the same or even preferable to the Extended Edition.
Keep in mind this edit can only go so far. It doesn't fix all of the pacing issues in the second half, or the copious exposition dumps, or the confusion that those unfamiliar with Dune tend to experience. The Sleeper Cut is for fans of the movie who aren't completely satisfied with their current options, and who want a better version of something they already enjoy.
Cuts & Additions:
(For the rationale behind each change listed here, see the "Sleeper Cut details.nfo" file included in the distribution.)
-------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL AND EFFECTS CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Cropped out the letterboxing.
* Applied AI upscaling to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Applied color grading to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Cleaned up dirt and other film-related blemishes in certain scenes.
* Added the blue-within-blue eyes of Ibad to certain characters in scenes where they were missing.
* Removed the blue-eyes effect from Paul in a shot after his fight with Jamis.
* Scaled the shots of the planets on Paul's computer so they don't appear stretched.
* Adjusted the opening shot of Yueh's medical lab so that the Harkonnen "corpse" in the background no longer moves his head.
-------------------------------------------
EDITING AND CONTENT CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Excluded Princess Irulan intro from the Theatrical Version.
* Included Theatrical Version title screen and opening credits set to Extended Edition title theme.
* Excluded the Theatrical Version's brief explanation of the Great Houses in favor of the Extended Edition's prologue.
* Excluded the first half of the prologue from the Extended Edition, which mentions the events of the Butlerian Jihad, the Bene Gesserit, and the Spacing Guild. The prologue now begins with, "Know, then, that it is the year 10192."
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that explain CHOAM Company and its partnership with the Bene Gesserit and Spacing Guild. The narrator now mentions the spice for the first time and then directly explains that it only exists on Arrakis.
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that repeat who the Harkonnens and Atreides are and where they're from. Now, after the Baron's directorship is explained, the narrator explains the conspiracy to destroy the Atreides. The rest of the prologue remains as is.
* Excluded the shots of the Harkonnen cruiser landing on Arrakis at the end of the prologue (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the Emperor telling himself that the incoming navigator senses his plan, and then ordering his guards away (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Reverend Mother Mohiam and the Emperor speaking more about the navigator (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Emperor asking if there's a problem, and the navigator responding (Extended Edition).
* Included the navigator's voiceover from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the Emperor's mention of the Duke's secret army and their using a weapon based on sound.
* Included the navigator's mention of the spice and its effects on extending life (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene where Mohiam reports her findings (or lack thereof) to the Emperor after the navigator's visit, then the Emperor commands his guards to have her watched (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the end of the aforementioned scene where the Emperor repeats the question to himself of why the navigator is interested in Paul (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of Mohiam's shuttle ride to Caladan (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the cacti in Paul's research (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots introducing Gurney Halleck, Dr. Yueh, and Thufir Hawatt (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Dr. Yueh explains the uselessness of shields against the harsh winds of Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the training session where Gurney comments on Paul's style being the result of his mother's influence (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Extended Edition narration introducing Duncan Idaho.
* Included the establishing shots of Castle Caladan and the sea below (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Duke Leto expresses to Paul his desire to see their new home on Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Mohiam speaking more about the former giving birth to a son, against the Bene Gesserit's orders (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Jessica reminding Paul he's a duke's son (Extended Edition).
* Moved the scene of the Duke writing the letter to Baron Harkonnen after Paul's ordeal with the box, as it is in the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Mohiam explaining more about the Gom Jabbar being a poison (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots in which Mohiam explains to Paul more about the Bene Gesserit prophecy and the Kwisatz Haderach (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Paul on the verge of tears after Mohiam intimates Leto's fate, as well as the shot of her saying that the voice could save Paul.
* Included the scene of Leto writing a reply to the Baron's message, and the accompanying voiceover narration (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto's message in Piter's transport.
* Included the shots from the Theatrical Version showing the Baron's facial boils being treated, Rabban drinking his bug juice, and the Baron ogling and then killing a slave boy.
* Included the scene of Leto and Jessica in bed, discussing their apprehensions and conceiving a new child.
* Excluded the interior establishing shot from the aforementioned scene (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene introducing the Fremen and their belief in the Kwisatz Haderach.
* Included the shot of Leto receiving the Fremen's warning.
* Used the order for all of the following scenes up until the Duke's betrayal from the Extended Edition:
1) The Shield Wall goes up.
2) Jessica learns Dr. Yueh is hiding something about his wife.
3) Dr. Yueh receives his message.
4) Paul is attacked by the hunter-seeker.
5) Leto meets with his men regarding the Harkonnen presence.
6) Kynes takes Leto and the others on an inspection of the spice-mining operation.
7) Kynes and the Atreides form an alliance based on a water bond.
* Excluded the shots of Dr. Yueh extracting and then reading his secret message (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul walking down the corridor into his room, and the voiceover narration explaining the carryalls and harvesters while Paul is in his room (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Leto radioing Thufir for an update on his search, and expressing concern about the traitor (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir tendering his resignation and Leto rebuking him (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir saying he is against Leto taking Kyne's tour of the spice-mining operation, as well as Gurney's speech (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene where the Shadout Mapes prostrates herself in front of Jessica, and speaks of prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot in the Theatrical Version in which the Atreides techs hear a faint Harkonnen signal.
* Excluded the shot where Kynes explains more about wormsign before Leto actually spots it.
* Included the scene where Kynes agrees to ally himself to the Atreides.
* Excluded the scene where Leto speaks alone with Paul about what should happen were he to die, only to be called away due to incoming ships (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the voiceover narration explaining the ducal signet ring at the beginning of the aforementioned scene.
* Used the invasion sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the scene from the Extended Edition where Feyd taunts Dr. Yueh, instead including the scene from the Theatrical Version showing Dr. Yueh suffering alone.
* Excluded the shots of the Baron looming over Paul, talking about his training (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Dr. Yueh being led into the chamber where the Baron waits for him (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the guards taking Dr. Yueh's corpse away, and Piter asking where Paul and Jessica are (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto being brought to the Baron (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Baron talking about Leto's missing insignia (Extended Edition).
* Replaced the wide shot of Jessica reacting to Leto's death with a closeup of Paul.
* Replaced the Guild navigator's voice in Paul's vision with that of the initial voice from the Extended Edition.
* Included the shots of Paul planting the thumper in the sand (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded a few shots of Paul and Jessica running from the worm, particularly the rear-projection shot (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the rear-projection shot of Paul falling.
* Included the scene where Paul fights Jamis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the old Reverend Mother Ramallo repeating her prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene of Jamis' funeral and water reclamation.
* Excluded the scene of Chani and the Fremen mourning the loss of Liet Kynes (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Giedi Prime establishing shots from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Paul approaching the Fremen, and the extended dialogue of Stilgar explaining to Paul how to ride the worm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the workers fleeing the harvester as the Fremen attack (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the extended shots of the Fremen conducting a raid on the Harkonnens/smugglers in the desert (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of the juvenile worm being drowned to produce the Water of Life (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Alia, and of Mohiam, writhing in pain after Paul takes the Water of Life (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the narration and the extra shots announcing the Emperor's visit to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the narration and extra shots of the Baron traveling to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul, Stilgar, and Gurney entering the base of operations (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of the Emperor speaking about the Fremen's fighting abilities and introducing his hostage (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot of Paul looking up and seeing the storm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul and his allies wearing/taking off their radiation suits (Extended Edition).
* Excluded some of the extra shots in the Extended Edition showing the Sardaukar and the Fremen charging into battle.
* Used the battle sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the shots in between the fighting of Alia telling the Baron to wait for Paul, and some surrounding shots to make the cut smoother (Theatrical Version).
* Replaced the shot of Alia scooting out of frame after the wall explodes with the shot of her stumbling and attempting to get up (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the shot of the Sardaukar retreating as the battle comes to an end (Extended Edition).
* Placed the establishing shot of Arrakeen at the beginning of the scene where Paul makes his entrance, like in the Extended Edition, rather than in the middle, like in the Theatrical Version.
* Included the deleted scene where Thufir gives his life for Paul.
* Excluded the narration of the lines "Where there was war, Muad'Dib would now bring peace. Where there was hatred, Muad'Dib would bring love."
* Recut the ending so Paul no longer makes it rain on Arrakis. After saying, "One cannot go against the word of God," the track "Final Dream" swells and we get several reaction shots. Then, we get the shot of Paul's eyes and his vision of an ocean, followed by Alia proclaiming that he is the Kwisatz Haderach. The final shot is of Paul looking ahead, entranced, as those around him react to something.
-------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL AND EFFECTS CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Cropped out the letterboxing.
* Applied AI upscaling to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Applied color grading to the Extended Edition footage and deleted scene.
* Cleaned up dirt and other film-related blemishes in certain scenes.
* Added the blue-within-blue eyes of Ibad to certain characters in scenes where they were missing.
* Removed the blue-eyes effect from Paul in a shot after his fight with Jamis.
* Scaled the shots of the planets on Paul's computer so they don't appear stretched.
* Adjusted the opening shot of Yueh's medical lab so that the Harkonnen "corpse" in the background no longer moves his head.
-------------------------------------------
EDITING AND CONTENT CHANGES
-------------------------------------------
* Excluded Princess Irulan intro from the Theatrical Version.
* Included Theatrical Version title screen and opening credits set to Extended Edition title theme.
* Excluded the Theatrical Version's brief explanation of the Great Houses in favor of the Extended Edition's prologue.
* Excluded the first half of the prologue from the Extended Edition, which mentions the events of the Butlerian Jihad, the Bene Gesserit, and the Spacing Guild. The prologue now begins with, "Know, then, that it is the year 10192."
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that explain CHOAM Company and its partnership with the Bene Gesserit and Spacing Guild. The narrator now mentions the spice for the first time and then directly explains that it only exists on Arrakis.
* Excluded the parts of the second half of the prologue that repeat who the Harkonnens and Atreides are and where they're from. Now, after the Baron's directorship is explained, the narrator explains the conspiracy to destroy the Atreides. The rest of the prologue remains as is.
* Excluded the shots of the Harkonnen cruiser landing on Arrakis at the end of the prologue (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the Emperor telling himself that the incoming navigator senses his plan, and then ordering his guards away (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Reverend Mother Mohiam and the Emperor speaking more about the navigator (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Emperor asking if there's a problem, and the navigator responding (Extended Edition).
* Included the navigator's voiceover from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the Emperor's mention of the Duke's secret army and their using a weapon based on sound.
* Included the navigator's mention of the spice and its effects on extending life (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene where Mohiam reports her findings (or lack thereof) to the Emperor after the navigator's visit, then the Emperor commands his guards to have her watched (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the end of the aforementioned scene where the Emperor repeats the question to himself of why the navigator is interested in Paul (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of Mohiam's shuttle ride to Caladan (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the cacti in Paul's research (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots introducing Gurney Halleck, Dr. Yueh, and Thufir Hawatt (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Dr. Yueh explains the uselessness of shields against the harsh winds of Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the training session where Gurney comments on Paul's style being the result of his mother's influence (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Extended Edition narration introducing Duncan Idaho.
* Included the establishing shots of Castle Caladan and the sea below (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot where Duke Leto expresses to Paul his desire to see their new home on Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Mohiam speaking more about the former giving birth to a son, against the Bene Gesserit's orders (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Jessica reminding Paul he's a duke's son (Extended Edition).
* Moved the scene of the Duke writing the letter to Baron Harkonnen after Paul's ordeal with the box, as it is in the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Mohiam explaining more about the Gom Jabbar being a poison (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots in which Mohiam explains to Paul more about the Bene Gesserit prophecy and the Kwisatz Haderach (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Paul on the verge of tears after Mohiam intimates Leto's fate, as well as the shot of her saying that the voice could save Paul.
* Included the scene of Leto writing a reply to the Baron's message, and the accompanying voiceover narration (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto's message in Piter's transport.
* Included the shots from the Theatrical Version showing the Baron's facial boils being treated, Rabban drinking his bug juice, and the Baron ogling and then killing a slave boy.
* Included the scene of Leto and Jessica in bed, discussing their apprehensions and conceiving a new child.
* Excluded the interior establishing shot from the aforementioned scene (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene introducing the Fremen and their belief in the Kwisatz Haderach.
* Included the shot of Leto receiving the Fremen's warning.
* Used the order for all of the following scenes up until the Duke's betrayal from the Extended Edition:
1) The Shield Wall goes up.
2) Jessica learns Dr. Yueh is hiding something about his wife.
3) Dr. Yueh receives his message.
4) Paul is attacked by the hunter-seeker.
5) Leto meets with his men regarding the Harkonnen presence.
6) Kynes takes Leto and the others on an inspection of the spice-mining operation.
7) Kynes and the Atreides form an alliance based on a water bond.
* Excluded the shots of Dr. Yueh extracting and then reading his secret message (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul walking down the corridor into his room, and the voiceover narration explaining the carryalls and harvesters while Paul is in his room (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Leto radioing Thufir for an update on his search, and expressing concern about the traitor (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir tendering his resignation and Leto rebuking him (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Thufir saying he is against Leto taking Kyne's tour of the spice-mining operation, as well as Gurney's speech (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene where the Shadout Mapes prostrates herself in front of Jessica, and speaks of prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot in the Theatrical Version in which the Atreides techs hear a faint Harkonnen signal.
* Excluded the shot where Kynes explains more about wormsign before Leto actually spots it.
* Included the scene where Kynes agrees to ally himself to the Atreides.
* Excluded the scene where Leto speaks alone with Paul about what should happen were he to die, only to be called away due to incoming ships (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the voiceover narration explaining the ducal signet ring at the beginning of the aforementioned scene.
* Used the invasion sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the scene from the Extended Edition where Feyd taunts Dr. Yueh, instead including the scene from the Theatrical Version showing Dr. Yueh suffering alone.
* Excluded the shots of the Baron looming over Paul, talking about his training (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of Dr. Yueh being led into the chamber where the Baron waits for him (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the guards taking Dr. Yueh's corpse away, and Piter asking where Paul and Jessica are (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of Leto being brought to the Baron (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of the Baron talking about Leto's missing insignia (Extended Edition).
* Replaced the wide shot of Jessica reacting to Leto's death with a closeup of Paul.
* Replaced the Guild navigator's voice in Paul's vision with that of the initial voice from the Extended Edition.
* Included the shots of Paul planting the thumper in the sand (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded a few shots of Paul and Jessica running from the worm, particularly the rear-projection shot (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the rear-projection shot of Paul falling.
* Included the scene where Paul fights Jamis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the old Reverend Mother Ramallo repeating her prophecy (Extended Edition).
* Included the scene of Jamis' funeral and water reclamation.
* Excluded the scene of Chani and the Fremen mourning the loss of Liet Kynes (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the Giedi Prime establishing shots from the Extended Edition.
* Excluded the shots of Paul approaching the Fremen, and the extended dialogue of Stilgar explaining to Paul how to ride the worm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shot of the workers fleeing the harvester as the Fremen attack (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the extended shots of the Fremen conducting a raid on the Harkonnens/smugglers in the desert (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the scene of the juvenile worm being drowned to produce the Water of Life (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Jessica and Alia, and of Mohiam, writhing in pain after Paul takes the Water of Life (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the narration and the extra shots announcing the Emperor's visit to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the narration and extra shots of the Baron traveling to Arrakis (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul, Stilgar, and Gurney entering the base of operations (Extended Edition).
* Included the shots of the Emperor speaking about the Fremen's fighting abilities and introducing his hostage (Extended Edition).
* Included the shot of Paul looking up and seeing the storm (Extended Edition).
* Excluded the shots of Paul and his allies wearing/taking off their radiation suits (Extended Edition).
* Excluded some of the extra shots in the Extended Edition showing the Sardaukar and the Fremen charging into battle.
* Used the battle sequence from the Theatrical Version.
* Excluded the shots in between the fighting of Alia telling the Baron to wait for Paul, and some surrounding shots to make the cut smoother (Theatrical Version).
* Replaced the shot of Alia scooting out of frame after the wall explodes with the shot of her stumbling and attempting to get up (Theatrical Version).
* Excluded the shot of the Sardaukar retreating as the battle comes to an end (Extended Edition).
* Placed the establishing shot of Arrakeen at the beginning of the scene where Paul makes his entrance, like in the Extended Edition, rather than in the middle, like in the Theatrical Version.
* Included the deleted scene where Thufir gives his life for Paul.
* Excluded the narration of the lines "Where there was war, Muad'Dib would now bring peace. Where there was hatred, Muad'Dib would bring love."
* Recut the ending so Paul no longer makes it rain on Arrakis. After saying, "One cannot go against the word of God," the track "Final Dream" swells and we get several reaction shots. Then, we get the shot of Paul's eyes and his vision of an ocean, followed by Alia proclaiming that he is the Kwisatz Haderach. The final shot is of Paul looking ahead, entranced, as those around him react to something.
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