Back in 2021, we were treated to the first part of the epic movie and now we finally get Dune: Part Two in IMAX and Denis Villeneuve has brought us another part of the story that is as epic as you would hope it to be.
The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on “Dune: Part Two,” the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning “Dune.”
Director Denis Villeneuve shot Dune: Part Two using IMAX-certified digital cameras, which are considered among the highest-quality cameras in the world. These cameras capture sequences with unparalleled clarity and colour and are specifically optimized for IMAX cinemas. Once onscreen, the sequences are brought to life in a way that’s unlike any other moviegoing experience in the world. The visuals expand to fill the IMAX screen under the specific design of the director, drawing fans into the action like never before. The film was entirely photographed for IMAX, with a larger aspect ratio, providing audiences with a greater canvas of the spectacular images captured specifically for the IMAX large-screen format.
In the first part of the movie Timothee Chalamet brought Paul to life on the screen and his good boyish looks certainly worked for the role, his performance in Dune: Part Two is fantastic and he has yet again brought the emotions of the characters back to the big screen.
If you are a fan of the book that the movie is based on then you will notice the differences between the two, but don’t let this put you off. Dune: Part Two is a powerhouse of a movie and right from the start, I found myself being pulled into the story as the battle for Arrakis continues.
Now Paul (Chalamet) is starting to take on the mantle of being the Messiah, his mother (played by Rebecca Ferguson is also becoming more powerful than in the previous movie and taking more control over what she wants Paul to become.
With many of the cast returning for this next chapter, it makes Dune: Part Two feel more relatable than watching a movie with a complete change, but more so with the returning cast is the introduction of Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha a character that is so great to watch with his evil streak and Butler not only plays the part brilliantly but he looks amazing in the role as well.
The story itself continues nicely from part one and brings so much more to the table when it comes to the excitement and twists and turns of the world of Arrakis and the battle for the control of the spice, it also brings to light more the religious feel with Paul becoming the Messiah that the Fremen have been waiting to free them and their planet. Dune: Part Two also brings us some amazing sequences with the Shai-Hulud (the giant sandworms that the Fremen worship as agents of God), these creatures look amazing in the IMAX format and with the 26% extra screen you get a feel for the size especially in a scene with the three together.
When I first saw Dune in IMAX back in 2021 I was completely blown away and over the years since then I’ve been so excited for Dune: Part Two in IMAX and to finally get released and I have to say that it was certainly worth the wait and with Dune: Part Two filmed with the Arri Alexa 65 and LF model IMAX-certified cameras. This film was made to be experienced in IMAX, featuring IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio throughout the entire film – featuring up to 26% more picture.
The sound is also amazing when it comes to seeing Dune: Part Two in IMAX, the bass rumbles through the seats and you feel as if you are experiencing the Sandworms gliding through the sand, the battle sequences not only look amazing but the sound gives you the feeling of being smack bang in the middle of it all. Even the slightest sounds are picked up by the IMAX sound, you just can’t fault it.
Talking of sound, Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for the movie is yet another amazing piece of work and every moment that the music comes on throughout the movie is not only a joy to listen to but it also really builds up the atmosphere of what is going on during the scenes.
Dune: Part Two is a must-see in the IMAX format and if you have a cinema near you or even if you have to drive a little further, it is well worth checking out.