Dune: Part Two explores the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

For in-depth thoughts on Dune: Part Two, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.

Video Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Dune: Part Two offers tremendous presentation, but unlike the previous film, a standard Blu-Ray is not included to judge the level of upgrade. It should be noted that the home entertainment release of Dune: Part Two sticks with the standard 2.39:1 framing instead of the shifting aspect ratio of the IMAX presentation. The Dolby Vision enhances the colors to potent levels in terms of sheer wondrous beauty. The expanded range of the color spectrum is a sight to behold. This film features interesting locales and characters that exemplify the capabilities of the format. Color contrast and striking lighting schemes provide a dazzling spectacle as the applications of HDR really make the film radiate off the screen. Skin tones are stunningly natural with healthy doses of crisp detail apparent on faces such as sweat and makeup.

This 4K UHD presentation succeeds on all fronts including strong showings in clarity and color. Compression artifacts and banding are nowhere to be seen with this 4K UHD disc. The black levels are strong, staying deep and inky with great detail. The highlights in the film are more refined with whites pure and balanced with no instances of blooming to be found. Elements occurring in the cover of darkness are vivid and finely delineated. There is some knockout production design featured in the film which you can especially appreciate with this transfer. Numerous landscapes are presented here with each location providing incredible detail ready for exploration. Every location is realized with the precision of a finely authored disc. Warner Bros. has delivered another god-tier transfer on this latest 4K release.

Audio Quality

This 4K UHD Blu-Ray comes with a terrific Dolby Atmos audio mix that brings the house down just as the story demands. There is consistent activity in the surround channels, but that does not hinder you from understanding what every character is saying. The height channels are used to impeccable effect with objects flying overhead and other inventive sonic treats. All sounds are emerging from the appropriate directions, and there are zero technical issues with the track.

There is a boatload of activity in the low end that shakes the room in an unforgettable manner. This is a complex track that provides tons of otherworldly sound effects and a fantastic from Hans Zimmer to bring it all together. Dialogue is clear and is never overshadowed by any competing sounds. This one will put your surround sound system to the test in ways that will keep a smile plastered on your face.

Special Features

Chakobsa Training: A five-minute featurette in which the cast and creative team discuss the immersion into the Fremen culture and learning to speak the fictional language.

Creating the Fremen World: A 12-minute look at the development of the Fremen world with the production design, construction of certain key sets, and more.

Finding the Worlds of Dune: A nearly seven-minute look at the location shooting that helped bring authenticity to this feature.

Buzz Around the New ‘Thopter’: A four-minute exploration of the new transportation vessel and how the team blended practical and digital elements.

Worm-riding: A nearly ten-minute look at the development of a key turning point for Paul from script to screen.

Becoming Feyd: A nearly eight-minute featurette that looks at the psychotic character brought to life by Austin Butler.

A New Set of Threads: An eight-minute look at the new costumes developed for the second installment of the story.

Deeper Into the Desert – The Sound of Dune: A 13-minute exploration of the soundscape conjured by Hans Zimmer.

Final Thoughts

Dune: Part Two is a terrific continuation of this epic story that pays off everything set up by the initial installment while leveling up in every conceivable way. Rather than feeling like a rehash of what we have seen, the story expands to thrilling new places that balance narrative complexity and bombastic spectacle. Denis Villeneuve continues to handle this adaptation with care as he skillfully brings this world to life in a way never thought possible before. The ensemble continues to be a highlight of this series, and this time Austin Butler commands the spotlight every time he is on screen as the villainous Feyd Rautha. This is top-tier sci-fi filmmaking. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring an awe-inspiring A/V presentation and a decent selection of special features. Fans should buy with confidence. Highly Recommended

Dune: Part Two will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD on May 14, 2024. The film is currently available on Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.