As the Covid postponed blockbusters from the worst debut year of any decade finally arrive in theaters, Dune is arguably the most anticipated. Since the release of an epic cast announcement audiences have had their eye on
Denis Villeneuve’s take on the epic sci-fi novel. Villeneuve attempts to tell this story on a grand scale with hopes of audiences forgoing the streaming option and viewing Dune in a more immersive fashion. Upon viewing Dune in IMAX, he couldn’t be more justified in his opinion.

Dunes great storytelling is a product of a cast that performs spectacularly. Oscar Isaac (Duke Leto Atreides), Javier Bardem (Stilgar), and Josh Brolin (Gurney Halleck) are veteran actors that give performances worthy of their stellar reputations, while newcomer Timothée Chalamet (Paul Atreides) and Zendaya (Chani) prove that the future of hollywood is in good hands. Even the the duo of super hero brutes Jason Momoa (Duncan Idaho) and Dave Bautista (Beast Rabban Harkonnen) add to the dramatic tale of warring houses. While Isaac gives a stellar performance of a noble father, Rebecca Ferguson ( Lady Jessica Atreides) gives a great performance of a mother torn between her son, faith and duty. Stellan Skarsgård (Baron Vladimir Harkonnen) is unrecognizable in his performance as a ruthless house rival. Dune’s cast is top notch and is the heart of this film, but its soul is the spectacular cinematography used to frame such great performances.

Villeneuve has been quite vocal in his disapprovement of a simultaneous streaming release. The depth and scale he used to tell this epic tale is almost wasted on an at home viewing. The score combined with a heavy tone, wide shots, and solid performances are truly intended for an immersive theater experience. Villenueve tells the story in a way that gives you enough background that you aren’t questioning motives or context so you can really focus on the main story. He gives the audience enough respect that they can fill in the gaps needed while they soak in the plot at hand. Dune has plot lines that are as old as story itself. Nobility, honor, war and family are nothing new to audiences. Dune brings these dramatic concepts into the world of sci-fi so well that a futuristic world takes a back seat to a story often reserved for a medieval setting. While HBO Max customers will be grateful for the ability to view this film in the comfort of their home multiple times, Dune is a film that hits the mark so well streamers may feel inclined to immerse themselves into the film further even after an initial viewing. Those still weighing their options should take advantage of the limited time for a theater viewing that surely will not disappoint.