Frank Herbert's Dune is a three-part sci fi miniseries based on the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert. It was produced by New Amsterdam Entertainment in association with Blixa Film Produktion and Hallmark Entertainment Distribution, and broadcast by the Sci Fi Channel. Written and directed by John Harrison, the series was first broadcast in the USA on December 3, 2000 and was later released on DVD on 23 October 2001. A Special Edition Director's Cut was released on DVD on 11 June 2002; it contains scenes not included in the original televised version.
Director John Harrison claims that his film adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel was a "faithful interpretation," in which any changes he made served to suggest what Herbert had explained subtly or not at all. The miniseries introduces elements not found in Herbert's novel, but as Harrison claims, it is usually to elaborate rather than to edit. Harrison's television adaptation and David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation both depart from the content of the novel, but Harrison's treatment of Herbert's thematic and philosophical content is usually compared favorably to the 1984 film. The miniseries preserved many elements of the 1984 film's visual feel in its costume, set and creature design.
