You liked Dune but not LOTR? Dune was just as long and pretentious at times.
I bought the boxed set and THE HOBBIT in 1965, when it first came out that way. I thought that, from the " buzz ",that I would LOVE it; as it sounded right up my alley. In those days, I read a book through, even if I hated it. I couldn't make it through the first third of THE HOBBIT. I scanned the first RING book and never looked at them again.
I watched the first movie. It was so-so. I tried to watch the second movie and couldn't stand it. I didn't even make it through the 1/2 way point.
I saw Lynch's movie of " DUNE " and loved it. Then I read the books and watched the two mini series ; which I didn't care for.
What can I say? That's just the way it is. LOL