Well, I seriously doubt you can or should only read the first couple of books. I want to know what happens and so I will continue to listen or read these books. I listened to this one, hence, the "416" pages above. I am constantly amazed by the love of this series considering all the detail that Frank Herbert bogs you down in. Sometimes I feel like he wrote or put things down simply to fill the page though I admit it is interesting. I am; however, exceedingly glad that I listen rather than read because I highly doubt I could get through the entire series otherwise. 
 I remember watching the movie and rather liking Ghani and Leto so I was intrigued to hear the whole story. It wasn't bad it just wasn't what I expected though I would guess the series will become more interesting as I have actually read a few short stories from farther on it the series and know things do change exponentially in the mythology. 
 I have to say that the new play of the characters was fun and I especially loved Leto's almost elder like view on every and the preacher (which I won't go into detail about because that would give too much of the story away). Alia always disturbed me and I'm glad to see the characters are just as disturbed. 
 The ending (which again I won't tell you about) disturbed me slightly even though I know what HE meant by it... and yet it was gross. 
 I liked the character of Feradin(sp?) as he was strong, compassionate, and intelligent to know how to play things. You tend to see little of that in characters that aren't of the Atreides. 
 I would say if you are interested in the series, try not to get bogged down in the first book and maybe listening would be easier than actually reading it. It is worth hearing or reading but will take a bit of effort as there is a lot of information Herbert gives you and expects you to remember as you move throughout the series. 
 I was going to keep this audio series but it would appear I lost it. How I did that, I have no idea. I'll keep looking though.