Description

### **Orca: The Killer Whale (1977) – Blu-ray (4K Restoration, Kino Lorber)**

**Format:**
– Blu-ray (Single disc: 1 BD-50)

**Studio:** Kino Lorber
**Release Date:** January 28, 2025 (United States)
**Runtime:** 92 minutes
**Rating:** Not Rated

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### **Synopsis:**
In *Orca: The Killer Whale*, a suspenseful thriller directed by Michael Anderson, a neurotic whaler named Nolan (Richard Harris) finds himself facing the wrath of an enraged killer whale after he accidentally kills the whale’s pregnant mate. Driven by grief and vengeance, the whale relentlessly hunts Nolan and his crew, leading to a dramatic and dangerous confrontation in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Featuring standout performances from Charlotte Rampling, Will Sampson, and Bo Derek, *Orca* is a visually stunning and emotionally charged tale of man versus nature.

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### **Special Features and Extras:**
– **Audio Commentary** – Featuring film historian Stephen Prince, offering insights into the production and legacy of *Orca*.
– **Featurette: The Making of Orca** – A behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, including interviews with cast and crew.
– **Vintage Trailer** – The original theatrical trailer.
– **Photo Gallery** – A collection of production stills and promotional materials.

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### **Video:**
– Codec: MPEG-4 AVC
– Resolution: 1080p (from a 4K Restoration)
– Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Original Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1)

### **Audio:**
– English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
– English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

### **Subtitles:**
– English SDH

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### **Playback:**
– 2K Blu-ray: Region A (Locked)

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### **Technical Review:**

**Video Quality (4.5/5):**
– The 1080p transfer, sourced from a 4K restoration completed at Paramount, offers a vibrant and natural appearance with improved clarity, delineation, and depth.
– Underwater footage and darker scenes benefit from superior shadow nuances, while natural light enhances the overall image quality.
– Color reproduction is excellent, with blues, greens, and grays appearing more vibrant.
– Image stability is solid, with only minimal age-related imperfections present.

**Audio Quality (4.5/5):**
– The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides immersive sound design, with enhanced spatial effects and richer audio in action scenes.
– The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track offers outstanding fullness and consistency, making it a great option for those seeking the original audio experience.
– Dialogue is clear and well-balanced, while the film’s score and sound effects are delivered with impressive depth.

**Special Features and Extras (2.5/5):**
– The audio commentary and making-of featurette provide valuable insights, though additional content would have been welcome.

**Overall (4.5/5):**
– With its impressive 4K restoration, immersive audio, and engaging bonus features, *Orca* is a must-own for fans of classic thrillers and nature-based horror films.