UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ - Orca: The Killer Whale -- in 4k UHD (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

With more than a tip of the hat to the shark picture that was released in 1975, Michael Anderson's Orca: The Killer Whale remains a fun film, albeit silly at its core.

If one were to compare with another film, I'd probably place it in the area of a Charles Bronson or Liam Neeson drama in which they've become severely pissed off for some reason, and the hunt begins.

Storyline aside, this is a great looking 4k disc from Kino courtesy of Paramount. Not perfect, but a very nice presentation.

Probably most remembered for Richard Harris' tale of the sinking of his ship during WWII, and the huge loss of life to killer whales, and as Bo Derek's first appearance.

For score collectors, this one is by Ennio Morricone. Director Anderson is probably best known for Around the World in 80 Days.

Image (Dolby Vision)

Forensic - 8.5
NSD - 9

Audio – 10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Yes

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 7.5

Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes

Worth your attention - If you like Liam Neeson films

Slipcover rating - 2

Looks like Film - 9

Recommended



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[Robin9]

I rate this film more highly than Robert Harris does. Bo Derek has a bigger role than I remembered from my viewing when the film was new.

 

[Malcolm R]

It's almost like the later Jaws sequels may have looked at this film for some inspiration (turnabout is fair play?), as Brody in Jaws 2 asks the marine biologist if a second shark could have come to Amity to seek vengeance for the killing of the first ("Sharks don't take things personally, Mr. Brody."). Then there's the whole "This time it's personal," aspect of Jaws the Revenge.

 

[Tino]

Director Anderson is probably best known for Around the World in 80 Days.

And of course Logan’s Run.

 

[sbjork]

Orca took the Moby Dick elements from Peter Benchley's novel Jaws that were downplayed in Carl Gottlieb's shooting script and made them manifest. Yes, it cashed in the seagoing animal attack subgenre that Jaws had spawned, but it has its own mood, style, and flavor. It works quite well taken on its own terms.