7 | / 10 |
Users | 4.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The tragic loss of their unborn child has devastated Kate and John, taking a toll on both their marriage and Kate's fragile psyche as she is plagued by nightmares and haunted by demons from her past. Struggling to regain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, the couple decides to adopt another child. At the local orphanage, both John and Kate find themselves strangely drawn to a young girl named Esther. Almost as soon as they welcome Esther into their home, however, an alarming series of events begins to unfold, leading Kate to believe that there's something wrong with Esther--this seemingly angelic little girl is not what she appears to be. Concerned for the safety of her family, Kate tries to get John and others to see past Esther's sweet facade. But her warnings go unheeded until it may be too late-for everyone.
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman, CCH Pounder, Jimmy BennettHorror | 100% |
Thriller | 55% |
Mystery | 23% |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Spoiler warning: some plot elements of “Orphan” will be discussed in this review.
Child endangerment is one of those manipulative moves from filmmakers who usually can’t conjure screen tension any other way. They challenge
innocence with violence, begging for a cheap reaction, as any sensible viewer will recoil from such ugliness. 2009’s “Orphan” is a movie entirely built
around the idea of kids in jeopardy, with screenwriter David Leslie Johnson (2018’s “Aquaman” and its 2023 sequel) trying to craft a provocative story
about a long game manipulation that turns an average household into a hellish pit of paranoia and hostility. It plays like a variation on “The Bad Seed”
until the very moment it reveals it isn’t “The Bad Seed,” with Johnson looking to land a Big Twist that’s ridiculous, stuck at the end of a feature that
goes on for way too long, never scoring with points of suspense and mental illness.
"Orphan" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2009, returning to disc in 2024 via Shout Factory, who provide a new "2K scan of the interpositive." Detail delivers some compelling skin particulars, exploring makeup additions and the age games of the screenplay, especially in the final act. Housing interiors retain dimension, and exteriors deliver depth, doing well with property events. Color is consistent, with a cooler palette for a more visual suspense, while childlike hues are brighter, including Esther's appearance. Snowscapes are fresh. Skin tones are natural. Delineation struggles some during intense evening encounters. Compression holds together. Source is in good condition.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges, handling accent work and surges of intensity. Hushed encounters also register as intended. Scoring cues support suspense, with crisp instrumentation. Musical moods also push out into the surrounds with mild urgency. Atmospherics are acceptable, with some feel for outdoor action and room tone. Sound effects add some movement with car activity and escape attempts. Low-end isn't pronounced, but offers some presence with violent encounters.
Of course, Esther isn't who she claims to be, with the ultimate reveal of her true identity missing its intended horror, sliding right into campiness. "Orphan" desires to be a tale of hostility and gamesmanship, and there's some sense of bravery to be claimed if Johnson actually followed through on his evil child introduction, making Esther into a nine-year-old Movie Maniac. But he doesn't, pulling most of his punches with a last act turn of events that transforms the whole film into absurdity. Instead of escalating with confident ugliness, "Orphan" becomes routine and ridiculous, asking viewers to accept an almost sci-fi reality to help connect the dots on a sluggish, increasingly silly picture.
1976
El Orfanato
2007
1976
2009
Unrated Director's Cut
2009
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2009
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1987
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Unrated Collector's Edition
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Unrated
2010
Regular Edition | Final Destination 4
2009