DVD Corner

Orphan Black Season 1 Blu-ray Review

“Orphan Black” is one of the surprise hits of 2013.

In the 10 episode BBC America original series “Orphan Black,” the story initially revolves around a tough thief (Sarah) who witnesses a woman named Beth (that looks shockingly like herself) commit suicide right before her very eyes. Seeing this tragic situation as a way out of her unfortunate current circumstances, Sarah decides to take on the identity of Beth (for financial reasons) in order to start a new life for her daughter and brother (Felix). Unfortunately for Sarah, her life is about to be turned upside down when she discovers that not only was Beth a clone, but that several others exist such as Katja, Helena (an assassin), Alison (a high strung wife and mother), and Cosima (a biology student). From there on out, mysteries and dangers begin to unfold over stories about murdered clones, clone creators, clone monitors, a cop (Art Bell), the Neolutionists organization, and clone love interests, and family members.

Aside from an underwhelming pilot episode (which is the weakest of the lot), “Orphan Black” is a fairly promising new sci-fi series. Sure, the clone subject has been done in films and series before such as “Star Wars: Episode Two- Attack Of The Clones,” the BBC series “Clone,” and “The Island,” but ‘Orphan’ puts its own stamp on the subject matter. Time will tell if the series can maintain its creative spark, but the first 10 episodes are certainly jam packed with intrigue, subplots and fresh characters that will likely hook viewers.

Of course, the real highlight of “Orphan Black” is star Tatiana Maslany. The young Canadian actress, who recently received a Golden Globe nomination, is deservedly being praised for her work in portraying ALL of the clones. It’s truly impressive to see Maslany juggling multiple characters per episode and giving them each a distinct personality.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 16:9 1080p. How does it look? Superb. This is THE best way to watch the episodes.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Music and dialogue sound clear which is all you can ask for from a series.

Extras:
* Trailers for “Copper,” “Doctor Who,” and “Luther” trailers.
* “Orphan Black On The Nerdist”- A segment from a Nerdist TV episode featuring “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany.
* “Send In The Clones”- A featurette containing cast and crew interviews and discussions about the show (and its inception), characters, and, of course, clones.
* “Insiders”- 4 featurettes titled “Sarah,” “Felix,” “Beth,” and “Three Clones, One Frame.” The first three are obviously introductions to those 3 characters while the last featurette is a behind-the-scenes look at Tatiana playing 3 characters in a single frame.

Overall Thoughts: “Orphan Black” is worth watching just for Tatiana Maslany’s acting.

Note: The second season is currently scheduled to begin April, 19th 2014.

January 9, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | BBC America, Clones, Golden Globe Nominee Tatiana Maslany, Nerdist TV, Orphan Black Season 1 Blu-ray Review, Orphan Black Season 2, Tatiana Maslany