On February 24, 2010, one of SeaWorld’s most experienced trainers, forty-year old Dawn Brancheau, was pulled under water by the park’s largest Orca (most commonly referred to as killer whales),12,000 pound Tilikum and killed. A devastating event, the incident made headlines around the world, and SeaWorld was later fined $75,000 for various safety violations. In Blackfish, director Gabriela Cowperthwaite makes the argument that the strains of captivity on Tillikum, and pressure to perform were directly responsible for Brancheau’s death.

There’s no record of orcas harming humans in the wild. Yet Tilikum has killed three humans over the course of thirty years in captivity. SeaWorld repeatedly declined to be interviewed for the documentary, so Cowperthwaite uses video footage (some of it undeniably shocking), and interviews with former trainers, researchers, and more. Blackfish paints a vivid picture of physical and psychological mistreatment, dating back to 1983, when Tilikum was first captured as a two-year old calf via a decidedly unforgiving hunting process off the coast of Iceland. Raised at Sealand of the Pacific, a Canadian marine life attraction, Tilikum grew up having to perform, denied food, or punished in other ways if he didn’t. Tilikum also had to deal with the pain of captivity, He was often bullied by the other Orca’s who wished to establish dominance. At night, fearing he might escape, park owners locked him in a metal holding cell barely bigger than his growing body. He was let out during the day, for several shows to entertain paying customers. It was here that Tilikum took the life of Keltie Byrne, a trainer who slipped into the water, quickly yanked under by the Orca.

After Sealand closed, SeaWorld happily took on Tilikum in 1991. Former SeaWorld trainers say they were told little about Tilikum’s history, certainly nothing about the previous trainer’s death. Initially, SeaWorld trainers were just excited at the opportunity to work with the big whale.  However, the more we learn about an Orca’s life in captivity, it’s difficult to accept that using these mammals for our entertainment is a good idea. There are graphic images of whales being “raked” by their fellow whales, blood clouding the water. Since whales meant to roam free are confined to aquariums with other whales they might not otherwise chose to swim with, a high level of frustration isn’t surprising.

When you consider the amount of bullying and abuse Tilikum has been forced to endure throughout most of his life, his violent outbursts aren’t surprising. It stands to reason though, since Tilikum is 12,000 pounds, when he gets angry, bad things are going to happen. He was ripped away from his family at two-years old, and forced to perform in exchange for food. If it were me, after years of that, I might not adore my trainer either.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer is a solid one. A variety of sources were used, video shot from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s film and videotape, and it all looks suprisly accurate. The contemporary video interviews, and footage look superb, sporting realistic color timing, and a very nice looking, detailed, image.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track provides crystal clear interviews. There isn’t much in the way of directionality, but slight channel panning is apparent. The soundstage is far from broad, but the subwoofer does kick in on occasion.

English SDH, and Spanish subtitles are available.

The following extras are included:

  • Commentary with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite and producer Manuel Oteyza: Cowperthwaite identifies herself, first and foremost, as a mother who used to take her children to SeaWorld. The director does almost all of the talking here—though it’s clear Oteyza was crucial in pulling a lot of the material together—and it’s intriguing to listen to her discuss the choices she made, like starting the film on a positive note to reflect the hopefulness and eventual disenchantment of the trainers.
  • Kanduke with Former Trainer Dean Gomersall (HD, 2:18) Gomersall recounts the graphic death of one of the whales under his care from what was later determined to be encephalitis.
  • “Death by Mosquito” in Marine Parks with Former Trainer John Jett, Ph.D. (HD, 3:02) Jett, a former SeaWorld trainer discusses the risks to whales in captivity from mosquito-borne pathogens.
  • Orca Teeth Show the Stress of Orcas in Captivity with Jeffrey Ventre, M.D. (HD, 2:51) Also a former trainer, Ventre discusses how orcas break their teeth on the steel gates used for training purposes and also to separate them in captivity.
  • Recollections of a Former SeaWorld Trainer with John Hargrove (HD, 5:11) Hargrove resigned his position in 2012 after fourteen years with SeaWorld so that he could be interviewed for Blackfish.
  • The Truth About Wild Whales: Interview with Dr. Naomi Rose (HD, 4:40) A marine biologist, Dr. Rice discusses the differences in behavior between orcas in the wild and orcas in captivity.
  • Alternatives to Captivity (HD, 2:17) Further comments by Dr. Rose.
  • A Note from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite: (HD, 8:26) Much of this, is contained in her commentary, but the accompanying behind-the-scenes footage of Cowperthwaite and her crew making the film is interesting.
  • Trailer (HD,  2:25).