Lost Colony is a 2007 supernatural horror television film that originally aired on the Syfy channel (then known as the Sci Fi Channel) on October 13, 2007 . The film is also known by its original title Wraiths of Roanoke and the alternative title Lost Colony: The Legend of Roanoke . Directed by Matt Codd and written by Rafael Jordan, this 95-minute film blends fantasy, horror, and mystery elements into a fictionalized account of the infamous Roanoke Island disappearance .
About the Film
The movie stars Adrian Paul (famous for his role in Highlander) as Ananias Dare and Frida Farrell as Eleanor Dare . The supporting cast includes Rhett Giles, Michael Teh, Mari Mascaro, Alex McArthur, and Rafael Jordan . The production was a co-production between the United States and Bulgaria, filmed on location with a budget of approximately $2 million .
The plot follows English colonists arriving on Roanoke Island in 1587 during their attempt to establish a settlement in the New World. Upon arrival, they discover a deserted fort that had been built years earlier, with only a single soldier left behind, dead and hanging. The colonists find a warning message written in Old Norse, cautioning them about an ancient evil dwelling in the forests of Roanoke . As the settlers struggle to survive, a pregnant woman experiences terrifying nightmares of creatures trying to steal her baby. Soon, these creatures appear, and the colonists must fight for their survival against the supernatural threat . Upon returning to England for provisions, colony leader John White puts his son-in-law Ananias Dare in charge. Dare realizes the island is haunted by Norse spirits and, enlisting the aid of a friendly Native American, attempts to free the spirits from their earthly captivity before the entire colony is lost .
Critical Reception
Lost Colony has received mixed to negative reviews from audiences and critics alike. The film holds an IMDb rating of approximately 4.1 out of 10 based on over 1,600 user ratings . User reviews consistently note that while the film is watchable, it suffers from several significant flaws. The special effects are frequently described as cheap and cheesy, with one reviewer noting that “as soon as you see what attacks the lost colony, any degree of suspense is erased as the special effects are horrible and make you rather laugh out loud than fear” .
The lack of atmosphere is another common criticism. Reviewers note that “there is no suspense or horror in the air” and that “the most frightening scene is already the opening sequence” . The battles are described as “poorly choreographed and less-than-thrilling,” and the film struggles to maintain coherence across its runtime . French critic reviews on AlloCiné are similarly harsh, with one describing it as “long and boring” with a “rushed ending,” while another called it a “UFO” with “cut-rate special effects, third-rate actors, and an incomprehensible script” .
However, some viewers have found redeeming qualities in the film. Positive aspects noted include the “magnificent landscapes and locations,” with the camera work receiving praise . The cultural, historical, and mythological background, while not always plausible, is described as “intriguing” . The film also touches on philosophical themes concerning “values of friendship, trust, faith, and strength” . One reviewer noted that “this is by far one of the better-looking Syfy projects, with stunning locations and scenery and photography that does look as though care went into it instead of the usual dull, slapdash kind” . The acting, while not stunning, shows “a sense of spirit and an effort to not be too bland or overdone” . Several reviewers suggest the film is best suited for “a lonely night on television before you go to bed” when you want to “softly switch your brain off” .
Subscription Streaming Options
The most convenient way to watch Lost Colony is through subscription streaming services where the film is included at no additional cost.
Amazon Prime Video offers the film for streaming with a Prime subscription in multiple regions, including the United States, Germany, France, and other European markets . This is the primary subscription home for the film, making it easily accessible to Prime members.
For viewers who prefer ad-supported viewing, Amazon Prime Video with Ads also carries the film, allowing access on the lower-cost tier of Prime Video .
Rent or Buy Digital Options
For viewers who do not have a Prime subscription or prefer to own the film, digital rental and purchase options are widely available across major platforms.
Apple TV Store offers both rental and purchase options for Lost Colony . According to JustWatch Ireland, rental prices are approximately €3.99 for standard rental, with purchase options around €2.99, though pricing may vary by region .
Amazon Video also provides rental and purchase options for the film, accessible even to non-Prime members .
Standard rental terms apply across both platforms. You typically have 30 days to begin watching after your rental purchase, and once you start playback, you have 48 hours to complete viewing before the rental expires. Purchasing the film grants permanent access to your digital library across all devices linked to your account.
There are currently no free ad-supported streaming options available for Lost Colony on platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, or Plex . If you want to be notified when the film becomes available for free streaming, JustWatch offers a notification feature that alerts users when titles appear on free platforms .
Physical Media Options
For collectors or viewers who prefer physical copies, Lost Colony is available on DVD. The film was released on DVD on May 20, 2008, approximately seven months after its television premiere . The DVD release was distributed through Amazon DVD and Blu-ray channels . In France, the DVD release date was September 10, 2008 . Physical copies can be purchased through Amazon and other DVD retailers, as well as through secondhand marketplaces like eBay. Many public library systems may also carry the DVD in their circulating collections.
Regional Availability Summary
Streaming availability for Lost Colony varies by region, but the film is relatively accessible across multiple markets.
In the United States, the film is available for subscription streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. Rental and purchase options are available through Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. Physical DVD copies are also available.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the film can be rented or purchased through Apple TV Store, with subscription options available on Amazon Prime Video .
In Germany, the film streams on Amazon Prime Video, with rental and purchase options on Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. Physical DVD copies are also available through Amazon DVD and Blu-ray .
In France, the film is available on Amazon Prime Video for subscription streaming . DVD copies remain available through retailers.
In Canada, availability information is limited, though Amazon Prime Video typically offers similar content as in the US market.
In Australia and New Zealand, the film does not appear to be widely available on major streaming services based on available data. Viewers in these regions may need to use a VPN to access American platforms or purchase the DVD through international shipping.
Before making any purchase, it is recommended to use tracking tools like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm current availability in your specific region, as streaming rights for catalog titles frequently change .
Final Recommendation
For most viewers, the easiest and most cost-effective way to watch Lost Colony is through Amazon Prime Video, which offers the film for streaming at no additional cost with a Prime subscription. If you are not a Prime member, renting the film for approximately $3.99 on Apple TV Store or Amazon Video is the simplest and most affordable path forward for a one-time viewing.
For viewers in regions where digital access is limited, purchasing the DVD through Amazon is a reliable alternative that provides permanent ownership. Given the film’s mixed reception and low-budget production values, renting is recommended over purchasing unless you are a dedicated collector of Syfy channel original films or Adrian Paul’s filmography.
Before committing to any purchase, it is worth using JustWatch to confirm the most up-to-date availability in your region, as streaming rights frequently shift and new free options may become available over time.