Illuminating the paper from the back gives a good idea of
how dense the shadows actually are. Because prints are
viewed by reflected light the light has to go through the
emulsion twice. Most papers can produce maximum blacks which
are deeper than needed by a reflection print. If you have
printed a picture with a lot of shadow detail you can often
see some detail by transmitted light that is not visible, at
least not without much increased illumination, but
reflection.
  As far as shadow vs: highlight detail, there are
possibilities. One is the shape of the paper curve. The
contrast of neither film or paper is constant with density.
Paper curves are often designed by the manufacturer to
compress shadow and highlights somewhat to help fit the
overall range of the image onto the limited range of a
reflection print. Since they eye judges pictures mainly by
the mid-tones some compression can make the print look
better.
  Another possibility is the loss of shadow contrast and
maximum density due to a matte surface paper. Glossy paper
has the widest range of reproduced brightness, any surface
texture will reduce that range, mostly on the shadow side,
due to scattered light from the surface.
  Unfortunately, the Oriental brand has change
manufacturers several times. I think it will be once again
available in the near future (made by Foma or someone like
that). Whether it will be the identical emulsion or not is
an open question.