Beyond the Sky Blu-ray Review

"Beyond the Sky" is an impressive showcase of modern digital cinematography, particularly evident in its 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray release by RLJ Entertainment. With origins in the Red Dragon 6K camera, the video presentation boasts outstanding clarity and sharpness. The film's exteriors, especially those in the deserts of Roswell, New Mexico, are a visual highlight, displaying a neutral yet intense earth-toned palette that perfectly complements the regional landscape. Interiors exhibit slightly reduced contrast and depth, though still maintain a high level of detail. The Blu-ray’s aspect ratio, measured at 2.00:1, aligns with selectable settings on Red cameras, which is advantageous for consistency and visual integrity.

The technical specs are capably handled: the transfer, encoded in AVC/MPEG-4 at 1080p resolution on a BD-25 disc, averages around 21 Mbps. Despite minor banding artifacts, which are inconsequential to the overall pristine quality, the encoding is competent and transparent. The film, including its doctored found-footage segments and stylistic "softness," maintains a consistent depth and realistic flesh tones even in scenes with complex light conditions.

The presentation's solid blacks and absence of analog noise reinforce its professional-grade digital capture. Night scenes benefit from higher contrast hues that effectively cut through darkness without noticeable crush. While some CGI elements may not meet the highest standards of today's discerning sci-fi audience, their representation is apt within the transfer. In summary, "Beyond the Sky" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to the high potential of indie filmmaking facilitated by advanced digital technologies.

The audio presentation of "Beyond the Sky" on Blu-ray features a 5.1 DTS-HD MA track that balances modesty with effectiveness. It is primarily driven by dialogue, which is rendered cleanly, clearly, and crisply, ensuring intelligibility throughout. While there are a few instances where the volume of dialogue drops slightly, these moments are infrequent and do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The sound design avoids excessive aggression, pushing most elements to the front soundstage except during pivotal sequences that demand heightened immersion.

The surround mix, although generally restrained, delivers ambient effects and "otherworldly" elements with precision when necessary. The low frequency extension is notably impactful, particularly in the film's final act, providing a smooth, distortion-free low-end that enhances the viewing experience. The track does not indulge in bass-heavy effects throughout, opting instead for a balanced dynamic range that focuses on subtlety until crucial moments.

Scores by Matrix composer Don Davis are eloquently interwoven, enhancing scenes without overpowering them. The final act stands out as an audio highlight, offering a more engaging and active soundstage that could serve as a demo-worthy example for home theater enthusiasts. This Blu-ray release also includes optional subtitles in English SDH, Spanish, and French, presented in a clear white font, making it accessible for a wider audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Beyond the Sky" present a modest yet intriguing collection of content that enriches the viewing experience. The disc contains two notable interviews and a set of trailers. The segment with Travis Walton, the renowned alien abductee and author, provides a compelling, albeit brief, insight into his 1975 abduction, contributing context to the film's narrative. The interview with a Navajo artist at the International UFO Congress offers an additional layer of authenticity, sharing a unique perspective on UFO sightings. The bundled trailers add a commercial touch, giving a taste of other offerings from the distributor. While short in duration, these supplemental materials manage to augment the primary feature's themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Travis Walton: Brief summary of Walton's 1975 abduction story.
• Interview with Navajo Artist at the International UFO Congress: Description of a sighting at age 10.
• Introductory Trailers: Previews for The Osiris Child, Prisoner X, and Stranded.

"Beyond the Sky," directed by Fulvio Sestito, delves into the familiar territory of alien abductions but attempts to carve its own niche reminiscent of "The X-Files." The narrative follows Chris Norton (Ryan Carnes) who, fueled by the unresolved trauma of his mother's mysterious disappearance, sets out to debunk alien abduction theories through a documentary. Meeting Emily Reed (Jordan Hinson) at a UFO convention near Roswell, New Mexico, Chris uncovers revelations that shake his skepticism. The film, while on a modest budget, features commendable special effects and the intriguing backdrops of New Mexico, seamlessly blending documentary-style storytelling with traditional filmmaking. The casting choices, particularly Peter Stormare and Dee Wallace, though limited in screen time, add depth and credibility to the milieu.

Chris Norton's mission is juxtaposed with Emily's eerie experiences of being abducted every seven years. Despite initial skepticism, Chris finds himself increasingly drawn to Emily's plight as her 28th birthday—and next potential abduction—approaches. The film benefits from the solid performances of Carnes and Hinson, the atmospheric landscapes, and the deft editing by Richard Nord and Zach Scott. Sestito's clever avoidance of found-footage clichés and FBI conspiracies keeps the narrative fresh, although some criticisms arise from the underdeveloped romantic subplot between Chris and Emily.

The technical execution in "Beyond the Sky" stands out, particularly in how it sidesteps typical found-footage pitfalls in favor of a more polished aesthetic. Scenes interspersed with documentary footage elevate the narrative while excellent CGI bolsters the film's visual appeal. Despite its predictability and occasional clumsy writing, "Beyond the Sky" succeeds in engaging viewers with its suspenseful premise and character-driven plot. There is enough intrigue and character dimension to give it a cautious yet enjoyable recommendation for anyone fascinated by UFO folklore and alien abductions.

"Beyond the Sky" on Blu-ray offers an intriguing yet familiar take on the sci-fi thriller genre, utilizing a found footage approach. Despite a predictable narrative, the film sustains viewer interest with its commendable production quality and engaging storyline. The visual presentation on Blu-ray is impressive, showcasing crisp and clear imagery that enhances the film’s atmospheric tension. The audio is equally robust, delivering a lossless soundtrack that immerses the audience in the movie's extraterrestrial ambiance.

However, the disc falls short on supplemental content. The extras are minimal, which might disappoint those who seek in-depth insights into the creation and background of the film. Additionally, while the bitrate isn't at its highest, it generally does not detract from the viewing experience due to the solid technical execution of both video and audio facets.

BtS is no masterpiece, but it's a solid achievement that is all the more surprising for generating dramatic interest from subject matter that most would have said—and I certainly believed—has been thoroughly exhausted. Sestito is someone to watch. Though light on extras and skimpy in its bitrate, RLJ's Blu-ray is a satisfying evening's viewing and, accordingly, recommended.