Beyond Skyline Blu-ray Review

"Beyond Skyline" comes with a 1080p/AVC-encoded High Definition video presentation framed in the original 2.40:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The video quality is softer and hazier, lending a filmic quality that enhances its nominal budget constraints. Detail is decent but occasionally lacks sharpness, especially in close-ups, which can sometimes appear frustratingly unfocused due to limited lighting, particularly in night scenes. However, daytime sequences are more impressive, with vibrant landscapes captured beautifully, especially during scenes set in Indonesia. The mixture of VFX and practical effects lends the alien sequences commendable detail.

The Red Epic Dragon's digital capture results in a typically sleek and sharp presentation, though noise issues do appear in darker scenes, most notably in the subway tunnel moments. Some parts of the film exhibit curious drops in quality, likely an intentional choice to complement the handheld filming style and fly-on-the-wall ambiance. The predominant deep blue color grading depletes fine details at times, but overall, the CGI remains impressively sharp, avoiding the common pitfalls of softness found in lower-budget productions. Despite its budgetary limits, "Beyond Skyline" delivers a more than acceptable visual experience, capturing both city-scale attacks and creature details robustly.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for "Beyond Skyline" offers a compelling auditory experience, characterized by an array of dynamic and forceful elements. The audio mix excels in delivering loud, action-packed scenarios that engulf the viewer's living room, particularly during pivotal invasion setpieces. The aggressive soundtrack amplifies the chaotic atmosphere, even if it lacks subtlety. Each intense moment is punctuated effectively, contributing to an immersive experience. The dialogue clarity remains consistent and coherent, although it takes a backseat to the more dominant sound effects.

Environmental sounds are meticulously crafted, making alien crafts and creatures vividly come alive. There is a palpable presence in scenes featuring shotgun blasts, handgun rounds, and even episodes involving tactical nukes, all supported by robust LFE effects that reverberate through the floor and encompass the surrounds. Notably, the initial attack sequence stands out with intricate explosions and immersive audio design that establish a believably chaotic ambience.

Transitioning to interior ship scenes, the audio mix maintains a cloistered sound design. Discrete placement of individual effects within the surround channels enhances the sense of space and environment. This deliberate echo-y ambiance strengthens the immersive quality of these sequences. Throughout, both dialogue and musical score are reliably clear and well-rendered, ensuring that every element remains understandable without any track-related issues, thus making "Beyond Skyline" a compelling auditory experience for its genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Beyond Skyline" is notably sparse in the extras department, with a glaring absence of supplemental materials. This omission is quite unusual and may suggest that the release was not given full attention or resources, potentially indicative of its status as a lower-tier or rushed offering. Viewers expecting behind-the-scenes content, commentary tracks, or other typical bonus features will be disappointed. The disc only presents a couple of trailers at startup, leaving fans without additional insights into the film's production or thematic explorations.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailers: A couple of trailers automatically start when you play the disc.

"Beyond Skyline" is a fascinating example of a superior sequel that transcends its predecessor in almost every way. Directed by Liam O'Donnell, who also co-wrote the first film, this movie amplifies the action and gore, shedding Skyline's PG-13 constraints. Notably, it features the talents of Frank Grillo and the stars from The Raid, Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, providing a robust action ensemble. The film starts with Frank Grillo's character Mark Corley, a burned-out LAPD officer, struggling with personal issues while being thrust into an alien invasion scenario. Initially, the plot follows Corley and his troubled son Trent in Los Angeles but quickly shifts to Indonesia, where the narrative interlinks with the ending of the first film.

The technical execution is commendable given the tight budget, showcasing impressive special effects that surpass those of Skyline. From heads being brutally harvested by robotic entities for their brains to adrenaline-fueled close-quarters combat, including The Raid-style neck-stabbing by Uwais, the film indulges in visceral, intense action sequences. O'Donnell’s familiarity with the established world lends itself well to cohesive world-building, enriching the sequel with continuity threads that fans of the original film will appreciate, even if they view Skyline unfavorably.

Despite adhering to numerous alien invasion tropes and not breaking new narrative ground, "Beyond Skyline" manages to forge its own identity through solid performances and gripping special effects. Grillo brings a surprising amount of gravitas to his role, contributing to the film’s unexpected integrity. While the movie doesn't delve deeply into the aliens' motivations or overarching plans, it compensates with relentless action and engaging character arcs, including an unusual surrogate father subplot involving an accelerated-growth child. This installment subtly sets the stage for potential future sequels, though its lukewarm box office success might keep audiences guessing. Overall, "Beyond Skyline" is a visually appealing, action-packed addition to the alien invasion genre.

"Beyond Skyline" on Blu-ray offers a compellingly mixed bag that distinctly surpasses its predecessor, albeit with some noteworthy caveats. Distributed by Signature Entertainment, this UK Region B-locked Blu-ray release boasts solid video quality and very good audio performance. The film embraces its low-budget roots, using them to its advantage to deliver a surprisingly enjoyable blend of alien sci-fi, horror, and action elements. This dynamic combination makes for a highly watchable experience, replete with frequent and intense action sequences, and creative plot ideas.

In terms of technical merits, the video presentation is notably crisp and detailed, highlighting the film's special effects and practical stunt work impressively. The audio track is robust and immersive, providing a well-rounded sonic experience that greatly enhances the viewing. However, it is worth mentioning that the disc lacks additional content or special features, which might disappoint those looking for behind-the-scenes insights or bonus material to complement the main feature.

Conclusively, while "Beyond Skyline" may not revolutionize the sci-fi genre, it certainly exceeds expectations set by its predecessor. Its tight pacing, engaging action sequences, and commendable technical execution make it a worthwhile addition for genre enthusiasts, even if it doesn't offer much beyond the primary viewing experience.