Black Site Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Black Site Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 7, 2019

Writer/director Tom Paton has a vision for genre entertainment, working to give “Black Site” a colossal backstory involving the longstanding presence of alien deities on Earth and the human force assigned to contain and deport them back to an unknown dimension. The helmer strives to create an epic showdown between man and monster, turning to heavy John Carpenter influences to help grease the path to sci-fi/horror glory. There’s a lot to take in while watching “Black Site,” and while its ambition is engaging, Paton bites off far more than he can chew, fighting to make a cinematic event with a low budget that can’t support such lofty filmmaking goals.

“Black Site” follows Ren (Samantha Schnitzler), a soldier dedicated to the containment of Elder Gods, an alien force that’s been a problem for Earth for nearly a century. She works inside a black site, assisting deportation needs, soon coming into contact with Elder God Erebus (Kris Johnson), who’s locked in human form, taunting those who dare expel him from the planet. Trouble ensues, with cult members storming the facility, putting Ren on the defense as she battles to keep Erebus on lockdown, joined by deportation specialist Sam (Mike Beckingham).

“Black Site” is far more complicated than the above synopsis, with Paton laboring to turn a simple jailbreak idea into a vast history of alien dealings and government programs. He’s aiming to create his own “Escape from New York” with Ren and her fight to maintain order, but he’s caught up in exposition needs, as world-building takes time, pulling focus away from more visceral engagements. There’s action, as Ren punches and slams her way through waves of attackers inside a concrete maze (which is secured with an Electrified Light Field), but there’s even more conversation, as Erebus loves to chat about everything, giving the movie over to long stretches of banal, overly jokey dialogue.

Black Site Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Black Site" has its share of issues, with intermittent posturization being a primary distraction. Certain shots of the Elder Gods in their natural state contribute the most problems, reducing the image to an artifact-riddled mess. The viewing experience clears up from time to time, presenting sharp detail for black site tours, which provide dimensional hallways and rough concrete walls. Facial surfaces are intact, delivering a feel for the different characters and the damage they endure during the story. Costuming remains fibrous. Colors are satisfying, finding black site equipment lighting pronounced, along with the Electric Light Field, which delivers glowing neon defense. Skintones are natural, and costuming retains militaristic hues. Delineation is adequate.

Black Site Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital track isn't quite as amplified as one might expect from an actioner, with scoring selections pushed down, lacking a level of synth soar that typically accompanies these productions. There's detailed sound, but intensity is somewhat lacking, in need of a more engaging volume level and surround position. Dialogue exchanges are defined, tracking accents and emotionality. Atmospherics are passable, with colder environments noted through echo. Sound effects are sharp.

Black Site Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Tom Paton.

• Behind the Scenes (12:57, HD) offer a satisfying look at the creation of "Black Site." Paton is here to explore his creative intent with the picture (his third in an 18-month time frame), with the challenge here being the assembly of ambitious material with a low budget, challenging himself. Cast members explore characterization, but the primary focus of the featurette remains on stunt choreography, showcasing crew members working out physical movement, creating fights for the endeavor.

• Deleted Scenes present "Bedtime Story" (3:00, HD), "If You Can See The Future" (1:19, HD), and "Meet the Boss" (2:25, HD).

• And a Trailer (1:38, HD) is included.

Black Site Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Black Site" has the raw ingredients for a rollicking ride through alien intimidation and bodily harm, but Paton can't find his creative balance. The feature ends up pleasingly stylish for low-budget entertainment, but uneventful and unfulfilling, missing proper escalation as matters worsen for Ren and her war against the alien nation.