"Below black" is just a phrase used to describe black levels below NTSC black levels. There are many movies with these levels in them, and those will be clipped. It is not a mythical issue. It is like they are putting out VHS quality black level. Is that what you want on your HD disc? This is something that needs to be fixed, and fast. Panny is putting out a better encoder, hopefully that or something else will be used by the studios.

TFE on BD used a different master than the DVD releases. Truly bizarre as this movie has long been one of the best transfers, now it is one of the worst.

If you really believe that the black level they're getting on BD discs is VHS quality, I suggest you watch Underworld Evolution on a quality display. Then compare it with the DVD. There's enough subtle gradation in the black to grey gamut that justifying that expensive player becomes a bit easier.

Fifth Element is hideous (for a BD...it's just bad for a DVD). There are places in it where the potential of Blu Ray shows through...but on the whole it's not the "Beyond High Definition" experience I was hoping for. I honestly can't believe that Sony released it in that state. Someone must have watched a pressed copy at some time? Funny thing is, that disc is being included with the Sony player.

or both. I think it is obvious they used a bad master/film. Let's face it encoders can't add scratches and dust blobs, they need to be on the original film.