An easy test for black level is to pause it on a very dark scene. While paused raise the black level, or whatever its called on the Elite's I don't own one, and see if you gain any detail. You want it set to the point where if you go any higher you don't gain anymore detail and the overall image begins to lighten. It is usually very easy to see when that point is. Setting it to low and you will crush shadow detail. Too high and you are elevating the black level beyond where it needs to be.
Write down where it is set before you adjust it and try it out. I find myself checking that setting often. Sometimes the black level needs to be adjusted for certain movies. Some movies are just so dark that I raise the black level some to regain some shadow detail at the loss of ultimate black level.
Another movie that has very dark scenes is Unforgiven. If the black level is off, even just a few clicks, you lose all the detail. Especially in the shoot out scene in the saloon.
