DR MBarnum, if you haven't adjusted any of the picture controls from the menu (contrast, brightness, color, tiny, sharpness), you're looking at it in dynamic/intense mode which is the absolute WORST mode you can possibly use.
Do you have any of the latest Disney/Pixar releases like FINDING NEMO or BEAUTY AND THE BEAST? These discs have a THX optimizer section on the disc that will help you dial in the color, brightness, contrast, etc. by following simple instructions.
But take the TV off dynamic mode first. Choose movie or theater mode (different TVs call it different things). Once you've done that, you can adjust brightness, color intensity, contrast, sharpness to suit your own taste.
NO TV STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX NOWADAYS LOOKS ANY GOOD.