It's the 60th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' this year and this week movie lovers have been given a brand new edition on both Blu-Ray and the new 4K Video formats. Universal seems to always be a bit skimpy when it comes to 'Psycho' on video despite its significance and popularity and sadly 99% of this release is the same old same old. However, the biggest addition comes in the form of a 'Uncut' version of the film but just how much has this changed the overall product and is this worth another double dip?
SYNOPSIS:
Marion Crane is on the run after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to spend a new life with her lover Sam. While on her journey, she stops at a dark motel tucked away and meets a quiet but charming man named Norman Bates. The film then becomes a series of twists and turns until it reaches its infamous climax.
MOVIE REVIEW:
'Psycho' for the longest time was my all time favorite film. It was the film that inspired me as a teenager to make my own movies and its influence is seen not just with myself but in the industry for decades now. A film that was once seen as a disgusting and offensive piece of trash has now become one of the most loved. 'Psycho' is not perfect nor is it even Hitchcock's best film however. It has dated dialogue in some places, the end monologue was necessary then but tedious and dull now, and aside from Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins the cast is hit or miss with their performances. 'Psycho' has aged very well overall however and I will always sit down and watch it all the way through every time. It's a perfect movie for any occasion. (4.5/5)
VIDEO:
This is the same Blu-Ray transfer from Universal's 50th anniversary edition but the film's black and white picture makes for a nice smooth presentation overall. Some scenes show some kind of blurring but this is likely on the film print itself. The image is nice and crisp and there's lots of details in the clothing, furniture etc. With a film this old, the high-def upgrade does age the back projection effects badly. The biggest example of this is when Arbogast is attacked on the staircase, which to be fair was always had a rather clunky look to it. Overall, this is a 'if it's not broke' scenario and both the uncut and cut film and kept the picture pretty much the same. (4.5/5)
AUDIO:
Audio is the same as the 50th edition as well, coming in a Dolby 5.1 mix and the original Mono track. Bernard Hermann's score is great on both tracks, with that beautiful opening sucking you right in. It sounds sublime even on my little soundbar and the shower scene is by far the best scene to test your personal system with. The Dolby track also enhances some background effects such as cars driving or during a strong rainstorm. The original Mono track offers a more faithful version of how 'Psycho' was presented back in 1960. Great for film fans but most people will never change from the 5.1 mix. (5/5)
SPECIAL FEATURES:
The only new feature included in the 60th anniversary edition of 'Psycho' is the newly remastered 'uncut' version. This was the version that was seen back in 1960 and contains about a minute and a half of extra footage. When the film was re-released back in 1980 and after the acquisition of a number of Hitchcock films by Universal Pictures, it was strangely edited down and has been the print for every video, DVD, and Blu-Ray release until now.
All the extras from the previous DVD/BD releases have been ported over for both this and the 4K release:
-'The Making of Psycho'
-'Psycho' Sound
-'Hitchcock's Legacy'
-Hitchcock/Truffaut
-'The Shower Scene: Storyboards'
-Trailers, Radio & TV Spots, Lobby Cards, & Still Galleries
Overall, there is little reason to upgrade your current edition of 'Psycho' unless you are purchasing it as part of the Hitchcock box set. It is nice to see the full version for archival purposes it changes nothing to the overall film aside from some extra violence. The old special features are still the same from your old copy. (3/5)
'Psycho' is as brilliant as ever, but for a 60 year celebration this is a pitiful display. I honestly don't know what it is with Universal. The studio responsible for some of the greatest films in history treat their major library with such disdain sometimes (Jurassic Park being a great example). I would recommend the 4K box set that comes with several of Hitchcock's works including the uncut print. That's a far better deal for those looking to add Hitchcock to their collection
3/5
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