{"id":1780,"date":"2020-10-10T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-10T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-psycho-60th-anniversary-bd\/"},"modified":"2025-05-09T17:39:16","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T15:39:16","slug":"review-psycho-60th-anniversary-bd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-psycho-60th-anniversary-bd\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Psycho \u2013 60th Anniversary (BD)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alfred Hitchcock<\/strong> (1899-1980) embarked on a project to create a concise, low-budget film. Utilizing his crew from the television series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents<\/strong>, he opted for black and white cinematography to minimize costs. The resulting film, Psycho<\/strong>, centers around Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins)<\/strong> and his motel \u2013 a narrative most viewers will likely recall. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh)<\/strong>, fleeing legal repercussions, arrives at the motel late one evening. The seemingly affable and polite Norman Bates accommodates her, but it soon becomes apparent that underlying disturbances are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This review focuses less on the film Psycho<\/em> itself, and more on the definitive edition assembled by Universal<\/strong> for the film’s 60th anniversary. This release features the version originally screened in cinemas in 1960, distinguishing it from previously released, edited home market versions. The film underwent re-editing during its initial theatrical run. Rather than explicitly detailing the reinstated content and spoiling the viewing experience, I encourage viewers to discover these nuances themselves. For comparative purposes, the second, edited version is also included on the disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The picture quality in 1080p<\/strong> is remarkably sharp and detailed, considering the limitations of the original film stock and black and white photography. The Dolby Digital 5.1<\/strong> audio track is well-balanced and faithful to the original sound design. While a 4K version has not been released in Sweden, it is available in other international markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comprehensive supplemental material significantly elevates the value of this edition, offering a wealth of content for film enthusiasts. Notably, the iconic shower scene is presented both with and without music. This allows viewers to appreciate the profound impact of Bernard Herrmann’s<\/strong> score; it’s worth noting that Hitchcock initially resisted incorporating music into the film, but quickly reversed his position upon hearing Herrmann’s initial composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alfred Hitchcock frequently made cameo appearances in his films, and Psycho<\/em> is no exception. His classic silhouette can be seen outside Marion Crane’s workplace. An interesting anecdote: in the critically panned 1998 remake of Psycho<\/strong>, starring Vince Vaughn<\/strong> as Norman Bates, a Hitchcock look-alike occupies the same location, seemingly reprimanding director Gus Van Sant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this 60th-anniversary Blu-ray edition of Psycho<\/em>. While the film reflects its age and may not elicit the same level of fear as it did upon its initial release, Psycho<\/em> undeniably laid the groundwork for countless subsequent horror films, which drew inspiration from master director Alfred Hitchcock’s self-described “little low-budget film” that captivated audiences worldwide. This edition is a definitive must-have<\/em> for both seasoned viewers and those encountering the film for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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