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- DVD: Psycho (Special Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)
- Rating: R
- Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam
- Written By: Robert Bloch (novel), Joseph Stefano (screenplay)
- Directed By: Alfred Hitchcock
- Distributor: Universal Pictures
- Original Year of Release: SE (2008), Theatrical(1960).
- Extras: Commentary, Storyboards, Posters, Ad Campaign, Trailers, Production Notes, Psycho Archives, Shower Scene, Making of Psycho, In the Masters Shadow Hitchcock’s Legacy, Hitchcock/ Truffant Interview, Episode from Alfred Hitchcock Presents
DVD Review of Psycho - Special Edition
Cue the stabbing music! By
Robert T. Trate
October 07, 2008
Psycho (Special Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)
© Universal Pictures
Psycho is Alfred Hitchcock’s defining masterpiece, a fact that Hitchcock had to battle creatively for because all the films he made after it were in direct comparison. Psycho is the type of film that even if someone has never seen it they are still familiar with the shower scene and the name, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). It has become so completely saturated, and often satirized, in our culture that it represents, in every sense of the word, a classic. Universal is finally giving Psycho the much needed royal treatment and new special features in its Universal Legacy Series DVD release.
The best of these new special features is Stephen Rebello’s (author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho”) commentary track. He allows us into the minds of both Hitchcock and the audience. For the film aficionado, much of what Rebello states about the film is common knowledge. Pointing out Hitchcock’s cameo and how taboo it was to see Janet Leigh’s Marion Crane in her bra and slip is really nothing new. At times, Rebello begins sounding as if he is reading from a term paper. Where he really brings something new to the annals of DVD commentary tracks is his own personal experience with seeing the film for the first time in 1960. His description of the how the audience reacted to the unthinkable and how they faithfully kept the secrets of the film after they left are the keys to appreciating the film. With each new generation that sees the film all those little things that Hitchcock and screenwriter Joseph Stefano fought to keep in the film seem less significant. Showing a toilet was a no no as was the use of the word transvestite back in 1960. This approach helps the viewer to remember the significance of the film and its mark on the culture.
There are several special features which have been on subsequent releases but nonetheless are a great look into the making of this film. Saul Bass’ storyboards and the shower scene without music help to understand the intricacy and brilliance of cinema’s most horrific moment. This often duplicated moment is still as sharp as the knife that struck down Marion Crane. However, the shower scene played without music only emphasizes how Bernard Herrmann’s score is the most menacing part of the film. With out it Psycho just wouldn’t have any bite.
In the “Making of Psycho” several key players regale us with stories about what went into making the film. Most notably are stories from Peggy Robertson (Hitchcock’s personal assistant) and Joseph Stefano (screenwriter of the film). It is Hilton Green (First Assistant Director) and Pat Hitchcock (daughter and “Caroline” in the film) that really supply true insight into what Hitchcock was like. Pat Hitchcock reveals how much influence her mother, Alma, had over many of the day to day decisions about the film. The words, “Alma loved it”, were Hitchcock’s stamp of approval whenever there was any question if he liked something in his films. Hilton Green on the other hand is the verifier of what did indeed happen on set, clarifying what happened during the famous Hitchcock sick day and Saul Bass taking credit for directing the shower scene. Green’s best story deals with his preparation for a night shoot in which he forgot about the full moon.
Fear not, there are hours of special features still to unravel and more to learn about Psycho than you ever thought possible. The original trailer alone is still a landmark in Hollywood and completely illustrates how early Hitchcock sold the audience on the Mother character. Psycho: Special Edition the Universal Legacy Series DVD is a must have for the collection. A Blu-ray edition would have been perfect but to have the film in its perfect ratio (finally) and a plethora of new special features makes it come pretty damn close.
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