Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) embarked on a project to create a concise, low-budget film. Utilizing his crew from the television series, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, he opted for black and white cinematography to minimize costs. The resulting film, Psycho, centers around Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and his motel – a narrative most viewers will likely recall. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), 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.
This review focuses less on the film Psycho itself, and more on the definitive edition assembled by Universal 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.
The picture quality in 1080p is remarkably sharp and detailed, considering the limitations of the original film stock and black and white photography. The Dolby Digital 5.1 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.
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 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.
Alfred Hitchcock frequently made cameo appearances in his films, and Psycho 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, starring Vince Vaughn as Norman Bates, a Hitchcock look-alike occupies the same location, seemingly reprimanding director Gus Van Sant.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this 60th-anniversary Blu-ray edition of Psycho. While the film reflects its age and may not elicit the same level of fear as it did upon its initial release, Psycho 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 for both seasoned viewers and those encountering the film for the first time.
