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List Price: $26.98 | | Label: Universal Studios
Salesrank: 6416
Released: October 7, 2008 |
| Our Price: $12.97 |
| Used Price: $12.30 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
One of the most shocking films of all time, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, is now available as a new 2-Disc Special Edition! Join the Master of Suspense on a chilling journey as an unsuspecting victim (Janet Leigh) visits the Bates Motel and falls prey to one of cinema’s most notorious psychopaths – Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).
Named #1 on the AFI’s 100 Years…100 Thrills list, this notorious film has become a cultural phenomenon. Featuring one of the most iconic scenes in film history - the famous “shower scene” – plus new bonus features and digitally remastered picture, Psycho is “still terrifying after all these years” (Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide).
Description of Psycho (Special Edition) (Universal Legacy Series):
At last--a great American movie available on video for the first time in its original aspect ratio. For all the slasher pictures that have ripped off Psycho (and particularly its classic set piece, the "shower scene"), nothing has ever matched the impact of the real thing. More than just a first-rate shocker full of thrills and suspense, Psycho is also an engrossing character study in which director Alfred Hitchcock skillfully seduces you into identifying with the main characters--then pulls the rug (or the bathmat) out from under you. Anthony Perkins is unforgettable as Norman Bates, the mama's boy proprietor of the Bates Motel; and so is Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, who makes an impulsive decision and becomes a fugitive from the law, hiding out at Norman's roadside inn for one fateful night. Psycho gets the masterpiece treatment it deserves on DVD, with extras including newsreel footage surrounding the making and release of the movie; an archive of production stills; the special trailer in which Hitchcock (acting as one of the original Universal Studio tour guides) himself leads viewers around the Bates place; credit designer Saul Bass's original "shower scene" story boards; posters and advertising materials for the movie's William Castle-like publicity campaign (No One Will Be Seated After the Feature Begins!); and a 90-minute documentary on the making of the film! What more could any movie fan possibly want? --Jim Emerson
Psycho (Special Edition) (Universal Legacy Series) Reviews:
"A boy's best friend is his mother." 
2009-12-20 - The 2008 special edition of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" brings to modern audiences the spine-chilling thrills of the original plus a great deal more. The digitally remastered print is impeccable and enables viewers to appreciate the set design; the chiaroscuro lighting in which sharp contrasts between light and dark add to the atmosphere of impending doom; and the amazing performances of the leads and the supporting cast. The brilliant Anthony Perkins fully inhabits Norman Bates's character and, for reasons that defy understanding, did not receive an Academy Award nomination as best actor. Also snubbed by the Academy was Bernard Hermann, whose iconic score was played entirely on stringed instruments. Every scene featuring Hermann's music is enhanced by it, especially the famous shower sequence that had audiences in 1960 screaming their heads off. The wonderful Janet Leigh was nominated for her believable portrayal of Marion Crane, an ordinary woman desperate to make a life for herself with the hunky John Gavin. Martin Balsam, a savvy character actor, is a private detective hired to track down Marion when she disappears. Vera Miles, Crane's sister, Lila, aggressively pursues any clue that will help her find Marion. Ultimately, however, Perkins's performance is the one that everyone remembers. His stuttering speech, darting eyes, birdlike movements, ghoulish taxidermy hobby, nervous munching, and references to his overbearing mother all combine to create a character for the ages.
Everything about this movie is carefully thought out and beautifully realized. Hitchcock planned every frame in advance, hired a talented and creative screenwriter, Joseph Stefano, a wonderful cinematographer, John Russell, and a skilled film editor, George Tomasini. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to put Hitchcock's vision on the screen. The shower scene alone took seven days to complete. The result is a terrifying and mesmerizing film that explores such themes as voyeurism, dysfunctional relationships, bad choices that wreck our lives, and the secrets and lies that entrap even the most average people.
The extras are eye-opening. They include informative feature commentary delivered by Stephen Rebello, author of "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho." Rebello helps us appreciate Hitchcock's ability to get around the stringent censorship code, his groundbreaking use of camera angles, and his juxtaposition of wry humor and horrific violence. In addition, the late Janet Leigh tells us how much she loved working with "Mr. Hitchcock," whom she respected greatly; she was happy to do whatever he asked of her. Stefano found Hitchcock to be warm and approachable, not at all a cold and forbidding auteur. We also hear from Hitchcock's daughter, Pat, and his assistant director, who notes Hitchcock's close attention to every detail, including lighting, set design, and special effects. In addition, there is archival footage of hundreds of people waiting on long lines to get into the film when it was first released, since no one was admitted after the show began. This gimmick inflamed people's curiosity and helped make "Psycho" a box office bonanza. Hitchcock's legacy is discussed by such luminaries as Martin Scorsese, who admits that he has frequently paid homage to Hitchcock, whom he considers to be one of the most imitated directors of all time. This superb two-disc set is a must-see for fans of "Psycho." Just one bit of advice: Don't watch it while you are in the house alone.
Psycho (1960) DVD
2009-12-04 - I recieved this product very quickly and in perfect condition. It was a great experience with not problems what so ever. Questions about the product were also promptly answered.
Fast responce to a need 
2009-11-28 - Got this movie for a school project. It was delevered very quick for a couple of viewings before report.
Thanks
A must have for any true film lover.
2009-11-20 - When I put this DVD in my DVD player I was in for a film lover's treat. Sir. Alfred Hitchcock's landmark in the genre of the horror film has never looked better. Why this film was overlooked by the Academy of Motion Pictures is one of greatest sins in film history. This two disc presentation from Universal Studios is truly the definitive history of a masterpiece.
A Groundbreaking Classic
2009-11-12 - Although we can see this movie just about any Halloween season, I decided to buy it for our collection. This movie was groundbreaking in its time. It's odd that we know everything that's going to happen but it still gives me the shivers. Everything came together in "Psycho." An original script; terrific acting; music that is as essential to the fright scenes as the script; and an ending that you never see coming. Of course if you've seen the movie once, you know how it ends. But in the 50's none of this was ever done, especially by actors of Janet Leigh's status.
After all these years, I still find it chilling.
