Psycho (Collector's Edition)

Actor: Anthony Perkins , Janet Leigh , Martin Balsam , Vera Miles , John Gavin
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
ISBN: 0783225849
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
Customer Rating:

, based on 421 reviews

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Editorial Review:

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

Customer Reviews:

Certified classic

While i dont like the "slasher" films that i see coming out these days, I found the archtypal slasher film "Psycho" to be quite good. A few complaints aside, i can see why the film is considered a classic. Im actually quite new to Hitchcock's films but i quickly took notice to his signiture style. The film builds tension extremely well. The muisc is key in developing this. Even in scenes where the dialouge seems innocent enough the music made me apprehensive to what would come next. Hitchcock's unique cinematography is appealing to me as well. I think my favorite aspect of the film is Anthony Perkins' acting. He pulles off both sides of Norman Bates' dual personality extremely well. My only qualms with the film was that it was hard for me to follow Marrion's "motivation". In other words i didn't realize her intentions to steal the money untill she met Bates. Also, i think the psychiatrist gave to much information away at the end, taking away all the mystery that Hitchcock had so masterfully built throughout the film.

2008-09-01

A career best. But why no Oscar for Perkins?

Alfred Hitchcock wired Anthony Perkins to apologise on behalf of his film-making colleagues, after Perkins was denied an Oscar for his portrayal of Norman Bates. Perkins's performance is indeed remarkable, mature and haunting.

The shower sequence is a masterpiece, but I think the scene in Bates's parlour where he and Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) discuss life - including Mother - is a poignant and brilliant performance by Perkins.

Perkins became tragically typecast, but he transformed Robert Bloch's ugly-mannered Bates into a youthfull and tender-natured man. Psycho is an outright classic.

2008-07-31

We All Go A Little Crazy Sometimes

This is one of those classic movies you just wish you could have watched when it first came out in the movie theaters and you or no one else in the audience knew what was coming! Even if you know the basic story outline complete with the big "surprise" and have seen some of the many parodies and copies of the film the original PSYCHO is a very enjoyable viewing experience for any horror/suspense fan. From the memorable music to the perfect casting PSYCHO is truly a masterpiece.

2008-07-16

The mother (father???) of modern horror.

Who hasn't seen this?
Raise your hands and hang your heads in shame.
One of the most important films in history, you must see this.
Too bad the remake is just an unnecessary insult.
The original has withstood the test of time easily.
Brilliant acting, brilliant pacing, amazing directing, and an ending that still blows people away.
Do I recommend this movie?
This movie is REQUIRED VIEWING BY ALL!!!

2008-06-24

A boy's best friend is his mother

A slick, taught psychological thriller. Seminal cinema. I had avoided watching this film for a long time after a friend of mine told me it was 'kind of obvious who the killer is'. Well yes and no. From the cautious, careful opening scenes, to the moment the mysterious motel/house location is established, it is clear that this is not the type of billion dollar bloodbath slasher thriller with ludicrous twists, turns, subplots, denouments. It is a closed world - dominated by the disturbed young man Norman Bates: quirky, uneasy, boyishly handsome - and his relationship with his elderly invalid mother who dominates his mind.

Original for its shape (the shower scene is only a third of the way through) and its intelligent and brilliant epilogue of psychological ideas after a thrilling seat clutching climax, Psycho is a must.

2008-05-13

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