Psycho Blu-ray Review

Universal's Blu-ray release of "Psycho" presents a significant upgrade from previous DVD transfers, maintaining a professional yet engaging tone. The 1080p/VC-1 encoded image is notable for its high level of clarity and excellent contrast, effectively enhancing Hitchcock's original aesthetic. Gray shading is well-defined, along with pronounced whites and blacks which contribute to a more dimensional viewing experience. Grain is preserved in a balanced manner, avoiding the overly digital scrubbing seen in other restorations, thus preserving the essential celluloid feel. Noteworthy instances include the skyline of Phoenix appearing significantly crisper and cleaner compared to the DVD version, with fewer visible specks and print defects.

However, there are persistent artifacting issues that slightly mar this otherwise impressive transfer. Instances of shimmer and aliasing become evident in scenes with intricate patterns, such as the venetian blinds in the opening sequences or the crosshatched suitcoat of a character later in the film, creating distracting visual noise. Despite these issues, the Blu-ray excels in presenting detailed close-ups, like Marion's and Arbogast's faces during pivotal moments, and enhances iconic scenes like the shower sequence. Shadows and reflections gain clarity, contributing to the film’s eerie atmosphere. While minor patterns occasionally show shimmer, no evident noise reduction or edge enhancement artifacts further degrade the experience.

Overall, despite some imperfections and surface defects from the original print that remain visible, Universal’s effort in this Blu-ray release of "Psycho" largely succeeds in honoring the film's visual legacy. The improvements in sharpness and contrast markedly elevate the viewing experience, making it a must-own for aficionados seeking to experience Hitchcock's chilling classic in the best possible quality.

The Blu-ray edition of "Psycho" sports a newly mastered 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that significantly enhances Bernard Herrmann's iconic score and intricate sound effects. Despite some skepticism towards repurposed 5.1 mixes for films originally designed with a more confined audio scope, this particular remix achieves a commendable balance. The remixers avoided excessive alterations, maintaining a subtle yet effective presence throughout, most notably in the iconic scenes such as Marion driving in the rain and the car sinking sequence. The sound field does feature some stereo separation, providing a broader listening experience, though it remains anchored predominantly in the front channels, respecting the film's original mono design.

Aurally, "Psycho" truly stands out with its clean, dynamic range and well-preserved high frequencies which bring Herrmann’s all-string score to the forefront spectacularly. There is virtually no age-related damage, hiss, or compression issues. Dialogue remains clear and comprehensible, and all sound effects are crisp and precise, including the unsettling knife stabs, originally created by stabbing a melon. Although some may argue the 5.1 mix is somewhat unnecessary given the film's intimate nature, it undeniably enhances the overall sound quality without overwhelming the listener. Additionally, a standard DTS 2.0 track faithfully reproduces the original mono mix for purists.

Universal’s effort to provide an immersive yet respectful audio experience is noteworthy, particularly considering past criticisms of its handling of catalog titles. This edition not only presents extraordinary sound quality but also includes extensive extras like a featurette on creating the new 5.1 audio, insightful commentaries, and a wealth of archival materials. Ultimately, while it may not deliver the cutting-edge surround effects of modern releases, this Blu-ray edition ensures that "Psycho" sounds better than ever before, reaffirming its timeless auditory appeal.

The Blu Ray extras for "Psycho" provide an exceptional array of informational and engaging content that caters to both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The disc includes a feature-length documentary covering every facet of the film’s production, from casting to public reception, providing a comprehensive insider's perspective. Users can also explore audio commentaries, insightful featurettes on sound and legacy, rare interviews, storyboards, archival footage, and various promotional materials. These extras significantly enhance the viewing experience, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the cinematic and cultural impact of this Hitchcock classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Making of 'Psycho': A detailed documentary on the production.
• Psycho Sound: Examination of the 5.1 mix development.
• In the Master's Shadow: Hitchcock's Legacy: Influential directors discuss Hitchcock.
• Hitchcock/Truffaut: Audio excerpts from Truffaut’s interviews with Hitchcock.
• Newsreel Footage: The Release of 'Psycho': Footage and promotional material.
• The Shower Scene: The iconic sequence with and without music.
• The Shower Sequence: Storyboards by Saul Bass: Sketches for the scene.
• The 'Psycho' Archives: Collection of production photos.
• Posters and 'Psycho' Ads: Posters and advertisements.
• Lobby Cards: Various color lobby cards.
• Behind the Scenes Photographs: On-set photos.
• Publicity Shots: Marketing stills.
• Theatrical Trailer: Hitchcock guides a tour of the Bates property.
• Re-Release Trailers: Trailers for the film's re-releases.

"Psycho" remains a landmark in the horror-thriller genre, demonstrating Alfred Hitchcock's mastery in evoking suspense and psychological unease. Released in 1960, the film took significant artistic risks by subverting then-accepted cinematic norms. Unlike other conventional thrillers, "Psycho" introduces its iconic antagonist, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), only 28 minutes into the movie and further delays the first murder sequence by another 20 minutes. This leisurely-built tension paradoxically intensifies the shocks, contrasting with contemporary horror's quick pace. Hitchcock’s pacing and deliberate tension-building paid off spectacularly, forever embedding scenes like the infamous shower murder, shot with cold clinical detachment, into cinematic lore.

Psycho's lasting impact stems not only from its plot twists but also from its technical and artistic execution. Bernard Herrmann's all-string score is instrumental in creating an atmosphere of dread that complements Hitchcock's visuals. The film opens with a sexually charged scene between Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) and her lover — a bold move for its time — and transitions into a deeply unsettling psychological narrative. Hitch’s eye for detail is evident in his framing choices, such as the eerie, detached voyeurism in Norman’s peephole scene. This calculated objectivity renders the violent moments even more harrowing. The dualistic character studies of Marion and Norman provide depth, showcasing Hitchcock’s ability to intermingle physical terror with complex psychological profiles.

Hitchcock’s innovative storytelling also involves manipulating audience expectations; for instance, killing off Marion, the apparent protagonist, midway through the film defied narrative conventions. Additionally, Joseph Stefano's screenplay includes a climactic explanatory coda that, while somewhat dated by today's standards, openly tackles transvestitism, marking a noteworthy push against the era's societal taboos. Ultimately, Psycho's blend of high-art cinematic techniques and gritty subject matter not only redefined horror but also ensured its legacy as a seminal work in film history. The Blu-ray release maintains these details impeccably, ensuring that Hitchcock's vision continues to mesmerize and disturb new generations of viewers.

Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' remains a paragon of suspense and horror even after fifty years. The Blu-ray release captures this enduring classic with a high-quality video transfer that does justice to its iconic sequences, though it's not without minor imperfections. The black-and-white cinematography retains its gritty, atmospheric charm, presenting a clear and detailed picture that enhances the film’s haunting visuals. The lossless audio track, though not reaching reference quality, supports Bernard Herrmann's brilliant score with robustness, maintaining the chilling tone set by Hitchcock's meticulous direction.

For cinephiles and students of film, 'Psycho' is indispensable. It offers a masterclass in Hitchcock’s techniques, from his use of camera angles and lighting to his ability to build suspense. Anthony Perkins' unforgettable performance as Norman Bates remains a cornerstone of cinematic acting, offering layers of psychological complexity that reward repeated viewings. The array of special features included in this release provides valuable insights into the film's production and legacy, making it an essential addition to any film enthusiast's collection.

In conclusion, while 'Psycho' may not meet the visual standards set by some previous high-definition releases like 'North by Northwest,' it remains a monumental piece of film history. With its iconic moments and lasting impact on the genre, this Blu-ray edition is a commendable presentation of a must-see classic. Very highly recommended for both its historical significance and its continued capacity to captivate and terrify audiences.