"Psycho" is now available as the bonus disc for the new Hitchcock DVD set released by Universal. This is the same disc that was released for sale back in 2000.
A few scratches mar the otherwise acceptable print used for this disc. The black and white contrast levels are fine and the all important shower scene looks excellent.
While we're on that particular classic moment of cinematic terror, it's pleasing to report that the mono track doesn't distort during those moments of frenzy. It's a clear effort, but it would have been brilliant if a new sound mix had been created, at least for the Bernard Herrmann score. The sub woofer channel could have been put to great use to enhance the double bass role of the suspenseful music.
The extra features may, at first glance, look a little on the light side but the trailer provides a wonderful insight into the underlying humour of the movie. It's not just an ordinary trailer either. It's a six-minute tour with "the fabulous Mr Hitchcock."
What a delight it is too. Hitch once again proves himself as one of the truly great showmen, as he guides us around the set of "Psycho". He prowls around Mrs Bates' room, escorts us into Norman's parlour, and then into the shower. Throughout his tour, he tells macabre stories about what happens in these very rooms before breaking off and leaving you dangling. It's six minutes of fun and clever salesmanship that reveals a lot about Hitch and the gleeful streak that runs through his movie.
Available on 18th July 2001.
Chapters: 26
Region: 2
Ratio: 1.85:1 (Anamorphic)
Sound: Dolby Digital 1.0 (mono)
Extra Features: Scene selection, production notes, cast and crew biographies and filmographies, trailer (hosted by Alfred Hitchcock), multiple languages, subtitles, English for the hearing impaired.