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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
NOTE: The Birds is individually reviewed on 4K UHD HERE
"It wasn't a message that stirred the audiences, nor was it a great performance...they were aroused by pure film."
Hailed as one of the most influential suspense movies of its time, Alfred
Hitchcock’s Psycho had a profound effect on how future filmmakers
made movies and shaped audience expectations for generations to come. To
celebrate the 50th Anniversary of one of Universal Studios’ most treasured
and prestigious films, Psycho will debut for the first time ever on
Blu-ray
Hi-Def. Meticulously restored for perfect digital picture and the purest DTS
HD 5.1 digital sound, the Psycho 50th Anniversary Edition takes audiences on
a thrilling journey as an unsuspecting victim (Janet Leigh, The Manchurian
Candidate, Bye Bye Birdie) visits the Bates Motel and falls prey to one of
the silver screen’s most notorious psychopaths – Norman Bates (Anthony
Perkins, Murder on the Orient Express, Les Miserables).
Featuring one of the most iconic scenes in film history – the infamous
“shower scene” – Psycho continues to terrify audiences today as much
as it did half a century ago. ***
****
So Alfred Hitchcock told Francois Truffaut about "Psycho," adding that it "belongs to filmmakers, to you and me." Hitchcock deliberately wanted "Psycho" to look like a cheap exploitation film. He shot it not with his usual expensive feature crew (which had just finished "North by Northwest") but with the crew he used for his television show. He filmed in black and white. Long passages contained no dialogue. His budget, $800,000, was cheap even by 1960 standards; the Bates Motel and mansion were built on the back lot at Universal. In its visceral feel, "Psycho" has more in common with noir quickies like "Detour" than with elegant Hitchcock thrillers like "Rear Window" or "Vertigo." Excerpt from Roger Ebert's review on the Chicago Sun-Times located HERE |
Posters
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Theatrical Release: March 8, 1960
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Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Comparison:
Universal (2-disc Legacy Series) - Region 1- NTSC vs. Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL vs. Universal (UK Steelbook) - Region FREE - Blu-ray vs. Universal (US) - Region FREE - Blu-ray same as Universal (Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray vs. Turbine (Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray |
Big thanks to and Ole of DVDBasen and Dimitri van den Engel for the DVD Screen Caps!
1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP LEFT2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP MIDDLE 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - TOP RIGHT4) Universal (UK) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM LEFT 5) Universal (US) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM SECOND 6) Universal (The Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM THIRD7) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM RIGHT
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Box Covers |
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Distribution |
Universal Studios (Legacy 2-disc) Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Studios Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Pictures (Benelux) Region 2 - PAL |
Distribution |
Universal Studios (Legacy 2-disc) Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Studios Region 1 - NTSC |
Universal Pictures (Benelux) Region 2 - PAL |
Universal UK Region FREE Blu-ray |
Universal U SRegion FREE Blu-ray |
Universal (Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray | Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray |
Runtime | 1:48:44 | 1:48:16 | 1:48:16 | 1:48:51.066 | 1:48:58.532 | 1:48:58.532 | 1:49:05.330 |
Video |
1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1.85:1
Original Aspect Ratio |
1.85:1
Original Aspect Ratio |
Disc Size: 48,683,300,779 bytes Feature Size: 33,463,474,176 bytes Average Bitrate: 32.24 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P |
Disc Size: 40,870,665,246 bytes Feature Size: 31,376,941,056 bytes Average Bitrate: 31.60 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P |
Disc Size: 40,870,665,246 bytes Feature Size: 31,376,941,056 bytes Average Bitrate: 31.60 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P |
Disc Size: 46,339,247,594 bytes Feature Size: 27,934,248,960 bytes Average Bitrate: 25.00 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video 1080P |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate:
Universal Studios (Legacy)
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Universal Studios
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Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection)
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Bitrate:
Universal UK Steelbook Blu-ray
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Universal US Blu-ray
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Bitrate:
Universal (The Masterpiece Collection) Blu-ray
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Bitrate:
Turbine(The Legacy Collection) Blu-ray
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Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0), DUB French Dolby Digital 1.0 | English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono), DUB French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono) |
English Dolby Digital 1.0 (96Kb/s) |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 3692 kbps 5.1 / 48
kHz / 3692 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 3721 kbps 5.1 / 48
kHz / 3721 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) DTS Audio English 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 24-bit DTS Audio French 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 24-bit Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 3721 kbps 5.1 / 48
kHz / 3721 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) DTS Audio English 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 24-bit DTS Audio French 384 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 24-bit Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB |
DTS-HD Master Audio German
1562 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1562 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz /
1509 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 1895 kbps 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1895 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 5.1 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 1654 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1654 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) DTS Audio Miscellaneous languages768 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit DTS Audio English 768 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 16-bit |
Subtitles | English (SDH), Spanish, French None | Spanish, English, None | English, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Icelandic, Russian, Dutch | English, English (SDH), Chinese (traditional and simplified), Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and none. | English (SDH), Spanish, French None | English (SDH), Spanish, French None | English, German, None |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Studios Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Book Style Case Chapters 26 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Studios Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
Chapters 27 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal Pictures (Benelux) Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details: Chapters 27 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal UK
Disc Size: 48,683,300,779 bytes Feature Size: 33,463,474,176 bytes Average Bitrate: 32.24 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P
Edition Details:
•
Psycho Sound: A never-before-seen piece
that looks at the re-mastering process required to create a 5.1 mix from
the original mono elements using Audionamix technology.
•
Episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Lambs to the Slaughter') Chapters 26 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal US
Disc Size: 48,683,300,779 bytes Feature Size: 33,463,474,176 bytes Average Bitrate: 32.24 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P
Edition Details:
•
Psycho Sound: A never-before-seen piece
that looks at the re-mastering process required to create a 5.1 mix from
the original mono elements using Audionamix technology. • 'My Scenes' capable
•
BD-LIVE enabled Chapters 26 |
Release Information: Studio: Universal US
Disc Size: 48,683,300,779 bytes Feature Size: 33,463,474,176 bytes Average Bitrate: 32.24 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P
Edition Details:
•
Psycho Sound: A never-before-seen piece
that looks at the re-mastering process required to create a 5.1 mix from
the original mono elements using Audionamix technology. • 'My Scenes' capable
•
BD-LIVE enabled Chapters 26 |
Release Information: Studio: Turbine
Disc Size: 46,339,247,594 bytes Feature Size: 27,934,248,960 bytes Average Bitrate: 25.00 MbpsDual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video 1080P
Edition Details:
Blu-ray
Disc 2 Blu-ray Release Date: January 31st, 2019 Custom package (see below) Chapters 24 |
Universal (The Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray Package
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Package - Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray
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Comments |
NOTE: The Birds is individually reviewed on 4K UHD HERE NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.A DDITION: Turbine (Legacy Collection) Region FREE Blu-ray (March 2019):This review is a work-in-progress as the set is so large but one thing we did find notable; the Turbine Blu-rays are transferred in the superior AVC where the older Universal used VC-1. Despite the Universal having the slightly higher bitrate - the use of encode is significant - especially in-motion. We have made some captures matches below. We do like the benefits of the Turbine! Stay tuned for more!
World Premiere: Alfred Hitchcock’s classic uncut on
Blu-ray
Disc for the first time + Psycho II, III, IV + remake + “Bates
motel” TV movie + full-length documentaries “The Making of Psycho”,
“Psycho Legacy” & “78/52” on 8 Blu-Ray Discs incl. over 15 hours of
bonus features + Audio Commentaries and 4×3 Retro Versions + large size
120 page book “The Psycho Files” by Tobias Hohmann (in German) + Din A1
Poster “Norman Bates” + 4 DIN A2 Posters + 6 Art Cards + Replicas of Sam
Loomis’ Letter (English/German) + 25 sheets of “Bates Motel” notepaper
and a “Do Not Disturb” door hanger *** ADDITION: Universal (Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE Blu-ray - October 12': The Universal (Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection) is the exact same disc/transfer as the 2010 50th Anniversary Blu-ray - same encode; VC-1, same bitrate, Dolby TrueHD, same extras, same subtitles and DUBs.*** ADDITION: Universal (US) Region FREE - Blu-ray - August 2010: Well, surprisingly there is a difference, although nothing I could determine visually or aurally. I needed to look at the stats. Transfers appear similar enough but the UK Steelbook has more DUBs and subs (subtitles) - and a slightly higher bitrate. On the US, region free, Blu-ray we lose the 20-page booklet, the episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Lambs to the Slaughter') extra and the menus are marginally different. The US Blu-ray is both 'My Scenes' capable and has BD-LIVE ready. O ur software determines that the US release is marginally less dynamic video-wise than the UK but more-so in the audio. But these are such minute amounts that I defy anyone to be able to distinguish a notable difference simply using their senses. I definitely could not and didn't bother matching captures, yet again, for that reason.The Steelbook is less than $1 USD more but take into account shipping charges. I'd say it's a wash. People who like the standard cases should base their decision that way and steer clear of the Steelbook. If you want the 20-page book, require the additional subs or DUBs, like the steelbook cases, then the UK is the one you want. Overall, still a major inclusion in any digital library. It's a must-own.
NOTE: Jim tells us: "I just wanted to give you a heads
up. The Region 1 Blu-ray DOES look fantastic, but the 5.1 mix is a
cheat. While it does expand the listening experience, they have lost
some of the original sound effects in the process. Case in point? Please
watch the scene where Norman enters his house after peeping on Marion.
The sound of the door closing is missing, but is present on the 2.0 mix
(and every other release this film has seen.) Fans and purists should be
aware of sloppy mistakes like this. Don't you agree? Thanks for your
time." (Thanks JIM!)
* ADDITION: Universal (UK) Region FREE - Blu-ray - August 2010: Firstly, this should be the EXACT same video transfer as the October 2010 US Blu-ray edition - audio options may differ as this UK releases has multiple DUBs. I don't know why the UK received an earlier release of this title but it is region FREE. I received the 'Steelbook' edition. I thought I had identified some digital processing but after talking with film restoration expert Robert Harris on the phone we have concluded that this is probably not sourced from the original negative but instead from a fine grain master and any occasional anomalies may exist there (we discussed things like 'bromide drag') but overall the visuals looks.... excellent. Of this we are in agreement. The first capture of the 'house' has real depth - so much so that it looks a little like a false-front one might see in a western and you can plainly see the make-up on Martin Balsam (see last capture). In motion this transfer looks awesome.
There are some light scratches, dirt and speckles still in existence but
they are basically frame-specific. For the most part the 1.85:1 aspect
ratio image looks amazingly impressive.
Psycho has some of THE most iconic images in ALL of film
and this is definitely a piece of important cinema history.
Along with a number of foreign languages DUBs the big appeal are the
lossless tracks - the new remix DTS-HD Master 5.1 at a whopping 3692
kbps which sounds brilliant and the optional DTS 2.0 channel. They
established the surround from the mono track and it displays
wonderful depth in the unforgettable Bernard Herrmann score. This is
also extremely impressive as the audio is such a huge part of the
Psycho film experience. It comes with a stack of subtitle options
and my
Momitsu
has identified
it as being a region FREE disc playable on
Blu-ray
machines worldwide.
Extras are endless - some repeated from previous release like the
feature-length audio commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of “Alfred
Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho”) to the new piece: Psycho
Sound - a never-before-seen piece that looks at the re-mastering
process required to create a 5.1 mix from the original mono elements
using Audionamix technology (Universal process). Highlights include the
previously included The Shower Scene: a look at the impact of
music on the infamous “shower scene,” Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews:
excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock,
Storyboards by Saul Bass , a 1/2hourt episode of Alfred Hitchcock
Presents (entitled 'Lambs to the Slaughter') and the new 20-page liner notes booklet ‘Making
of Psycho’.
This is an easy sale as far as I am concerned - those patient enough can
wait for the US edition - but I don't think it will be superior on any
front (image - which will be the same, audio or extras). Universal has
done a superlative job here. Needless to say it is highly recommended.
An essential part of any
Blu-ray
library.
***
ADDITION: 2-disc Legacy Series - October 08': I like the look of this
new Legacy edition despite it being marginally brighter. Being
anamorphic (like the 'Masterpiece' edition (which I cannot locate in my
'stacks' - it is also 16X9 enhanced.) This makes a huge difference in my
opinion. The image is sharper and a little grainer - I think it is
wonderful. Contrast is also improved and it has a very high bitrate. I
believe it is the best edition for image quality at present. Audio appears the same option but honestly sounded more
buoyant - and I don't know why. Bottom line is it is solid - Bernard
Herrmann score is as pulsating and hypnotic as ever in this 2.0 channel
track. There is a French DUB offered and optional subtitles in English,
French or Spanish. Supplements are a fabulous upgrade with a competent,
informative commentary from Stephen Rebello (Author of
Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho). Included from the previous
offerings is the extensive 'making of..." that is very much worth
watching. We also get 15 more minutes of Truffaut + Hitch and a full Alfred
Hitchcock Presents episode - "Lamb to the Slaughter". Easy recommendation - a fabulous, complete, package. This is
a film I can consistently revisit for the rest of my life. We strongly endorse.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS :
The in R2 released Psycho Collection
contains all 4 Psycho films. The classic Psycho, film number 1 in this
collection, looks like a direct copy of the R1 disc but misses out on the
production notes, cast and crew bios and an 8 page booklet.
-Dimitri van den Engel
The Region 1 is better in both image and extras. Once again we have a case
of how anamorphic images are not always the best ( unless done properly ).
I could probably forgive the R2/4 version the slightly less sharp picture
if it at least included the 1hour 30 minute documentary that the Region 1
has. This ends up being an easy choice - R1 all the way.
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DVD Menus Legacy Disc 1
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Disc 2
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(Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC -
LEFT vs. Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL
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RIGHT)
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Blu-ray - UK Steelbook (US are slightly different)
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Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray
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CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Screen Captures
1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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Example of Ghosting from Region 2 'Psycho Collection':
1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal 2-disc Legacy - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP 2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - SECOND 3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - THIRD4) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - FOURTH 5) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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More Blu-ray Captures
1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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1) Universal- Region FREE - Blu-rays - TOP 2) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray - BOTTOM
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Cut Scene captures - Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray
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More Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray Captures
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Report Card:
Image: |
Blu-rays |
Sound: |
Blu-rays |
Extras: | Legacy Blu-rays |
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