Psycho Blu-ray Janet Leigh

U.S.A. 1960

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.

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Credited with inventing the genre of the modern horror film, PSYCHO has had its share of sequels and imitators, none of which diminishes the achievement of this shocking and complex horror thriller. Alfred Hitchcock's choreography of elements in PSYCHO is considered so perfect it inspired a shot-by-shot remake by Gus Van Sant in 1998. However, Hitchcock's black-and-white original, featuring Anthony Perkins's haunting characterization of lonely motel keeper Norman Bates, has never been equaled. Bates presides over an out-of-the-way motel under the domineering specter of his mother. The young, well-intentioned Bates is introduced to the audience when Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), a blonde on the run with stolen money, checks in for the night. But Momma doesn't like loose women, so the stage is set for this classic tale of horror--and one of the most famous scenes in film history. PSYCHO was initially received by audiences with shock and amazement, and it still terrifies today. Though it is now considered prototypical Hitchcock, its setting, pace, and emphasis on terror were major departures for the director at the time, coming after the more classically grand NORTH BY NORTHWEST.

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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

Theatrical Release: March 8, 1960

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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 LEFT

2) Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - TOP MIDDLE

3) Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - TOP RIGHT

4) 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 THIRD

7) Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray BOTTOM RIGHT

Box Covers

Distribution

Universal Studios (Legacy 2-disc)

Region 1 - NTSC

Universal Studios

Region 1 - NTSC

Universal Pictures (Benelux)
Region 2 - PAL

Regular UK Blu-ray:

New Single Edition Blu-ray available in June 2014:

US Steelbook Blu-ray available in October 2014:

Universal UK

Region FREE Blu-ray

Universal US

Region FREE Blu-ray

Universal (Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

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 US Region 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 Average Bitrate: 8.22 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.73 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s	1.85:1 Original Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 4.53 mb/s PAL 720x576 25.00 f/s	Disc Size: 48,683,300,779 bytes Feature Size: 33,463,474,176 bytes Average Bitrate: 32.24 Mbps Dual-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 Mbps Dual-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 Mbps Dual-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 Mbps Dual-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.
Bitrate: Universal Studios (Legacy)
Bitrate: Universal Studios
Bitrate: Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection)
Bitrate: Universal UK Steelbook Blu-ray
Bitrate: Universal US Blu-ray
Bitrate: Universal (The Masterpiece Collection) Blu-ray
Bitrate: Turbine(The Legacy Collection) Blu-ray
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 665 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 665 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 384 kbps / 16-bit) Dolby Digital Audio English 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio French 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio German 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio Italian 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio Japanese 192 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 192 kbps / DN -4dB Dolby Digital Audio Spanish 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 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: Widescreen anamorphic - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • Disc 1 • Commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of *Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho*) • Newsreel Footage: The Release of Psycho (7:40) • The Shower Scene - (music optional) - 2:31 • The Shower Scene - Storyboards by Saul Bass (4:10) • The Psycho Archives, (Posters, Lobby Cards etc.) Production Notes - (text) • Theatrical trailer and re-release trailer Disc 2 (dual-layered) • The Making of Psycho (1:34:06) • In the Master's Shadow - Hitchcock's Legacy (25:56) • Hitchcock Truffaut - (audio interview with scenes from the film etc.) - 15:21 • Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode "Lamb to the Slaughter" (26:12) DVD Release Date: October 7th, 2008 Book Style Case Chapters 26	Release Information: Studio: Universal Studios Aspect Ratio: Widescreen letterboxed - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • Documentary 'The Making of Psycho' 95 minutes • The Shower Scene: with and without music • Theatrical trailer - un-restored 6:40 minutes (4:3) • Re-release adverts (4:3) • Newsreel footage • Production photographs • Production drawings (Storyboards by Saul Bass, lobby cards, posters and psycho ads) • Production notes • Cast and crew bios • 8 page foldout booklet including chapter list and 4 pages of film notes DVD Release Date: March 6, 2001 Keep Case Chapters 27	Release Information: Studio: Universal Pictures (Benelux) Aspect Ratio: Widescreen letterboxed - 1.85:1 Edition Details: • Documentary • The Shower Scene: with and without music 2:28 • Theatrical trailer - un-restored 6:34 (4:3) • Re-release adverts 1:48 (4:3) • The Hitchcock Collection DVD advert 1:08 (4:3) • Newsreel footage 7:43 • Production photographs • Production drawings (Storyboards by Saul Bass, lobby cards, posters and psycho ads) DVD Release Date: november 6, 2003 4 -Disc Keep Case 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 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P Edition Details: • 50th Anniversary Special Edition Steelbook Blu-ray – including 20-page ‘Making of Psycho’ booklet • Audio Commentary: Feature-length audio commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho”) • 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. • The Shower Scene: A look at the impact of music on the infamous “shower scene.” • The Making of Psycho: A feature-length documentary on Hitchcock’s most shocking film. • In the Master’s Shadow – Hitchcock’s Legacy: Some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers discuss Hitchcock’s influence and why his movies continue to thrill audiences. • Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews: Excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock. • Newsreel Footage: The Release of Psycho: Vintage newsreel on the unique policy Alfred Hitchcock insisted upon for the release of the film. • The Shower Scene: Storyboards by Saul Bass: Original storyboard design. Production Notes: Read an essay on the making of the film. • The Psycho Archives: See the gallery of on-set photo stills from the film’s production. • Posters And Psycho Ads: See a gallery of original posters and ads from the theatrical campaign. • Lobby Cards: View a gallery of promotional lobby cards from the film’s theatrical campaign. Behind-The-Scenes Photographs: View rare photos showing the cast and crew at work. • Theatrical Trailer: Watch the original promotional trailer from the film’s theatrical campaign. • Re-Release Trailers: Watch the promotional trailer created for the re-release of the film • Episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Lambs to the Slaughter') Blu-ray Release Date: August 9th, 2010 Steel Case 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 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P Edition Details: • Audio Commentary: Feature-length audio commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho”) • 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. • The Shower Scene: A look at the impact of music on the infamous “shower scene.” • The Making of Psycho: A feature-length documentary on Hitchcock’s most shocking film. • In the Master’s Shadow – Hitchcock’s Legacy: Some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers discuss Hitchcock’s influence and why his movies continue to thrill audiences. • Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews: Excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock. • Newsreel Footage: The Release of Psycho: Vintage newsreel on the unique policy Alfred Hitchcock insisted upon for the release of the film. • The Shower Scene: Storyboards by Saul Bass: Original storyboard design. Production Notes: Read an essay on the making of the film. • The Psycho Archives: See the gallery of on-set photo stills from the film’s production. • Posters And Psycho Ads: See a gallery of original posters and ads from the theatrical campaign. • Lobby Cards: View a gallery of promotional lobby cards from the film’s theatrical campaign. Behind-The-Scenes Photographs: View rare photos showing the cast and crew at work. • Theatrical Trailer: Watch the original promotional trailer from the film’s theatrical campaign. • Re-Release Trailers: Watch the promotional trailer created for the re-release of the film • 'My Scenes' capable • BD-LIVE enabled Blu-ray Release Date: October 19th, 2010 Standard Blu-ray Case 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 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray VC-1 Video 1080P Edition Details: • Audio Commentary: Feature-length audio commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho”) • 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. • The Shower Scene: A look at the impact of music on the infamous “shower scene.” • The Making of Psycho: A feature-length documentary on Hitchcock’s most shocking film. • In the Master’s Shadow – Hitchcock’s Legacy: Some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers discuss Hitchcock’s influence and why his movies continue to thrill audiences. • Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews: Excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock. • Newsreel Footage: The Release of Psycho: Vintage newsreel on the unique policy Alfred Hitchcock insisted upon for the release of the film. • The Shower Scene: Storyboards by Saul Bass: Original storyboard design. Production Notes: Read an essay on the making of the film. • The Psycho Archives: See the gallery of on-set photo stills from the film’s production. • Posters And Psycho Ads: See a gallery of original posters and ads from the theatrical campaign. • Lobby Cards: View a gallery of promotional lobby cards from the film’s theatrical campaign. Behind-The-Scenes Photographs: View rare photos showing the cast and crew at work. • Theatrical Trailer: Watch the original promotional trailer from the film’s theatrical campaign. • Re-Release Trailers: Watch the promotional trailer created for the re-release of the film • 'My Scenes' capable • BD-LIVE enabled Blu-ray Release Date: October 29th, 2012 Custom Bookstyle Case Chapters 26	Release Information: Studio: Turbine Disc Size: 46,339,247,594 bytes Feature Size: 27,934,248,960 bytes Average Bitrate: 25.00 Mbps Dual-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video 1080P Edition Details: • Uncensored for the first time (missing parts scanned and restored in HD from a German 35mm print) • Audio Commentary by Stephen Rebello (author of “Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho”) • Isolated Score by Bernard Herrmann • “The Making of Psycho”- feature-length documentary • In the Master’s Shadow: Hitchcock’s Legacy • Hitchcock/Truffaut – interview excerpts • Newsreel Footage • Shower Scene: with/without music • Shower Scene: Storyboards by Saul Bass • The Sound of Psycho* • Photo Galleries • Original Trailer (English & German), Re-Run Trailer, TV spots • Retro Version (SD, 4×3 Fullscreen) Blu-ray* Disc 2 PSYCHO II • Restored German audio and English 5.1 mix • Audio Commentary by screenwriter Tom Holland and “Psycho Legacy” director/producer Rob Galluzzo • Scene Commentary by director Richard Franklin • Vintage interviews with Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles and director Richard Franklin • Interview with screenwriter Tom Holland and “Psycho IV” director Mick Garris* • Interview with Chet Williamson, author of the sequel novel “Psycho: Sanatorium”* • Making of & Promotion Featurettes from the Universal Archive • Behind the scenes footage • Photo Gallery* •Teaser (short* & long), Trailer (USA & GER), TV spots • Retro Version (SD, 4×3 Fullscreen) Blu-ray Disc 3 PSYCHO III • Audio Commentary by screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue • The Man With The Guitar – Interview with actor Jeff Fahey* • Patsy’s Last Night – Interview with actress Katt Shea* • The Creator Of Mother – Interview with special makeup effects artist Michael Westmore* • Body Double – Interview with actress Brinke Stevens* • Photo Gallery* • Original Trailer (USA & GER), TV-Spot • Retro Version (SD, 4×3 Fullscreen) Blu-ray Disc 4 PSYCHO IV • Restored German audio • Audio Commentary by director Mick Garris and actors Olivia Hussey & Henry Thomas • Mother’s Creation – Interview with special makeup effects artist Tony Gardner* • Behind the scenes footage • Behind the scenes of the score recording • Photo Gallery* • Trailer (USA), Video Trailer (USA & GER) • Retro Version (SD, 4×3 Fullscreen) Blu-ray Disc 5 PSYCHO – UNCUT (THE GERMAN VERSION) • German theatrical version with credits and Sam Loomis’ letter in German* • Asynchronous – Holger Kreymeier interviews Eckart Dux, the German voice of Anthony Perkins* • German Super-8 version Blu-ray Disc 6 PSYCHO (1998) • Audio Commentary by director Gus Van Sant and actors Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn • Audio Commentary by editor Amy Duddleston and “Psycho Legacy” director/producer Rob Galluzzo •„Psycho Path“ documentary • Photo Gallery* • Trailer (USA & GER)* Blu-ray Disc 7 BATES MOTEL • Robert Galluzzos full-length documentary • Q&A with Anthony Perkins at Fangoria’s Weekend of Horror (April 1988) • Featurettes: Remembering Psycho II, A conversation with Robert Loggia, Shooting of Psycho II, Catching up with Mother, Serial killer art, Bates in Print, Psycho on the web, Psycho reunion 2008, Motel visit • Deleted Scenes: The Psycho house, Influences, The shovel scene, Directing Psycho IV, Inside Norman’s head, Psycho Killer, Sex scene, Shocking end, Style, Bates Motel, Psycho remake • PSYCHO II interviews with Hilton A. Green (producer), Tom Holland (screenwriter), Andrew London (editor), Chris Hendrie (Deputy Pool), Lee Even (Myrna) • PSYCHO III interviews with Charles Edward Pogue (screenwriter), Diana Scarwid (Maureen), Jeff Fahey (Duke), Katt Shea (Patsy), Donovan Scott (Kyle), Brinke Stevens (Body double) • PSYCHO IV interviews with Mick Garris (director), Olivia Hussey (Norma Bates), Henry Thomas (Norman Bates), Sharen Camille (Holly), Cynthia Garris (Ellen) Blu-ray Disc 8 78/52 • Alexandre O. Philippe feature-length documentary* • Director Alexandre O. Philippe in conversation with Danny Leigh* • Extended interviews with Guillermo des Toro and Walter Murch* • Melon Featurette* • Scoring 78/52* • Trailer* * in HD Blu-ray Release Date: January 31st, 2019 Custom package (see below) Chapters 24

Universal (The Masterpiece Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray Package

Package - Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

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.

ADDITION: 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

English language bonus material and audio commentaries come with optional German subtitles.

The edition is limited to 3.636 units.

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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.

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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.

Our 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!)

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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’. Video supplements all played on my Region 'A' player.

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.

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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.

- Gary W. Tooze

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.
The transfer seems to be a NTSC to PAL conversion of the R1 which process causes ghosting (see image below).
The copying of the R1 transfer also causes this release to be letterboxed and, even worse, causes the image to be a lot softer. It's a shame that Universal neglected to put a proper transfer on this new disc seeing as this collection is quite expensive (a retail price of €67.99 in the Netherlands).

The other movies in the 4-disc set are Psycho II (presented in 4:3, the original aspect ratio is 1.85:1), Psycho III (presented in letterboxed 1.85:1 and has ghosting) and Psycho IV (4:3, original aspect ratio as it was shot for 4:3 TV).
Psycho II and III were also released in R1 but are discontinued.

For Hitchcock's classic film, the R1 is still the best release.

-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.

- Gary W. Tooze

DVD Menus Legacy Disc 1

Disc 2

(Universal Studios - Region 1 - NTSC - LEFT vs. Universal Pictures (Benelux) (Psycho Collection) - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)

Blu-ray - UK Steelbook (US are slightly different)

Turbine (The Legacy Collection) - Region FREE - Blu-ray

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

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 - THIRD