psycho – 60th anniversary edition [blu-ray] [4k uhd blu-ray]

PSYCHO 60TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION [Blu-ray] [4K UHD Blu-ray] includes two alternate widescreen versions –
* PSYCHO UNCUT . . . THIS RESTORATION VERSION has been extended with additional footage, now providing the widescreen version of the movie identical to the widescreen version seen in USA movie cinemas in 1960, and this is the final directors-cut version of PSYCHO, delivered exactly as intended by Sir Alfred Hitchcock.
* PSYCHO CUT . . . Since 1960, there were two widely seen modified versions of the movie. However both the full screen AND the widescreen version, were modified from the original version, by editing to selectively remove content, and then subsequently used for TV broadcasts, Cable broadcasts, cinema theatrical re-releases, and NTSC/PAL home video entertainment releases over the last sixty years.

“A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer’s client, goes on the run, and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother.”

In 1960 Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO created modern horror, and changed the thriller genre forever. Unique content and unique marketing, and now immortal for its deliberate contribution to the horror genre. One of the most shocking thriller films of all time. Featuring the most iconic shower scene in movie film history. This landmark masterpiece of the macabre, was filmed in gorgeous black and white, and was permanently censored by the studio for six decades . . . until 2020. Join the Master of Suspense on a still terrifying and always chilling journey, as an unsuspecting victim (Janet Leigh) visits the Bates Motel, and falls prey to one of cinema’s most notorious psychopaths – Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins).

Anthony Perkins is the troubled Norman Bates, whose old dark house and the adjoining The Bates Motel, are not the place to visit. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), is the ill-fated traveler whose journey ends in the notorious “shower scene.” First a private detective, then Marion’s sister (Vera Miles) searches for Marion, all the horror and the suspense mount to a terrifying climax, where the unexpected killer is finally revealed.

USA versions of this movie, had two aspect ratios, both with the running time of 108 minutes and 51 seconds. The original theatrical matte was 1.85:1 but the 35mm negative was “Open Matte”. Originally shot in full frame 1.33:1 (Open Matte) with the contractually required intention that each movie theater would only ever show the movie film in the studio recommended 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Achieved by masking off the frame during projection, by using a 1.85:1 Projector Aperture Gate Plate. All of the image located outside of the area intended to be shown, is fully blocked.

Worldwide when broadcast on TV in the 70s 80s 90s the unmatted full frame 1.33:1 version was shown (Open Matte) which was similar in shape to the original format of TV screens, the original television standard was 1.37:1 (4:3) Aspect Ratio.

VHS NTSC videotapes and the 1979/1981 DiscoVision (MCA) Laserdiscs and the 1984/1988 MCA Home Video Laserdiscs were issued in the full frame 1.37:1 (4:3) version, matching the original television standard Aspect Ratio. DVD and Blu-ray releases only have the Aspect Ratio 1.78:1 version. The full frame 1.37:1 (4:3) version is not available on DVD and Blu-ray and 4K UHD-BDs releases. MCA/Universal Home Video Laserdiscs widescreen version with Aspect Ratio 1.78:1 were issued from 26 May 1998.

At the time of Laserdisc manufacture in 1984/1988, the studio claimed that the original 35mm negative was lost. Laserdisc version has some of the shower scenes zoomed-in ever-so-slightly, because the studio used the only remaining available source material, a cleavage-hiding TV print matte. VHS NTSC videotapes are not cropped for these scenes.

However the famous shower scene, selectively has the 1.85:1 aspect ratio (Hard Matte) optically blackened onto the original negatives, which was created by blacking just the bottom of the frame. During the the shower scene, only whilst watching PSYCHO in the full frame version, there is constantly different amounts of black that have been added to the bottom of the image, to selectively hide different amounts of image.

Despite being edited to under three minutes, the famous shower scene, took six shooting days, and the sequence was filmed from 77 different camera angles, and the editing includes around 50 cuts. Still one of the most heavily dissected and talked about, original moments in cinema history, and Hitchcock created the first slasher movie film.

60th Anniversary Blu-ray and 60th Anniversary 4K Ultra HD issued September 2020, now has the original version, plus a 13 second longer restored version. Original 1960 version is 108 minutes and 51 seconds. Restored version is 109 minutes and 04 seconds. From 46:52 minutes – The famous shower scene is identical in both versions (2 minutes and 38 seconds).

From 44:44 minutes – Marion does not know that Norman Bates is watching her, as she is undressing for the shower. Two second shot where she removes her bra, but this is an angled shot where her breasts can not be seen, so there was little need to edit. Normans eye closeup, and dropping off her bra is missing (5 seconds).

From 53:06 minutes – After the homicide, Norman Bates stares at the blood on his hands and takes much longer washing his hands. Normans bloody hands are visible longer (1 second) and Norman went to bathroom with his bloody hands (4 seconds).

From 77:47 minutes – The Detective Milton Arbogast (Martin Balsam) is attacked and falls down the staircase. After the detective has fallen down the stairs, and whilst he is lying on the floor, Mother attacks him with the knife, an additional two times (3 seconds).