Recently it feels like blu ray boutique labels such as Arrow and Second Sight Films are turning more the boxset of franchises and series for the horror genre.
While Arrow recently announced its Hellraiser 1-4 boxset, I would hedge my bets that there was more buzz around this definitive feature collection of everyone’s favourite momma’s boy.
This deluxe set brings the 4 Psycho films under the same umbrella on Blu Ray and 4K for the first time and I would argue that given we haven’t had a feature (barring the ill-fated remake), that this remains very much a place in time, especially the three sequels that took us from the 80s into 1990.
Hitchock’s original was considered untouchable, but when Richard Franklin and Tom Holland tackled the sequel in 1983, they gave us something quite unique and surprising that has fans debating to this day.
I would also argue that the other sequels are worthy of your time, with Psycho III feeling like a trashy Giallo rip-off whereas Psycho IV takes the unique angle of being a radio phone-in and looking at Norman’s past which includes a show-stopping turn from Olivia Hussey as Norma Bates.
The package itself is very impressive with each film remastered in 4K, and the first two films featuring a slew of features. When it comes to Psycho III and IV, the features include numerous interviews with stars of the films plus visual essays that really dig deeper into themes explored with Alexandra Heller Nicholas’ Carnival of the Heart a particular highlight. Just to add to the package you get a bonus disc with a TV aspect ratio version of Psycho IV; a special feature that feels tailor-made to the avid fanbase.
Conclusively, this is a must-have for Psycho fans but also for those who would like to discover the series for the first time; as that shower scene and Norman’s stabby action have never looked better.
The Psycho Collection is now available on Blu-Ray and 4K from Arrow.
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