Arrow Video

The four Psycho movies are presented together for the first time in the UK on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, featuring all new restorations of Psycho II, III and IV from the original camera negatives.

In this special edition release there are double-sided posters for each film featuring original and newly commissioned artwork, nine postcard-sized reproduction art cards and a book of new writing

The Psycho disc is the 2021 60th Anniversary edition from Universal Pictures with uncut and re-release versions of the film. The uncut version was only shown on its original theatrical release and was cut for subsequent TV, theatrical and home entertainment releases. It’s only seconds, but it’s a significant recovery. It’s a stone cold horror classic and Universal have done a great job in the UHD transfer, creating a gorgeous, crisp black and white picture that honours Hitchcock’s masterpiece. The disc is supplemented by an audio commentary, documentaries, storyboards, trailers and a wide range of images.

Psycho II (1983), directed by Richard Franklin, sees Norman Bates returning to society after two decades incarceration. It’s full of twists and turns, helped by Tom Holland’s clever script, and of course the return of Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles. Arrow’s 2017 Blu-ray disc already packed some great extras, all of which are ported across here, as well as a new audio commentary by film critics Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains. The backdrop painting behind Bates Motel doesn’t look great in UHD, though colours are punched up through HDR, with skin tones veering towards the red, with acceptable grain.

Psycho III (1986) marked Anthony Perkins’ directorial debut from a script by The Fly’s Charles Edward Pogue. The movie didn’t get a Blu-ray release in the UK, so this 4K is a real upgrade. It’s not as clever as Psycho II, as we’re never in any doubt as to who the killer is, but there are a few shocking moments typical of the 80s slasher.

In addition to a new commentary by film critics Michael Brooke and Johnny Mains, there’s a new visual essay by Alexandra Heller Nicholas and an interview with composer Carter Burwell, and all the extras from 2013’s Scream Factory Region 1 release have been included – an anecdotal commentary by screenwriter Charles Edward Pogue, interviews with actors Jeff Fahey, Brinke Stevens and Katt Shea, and special make-up effects artist Michael Westmore.

Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990) was written by Psycho screenwriter Joseph Stefano and directed by Mick Garris. While still starring Perkins, a lot of the movie is told in flashback, featuring Henry Thomas as young Norman. Versions of both the TV aspect ratio (1.33:1) (this was made for Showtime TV service) and the director’s preferred 1.78:1 aspect ratio are included on separate discs, with  a new visual essay by author and critic Guy Adams on music across the franchise. As with its predecessor, Psycho IV never received a UK Blu-ray release, making the 4K a significant upgrade

As a movie, we do miss Perkins whenever he’s not on screen, as good as Thomas is as the killer in waiting. Other features from Scream Factory’s 2016 Blu-ray have been included – audio commentary with director Mick Garris and actors Henry Thomas and Olivia Hussey, an interview with make-up effects artist Tony Gardner, some behind-the-scenes footage and the scoring of the movie.

Verdict: The original Psycho is of course a bona hide classic, and now we get to enjoy the sequels in all their 4K glory. And thankfully no sign of the pointless Gus Van Sant remake. 8/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk