FILM SKOOL
Shattering expectations and shocking audiences around the world, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho changed the face of cinema in 1960. It remains one of the most iconic and influential movies ever made.
Twenty three years later, Australian filmmaker Richard Franklin boldly followed in the master’s footsteps and directed Psycho II, a sequel that not only delivered on the promise of his earlier films, but also lived up to Hitchcock’s original. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is declared sane and released from the facility in which he was being held, despite the complaints of Lila Loomis sister of Norman’s most famous victim. All Norman wants to do is live quietly and productively as a normal member of society. But is returning to the house he once shared with his mother, and running the motel that was the site of so many murders, really a good idea? Is he cured, or will he kill again?
Psycho III would see Anthony Perkins himself take the franchise reins for his directorial debut, bringing a stylish flair that suggested his time working with not only Alfred Hitchock, but Orson Welles and Ken Russell had been well spent. Fallen nun (Diana Scarwid as Maureen Coyle), a sleazy drifter (Jeff Fahey as Duane Duke), and a curious reporter looking for a scoop (Roberta Maxwell as Tracy Venables) all arrive at the Bates Motel and ‘Mother’ is less than happy, especially when Norman begins to fall in love. Meanwhile, Psycho IV: The Beginning, written by Joseph Stefano (screenwriter of the 1960 original) and directed by master of horror Mick Garris, returns to the primal scene to show us how it all began in Anthony Perkins’ final franchise appearance. Rehabilitated and happily married, Norman Bates has finally escaped from the overbearing influence of his abusive mother. But his wife is pregnant, and Norman finds himself afraid that the child will inherit his mental illness. When he hears talk radio host Fran Ambrose (CCH Pounder) discussing the topic of matricide, Norman calls in under a false name, to tell his story. Starring Henry Thomas (E.T.) as young Norman and Olivia Hussey (Black Christmas) as his mother, Norma.
Presented together for the first time in the UK on 4K UHD and Blu-Ray, featuring all new restorations of Psycho II, III and IV from the original camera negatives, Arrow Video invites you back inside the Bates Motel and wishes you a very pleasant stay.
The Psycho Collection, released by Arrow, is out in September.
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