Search - Psycho II / Psycho III / Psycho IV - The Beginning (Triple Feature) on DVD

A double-dip, but worth the trip!

A. Gammill | West Point, MS United States | 09/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's true: Universal just got around to releasing decent DVD's of Psycho II and III last year. But this set marks the DVD debut of the often-overlooked Psycho IV. So yes, it is a bit redundant for fans who already own 2 out of the 3 films here. But at such a low price, I think it's worth it.



Psycho IV: The Beginning was made for the Showtime cable network in 1990. The film was released on VHS the following year, but that tape has long been out-of-print. The film itself achieves something quite amazing, considering (1) It's the fourth film in a series, and (2) it's a made-for-t.v. movie--not usually the mark of quality entertainment. It was written by Joseph Stefano, who penned the classic Hitchock-directed original based (loosely) on Robert Bloch's novel. At the time Psycho IV was made, Stefano was open about his distaste for the previous sequels, which were made without his involvement. But for fans worried about continuity, the film doesn't really ignore the events of Psycho II and III. . .it just doesn't dwell on them.



Fans of the previous films might also be concerned (SPOILERS AHEAD) about Anthony Perkins' reduced screen time, since about 70% of the story is composed of flashback to Norman's younger days. But the script gives Perkins some great dialogue, most of it between Bates and the late-night radio talk-show host he's called. And Stefano--himself a long-time recipient of psychoanalysis--fills Bates' backstory with moments of both cruelty and, in rare moments, subtle beauty.



For the uninititated, parts II and III are also fine sequels (take THAT, Mr. Stefano). Psycho II is the more well-regarded, with its slow-building suspense and more restrained approach. I actually prefer Psycho III, which balances some over-the-top gore with black humour that I'm sure Hitch himself would have appreciated.



The bottom line is, you're getting 3 superior horror sequels at a bargain price. What more do you need to know? Highly recommended.

"

4 for 4

Ron | Jersey | 08/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The great things are the long awaited North American DVD release of Psycho IV, and some decent extras on the disks. The bad is that they released 3 movies and extras on 2 dvd's. A beautiful box set of all 4 movies was released in England, so I don't know why they couldn't do that over in America for a classic movie series like Psycho. Universal should have also considered releasing 4 by itself since 2 and 3 have already seen dvd release, or at least done something new to 2 and 3 for those who have to double dip and purchase this set to get part 4. This is worth it to get a very good movie in IV which is a prequel mostly, but also a sequel at the same time. Certainly worth picking up."

Yes! Mother

pure rock | hamilton ont Ca | 06/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's about time that Universal woke up and released Psycho 4 on dvd in region 1. I have been waiting since 1999 for this. It really should have been released by it's self or in a box set with all four films, but I'll take what I can get. Thank God I can finish the psycho collection!"

The return...and return...and return of Hitch's original bad

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 12/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Twenty-two years after Alfred Hitchcock unleashed Norman Bates to the world, Anthony Perkins returned in his signature role in the first of the sequels: Psycho II. Directed by Richard Franklin, it is a handsome production and repeats some of the same thrills, although bloodier, as the original. Vera Miles returns as "Lila Loomis," sister of "Marion Crane," the famous shower victim played by the late Janet Leigh. Jerry Goldsmith provides a slick score that is surprisingly romantic at points, not as nerve-wracking as Herrmann's schizophrenic strings.



Released three years after the first sequel, "Psycho III" provided Perkins the chance to not just star in but direct the film. Perkins decided to have a little fun with the assignment and had some lighter and somewhat humorous touches along with the murderous mayhem. Though released theatrically, "Psycho III" looks more like a television film and, with a few edits here and there, could have aired with a disclaimer or two. Diana Scarwid co-stars as a defrocked nun, the subject of Bates' passions.



1990's "Psycho IV" originally aired as a production on the Showtime cable network. It is a well-acted look at the events that initiated Norman Bates' (Perkins again) actions. The always dependable C.C.H. Pounder is great as a radio personality that gets to the "root" of Norman. Olivia Hussey is just the right blend of beauty and paranoia as Norma Bates. Henry Thomas captures the nuances and physical movements of Perkins in his role as Norman in the flashback sequences.



A major coup for the telefilm is the fact that it utilizes much of Herrmann's music, along with new cues by Graeme Revell.



Director John Landis appears as the station manager where Pounder's character works.



Though the films pale in comparison to Sir Alfred's masterpiece, they each boast something noteworthy and entertaining...and Perkins IS along for the ride."