World Famous Comics: Psycho II / Psycho III / Psycho IV - The Beginning (Triple Feature)
Psycho II / Psycho III / Psycho IV - The Beginning (Triple Feature)
Starring: Artist Not Provided Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Universal Studios Number of Items: 2 Region Code: 1 Release Date: August 14, 2007 Running Time: 302 minutes
Description: PSYCHO II After years of treatment at a mental institution for the criminally insane, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) still can't quite elude the demands of "Mother." Vera Miles also returns as the inquisitive woman who is haunted by her sister's brutal murder and the ominous motel where it all occurred. Meg Tilly and Dennis Franz co-star in this terrifying sequel to tone of the most suspenseful films of all time. PSYCHO III Anthony Perkins stars in and directs the most shocking Psycho film of all: Psycho III. After years in prison, Norman Bates returns home to the Bates Motel. When a pretty young woman (Diana Scarwid) runs to the motel - and Norman's open arms - to escape a scandalous secret, he finally gets a chance at a new life. But he has one murderous skeleton in his closet that will do anything not to share him. It's a new day at the Bates Motel, but the nightmares are just beginning… PSYCHO IV THE BEGINNING In this chilling prequel to the classic Hitchcock thriller, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) is drawn to a late night radio show, where the host (C.C.H. Pounder) encourages him to share his views on the topic of matricide - the murder of a mother by her own child. Reliving his childhood, Norman recounts his trails as a young boy (Henry Thomas) living with his widowed schizophrenic mother (Olivia Hussey). These haunting memories are more than just images of the past; they threaten to rekindle his killing urge in this spine-chilling thriller.
A great little triple feature for horror fans In-the-know film fans know they're not getting Hitchcock-level quality here, but that's okay: there's nothing wrong with a little low-rent horror, especially if there's some overall spit and polish added to the proceedings. Here's a thumbnail comment or two on each of the three entertaining movies on this generous, inexpensive DVD:
"Psycho II" is clever, scary, and skillfully walks the line between genuine horror and touch-in-cheek humor, neither undercutting the other. I'd better not to say too much and just let you discover the story elements for yourself. But it's definitely worth the trip.
"Psycho III" is more by-the-numbers, but features (like Norman) several characters who are neither all good (or stable) or all bad, which adds some welcome complexity. Good direction by Anthony Perkins, including some interesting, arty scene transitions. Overall, the least assured of the bunch, but still worth a look.
"Psycho IV: The Beginning" is probably the best thing frequent television director Mick Garris ("The Stand" and many other Stephen King TV productions) has done. There's good, scary, moody direction of a generally engaging, illuminating story... provided by Joseph Stephano, the original "Psycho" screenwriter! I also loved the generous, effective use of Bernard Herrmann's original "Psycho" main theme throughout the film. This made-for-cable production was a wonderful little discovery.
There are no real extras to speak of on this DVD, just the original trailers and promos for the films. But for only a few dollars you get three-full length psychological horror movies ranging from perfectly watchable to very good quality, all expertly rendered for sharp picture and sound. What more does one really need?
Good psychotic fun! I ordered this item because the second film really isnt bad, and the fourth film being the prequal to it all, is tolerable. Its a great character and the original story will always be a classic. The third film was directed by Anthony Perkins (Norman Bates) and it proves to be the worst of the sequels. Don't buy this for good film making buy this for good psychotic fun because you know that you just want to complete the set.
"A Fantastic Deal on a Hollywood Classic!" There is no arguing about the deal that we consumers get with this amazing DVD set; we get all three follow-up films in the "Psycho" series. If you already have the original "Psycho" I highly recommend buying this set. Buying the films seperately will cost more money, and in this case all the films come beautifully restored with superb audio. "Psycho 2" is really one of the best sequels in Hollywood history, as we see Norman Bates being released from prison after 20 years. Anthony Perkins, who reprises his role in all the films, is magnificent, and Vera Miles returns in the second film, who is determined to prove Norman is still the murderer he always was. Part 3 features Diana Scarwid, from "Mommie Dearest", who encounters Norman at the hotel. They become friends as secrets of their pasts binds them. Perkins also directed the third installment. The final movie, Part 4, originally aired on cable television in 1990, and is the lesser known of the films, but it's still a great piece of film work. In this we see why Norman became the killer he was, as the film explores child abuse. Norman's mother is depicted as a crazed, abrasive, and sexually promiscuos slut who never tires of heaping scorn on her son. I have to say the woman who plays the mother in this is quite an actress. This DVD set should be included in everyone's DVD library. Also, you must purchase the original "Psycho" that comes in 2 DVD's, as it features a clean print of the film and a ton of bonus fetaures. The DVD set featuring the last 3 films only includes the trailers, but at least they are on DVD for life-long preservation.
After 22 Years, Norman Bates Is Back...And So Is Mother. The Madness Has Begun All Over Again. "I'll Get You For This, Mother." If you thought Norman Bates was gone for good...think again. After 22 years, Norman Bates is back...and so is Mother. The Madness Has Begun All Over Again. Two excellent sequels and a prequel/sequel which explain more about Norman Bates that we didn't know before. The films continue where the classic "Psycho" left off. The terrific ensemble cast for all three movies include Meg Tilly, Vera Miles, Robert Loggia, Diana Scarwid, Jeff Fahey and Olivia Hussey ("Romeo & Juliet"). For best effect, watch all these films with the lights off. "Mother, is that you?" Anthony Perkins is the one and only Norman Bates. Sir Alfred Hitchcock would be proud. Classic suspense movies which should have been rated PG-13 (the violence & nudity is minimal, compared to the movies being made today).
For the Price, You Can't Beat It For anyone who is a fan of the Psycho franchise, this package just can't be beat. Not for the inexpensive price. This box seems to be the only way you'll get Psycho IV on DVD. Being a big fan of Norman Bates and his story, it's nice to see all three sequels in one box. There is nothing special in the form of extras to be found here. In fact, the discs are straight naked: You'll find the films, and that's it.
But the Psycho II and III discs you find on DVD elsewhere only contain the original film trailers as extras. If you can do without those, you'll find this item to be the far better purchase.
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