Psycho (1960) (60th Anniversary Edition) (Uncut)

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

The packaging up top says "after its original release in 1960, the film was censored for decades" and that the extended cut is "as seen in theaters in 1960," but if I understand correctly, you're saying the extended cut is not what played in US theaters in 1960?

Is the packaging incorrect?

There have been longstanding rumors that the cuts were only made for a US re-release in the mid or late 60's. It didn't help that the German company announced the release and said something like "We can't find the evidence of whether this was released in the US or not." However, the actual post-production notes are stored at the AFI, and have been summarized on-line, and have the specific date in 1960 when the cuts were physically made.

The way they have marketed releases of this version have tended to use vague language to suggest things like that, while not being technically inaccurate. Yes, this cut (probably) did get theatrical release, somewhere in the world, but I agree with you that the wording on the back is misleading. (I also find the phrase "uncut" to be a bit generous, but it does appear to be the least censored version to ever get any official release, so, again, not entirely inaccurate, just a bit misleading. The "uncut" version of Psycho would have the oilman's line about "bed is the only playground more fun than Vegas" or whatever he said, which was cut prior to the Legion of Decency submission.)

EDIT: Looking at the packaging, I would say "exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock" is flat-out inaccurate. You can either make the argument that Hitchcock himself supervised and approved the final cut (which is true), and therefore it represents his intentions, or you can say that the cut that Hitchcock supervised and approved for submission to the censor boards (which is also true), and therefore it represents his intentions, but I don't see how you can claim in either direction that he intended the MPAA cuts but not the Legion of Decency cuts.

Note that, when the restoration was announced, Universal clearly had NO IDEA about it, they didn't even know they had the print until somebody else told them where to look, and they are probably basing their description off of things that German company said, which were accurate regarding the German release; again, I don't wish to accuse anybody of deliberately lying without any real proof, the origins of this cut have long been shrouded in rumors and mystery, all of which are a lot more interesting than what actually happened.

[James Luckard]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

There have been longstanding rumors that the cuts were only made for a US re-release in the mid or late 60's. It didn't help that the German company announced the release and said something like "We can't find the evidence of whether this was released in the US or not." However, the actual post-production notes are stored at the AFI, and have been summarized on-line, and have the specific date in 1960 when the cuts were physically made.

The way they have marketed releases of this version have tended to use vague language to suggest things like that, while not being technically inaccurate. Yes, this cut (probably) did get theatrical release, somewhere in the world, but I agree with you that the wording on the back is misleading. (I also find the phrase "uncut" to be a bit generous, but it does appear to be the least censored version to ever get any official release, so, again, not entirely inaccurate, just a bit misleading. The "uncut" version of Psycho would have the oilman's line about "bed is the only playground more fun than Vegas" or whatever he said, which was cut prior to the Legion of Decency submission.)

EDIT: Looking at the packaging, I would say "exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock" is flat-out inaccurate. You can either make the argument that Hitchcock himself supervised and approved the final cut (which is true), and therefore it represents his intentions, or you can say that the cut that Hitchcock supervised and approved for submission to the censor boards (which is also true), and therefore it represents his intentions, but I don't see how you can claim in either direction that he intended the MPAA cuts but not the Legion of Decency cuts.

Note that, when the restoration was announced, Universal clearly had NO IDEA about it, they didn't even know they had the print until somebody else told them where to look, and they are probably basing their description off of things that German company said, which were accurate regarding the German release; again, I don't wish to accuse anybody of deliberately lying without any real proof, the origins of this cut have long been shrouded in rumors and mystery, all of which are a lot more interesting than what actually happened.

Thanks so much! I appreciate the detail

So it sounds like the cut that played in wide release from Paramount in American theaters in 1960 is the one we have watched for years on Universal home video, not this extended version?

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by James Luckard

So it sounds like the cut that played in wide release from Paramount in American theaters in 1960 is the one we have watched for years on Universal home video, not this extended version?

That is my understanding of it, based on the evidence as it stands now, yes.

I'll always leave myself some wiggle room, they could find evidence tomorrow to prove that Hitchcock somehow swapped cannisters and defied the Legion of Decency, but last time I checked (admittedly, a few years ago) there was no known US print of the film with that footage intact.

[Vixen of the Night]

I already own the great Turbine set that was released in Germany. So I'm set. But it's great it's finally getting a release in the U.S. for those that never got a chance to see this version.


Now something I am wondering is.I first saw it on the 1980 VHS release by Universal. It advertises it as "uncut" on the cover. I could've sworn there were more stabs to

[Show spoiler]Arbs death scene. Since it seemed too abruptly fade to black in later versions I saw. But it could be my mind playing tricks on me as well. The "uncut" might have been in comparison to any TV versions airing(if it ever aired on TV in the first place)? Or maybe they had a copy laying around of this version without realizing it since the differences are very small?

If someone has that vhs edition and can state whether it contains the version we all know, or the "uncut" version. That would be great to know.

[Show spoiler]

[bigbadwoppet]

The UK listing shows a slipcover without any ratings box. Is it possible that it is actually a slip for the US release?

[HanShotFirst]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

There have been longstanding rumors that the cuts were only made for a US re-release in the mid or late 60's. It didn't help that the German company announced the release and said something like "We can't find the evidence of whether this was released in the US or not." However, the actual post-production notes are stored at the AFI, and have been summarized on-line, and have the specific date in 1960 when the cuts were physically made.

The way they have marketed releases of this version have tended to use vague language to suggest things like that, while not being technically inaccurate. Yes, this cut (probably) did get theatrical release, somewhere in the world, but I agree with you that the wording on the back is misleading. (I also find the phrase "uncut" to be a bit generous, but it does appear to be the least censored version to ever get any official release, so, again, not entirely inaccurate, just a bit misleading. The "uncut" version of Psycho would have the oilman's line about "bed is the only playground more fun than Vegas" or whatever he said, which was cut prior to the Legion of Decency submission.)

EDIT: Looking at the packaging, I would say "exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock" is flat-out inaccurate. You can either make the argument that Hitchcock himself supervised and approved the final cut (which is true), and therefore it represents his intentions, or you can say that the cut that Hitchcock supervised and approved for submission to the censor boards (which is also true), and therefore it represents his intentions, but I don't see how you can claim in either direction that he intended the MPAA cuts but not the Legion of Decency cuts.

Note that, when the restoration was announced, Universal clearly had NO IDEA about it, they didn't even know they had the print until somebody else told them where to look, and they are probably basing their description off of things that German company said, which were accurate regarding the German release; again, I don't wish to accuse anybody of deliberately lying without any real proof, the origins of this cut have long been shrouded in rumors and mystery, all of which are a lot more interesting than what actually happened.

In looking at the back of the packaging, it states "The extended version of the movie as seen in theaters in 1960 is exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock and now available with additional footage for the first time ever.

The way I'm reading this, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, is that the uncut version on this blu-ray release is what was seen in theaters originally, before the cuts for US re-releases in the mid or late 60's, plus additional footage. Perhaps the both the MPAA cuts and the Legion of Decency cuts are included? The wording on this, for me anyway, is unclear.

[Kyle15]

Originally Posted by HanShotFirst

In looking at the back of the packaging, it states "The extended version of the movie as seen in theaters in 1960 is exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock and now available with additional footage for the first time ever.

The way I'm reading this, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, is that the uncut version on this blu-ray release is what was seen in theaters originally, before the cuts for US re-releases in the mid or late 60's, plus additional footage. Perhaps the both the MPAA cuts and the Legion of Decency cuts are included? The wording on this, for me anyway, is unclear.

It's just the seconds that were cut from the shower scene after its initial release; iirc 10 seconds in all.

[GrouchoFan]

There are reports in this site's 4K Forum that the mono soundtrack is NOT the original theatrical version, but a fold down of the modernized 5.1/Atmos/whatever.

I'm just the messenger...

[BNex99]

Originally Posted by GrouchoFan

There are reports in this site's 4K Forum that the mono soundtrack is NOT the original theatrical version, but a fold down of the modernized 5.1/Atmos/whatever.

I'm just the messenger...

At least on my copy, the mono is a fold-down of the remix. Altered sound effects galore.

[tdl797]

Originally Posted by BNex99

At least on my copy, the mono is a fold-down of the remix. Altered sound effects galore.

Did the pre-Blu-ray era DVDs have altered audio?

[BluProofie]

Originally Posted by tdl797

Did the pre-Blu-ray era DVDs have altered audio?

The 5.1 remix wasn’t created until the blu-ray came out.

[Nailwraps]

Originally Posted by GrouchoFan

There are reports in this site's 4K Forum that the mono soundtrack is NOT the original theatrical version, but a fold down of the modernized 5.1/Atmos/whatever.

I'm just the messenger...

Yes, I'm afraid it's true.

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...7#post18053437

I advise you all to contact Universal immediately and ask to do a replacement program.

[BluCollector13]

Originally Posted by GrouchoFan

There are reports in this site's 4K Forum that the mono soundtrack is NOT the original theatrical version, but a fold down of the modernized 5.1/Atmos/whatever.

I'm just the messenger...

Yeah, the Blu has the same problem. Kind of sad and a touch deceitful on Universal's part to advertise it as the original mono soundtrack when it clearly isn't.

[BluProofie]

Originally Posted by Kyle15

It's just the seconds that were cut from the shower scene after its initial release; iirc 10 seconds in all.

It’s not from the shower scene. There’s an extra stab during Arbogast’s murder and more of Marion undressing while Norman watches.

[Kyle15]

Originally Posted by BluProofie

It’s not from the shower scene. There’s an extra stab during Arbogast’s murder and more of Marion undressing while Norman watches.

Oop, forgot about that one!

[thatguamguy]

Originally Posted by HanShotFirst

In looking at the back of the packaging, it states "The extended version of the movie as seen in theaters in 1960 is exactly as intended by Alfred Hitchcock and now available with additional footage for the first time ever.

The way I'm reading this, and someone correct me if I'm wrong, is that the uncut version on this blu-ray release is what was seen in theaters originally, before the cuts for US re-releases in the mid or late 60's, plus additional footage. Perhaps the both the MPAA cuts and the Legion of Decency cuts are included? The wording on this, for me anyway, is unclear.

They didn't make cuts to the film for the US re-release (or if they did, they were restored decades ago). The wording is saying "now available (...) for the first time ever", not "with additional footage for the first time ever". Which is basically true, assuming that "available" implicitly means "available for sale". But it's not you, the wording is unclear, at times even blatantly inaccurate. The "seen in theaters originally" is a reference to the European release of the film, the marketing copy was originally used for the German blu-ray that had this cut exclusively for a year or so.

It's very unlikely that they would've suddenly discovered the footage which was cut for the MPAA, since they didn't even realize that they had a decent copy of the Legion of Decency footage until somebody on the German side told them where to look. It would be great if they did, but I think it's a lot easier to assume that they are using misleading language in order to create a false impression in consumers without lying to them, rather than that they want buyers to be pleasantly surprised.

[HanShotFirst]

Originally Posted by thatguamguy

They didn't make cuts to the film for the US re-release (or if they did, they were restored decades ago). The wording is saying "now available (...) for the first time ever", not "with additional footage for the first time ever". Which is basically true, assuming that "available" implicitly means "available for sale". But it's not you, the wording is unclear, at times even blatantly inaccurate. The "seen in theaters originally" is a reference to the European release of the film, the marketing copy was originally used for the German blu-ray that had this cut exclusively for a year or so.

It's very unlikely that they would've suddenly discovered the footage which was cut for the MPAA, since they didn't even realize that they had a decent copy of the Legion of Decency footage until somebody on the German side told them where to look. It would be great if they did, but I think it's a lot easier to assume that they are using misleading language in order to create a false impression in consumers without lying to them, rather than that they want buyers to be pleasantly surprised.

So then, this is not truly a full uncut version, since the MPAA cuts are still missing/not found yet. That's too bad.