Directed by: Robert Galluzzo
Written by: Robert Galluzzo
Starring: Adam Green, Diana Scarwid, Tom Holland, Mick Garris plus many more
Distributed by: Shout! Factory
Running time: 87 minutes
Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Special Features: 3 out of 5 stars
“The Psycho Legacy” is an incredible compendium of interviews with cast and other filmmakers who has been influenced from the series. The documentary takes the series and really dives deep into the legacy that it has developed since Alfred Hitchcock created the original “Psycho” now 50 years ago. When you think of a documentary, some think of boring interviews with people talking. This film is very fun and engages the audience and will draw in even the non-”Psycho” fans. Robert Galluzzo, who wrote, directed and produced, has created the film that is a real labor of love. He has worked on this film for over three years, every since he was dissatisfied with the DVD releases of “Psycho II & III” with no special features. The film shows all sides of the series from horror, to comedy and even the emotional sides. Jon Maus had the task of editing this film. I think he did one hell of a great job. The interviews are cut together with some great rare photos and it makes the film flow really well. The original music, by Jermaine Stegall, in the film is also very great homage to the series.
For those who are not completely aware of how great the “Psycho” series was, really gets a great explanation of the legacy in this film. The interviews in the film give really great insight into the films. With the first film they give a great homage to Alfred Hitchcock and how his film start it all. I have seen many documentaries and some times the interviewers are just reciting the same old stories. During the interviews in “The Psycho Legacy”, the people are really involved in the questions and some answers even become emotional charged. Robert uses never-before-seen footage of Anthony Perkins. This footage fits so well and actually makes you feel that Anthony was actually involved with the documentary. Some of the other interviews are with Robert Loggia, Olivia Hussey, Henry Thomas, Diana Scarwid, Tom Holland, Hilton Green, and Mick Garris…just to name a few.
Now on to the special features, on disc one Robert has included a dozen or so really great deleted scenes. Usually you watch the deleted scenes and are like “Yep that is why they deleted that scenes”. These scenes fit so well and provided really great information. The extended interviews are also great that shows real depth with the interviewees as they discuss the films. It just shows a real passion for each person involved. You see how much these films have really affected them and their careers.
If disc ones deleted and extended interviews are enough for you, disc two is packed sold with hours of special features. It starts with the full Q&A which was never-before-seen with Anthony Perkins. It is great to be able to see this footage. It is a real treat and gives you a lot of information about Anthony Perkins and his roles in the films. “Psycho” Reunion Panel is displaying in a really interesting way. Since the panel was recorded just dialogue, the panel is imposed over images from the panel with the score included. Bates Motel Tour is a walking tour through of the Universal Studio set. Revisiting “Psycho II” features Andrew London and Tom Holland as they go through various items from the film and looking back on the film. Shooting “Psycho II” discusses in depth the how the film was shot, it is a one shot but is pretty interesting. A Visit with Psycho Memorabilia Collection Guy Thorpe is a fan retrospective and homage to the series with his collection. Norman Bates in Print: Robert Bloch Author of Psycho sits down and discusses the adaption of the film. Psycho on the Web is a display of how viral Psycho has become over the last 50 years and how it has taken over the web. Lastly, The Hyaena Gallery Presents Serial Killer Inspired Art documents art that was inspired by the films.
Overall the special features are good and provides a lot of new information of us “Psycho” fans that felt DVD releases were a poor release. If you add the amazing feature film to these special features you have the ultimate collection for all “Psycho” fans. Robert is going to be around for a while in the business and I really looking forward to his next project.
