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Psycho II (Widescreen) (Dual-layered DVD)
- Starring: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Meg Tilly
- Director: Richard Franklin
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Description
A sequel to one of the most popular horror films of all time, this psychological thriller received a pleasantly surprised, positive critical reception. Anthony Perkins returns as Norman Bates, who has just been released from an insane asylum after 22 years, having been judged clinically sane by the State of California over the objections of Lila Crane Loomis (Vera Miles), sister to one of Norman's murder victims. Norman returns home to the hotel and hilltop mansion he once inhabited with his mother. As a parole condition, Norman is hired at a local diner, where he struggles to join mainstream society, despite the stares of patrons aware of his past. At the diner, Norman befriends Mary (Meg Tilly), a waitress, and it seems that he may be putting some semblance of a life back together. But then Norman begins to experience hallucinatory encounters with his long-dead mother, including a handwritten note, a phone call, and a sighting of her standing at her favorite window. Is Norman's psychosis manifesting itself again, or are old enemies attempting to drive him back into an institution? As the pressure mounts, bodies pile up, and Norman's fragile hold on normality becomes more and more tenuous. Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
Features
- Genre: Suspense & Thriller
- Category: Psychological Thriller, Slasher Film
- Theme: Haunted By the Past, Mind Games, Starting Over
- Release Date: September 13, 2005
- Rating: R (Restricted)Rating Opens in New Window - Adult Language, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Nudity, Profanity, Violence
- Studio: Universal Studios
- Lead Actors: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, Meg Tilly, Robert Loggia, Dennis Franz
- Supporting Actors: Robert Traynor, Oz Perkins, Gene Whittington, Ben Frommer, George Dickerson, Thaddeus Smith, Hugh Gillin, Claudia Bryar, Robert Alan Browne, Ben Hartigan, Lee Garlington, Tim Maier, Jill Carroll, Chris Hendrie, Tom Holland
- Director: Richard Franklin
- Picture Format: Widescreen
- Run Time: 1 hr 53 min
- Language: English, Spanish
- Subtitle Language: English, French, Spanish
- Format: DVD
Additional Information
- DPCI: 246-01-1543
- ASIN: B002IRZSFA
- Catalog #: 11349434
- Item can not be gift wrapped.
Shipping & Policies
- You may return this item to any Target store.Opens in New Window
- Shipping & Delivery InformationOpens in New Window
- Estimated Ship Dimensions : 7.54 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 0.59 inches height
- Estimated Ship Weight: 0.25 pound.
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Expert Reviews
It's debatable whether or not a sequel to Psycho was really necessary, but Psycho II manages to beat the odds with surprising style. Not only is this a solid horror film, it's one of the best horror sequels ever made. The key to Psycho II's effectiveness is its old-fashioned approach to suspense. Despite the occasional flash of gore, this film is a subtle, low-key affair that earns its chills by concentrating on story and character. Tom Holland's clever script wisely takes its time to layer on its complications and surprises and builds gracefully to a final act full of shocks and surprises, especially its deviously clever final twist. Avowed Hitchcock disciple Richard Franklin does some fine work in the director's chair, quoting some of the most memorable visual devices from the original Hitchcock classic while working in some modern flourishes, including one memorably head-spinning crane shot. His skill makes it possible for him to turn even the simplest scene into a nail-biter: a great example is a scene where Norman's discovery of a note from Mother is intercut with a scene where Mary is harassed by Toomey. This sequence climaxes with a memorable dual-crescendo after building up a nerve-wracking amount of tension. Franklin also gets fine work from a fantastic support cast: Meg Tilly makes a likeably unconventional romantic interest, Dennis Franz is convincingly sleazy as the embittered former motel manager, and Vera Miles is frightfully intense as the woman obsessed with bringing Norman to justice by any means necessary. However, the most important attribute of the movie is the magnificent, understated performance by Anthony Perkins. He manages to turn a villain into a tragic hero, bringing out the humor and vulnerability in Norman Bates while also maintaining the quiet, menacing edge that keeps the audience guessing about his sanity. All in all, Psycho II is a clever, inspired piece of work that rises above its sequel status to stand on its own as an excellent exercise in suspense. Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide
