This week, thanks to the fine folks at Universal Home Entertainment, four of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic films are finally being released in 4K versions on Blu-ray, giving these amazing films a brilliant new transfer so we can enjoy them better than ever. If you’ve been putting off buying any of the new 4K film releases, or are just looking for a way to test out a new 4K television, this set is a must-own.

Universally recognized as the Master of Suspense, the legendary Alfred Hitchcock directed some of cinema’s most thrilling and unforgettable classics. The ALFRED HITCHCOCK CLASSICS COLLECTION (which you can buy here) features four iconic films from the acclaimed director’s illustrious career including REAR WINDOW, VERTIGO, THE BIRDS and PSYCHO in stunning 4K resolution. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren, Kim Novak and Rod Taylor, this essential collection features hours of bonus features as well as the original uncut version of Psycho for the first time ever. This collection with collectible Discbook packaging includes hours of bonus features such as documentaries, expert commentaries, interviews, screen tests and much more!

These new 4K transfers are absolutely stunning, really presenting the films in a crisp new way. I already owned PSYCHO on Blu-ray, and didn’t think there was much they could do to wow me, considering the Blu-ray transfer was already stellar, but this definitely takes advantage of the 4K technology, and parts of the film look like you could reach right through the screen and grab things. Both REAR WINDOW and VERTIGO also benefit from the new transfers, presenting rich colors and sharp close ups that make these movies look better than ever. Perhaps the only film that doesn’t look terribly different from memory is THE BIRDS, but that’s partly because of the original negative, which was quite grainy at times, mostly thanks to the effects shots and Hitchcock’s frenetic way of shooting. You’ll also be treated to special features including Screen Tests of various actors, Storyboards from the films, interviews with the folks who helped make these amazing films, commentaries, and multiple documentaries. There is plenty of content here to keep you busy in between each of the classic movies.

There’s no denying the big selling point here is PSYCHO, finally presented in its uncut format – the additional footage isn’t much, but it does definitely add some context to one particular scene, making it a bit less ambiguous to the viewer. If you’re not familiar with it, I don’t want to spoil it, and some might say it’s fairly tame by today’s standards, but remember when PSYCHO came out it was a rather controversial film for a variety of reasons. And in case you’re wondering, this collection also includes the original theatrical cut as well, though if you’re comparing them based on the added footage, I suggest you research it to understand just how specific the cuts were. It’s mainly one specific scene that is altered, but it IS different. Also keep in mind, this movie came out at a time where mere seconds of footage being cut could make a difference in a rating. If you don’t already own the film on Blu-ray, this is the definitive way to get it, for sure.

This set also includes Digital Codes for the films, in case you want to watch them on portable devices. As a Hitchcock fan, I can honestly say this set was worth the wait, and a must-own for any collection.

Includes:
2 versions of Psycho (Uncut, The Way Hitchcock intended & TV Edit, The version we’ve all seen)
Rear Window
Vertigo
The Birds

Universally recognized as the Master of Suspense, the legendary Alfred Hitchcock directed some of cinema’s most thrilling and unforgettable classics. The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection features four iconic films from the acclaimed director’s illustrious career including Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho and The Birds in stunning 4K resolution. Starring Hollywood favorites such as James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Tippi Hedren, Kim Novak and Rod Taylor, this essential collection features hours of bonus features as well as Including the original uncut version of Psycho for the first time ever.

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