The Psycho Legacy
Documentary on the Psycho franchise and Norman Bates.
Robert Galluzzo wrote and directed *The Psycho Legacy*, a 2010 American independent documentary released direct-to-video. The film explores the history of the *Psycho* franchise and the lasting impact of the original movie, while also honoring Anthony Perkins for his role as Norman Bates. It features interviews with cast and crew from *Psycho*, *Psycho II*, *Psycho III*, and *Psycho IV: The Beginning*, along with contemporary horror filmmakers who admire the series.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Robert Galluzzo
- Producer
- Robert Galluzzo · Anthony Masi
- Narrator
- Paul Ehlers
- Starring
- Anthony Perkins · Diana Scarwid · Tom HollandMick Garris
- Music
- Jermaine Stegall
- Cinematography
- John Torrani
- Editing
- Jon Maus
- Studio
- Masimedia
- Distributor
- Shout! Factory
- Runtime
- 87 minutes
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The documentary was originally developed in late 2006. Robert Galluzzo got the idea when the Psycho II and Psycho III DVDs were re-released in 2005; disappointed that those DVDs contained no special features and that little information existed about the sequels, he decided to make the documentary. Galluzzo first approached Universal Studios about financing the documentary and releasing it in a box set with the four Psycho films, but Universal was not interested. However, John Murdy, creative director of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, allowed Galluzzo to shoot an interview at the Bates Motel and Psycho house sets on the backlot. Pictures and footage from all the films had to be licensed from Universal, accounting for most of the documentary's budget.
Reader's Guide
The Psycho Legacy serves as a comprehensive retrospective of the Psycho film series, focusing on the sequels and the enduring impact of the original. It is notable for being a fan-driven, independently produced project that filled a gap left by the lack of special features on earlier DVD releases of the sequels. The documentary was in production for three years, with Galluzzo personally financing it as a labor of love. It premiered at the 2010 Screamfest Horror Film Festival and was released on DVD by Shout! Factory. Critical reception was mixed: some praised it as a valuable resource for fans, while others noted its low-budget production values, sound and aspect ratio issues, and the omission of the Robert Bloch novels, the failed TV pilot Bates Motel, and the 1998 film remake. The documentary received a 7.0 out of 10 rating from IGN.
Did You Know?
- The documentary was in production for three years, with filming beginning in January 2007.
- Galluzzo originally approached Universal Studios to finance the documentary and release it in a box set, but Universal was not interested.
- Different types of digital video cameras were used over the three-year production, giving the documentary an aspect ratio of both fullscreen and widescreen.
- Special features on the DVD include a rare 41-minute panel discussion with Anthony Perkins.
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