Cannes celebrates 50 years of Psycho; blu-ray due in October

Last month Sasha featured the Cannes Classics 2010, screenings that ‚Äúplace the spotlight on rediscovered or restored masterworks from the past.” Two of these restorations have already become blu-ray events — The African Queen (released March 23) and Visconti’s The Leopard (coming from Criterion on June 29).

Today Universal announces an October 19 release date for the 50th anniversary blu-ray edition of Hitchcock’s 1960 classic, Psycho. Special features detailed at blu-ray.com.

• Feature-length audio commentary with Stephen Rebello (Author of Alfred Hitchcock and the making of Psycho)
• The Making of Psycho: A feature-length documentary on Hitchcock’s most shocking film
• In the Master’s Shadow ‚Äì Hitchcock’s Legacy: Some of Hollywood’s top filmmakers discuss Hitchcock’s influence and why his movies continue to thrill audiences.
• Hitchcock/Truffaut Interviews: Excerpts from a 1962 audio interview with Alfred Hitchcock.
• Newsreel Footage: The Release of Psycho: Vintage newsreel on the unique policy Alfred Hitchcock insisted upon for the release of the film.
• The Shower Scene: A look at the impact of music on the infamous “shower scene.”
• The Shower Scene: Storyboards by Saul Bass: Original storyboard design.
• Production Notes: Read an essay on the making of the film.
• The Psycho Archives: See the gallery of on-set photo stills from the film’s production.
• Posters and Psycho Ads: See a gallery of original posters and ads from the theatrical campaign.
• Lobby Cards: View a gallery of promotional lobby cards from the film’s theatrical campaign.
• Behind-The-Scenes Photographs: View rare photos showing the cast and crew at work.
• Psycho Sound: A never-before-seen piece that looks at the re-mastering process required to create a 5.1 mix from the original mono elements using Audionamix technology.
• Theatrical Trailer: Watch the original promotional trailer from the film’s theatrical campaign.
• Re-Release Trailers: Watch the promotional trailer created for the re-release of the film.