‘Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale Of A Writer Who Decided To Write About A Serial Killer’ Blu-Ray Review – Dying For Creativity

A struggling writer in the midst of a divorce befriends a retired serial killer who incidentally becomes his marriage counselor by day, and killing counselor for his next book by night.

For in-depth thoughts on Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer, please see my colleague Larry Fried’s review from its festival debut here.

Video Quality

Psycho Therapy comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that skillfully brings this feature to life with the proper care. The transfer unlocks texture within the clothing and production design that adds significant nuance to the picture. Skin tones are detailed and natural all around. There is a pleasing sense of vibrancy throughout with some bold colors, but the movie never abandons the complexity found in the darker spectrum of the palette. Highlights are handled delicately with no hint of blooming, and the blacks are deep and do not falter with any crush or compression artifacts. The transfer handles every setting with a steady hand. Brainstorm Media has not missed a beat with this release. 

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a solid DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that brings the story to life with the proper dedication. Dialogue comes through clearly without ever being drowned out by competing sounds. Environmental indicators expand the soundscape to give the world a bit more energy. The sound design is not overly ambitious, but the elements are thoroughly integrated in the mix. Music flows through the room when it needs to with a steady soundscape. There is a bit of texture in the low end at various points, but it is not the star of the show. The audio portion of the disc is a winner. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided. 

Special Features

• Behind the Scenes Featurette: An 18-minute piece in which the cast and creative team discuss what drew them to the project, the development of the project, the look of the film and the world, and much more. Some of the interviews do not have the best sound quality. 

• Original Trailer (2:04) 

Final Thoughts

Psycho Therapy is a darkly amusing look at interpersonal relationships and our relation to murder as a source of entertainment. The story gets increasingly absurd as you go along, but the tone of the movie keeps you locked in to each anxiety-inducing development. The performers really make this movie work even when the script begins to get a little shaky in a few stretches. Steve Buscemi and John Magaro are the more established names grounding the narrative, but it is Britt Lower who steals the show every time she is on screen. Brainstorm Media has released a Blu-Ray featuring a favorable A/V presentation and a couple of supplements. Recommended 

Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Limited Edition Slipcover exclusively through Vinegar Syndrome/OCN Distribution. 

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Brainstorm Media & OCN Distribution have supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.