Psycho III marked the directorial debut of Anthony Perkins. The movie was shot on the backlot at Universal City Studios California during 1985. The film was originally scheduled for a February 1986 release but was delayed due to some lighting problems and some much-needed re-shoots. Universal also requested that they "beef" up the ending, thus adding the scene with Norman in the back of the police car with Mother's arm. The film was released Wednesday, July 2nd, 1986.