The Birds

Director: Alfred Hitchcock Alfred Hitchcock

Overview

"Released as part of Universal's Alfred Hitchcock Collection, this is as perfect a version of The Birds as viewers are going to find. Packed with extras, and presented in a glorious 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen format, this is the only way to see the film. The picture is simply perfect, showcasing clear colors and luminous tones. The last shot alone is worth the price. Although the sound is Dolby Digital 2.0, it does not feel that way, particularly in the scenes when the titular characters wreak havoc. As for extras, the viewer is simply inundated. From promotional trailers (one featuring a droll appearance by Hitchcock himself), to Tippi Hedren's original screen test, this DVD has everything the Hitchcock enthusiast would want. Also included are the script pages for a deleted scene and the film's original ending. A must-own from every standpoint."

Product Details

Release Date:	03/28/2000
UPC:	0025192027529
Original Release:	1963
Rating:	PG-13
Source:	STUDIO DISTRIBUTION SERVS LLC
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[monaural, Dolby Digital]
Language:	English
Time:	2:00:00

Special Features

All About "The Birds"; Deleted scenes; Original ending; Storyboard sequence; Tippi Hendren's screen test; "The Birds Is Coming" [Universal international newsreel]; "Suspense Story: National Press Club Hears Hitchcock" [Universal International newsreel]; Production photographs; Production notes; Cast and filmmakers; Theatrical trailer; Universal web link

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Rod Taylor	Mitch Brenner
Tippi Hedren	Melanie Daniels
Suzanne Pleshette	Annie Hayworth
Jessica Tandy	Lydia Brenner
Veronica Cartwright	Cathy Brenner
Ethel Griffies	Mrs. Bundy
Ruth McDevitt	Mrs. MacGruder
Lonny Chapman	Deke
Charles McGraw	Sebastian Sholes
Elizabeth Wilson	Helen
Malcolm Atterbury	Deputy
Joe Mantell	Salesman
Doodles Weaver	Fisherman
Alfred Hitchcock	Man in Front of Pet Shop with White Poodles
Karl Swenson	Drunk
John McGovern	Postal Clerk
Richard Deacon	Man in Elevator
Doreen Lang	Mother in Cafe
Dal McKennon	Actor
Bill Quinn	Farm Hand
Darlene Conley	Actor
Morgan Brittany	Schoolchild
Bernard Herrmann	Composer

Technical Credits

Evan Hunter

Alfred Hitchcock	Director,Producer
Evan Hunter	Screenwriter
Ub Iwerks	Special Effects
Lawrence Hampton	Special Effects
Norman Deming	Producer
William Russell	Sound/Sound Designer
Bernard Herrmann	Sound/Sound Designer
Waldon Watson	Sound/Sound Designer

Editorial Reviews

Arguably the last great movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds eschews customary fright-film formulas and settings to show what might happen to ordinary people in everyday settings if one species decided to suddenly wage war on another. Beautiful blonde Tippi Hedren portrays a bored playgirl who arrives in a coastal California community just as huge flocks of birds begin attacking the inhabitants for no apparent reason. She seeks temporary shelter with bachelor attorney Rod Taylor while the feathered felons continue to wreak havoc in the small town. Evan Hunter's script never offers a satisfactory explanation for the mass assault, but rationality isn't important in this film -- survival is. In fact, because there is no reason for the birds to act as they do, Hitchcock is able to precisely manipulate the atmosphere of mounting terror. It's a reflection of his genius that The Birds still keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Alfred Hitchcock left the twisted world of the human psyche aside for a moment with this rare excursion into straight horror. Predating the 1970s explosion of environmentally-themed "ecokill" or "revenge of nature" films, The Birds is singular in its refusal to explain exactly why the avian population of Bodega Bay is turning on mankind. Concentrating instead on filmmaking technique and character development, The Birds is certainly effective as a horror film, but is bereft of many of its imitators' deeper meanings. Most viewers won't mind, as there are plenty of thrills to be had, with impressive visual effects by Albert J. Whitlock, and Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, and Suzanne Pleshette providing serviceable turns as human birdseed. First-time viewers may come away a bit disappointed at the film's relative simplicity, but therein lies much of its strength. —All-Movie Guide

Robert Firsching