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The Birds

Actor(s): Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette, Veronica Cartwright
Director(s): Alfred Hitchcock
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Details

MPAA Rating: PG-13
Content Advisory: Violence, Questionable for Children
Movie Release: 1963
DVD Release: 03/28/2000
Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
Edition: Dual Layered,Special Collection
Audio Tracks: English, French
Subtitles: English
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 2 hrs 0 mins
Studio: Universal Studios
Members Wishing: 33
Genres: Horror, Natural Horror

Synopsis

The story begins as an innocuous romantic triangle involving wealthy, spoiled Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), handsome Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor), and schoolteacher Annie Hayworth (Suzanne Pleshette). The human story begins in a San Francisco pet shop and culminates at the home of Mitch's mother (Jessica Tandy) at Bodega Bay, where the characters' sense of security is slowly eroded by the curious behavior of the birds in the area. At first, it's no more than a sea gull swooping down and pecking at Melanie's head. Things take a truly ugly turn when hundreds of birds converge on a children's party. There is never an explanation as to why the birds have run amok, but once the onslaught begins, there's virtually no letup. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Rod Taylor - Mitch Brenner
Tippi Hedren - Melanie Daniels
Jessica Tandy - Lydia Brenner
Suzanne Pleshette - Annie Hayworth
Veronica Cartwright - Cathy Brenner
Ethel Griffies - Mrs. Bundy

Awards

1963	New Star of the Year - Female (winner)	Golden Globe	Tippi Hedren
1963	Best Visual Effects (nominee)	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scie	Ub Iwerks

Editorial Review

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. ~ Jeremy Brown, All Movie Guide

Member Reviews

Shim F. wrote on 2/7/2008...

Birds, BIRDS.......wow.
Old movie can scare you sometimes.
The music will get you every time.
This movie is ok.
IT could be scarier.
But it's still fun to watch.