Customer Reviews

Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (Original MCA Home Video Release)

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THE BIRDS metaphorically plays out the frailties of the human species as the fears of befuddled are visually juxtaposed against hoards of birds gone on a destructive rampage. Humans rebel against nature and each other as the birds represent nature in harmony turned against human progenitors who stand to disrupt harmony or so it may seem.

Rod Taylor's solid performance, as the steadfast Mitch Brenner who gradually realizes (but cannot fathom why) that things are beyond even his control, is pivotal to the progression of the story. The importance of Taylor's performance has been long overlooked. This film is a masterpiece full of vivid histrionics running the gamut of human emotions. Jessica Tandy as Lydia Brenner is a somewhat domineering figure but gradually becomes the epitome of human frailty at its lowest ebb. Tippi Hedren as Melanie Daniels is a somewhat shallow soul searching perhaps for guidance in the person of Mitch Brenner. Suzanne Pleshette as school teacher Annie Hayworth gives a very direct performance as a very young world weary cynical soon-to-be spinster who knows exactly what she wants. However as she has vied for the attentions of Mitch Brenner, her efforts remain fruitless and she is about to face the perils of nature's unknown.

In the end all the central characters have lost all their apparent external strengths and only retain their limited ability to survive be it from their own perseverance and/or from the offered affection from a loved one.

Human Frailty

Eerie,post-nuclear-there is no music in this film!It doesn't need it,really-the atmosphere is all created by the bird sounds-truly terrifying and unforgettable.
Hitchcock was way ahead of his time with this one-it almost plays like an IFC movie but years before the idea of a quality independent film was fashionable.The fact that a major studio like Universal released this is quite astonishing.From the birds chipping away at the opening title in that amazing sequence to the quiet,foreboding ending-this is one that is a must for collectors.It almost defies description-scifi,horror,thriller-all three,really.

We may never know the answer to this question. But this movie is unquestionably a classic.

Like it or not (it is impossible to not like it), this is a standard by which other movies are judged. The script, actors (some of whom are Rod Taylor and Suzanne Pleshette), and execution are always being compared to earlier and later movies.

The story adapted from Daphne du Maurier, does seem to be a little mysterious as to why the birds suddenly appear and as to the ending if that is what it is; however the build up and execution of the conflict with birds, and between women is defiantly worth watching.

A small town is devastated when a bunch of birds terrorize the inhabitants in what seems to be an all out war. The graphics leave a little to be desired but you will be so absorbed that you do not care.

If you have the DVD watch the movie before the goodies (extras.)

Feel the tension build up and be sure to duck at the appropriate time. After all this is an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Also, see if you spot his cameo appearance.

The Trouble with Harry