![The Birds [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Tm0vUCPUL._SX300_SY300_QL70_ML2_.jpg)
![Rear Window [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81WyOp6HFaL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
![Rear Window [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81WyOp6HFaL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
PHOTO 1 = version A: Front Cover (May 6, 2014)
PHOTO 2 = version B: Front Cover (July 17, 2016)
PHOTO 3 = version A: Back Cover
PHOTO 4 = version B: Back Cover
PHOTO 5 = version B: Sticker on the front cover
Universal has issued "The Birds" on blu-ray twice, each time with a different cover (it's also in the 15 disc "Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection").
Two obvious questions:
1)) Is the 2016 edition (version B) a new digital transfer?
2) Did Universal add any deleted scenes or bonus features that were missing from Version A?
Unfortunately, the answers are No and No.
The 2014 Blu-Ray transfer was an improvement over the earlier DVD, but it was far from perfect.
Most of the blame appears to lie with the original negative.
Room for improvement.
I was hoping that Universal had found new source material in their archives, and authorized a brand new transfer of "The Birds".
What else would justify re-issuing it with a new cover?
Maybe they found a deleted scene in the vault?
But I could not find any information on the internet.
Very frustrating.
I finally gave up and ordered the damn thing.
VERDICT: The Blu-Rays are identical.
One clue: Universal Blu-Rays produced before 2015 do not have the "Resume Movie" option.
When your viewing is interrupted in the middle of a film, you cannot resume watching at the point where you left off, but have to go back to the beginning of the disc.
The "new" Blu-ray does not have the "Resume Movie" option.
This means it was produced before 2015.
So why did Universal go to all the trouble?
Two explanations:
1) There is a sticker on the cover stating that this is part of Universal's "COLLECTIBLE POP ART SERIES" (photo five).
Groovy.
2) The back covers (photos 3 & 4) reveal that the "Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy" is no longer included.
BUT the offer expired on May 2, 2016 anyway.
IN SUMMATION: If you are not an aging hipster, there is no good reason to upgrade to the new Blu-Ray.
Version A:
The Birds (Blu-ray + DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet)
Version B:
The Birds [Blu-ray
]
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection:
available in two versions:
-- 15 film box:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)
-- 14 film box:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray
]
The fourteen disc box is a British import.
The British box does not include "North by Northwest", but it costs a lot less.
The individual British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILMOGRAPHY:
Alfred Hitchcock directed 56 feature films (not counting short subjects).
One film, “The Mountain Eagle” (1927) is lost.
"Blackmail" (1929) is counted twice - it was Hitchcock's final silent film, and was also filmed as his first talkie.
All are at least on on DVD, with two exceptions:
The silent version of "Blackmail", and "Mary" (1931, the German language version of "Murder!")
34 films are on Blu-Ray (links are included)
PART ONE: BRITISH PERIOD, 1925 - 1939
1925 The Pleasure Garden - silent
1927 The Mountain Eagle - silent, LOST FILM
1927 The Lodger - silent, BLU-RAY
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray
], coupled with "Downhill"
1927 The Ring - silent
1927 Downhill - silent, BLU-RAY coupled with
The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray
]
1928 Easy Virtue - silent
1928 The Farmer's Wife - silent
1928 Champagne - silent
1929 The Manxman - silent
1929 Blackmail - silent UNAVAILABLE
1929 Blackmail - sound version
1930 Elstree Calling [musical comedy revue with four directors]
1930 Juno and the Paycock
1930 Murder!
1931 Mary - German language version of "Murder!" with a separate cast UNAVAILABLE
1931 The Skin Game
1931 Rich and Strange
1932 Number Seventeen
1934 Waltzes from Vienna
1934
The Man Who Knew Too Much (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray
] (first version)
1935
The 39 Steps (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray
]
1936 Secret Agent
1936 Sabotage
1937 Young and Innocent
1938
The Lady Vanishes (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray
]
1939
Jamaica Inn [Blu-ray
] - I don’t know why it’s so expensive.
PART TWO: HOLLYWOOD PERIOD, 1940 -1 976
(some of them were filmed in the UK, but for American studios)
All but two have been released on Blu-Tay.
1940
Rebecca [Blu-ray
]
1940
Foreign Correspondent [Blu-ray
]
1941 Mr. & Mrs. Smith NOT ON BLU-RAY
1941
Suspicion [Blu-ray
]
1942
Saboteur [Blu-ray
] *
1943
Shadow of a Doubt [Blu-ray
] *
1944
Lifeboat [Blu-ray
]
1945
Spellbound (hitchcock) [Blu-ray
]
1946
Notorious (hitchcock) [Blu-ray
]
1947
The Paradine Case
[Blu-Ray]
1948
Rope [Blu-ray
] *
1949
Under Capricorn [Blu-ray
]
1950 Stage Fright NOT ON BLU-RAY
1951
Strangers On A Train (BD) [Blu-ray
]
1953
I Confess (1953) [Blu-ray
]
1954
Dial M for Murder (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) [1954] [Region Free
] (2-D and 3-D versions)
1954
Rear Window [Blu-ray
] *
1955
To Catch A Thief (1955) (BD) [Blu-ray
]
1955
The Trouble with Harry [Blu-ray
] *
1956
The Man Who Knew Too Much [Blu-ray
] (second version) *
1956
The Wrong Man [Blu-ray
]
1958
Vertigo [Blu-ray
] *
1959
North By Northwest (1959) (BD) [Blu-ray
] *
1960
Psycho (1960) [Blu-ray
] *
1963
The Birds [Blu-ray
] *
1964
Marnie [Blu-ray
] *
1966
Torn Curtain [Blu-ray
] *
1969
Topaz [Blu-ray
] *
1972
Frenzy [Blu-ray
] *
1976
Family Plot [Blu-ray
] *
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)
or 2016 reissue:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray
] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray
] (2012)
This is a British import.
The contents of the British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)
or 2016 reissue:
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray
] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray
] (2012)
This is a British import.
Same bonus features, but it sells for less.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and will play on any US player.
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About Us
Universal Pictures is an American film studio, owned by Comcast through its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal, and is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" film studios. Its production studios are at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California. Distribution and other corporate offices are in New York City. Universal Studios is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Universal was founded in 1912 by the German Carl Laemmle (pronounced "LEM-lee"), Mark Dintenfass, Charles O. Baumann, Adam Kessel, Pat Powers, William Swanson, David Horsley, Robert H. Cochrane, and Jules Brulatour.
Six of Universal Studios' films; Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Furious 7 (2015) and Jurassic World (2015) achieved box office records, with the first three (which were directed by Steven Spielberg) all becoming the highest-grossing film at the time of its initial release.
NBC Universal
NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks, and a premium ad-supported streaming service. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Reviews with images
IS THERE A NEW BLU-RAY TRANSFER OF THE BIRDS? + Blu-Ray Filmography of Hitchcock
PHOTO 1 = version A: Front Cover (May 6, 2014)PHOTO 2 = version B: Front Cover (July 17, 2016)PHOTO 3 = version A: Back CoverPHOTO 4 = version B: Back CoverPHOTO 5 = version B: Sticker on the front coverUniversal has issued "The Birds" on blu-ray twice, each time with a different cover (it's also in the 15 disc "Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection").Two obvious questions:1)) Is the 2016 edition (version B) a new digital transfer?2) Did Universal add any deleted scenes or bonus features that were missing from Version A?Unfortunately, the answers are No and No.The 2014 Blu-Ray transfer was an improvement over the earlier DVD, but it was far from perfect.Most of the blame appears to lie with the original negative.Room for improvement.I was hoping that Universal had found new source material in their archives, and authorized a brand new transfer of "The Birds".What else would justify re-issuing it with a new cover?Maybe they found a deleted scene in the vault?But I could not find any information on the internet.Very frustrating.I finally gave up and ordered the damn thing.VERDICT: The Blu-Rays are identical.One clue: Universal Blu-Rays produced before 2015 do not have the "Resume Movie" option.When your viewing is interrupted in the middle of a film, you cannot resume watching at the point where you left off, but have to go back to the beginning of the disc.The "new" Blu-ray does not have the "Resume Movie" option.This means it was produced before 2015.So why did Universal go to all the trouble?Two explanations:1) There is a sticker on the cover stating that this is part of Universal's "COLLECTIBLE POP ART SERIES" (photo five).Groovy.2) The back covers (photos 3 & 4) reveal that the "Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy" is no longer included.BUT the offer expired on May 2, 2016 anyway.IN SUMMATION: If you are not an aging hipster, there is no good reason to upgrade to the new Blu-Ray.Version A: The Birds (Blu-ray + DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet)Version B: The Birds [Blu-ray]Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection:available in two versions:-- 15 film box: Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)-- 14 film box: Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]The fourteen disc box is a British import.The British box does not include "North by Northwest", but it costs a lot less.The individual British and American Blu-Rays are identical.Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.--------------------------------------------------------------------ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILMOGRAPHY:Alfred Hitchcock directed 56 feature films (not counting short subjects).One film, “The Mountain Eagle” (1927) is lost."Blackmail" (1929) is counted twice - it was Hitchcock's final silent film, and was also filmed as his first talkie.All are at least on on DVD, with two exceptions:The silent version of "Blackmail", and "Mary" (1931, the German language version of "Murder!")34 films are on Blu-Ray (links are included)PART ONE: BRITISH PERIOD, 1925 - 19391925 The Pleasure Garden - silent1927 The Mountain Eagle - silent, LOST FILM1927 The Lodger - silent, BLU-RAY The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray], coupled with "Downhill"1927 The Ring - silent1927 Downhill - silent, BLU-RAY coupled with The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]1928 Easy Virtue - silent1928 The Farmer's Wife - silent1928 Champagne - silent1929 The Manxman - silent1929 Blackmail - silent UNAVAILABLE1929 Blackmail - sound version1930 Elstree Calling [musical comedy revue with four directors]1930 Juno and the Paycock1930 Murder!1931 Mary - German language version of "Murder!" with a separate cast UNAVAILABLE1931 The Skin Game1931 Rich and Strange1932 Number Seventeen1934 Waltzes from Vienna1934 The Man Who Knew Too Much (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] (first version)1935 The 39 Steps (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]1936 Secret Agent1936 Sabotage1937 Young and Innocent1938 The Lady Vanishes (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]1939 Jamaica Inn [Blu-ray] - I don’t know why it’s so expensive.PART TWO: HOLLYWOOD PERIOD, 1940 -1 976(some of them were filmed in the UK, but for American studios)All but two have been released on Blu-Tay.1940 Rebecca [Blu-ray]1940 Foreign Correspondent [Blu-ray]1941 Mr. & Mrs. Smith NOT ON BLU-RAY1941 Suspicion [Blu-ray]1942 Saboteur [Blu-ray] *1943 Shadow of a Doubt [Blu-ray] *1944 Lifeboat [Blu-ray]1945 Spellbound (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]1946 Notorious (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]1947 The Paradine Case [Blu-Ray]1948 Rope [Blu-ray] *1949 Under Capricorn [Blu-ray]1950 Stage Fright NOT ON BLU-RAY1951 Strangers On A Train (BD) [Blu-ray]1953 I Confess (1953) [Blu-ray]1954 Dial M for Murder (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) [1954] [Region Free] (2-D and 3-D versions)1954 Rear Window [Blu-ray] *1955 To Catch A Thief (1955) (BD) [Blu-ray]1955 The Trouble with Harry [Blu-ray] *1956 The Man Who Knew Too Much [Blu-ray] (second version) *1956 The Wrong Man [Blu-ray]1958 Vertigo [Blu-ray] *1959 North By Northwest (1959) (BD) [Blu-ray] *1960 Psycho (1960) [Blu-ray] *1963 The Birds [Blu-ray] *1964 Marnie [Blu-ray] *1966 Torn Curtain [Blu-ray] *1969 Topaz [Blu-ray] *1972 Frenzy [Blu-ray] *1976 Family Plot [Blu-ray] ** Fifteen Blu-Ray box:Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)or 2016 reissue: Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (same contents)Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray] (2012)This is a British import.The contents of the British and American Blu-Rays are identical.Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)or 2016 reissue: Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (same contents)Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray] (2012)This is a British import.Same bonus features, but it sells for less.Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and will play on any US player.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2017
PHOTO 2 = version B: Front Cover (July 17, 2016)
PHOTO 3 = version A: Back Cover
PHOTO 4 = version B: Back Cover
PHOTO 5 = version B: Sticker on the front cover
Universal has issued "The Birds" on blu-ray twice, each time with a different cover (it's also in the 15 disc "Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection").
Two obvious questions:
1)) Is the 2016 edition (version B) a new digital transfer?
2) Did Universal add any deleted scenes or bonus features that were missing from Version A?
Unfortunately, the answers are No and No.
The 2014 Blu-Ray transfer was an improvement over the earlier DVD, but it was far from perfect.
Most of the blame appears to lie with the original negative.
Room for improvement.
I was hoping that Universal had found new source material in their archives, and authorized a brand new transfer of "The Birds".
What else would justify re-issuing it with a new cover?
Maybe they found a deleted scene in the vault?
But I could not find any information on the internet.
Very frustrating.
I finally gave up and ordered the damn thing.
VERDICT: The Blu-Rays are identical.
One clue: Universal Blu-Rays produced before 2015 do not have the "Resume Movie" option.
When your viewing is interrupted in the middle of a film, you cannot resume watching at the point where you left off, but have to go back to the beginning of the disc.
The "new" Blu-ray does not have the "Resume Movie" option.
This means it was produced before 2015.
So why did Universal go to all the trouble?
Two explanations:
1) There is a sticker on the cover stating that this is part of Universal's "COLLECTIBLE POP ART SERIES" (photo five).
Groovy.
2) The back covers (photos 3 & 4) reveal that the "Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy" is no longer included.
BUT the offer expired on May 2, 2016 anyway.
IN SUMMATION: If you are not an aging hipster, there is no good reason to upgrade to the new Blu-Ray.
Version A: [[ASIN:B00JQP111W The Birds (Blu-ray + DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet)]]
Version B: [[ASIN:B01FUYRK76 The Birds [Blu-ray]]]
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection:
available in two versions:
-- 15 film box: [[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
-- 14 film box: [[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]]
The fourteen disc box is a British import.
The British box does not include "North by Northwest", but it costs a lot less.
The individual British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILMOGRAPHY:
Alfred Hitchcock directed 56 feature films (not counting short subjects).
One film, “The Mountain Eagle” (1927) is lost.
"Blackmail" (1929) is counted twice - it was Hitchcock's final silent film, and was also filmed as his first talkie.
All are at least on on DVD, with two exceptions:
The silent version of "Blackmail", and "Mary" (1931, the German language version of "Murder!")
34 films are on Blu-Ray (links are included)
PART ONE: BRITISH PERIOD, 1925 - 1939
1925 The Pleasure Garden - silent
1927 The Mountain Eagle - silent, LOST FILM
1927 The Lodger - silent, BLU-RAY [[ASIN:B06XP1WFQF The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]], coupled with "Downhill"
1927 The Ring - silent
1927 Downhill - silent, BLU-RAY coupled with [[ASIN:B06XP1WFQF The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1928 Easy Virtue - silent
1928 The Farmer's Wife - silent
1928 Champagne - silent
1929 The Manxman - silent
1929 Blackmail - silent UNAVAILABLE
1929 Blackmail - sound version
1930 Elstree Calling [musical comedy revue with four directors]
1930 Juno and the Paycock
1930 Murder!
1931 Mary - German language version of "Murder!" with a separate cast UNAVAILABLE
1931 The Skin Game
1931 Rich and Strange
1932 Number Seventeen
1934 Waltzes from Vienna
1934 [[ASIN:B009RWRIP2 The Man Who Knew Too Much (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]] (first version)
1935 [[ASIN:B007N5YJWK The 39 Steps (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1936 Secret Agent
1936 Sabotage
1937 Young and Innocent
1938 [[ASIN:B005ND87JU The Lady Vanishes (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1939 [[ASIN:B00TU29O88 Jamaica Inn [Blu-ray]]] - I don’t know why it’s so expensive.
PART TWO: HOLLYWOOD PERIOD, 1940 -1 976
(some of them were filmed in the UK, but for American studios)
All but two have been released on Blu-Tay.
1940 [[ASIN:B0065N6JSI Rebecca [Blu-ray]]]
1940 [[ASIN:B00LUSUVQE Foreign Correspondent [Blu-ray]]]
1941 Mr. & Mrs. Smith NOT ON BLU-RAY
1941 [[ASIN:B01CZ2NDY0 Suspicion [Blu-ray]]]
1942 [[ASIN:B00BM79PB0 Saboteur [Blu-ray]]] *
1943 [[ASIN:B00BM79UO2 Shadow of a Doubt [Blu-ray]]] *
1944 [[ASIN:B01N33IYBI Lifeboat [Blu-ray]]]
1945 [[ASIN:B0065N6KNW Spellbound (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]]]
1946 [[ASIN:B0065N6K9Q Notorious (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]]]
1947 [[ASIN:B06XRV48SR The Paradine Case]] [Blu-Ray]
1948 [[ASIN:B00BM7A1AO Rope [Blu-ray]]] *
1949 [[ASIN:B07C53ZZXY Under Capricorn [Blu-ray]]]
1950 Stage Fright NOT ON BLU-RAY
1951 [[ASIN:B008DMQDZS Strangers On A Train (BD) [Blu-ray]]]
1953 [[ASIN:B01ACP5426 I Confess (1953) [Blu-ray]]]
1954 [[ASIN:B006LMIMW4 Dial M for Murder (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) [1954] [Region Free]]] (2-D and 3-D versions)
1954 [[ASIN:B00J2R3W1G Rear Window [Blu-ray]]] *
1955 [[ASIN:B00AEBB8H4 To Catch A Thief (1955) (BD) [Blu-ray]]]
1955 [[ASIN:B00BM7A5RS The Trouble with Harry [Blu-ray]]] *
1956 [[ASIN:B00BM7AA1Y The Man Who Knew Too Much [Blu-ray]]] (second version) *
1956 [[ASIN:B019HPJBY4 The Wrong Man [Blu-ray]]]
1958 [[ASIN:B00J2R3VZI Vertigo [Blu-ray]]] *
1959 [[ASIN:B014IAWFU0 North By Northwest (1959) (BD) [Blu-ray]]] *
1960 [[ASIN:B00J2R3W52 Psycho (1960) [Blu-ray]]] *
1963 [[ASIN:B01FUYRK76 The Birds [Blu-ray]]] *
1964 [[ASIN:B00BM7AFKK Marnie [Blu-ray]]] *
1966 [[ASIN:B00BM7APUU Torn Curtain [Blu-ray]]] *
1969 [[ASIN:B00BM7ATXI Topaz [Blu-ray]]] *
1972 [[ASIN:B00BM7B0EK Frenzy [Blu-ray]]] *
1976 [[ASIN:B00BM7B4FU Family Plot [Blu-ray]]] *
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
[[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
or 2016 reissue: [[ASIN:B019329V7S Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]]] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
[[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]] (2012)
This is a British import.
The contents of the British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
[[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
or 2016 reissue: [[ASIN:B019329V7S Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]]] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
[[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]] (2012)
This is a British import.
Same bonus features, but it sells for less.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and will play on any US player.
IS THERE A NEW BLU-RAY TRANSFER OF THE BIRDS? + Blu-Ray Filmography of Hitchcock
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2017
PHOTO 1 = version A: Front Cover (May 6, 2014)Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2017
PHOTO 2 = version B: Front Cover (July 17, 2016)
PHOTO 3 = version A: Back Cover
PHOTO 4 = version B: Back Cover
PHOTO 5 = version B: Sticker on the front cover
Universal has issued "The Birds" on blu-ray twice, each time with a different cover (it's also in the 15 disc "Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection").
Two obvious questions:
1)) Is the 2016 edition (version B) a new digital transfer?
2) Did Universal add any deleted scenes or bonus features that were missing from Version A?
Unfortunately, the answers are No and No.
The 2014 Blu-Ray transfer was an improvement over the earlier DVD, but it was far from perfect.
Most of the blame appears to lie with the original negative.
Room for improvement.
I was hoping that Universal had found new source material in their archives, and authorized a brand new transfer of "The Birds".
What else would justify re-issuing it with a new cover?
Maybe they found a deleted scene in the vault?
But I could not find any information on the internet.
Very frustrating.
I finally gave up and ordered the damn thing.
VERDICT: The Blu-Rays are identical.
One clue: Universal Blu-Rays produced before 2015 do not have the "Resume Movie" option.
When your viewing is interrupted in the middle of a film, you cannot resume watching at the point where you left off, but have to go back to the beginning of the disc.
The "new" Blu-ray does not have the "Resume Movie" option.
This means it was produced before 2015.
So why did Universal go to all the trouble?
Two explanations:
1) There is a sticker on the cover stating that this is part of Universal's "COLLECTIBLE POP ART SERIES" (photo five).
Groovy.
2) The back covers (photos 3 & 4) reveal that the "Digital HD Ultraviolet Copy" is no longer included.
BUT the offer expired on May 2, 2016 anyway.
IN SUMMATION: If you are not an aging hipster, there is no good reason to upgrade to the new Blu-Ray.
Version A: [[ASIN:B00JQP111W The Birds (Blu-ray + DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet)]]
Version B: [[ASIN:B01FUYRK76 The Birds [Blu-ray]]]
Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection:
available in two versions:
-- 15 film box: [[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
-- 14 film box: [[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]]
The fourteen disc box is a British import.
The British box does not include "North by Northwest", but it costs a lot less.
The individual British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILMOGRAPHY:
Alfred Hitchcock directed 56 feature films (not counting short subjects).
One film, “The Mountain Eagle” (1927) is lost.
"Blackmail" (1929) is counted twice - it was Hitchcock's final silent film, and was also filmed as his first talkie.
All are at least on on DVD, with two exceptions:
The silent version of "Blackmail", and "Mary" (1931, the German language version of "Murder!")
34 films are on Blu-Ray (links are included)
PART ONE: BRITISH PERIOD, 1925 - 1939
1925 The Pleasure Garden - silent
1927 The Mountain Eagle - silent, LOST FILM
1927 The Lodger - silent, BLU-RAY [[ASIN:B06XP1WFQF The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]], coupled with "Downhill"
1927 The Ring - silent
1927 Downhill - silent, BLU-RAY coupled with [[ASIN:B06XP1WFQF The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1928 Easy Virtue - silent
1928 The Farmer's Wife - silent
1928 Champagne - silent
1929 The Manxman - silent
1929 Blackmail - silent UNAVAILABLE
1929 Blackmail - sound version
1930 Elstree Calling [musical comedy revue with four directors]
1930 Juno and the Paycock
1930 Murder!
1931 Mary - German language version of "Murder!" with a separate cast UNAVAILABLE
1931 The Skin Game
1931 Rich and Strange
1932 Number Seventeen
1934 Waltzes from Vienna
1934 [[ASIN:B009RWRIP2 The Man Who Knew Too Much (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]] (first version)
1935 [[ASIN:B007N5YJWK The 39 Steps (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1936 Secret Agent
1936 Sabotage
1937 Young and Innocent
1938 [[ASIN:B005ND87JU The Lady Vanishes (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]]]
1939 [[ASIN:B00TU29O88 Jamaica Inn [Blu-ray]]] - I don’t know why it’s so expensive.
PART TWO: HOLLYWOOD PERIOD, 1940 -1 976
(some of them were filmed in the UK, but for American studios)
All but two have been released on Blu-Tay.
1940 [[ASIN:B0065N6JSI Rebecca [Blu-ray]]]
1940 [[ASIN:B00LUSUVQE Foreign Correspondent [Blu-ray]]]
1941 Mr. & Mrs. Smith NOT ON BLU-RAY
1941 [[ASIN:B01CZ2NDY0 Suspicion [Blu-ray]]]
1942 [[ASIN:B00BM79PB0 Saboteur [Blu-ray]]] *
1943 [[ASIN:B00BM79UO2 Shadow of a Doubt [Blu-ray]]] *
1944 [[ASIN:B01N33IYBI Lifeboat [Blu-ray]]]
1945 [[ASIN:B0065N6KNW Spellbound (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]]]
1946 [[ASIN:B0065N6K9Q Notorious (hitchcock) [Blu-ray]]]
1947 [[ASIN:B06XRV48SR The Paradine Case]] [Blu-Ray]
1948 [[ASIN:B00BM7A1AO Rope [Blu-ray]]] *
1949 [[ASIN:B07C53ZZXY Under Capricorn [Blu-ray]]]
1950 Stage Fright NOT ON BLU-RAY
1951 [[ASIN:B008DMQDZS Strangers On A Train (BD) [Blu-ray]]]
1953 [[ASIN:B01ACP5426 I Confess (1953) [Blu-ray]]]
1954 [[ASIN:B006LMIMW4 Dial M for Murder (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray) [1954] [Region Free]]] (2-D and 3-D versions)
1954 [[ASIN:B00J2R3W1G Rear Window [Blu-ray]]] *
1955 [[ASIN:B00AEBB8H4 To Catch A Thief (1955) (BD) [Blu-ray]]]
1955 [[ASIN:B00BM7A5RS The Trouble with Harry [Blu-ray]]] *
1956 [[ASIN:B00BM7AA1Y The Man Who Knew Too Much [Blu-ray]]] (second version) *
1956 [[ASIN:B019HPJBY4 The Wrong Man [Blu-ray]]]
1958 [[ASIN:B00J2R3VZI Vertigo [Blu-ray]]] *
1959 [[ASIN:B014IAWFU0 North By Northwest (1959) (BD) [Blu-ray]]] *
1960 [[ASIN:B00J2R3W52 Psycho (1960) [Blu-ray]]] *
1963 [[ASIN:B01FUYRK76 The Birds [Blu-ray]]] *
1964 [[ASIN:B00BM7AFKK Marnie [Blu-ray]]] *
1966 [[ASIN:B00BM7APUU Torn Curtain [Blu-ray]]] *
1969 [[ASIN:B00BM7ATXI Topaz [Blu-ray]]] *
1972 [[ASIN:B00BM7B0EK Frenzy [Blu-ray]]] *
1976 [[ASIN:B00BM7B4FU Family Plot [Blu-ray]]] *
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
[[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
or 2016 reissue: [[ASIN:B019329V7S Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]]] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
[[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]] (2012)
This is a British import.
The contents of the British and American Blu-Rays are identical.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and should play on any US player.
* Fifteen Blu-Ray box:
[[ASIN:B008DCAG9M Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray] (2012)]]
or 2016 reissue: [[ASIN:B019329V7S Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]]] (same contents)
Fourteen Blu-Ray box (minus "North by Northwest")
[[ASIN:B008RLD1VY Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection [Blu Ray]]] (2012)
This is a British import.
Same bonus features, but it sells for less.
Unlike most British Blu-Rays, these are region-free and will play on any US player.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2017
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