Alfred Hitchcock : The Masterpiece Collection - 12 of November - Page 73 - Blu-ray Forum

theprestige85 · 01-04-2014, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monroville

While I've always liked THE BIRDS, reviews such as these increased my respect and understanding of the film:

The Birds: Explained! Cinema de Merde - YouTube

Great find. I love these types of reviews, can make Youtube seem redeeming.

I think that reviewer is probably spot on. I can't even begin to argue against it and I like the notion of the attack being a manifestation of emotional trauma rather than some scientific cause as it allows for deeper layers within the film to be peeled.

It's funny, I was confused at first whether Lydia was Mitch's wife or something, despite how aged she looked compared to him. All those 'dear' jesters and the way they behaved around each other was pretty Oedipalish, but I never considered that her emotions towards the women in Mitch's lives was a manifestation.

Only thing I can think of right now to counter that would be to say that if the bird apocalypse is indeed a manifestation of Lydia's response to the women who might pose a threat to her, then why was there no reported attacks when Annie Hayworth was with Mitch? I'm playing Devil's Advocate here.

theprestige85 · 01-04-2014, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip75

The Birds also features one of the best matte paintings in cinema. It's talked about on the DVD. I'm not sure how it looks on Blu. I didn't spot it in SD!

I'll have to keep an eye out the next time I watch it. Would love to know exactly when it pops up. I was very tired when I watched the film but forced myself to finish it as I was just so compelled by it (hate watching films in bits)

Just googled it. It appears to be an establishing shot where the birds fly over the town. I'll check look for it tomorrow and see what it's like on HD.

Chad Plainview · 01-04-2014, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theprestige85

These are still things that I have not considered as, like yourself, I probably concentrated on the plotting a bit much. I think it also boils down to me not caring much about the characters and specifically Stewart's obsession with Novak (who was a stunner, by the way). It comes across as creepy, unnerving and needy, and I can't tell if that was the intention or not, but it certainly made it a bit boring for me.

Maybe you are right, perhaps this film will be more rewarding on repeat viewing, but as of this time, I can't see myself rewatching this in less than a year.

What is your favourite Hitchcock film?

I love films with hidden narrative because they always give back to you over multiple viewings. The nature of cinema dictate that the majority of 'good' films will be about the invisible.

My favourite Hitch film is Rear Window, although North By Northwest, Dial M for Murder and Vertigo run it close.

CouncilSpectre · 01-04-2014, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Plainview

My favourite Hitch film is Rear Window, although North By Northwest, Dial M for Murder and Vertigo run it close.

That's pretty much identical to my preferences around Hitch as well.

Psycho's a great movie, as is The Birds, but those are my absolute favourites. Well, those and Lifeboat.....

Chad Plainview · 01-04-2014, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

That's pretty much identical to my preferences around Hitch as well.

Psycho's a great movie, as is The Birds, but those are my absolute favourites. Well, those and Lifeboat.....

He's made so many great films, there's films that I rate highly like Notorious, Rebecca and To Catch a Thief which I haven't even mentioned.

Haven't see The Birds, Lifeboat or Lady Vanishes. I'll correct that one day.

chip75 · 01-04-2014, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monroville

Which one? Albert Whitlock did some fantastic work in this film (naturally)... there are a few scenes one would genuinely be surprised to discover were partial or mostly matte paintings.

He did some amazing work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Just googled it. It appears to be an establishing shot where the birds fly over the town. I'll check look for it tomorrow and see what it's like on HD.

I feel mean spoiling the illusions but watch the scene where Melanie crosses Bodega Bay when she goes to deliver the present to Mitch. See if you can spot any mattes.

CouncilSpectre · 01-04-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Plainview

He's made so many great films, there's films that I rate highly like Notorious, Rebecca and To Catch a Thief which I haven't even mentioned.

Haven't see The Birds, Lifeboat or Lady Vanishes. I'll correct that one day.

Agree, it's all relative. Although they're my favourite Hitch movies, there are plenty more that are fantastic too.

Definitely check out Lifeboat if you get the chance, I picked up the MoC SB earlier this year, great movie. Very much a bottle movie (being set entirely in a Lifeboat) but I love movies like that.

Villiam Hayes · 01-04-2014, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

Definitely check out Lifeboat if you get the chance, I picked up the MoC SB earlier this year, great movie. Very much a bottle movie (being set entirely in a Lifeboat) but I love movies like that.

I'm really tempted to blind buy this....

CouncilSpectre · 01-04-2014, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villiam Hayes

I'm really tempted to blind buy this....

Amazon have the amaray version for £9.85 - Cex will take it off your hands for £6 if you don't like it. Amazon also have the SB for £13.70. Not sure how much Cex would give you for that though as it's not on their website.

If you get it, good luck spotting Hitch's cameo in this one.....

Villiam Hayes · 01-04-2014, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

Amazon have the amaray version for £9.85 - Cex will take it off your hands for £6 if you don't like it. Amazon also have the SB for £13.70. Not sure how much Cex would give you for that though as it's not on their website.

If you get it, good luck spotting Hitch's cameo in this one.....

I can get the steelbook for £9 brand new through a marketplace seller which is fulfilled by amazon....may just be worth the gamble at that price.

EDIT:I just bought it...I do like Hitchcock.

CouncilSpectre · 01-04-2014, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villiam Hayes

I can get the steelbook for £9 brand new through a marketplace seller which is fulfilled by amazon....may just be worth the gamble at that price.

EDIT:I just bought it...I do like Hitchcock.

Great stuff, hope you enjoy it!

Villiam Hayes · 01-04-2014, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

Great stuff, hope you enjoy it!

So do I...

chip75 · 01-04-2014, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

If you get it, good luck spotting Hitch's cameo in this one.....

I haven't seen the film in years but I remember (roughly) were he turns up.

Villiam Hayes · 01-04-2014, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CouncilSpectre

If you get it, good luck spotting Hitch's cameo in this one.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip75

I haven't seen the film in years but I remember (roughly) were he turns up.

I remember growing up and having Hitchcock films played at home,The Birds especially,the main reason why I love it and I do recall my mum saying about Hitchcock's cameo's and me spending my whole time trying to spot him(It's early on in The Birds)I missed it the first time and wasn't happy when it finshed as I was still looking for him.

theprestige85 · 01-04-2014, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip75

I feel mean spoiling the illusions but watch the scene where Melanie crosses Bodega Bay when she goes to deliver the present to Mitch. See if you can spot any mattes.

Ahh, ok, I think I know what bit you are talking about. Will check it out tomorrow.

Quote:

If you get it, good luck spotting Hitch's cameo in this one.....

Hitchcock's cameo I spotted a mile away. It's right at the beginning where he walks just off Tippi's left, isn't it? Unless i'm confusing it for another film..

CouncilSpectre · 01-04-2014, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theprestige85

Hitchcock's cameo I spotted a mile away. It's right at the beginning where he walks just off Tippi's left, isn't it? Unless i'm confusing it for another film..

Different movie - spot him in Lifeboat, it's a good one.