In Alan Parker's adaptation of William Wharton's acclaimed novel, the title character is a Vietnam vet hospitalized for postwar trauma. Lying in a state of amentia, Birdy (Matthew Modine) fantasizes about birds in flight, an obsession that has haunted him since childhood. Now this fascination acts as a barrier to reality and the pain of his years in Vietnam. After doctors' efforts fail to cure him, his childhood friend Al (Nicolas Cage)--also a discharged soldier nursing wounds from the war--is brought in to try to coax Birdy out of his hallucinations.

BIRDY, told largely in stark, lyrical flashbacks from Al's point of view, is both a heartrending examination of the psychological consequences of war and an ode to the spiritually rejuvenating powers of friendship and imagination. The two young leads turn in powerful, humane performances. Parker (MIDNIGHT EXPRESS) provides innovative direction, most notably in the film's stunning, controversial ending.

The childhood pal of a catatonic, war-scarred Vietnam veteran is recruited to assist doctors in bringing him out of his delusional haze.

Shot in Metrocolor on location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Additional cast: George Buck (Birdy's Father), Dolores Sage (Birdy's Mother), and Crystal Field (Mrs. Columbato).

Additional credits: Nancy Giebink (UPM) and Michael Roberts (camera operator).

Additional music: John Hassell, The Drummers of Ekome, Larry Fast, Tony Levin, Jerry Marott, and David Rhodes.

Adaptation of author William Wharton's first novel.

Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Letterbox - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital Stereo Surround - English
Mono - Portuguese
Subtitles - Chinese - Optional
Subtitles - English - Optional
Subtitles - Korean - Optional
Subtitles - Portuguese - Optional
Subtitles - Spanish - Optional
Subtitles - Thai - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Trailers: Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Selection
Interactive Menus
Text/Photo Galleries:
Additional Text:
1. Director's Production Notes
2. Talent Files

Matthew Modine: American Actor, FULL METAL JACKET (1987)
Nicolas Cage: American Actor
John Harkins: American Supporting Actor
Sandy Baron: American Comedian/Actor
Karen Young: Star, FACTOTUM (2006)

Alan Parker: British Director/Screenwriter/Producer, EVITA

Alan Marshall: Producer

Alan Parker: British Director/Screenwriter/Producer, EVITA
Jack Behr: Screenwriter, BIRDY (1984)
Sandy Kroopf: Screenwriter, BIRDY (1984)

Peter Gabriel: British Singer/Songwriter

Gerry Hambling: American Editor

"...Birdy's intensity is so captivating...that [the] story becomes irresistibly involving....[The two lead] actors work miracles..."
3 stars out of 5 -- "Nicholas Cage is tops as Al...whilst Matthew Modine is superlative as Birdy....A truly beautiful movie."
"...[Modine] skillfully essays the offbeat troubled character....[Cage is] sensitive and strong....[The] supporting parts are excellently cast..."
Rating: B