The film series was available through the Dreamcast Direct online service and was uniquely presented in 365 one-minute episodes across each of the six discs. Each episode became accessible gradually over a year, from October 1st, 1999 to October 1st, 2000. Originally, viewers had to connect their Dreamcast to the internet daily and download special save files to their VMU to unlock new episodes. Additionally, each entry of "Birdcage of Horrors" was only available to those who completed the previous chapters.
Additionally, a dedicated "Birdcage of Horrors" website was hosted by ASCII Entertainment & Communications where viewers could stream the series using Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, or QuickTime Player on their PC or Mac.
Shortly after the final episode was released, the servers went offline. While there does exist a special VMU save file that allows viewers to watch the content on all six GD-ROMs, this English translation patch removes this requirement. Instead, all six discs now function as standalone pieces of software.
Below is a high-level list of changes implemented for this English translation patch.
- New English-language title screen graphics have been implemented.
- New English-language playback software graphics (e.g., contents list, logo, messages) have been implemented.
- A new English-language VMU icon has been implemented, including brand-new code for VMU icon support missing from original software.
- Lockout mechanism has been removed which prevented video playback without the use of special VMU save files, allowing each disc to function standalone.
- All 407 videos (film series chapters, bonus clips, extra footage, and interviews) have been translated and subtitled into English.
- Added an English-language disc art PVRs to all six discs for users of GDmenu on GDEMU.
