Download Patch
https://github.com/DerekPascarella/GrauenNoTorikago-RestorationPatchDreamcast
I have just released patches for all six discs of “Grauen no Torikago” (Birdcage of Horrors) on the SEGA Dreamcast. Until now, there’s been no way to experience this film (outside of captures on YouTube) due to the nature of its unique release. That is, unless of course you were in Japan at the time and held on to your VMU.
Confused yet? Don’t feel bad if the answer is yes, you’re definitely not alone! Let’s dive in to a bit of background…
About the Made-for-Dreamcast Film
“Grauen no Torikago” (Birdcage of Horrors) is a horror film produced and published by SEGA. It was released between September and July of 1999, taking the form of six multimedia GD-ROM discs. While the format and structure of these discs is not technically MiL-CD, they do leverage SEGA’s own MiL-CD playback software.
The film was available exclusively 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 “Grauen no Torikago” was only available to those who completed the previous chapters.
Shortly after the final episode was released, the servers went offline. Until now, to watch the entire film, one was required to use a special VMU save file or extract the videos from the disc image itself for external playback.
The Patch
By applying these patches to all six discs, one can experience them in their entirety without any special save file or without the need for anyone to magically restore the now long-dead servers that had previously been used to unlock video content.
While these patches currently do nothing to translate any of the video content (i.e., add subtitles), such may be tackled in a future project. Keep your eyes peeled!
Note that due to the size of the FMVs, these patches currently only target the GDI dumps usable on both emulators and ODEs. However, should a translation patch ever materialize, I will do my best to ensure burnable CDIs are available as well.
If you’re feeling generous and want to contribute to my ongoing translation patch endeavors, head on over to DreamcastForever.com and click “Contact” for the PayPal donation link.