Ryan, meant to mention this a while back, but your review was just about perfect.

My two cents: DEADbirds is worth your time just for the three or four great shocks in it (my favorite was the kid under the bed). Nice setup, although a little too much time is spent investigating rooms (sort of reminded me of MST3K's 'rock climbing' rants). I also loved the demon faces. Very effective when briefly glimpsed, but not quite as effective when seen for too long, as in the barn rafter scene.

If the writer had put a little more thought into the story and how it unfolds (particularly with the mutant beasts, which I think I understand), DEADbirds really could have been something memorable.