Release Date: January 8th, 2008
Running Time: 88 minutes

The Film

There must be an audience for killer animal films because the Sci-Fi channel has been churning them out like there is no tomorrow. Giant spiders, killer monkeys…heck, they even named the collection the “Maneater Series.” Maneater continues the animal-on-a-rampage formula, and despite having a promising killer tiger, it fails to live up to its potential.

The film stars Gary Busey as Sheriff Grady, a man who has few serious problems on the job…until a monstrous Bengal tiger is released during a truck crash and goes on a killing spree. The tiger begins picking off the town folk one by one as Grady searches for a way to stop the rampaging beast. In an homage to or complete rip-off of Jaws, the town leaders are torn about the idea of canceling one of their biggest yearly events that draws in lots of money, even though a tiger is killing people. After all, what’s more important, the local fundraiser or stopping the bloodshed?

Maneater could have been much better. What’s not to like about a killer tiger? Well, for one it’s not fun to have off-screen deaths. If I’m watching a monster movie, I want to see the beast tearing people up, not just the aftermath. Also, when will filmmakers learn that the beasts are the stars of the films, not the humans? Too much time is spent “developing” these characters that are just fodder for the giant tiger. Maybe I am being overly harsh, but a giant tiger movie brought out a childlike giddiness in me that simply wasn’t satisfied.

The DVD

The video is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The image is decent, but grain is a constant problem and hurts the detail, especially in scenes with low lighting.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The 5.1 track is robust enough and well features a balanced mix.

The Extras

No special features are offered.

Final Thoughts

If corny, Sci-Fi original movies are your thing, then look no further. Just don’t expect a scintillating movie experience.