Search - Maniac Cop [Special Edition] on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Violence, Graphic Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Adult Language, Profanity Movie Release: 1988 DVD Release: 04/08/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 32 mins Studio: Elite Members Wishing: 10 Genres: Action, Horror, Crime Thriller, Slasher Film, Police Detective Film See Also: Maniac Cop, Maniac Cop [Special Edition]

A maniacal murderer is stalking New York City cops in this urban crime thriller. Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) is suspected of being the killer until Lieutenant McCrae (Tom Atkins) is found dead. Jack takes over the case after McCrae's death with help from undercover cop and sweetheart Theresa (Laurene Landon). Commissioner Pike (Richard Roundtree) is under fire to solve the case as more men in blue meet their maker much too soon. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

Tom Atkins - Frank McCrae
Bruce Campbell - Jack Forrest
Laurene Landon - Theresa Mallory
Richard Roundtree - Commissioner Pike
William Smith - Capt. Ripley

This early DVD effort from Image Entertainment isn't as slickly assembled as their later efforts, but still offers plenty of fun for fans of Maniac Cop. The disc's image is a bit grainy at times (mainly due to the film's low-budget nature) and lacks anamorphic enhancement, but still delivers a colorful, sharp widescreen image that is an improvement on previous video editions of Maniac Cop. The soundtrack benefits from a Dolby Stereo mix that adds a lot of punch to the film's frequent action and horror set pieces. In terms of extras, the film offers trailers (both domestic and French), a Spanish radio spot, and a series of scenes that were added to the film a few years later to lengthen it for the needs of its Japanese distributors. These scenes, revolving around a mayor and his aide conspiring to cover up the rampage of the title character, don't really add anything special to the film's story, but are fairly amusing in and of themselves. The Maniac Cop DVD also offers a fun commentary track featuring director William Lustig, screenwriter Larry Cohen, composer Jay Chattaway, and star Bruce Campbell. Like the commentaries on other Lustig film DVDs, it is a lively affair full of jokey camaraderie and plenty of nifty details about the film's shoot. Some interesting tidbits they discuss include how much of the New York-set film was shot in Los Angeles and how one particularly impressive falling-out-a-window stunt was achieved. In short, Image's DVD of Maniac Cop may not offer a package as slick as other DVDs, but its quality bonuses make it well worth a look for the film's fans. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide