As impossible as it may sound even now in the twenty first century new species are still being discovered. You might think that all possible type and variations of animals have already been found but in remote regions of the planet new species are being reported. There are also the types of animals that most scientists discount as myths and legends like the Loch Ness Monster and the Yeti. Some have created a quasi scientific reputation to the investigation of these creatures with a real legitimate sounding name for the field, Cryptozoology. While proof that creatures like exist may never be found the belief in them is of vital interest to at one group; science fiction writers. As long as there is an iota of doubt that they don’t exist Sci-Fi films have a never ending supply of creatures to menace a group of isolated people. One of latest of the flicks to feature a cryptozoologic creature is ‘Abominable’. Yes, it is about the American cousin of the Asian the Yeti. This is one of the ever growing pack of original movies produced by the Sci-Fi channel over on cable. They are made fast and on the cheap but they usually do have a certain old school charm to them. Now that all of the major networks have abandoned Saturday evening to one rerun after another Sci-Fi has stepped in to fill the void with these flicks. Many people figure they are better than yet another rerun of some crime drama on the tube. As this ilk of films goes ‘Abominable’ is not that bad.

The story comes from James Morrison and Ryan Schifrin. This is the first script for both Morrison and Schifrin although the later did write a short previous to this flick. Schifrin has been around film and television for his whole life as the son of renowned composer Lalo Schifrin; you know his work if you ever heard the theme for ‘Mission Impossible’. A far as these movies go the story is frequently relegated to something to give an excuse to place people in harms way and pass the time between attacks or battles. Here, at least, there is a real plot, imagine that. Morrison and Schifrin provide a script that combines all the required plot devices of the standard monster flick with fully fleshed out human characters. The protagonist is in a wheelchair, something you don’t see all that often; with the possible exception of a meals on wheels delivery for the creature. There is a feeling of a mystery in the vein of ‘Rear Window’. The handicapped man watches out his window as the suspicious events unfold and he is helpless to intervene. For the hard core horror fans, you know who you are, there is enough nubile young women bouncing around and gore to keep you interested. Normally a horror flick is a young male domain. This one has enough of a story so that the wives and girlfriends will not storm out of the room. Not only do the humans in the story have personalities but the monster has one as well. It has been a long time since the creature was anthropomorphized like this. Those old enough to remember can recall some of the creatures brought to life by the grandfather of special effects, Ray Harryhausen.

Not only does Schifrin demonstrate amazing potential as the co-author of this film he is great as the director. The way he paces the film is nothing like the typical horror faire. Usually the audience can anticipate just about everything that is going to happen. Schifrin keeps the viewers off balance by changing the pace of the film; constantly shifting the flow of the film. Under the direction of a less talented man the scenes of a man in a wheelchair peering out the window would be akin to watching paint dry. Schifrin is able to build the tension; mounting anticipation on the audience. He also takes a cue from Spielberg with his first big film, ‘Jaw’. Schifrin avoids the rookie mistake of showing the creature too soon and too often. Since most of the film is from the viewpoint of a man unable too leave his cabin we get to see the creature only when he does. Much of the mayhem is off screen leaving some of the gory details to the imagination. Of course every director needs a cast he can trust. This film has some of the most popular Sci-Fi and horror actors around; Jeffrey Combs and Lance Henriksen. They both add their particular talents to the success of this film. In the final analysis Schifrin creates a movie that has as much right to the thriller and suspense genres as horror. This is a rare and wonderful thing. A movie like this is also a major reason why people watch the Sci-Fi Channel’s Saturday night specials; every so often you find a gem lie this one.

The film opens with an older couple Hoss (Rex Linn) and his wife Ethel (Dee Wallace) late one night. The dog starts barking, there is a dead animal in front of the porch and the couple see a large shadow moving across the window. In the snow there are very large footprints. Preston Rogers (Matt McCoy) and his wife are on vacation in a remote mountain cabin. During a climb there is an accident that kills his wife and leaves Preston as a paraplegic. He returns home to intensive physical therapy but the psychological effects of the tragedy still haunt him. He returns to the cabin to face his fears and hopefully move on with life. He takes along his nurse Otis (Christien Tinsley). With the help of a pair of binoculars Preston watches some girls getting ready for a bachlorette party; Amanda (Haley Joel), Michelle (Natalie Compagno), CJ (Karin Anna Cheung), Tracey (Tiffany Shepis), and Karen (Ashley Hartman). Okay, he misses his late wife but any man would watch this group. Of course we know that the main function these young women will provide is a little nudity and Yeti chow. You can’t blame the writers and director for pandering to the fan base; these are requirements. Some other characters are introduced that give alternate view points and a few glimpses of the creature. There is Buddy the general store clerk (Jeffrey Combs), Mountain man Ziegler Dane (Lance Henriksen) and the unconvinced Sheriff Halderman (Paul Gleason).

This DVD is part of the re-branding re-releases by Starz/Anchor Bay. The cover art is different but the disc is the same as the one released back in 2006. The video is a bright, well balanced anamorphic 1.85:1. The Dolby 5.1 audio is excellent. This is especially noticeable in the scenes in the woods where you can hear every little sound. There are also a lot more in the way of extras contained here.