introduction

From the inception, trails and then to the battlefield, this documentary takes a forensic look at the history of Germany's Tiger I Tank, using outstanding and innovative computer animation to bring the facts vividly to life on the Tiger, and backed by testimonials from the veterans who crewed it and the men who fought against it throughout World War II.

With exclusive behind the scenes access to the famous Tank Museum’s “Tiger 131" at Bovington in the UK, captured intact in 1943 and then recently operationally restored to running condition.

Program Highlights

This DVD from RZM Imports is broken down into 7 chapters. The first chapter is the legend and the mystique behind the Tiger I. The second chapter deals with the short history behind Bovingtons Tiger I and how the museum added the Tiger into their collection. The third chapter deals with the theory, design, development and manufacture of the Tiger I using animated sequences that provides a detailed in-depth look at the Tiger I's construction and capabilities.

The forth chapter deals with the aspects of the engineering that went into the Tiger, including a segment on how to start and drive the beast. Chapter five deals with the famous 88 mm Kwk 36 L/56 gun mounted in the Tiger I. In this chapter it talks about the Tiger’s crew gunnery skills and how to engage targets using the gunner’s graticule pattern. Chapter six deals with the Tigers crew positions and deployment, with an interesting look at how a crew sleeps in a German panzer. Chapter seven deals with a summary and last words on the Tiger I.

Throughout the DVD there are first-hand accounts from Tiger I crew veterans and from Allied veterans who fought against the Tiger I.

Using animated sequences that provide a detailed recreation and Mr John Akins account of Tiger Tank Ace Michael Wittmann's final tank battle.

Conclusion

This DVD on the History of the Tiger I is well worth the money to pick up. The disk is a gem with the recounts of the veterans who crewed and fought against the famous Tiger I, as time passes these men will fade away. It captures their stories and preserves them for all to see and hear on this DVD. Overall, this is an invaluable resource to the modeler, researcher and fan of the famous Tiger I.

All animated sequences provide a detailed in-depth look of the workings of the Tiger I. The only problem that I picked up was the complex historical claims of who killed Michael Wittmann’s on August 8th, 1944. Historian Norm Christie with an expert on the subject conducted and in-depth study using GPS ,laser surveyor tools, computers and aerial photos of the battlefield , concluded that due to the extreme range of 1000 meters of the 17 pounder and the position of Wittmann’s Tiger I, it would have been extremely difficult to take out Wittmann’s Tiger . Thus the kill would go to the Canadian Sherbrook Hussars, who engaged the flank of Wittmann’s Tiger at just over 200 meters .

The historical footage is great throughout and the coverage of Bovington’s Tiger “131” during its restoration and the annual Tankfest show footage. As a fan of the Tiger I, I would highly recommend this great DVD.

DVD EXTRAS: Kettenkrad & Stug. III trailers!