This Is Spinal Tap remains one of the funniest and most influential comedies ever made, a true landmark in both the mockumentary format and cinematic comedy as a whole. Directed by Rob Reiner (The Princess Bride; Stand by Me) in his feature debut, this film set a gold standard for what we now recognize as the “faux documentary” or “mockumentary” style. Decades after its original release in 1984, it continues to feel fresh, clever, and painfully relevant. Its new 4K edition from the Criterion Collection only further cements its status as one of the great comedies of all time and finally gives the film the kind of deluxe treatment that fans have been hoping for.
A scene from THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
At its core, This Is Spinal Tap is the story of a fictional heavy metal band on the decline, captured during their disastrous American tour. Christopher Guest (The Princess Bride), Michael McKean (Clue), and Harry Shearer (The Simpsons) disappear into the roles of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls with such total commitment that it’s easy to forget you’re watching a comedy and not a real rock documentary. The improvisational style of the actors gives the film a loose, natural feel, which is a huge reason why it has endured. The humor comes not just from the ridiculous situations, like miniature Stonehenge sets or spontaneously combusting drummers, but from the deadpan sincerity of the band members and their music. That combination of absurdity and seriousness is what makes the movie endlessly rewatchable.
The influence of Spinal Tap is hard to overstate. Before this film, “mockumentary” as a genre barely existed. After the film’s success, the genre became a legitimate comedy format, paving the way for feature projects like Best in Show (2000) and A Mighty Wind (2003), and television series such as The Office, Parks and Recreation, and What We Do in the Shadows. Even outside of comedy, the film influenced how musicians and documentaries are portrayed, inspiring countless parodies, homages, and affectionate spoofs. Many lines — “These go to eleven,” “It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever” — have become pop culture vocabulary. Even real-life bands reference Spinal Tap moments as shorthand for the absurdity of life on tour.
Rob Reiner as Marty DiBergi in THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
This Criterion 4K edition feels like a long overdue celebration of a film that has been part of comedy and music culture for over 40 years. The video transfer is stunning, preserving the gritty, documentary-like aesthetic of the original while presenting it with sharpness and clarity never before available. The audio mix is equally impressive, which is crucial for a film where the music itself is part of the joke.
The audio of Spinal Tap’s hilariously earnest songs — “Big Bottom,” “Tonight I’m Gonna Rock You Tonight,” “Stonehenge” — has never sounded better.
True to Criterion’s reputation, the release is packed with special features, including commentary tracks, interviews, and archival material, which give fans a richer appreciation for the film’s creation and legacy. For a movie that was largely improvised, it’s fascinating to learn about the process and see how Reiner and the cast built such a coherent, hilarious world out of spontaneous performances.
L-R: Harry Shearer as Derek Smalls, Christopher Guest as Nigel Tufnel, and Michael McKean as David St. Hubbins in THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
Ultimately, This Is Spinal Tap is not just a comedy, but a cultural artifact that shaped how we think about satire, rock music, and even documentary filmmaking. It continues to resonate because it captures something timeless about artistic ambition, ego, and failure — all while making us laugh until we cry. This Criterion edition is not just a must-own for comedy fans, but a reminder that some films truly do “go to eleven.”
This Is Spinal Tap 4K UHD Special Features:
- *NEW* 4K digital restoration, supervised and approved by director Rob Reiner, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
- Alternate 2.0 uncompressed stereo soundtrack
- In the 4K UHD edition: One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and two Blu-rays with the film and special features
- Three audio commentaries: one with actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer; one with Reiner, producer Karen Murphy, and editors Robert Leighton and Kent Beyda; and one with band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls
- *NEW* conversation between Reiner and actor Patton Oswalt
- The Cutting Room Floor, featuring outtakes, alternate takes, and abandoned subplots
- Spinal Tap: The Final Tour (1981)
- Trailers, promotional spots, media appearances, music videos, and commercials
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- PLUS: An essay by critic Alex Pappademas
Available on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray September 16th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official The Criterion Collection This Is Spinal Tap webpage.
Share this:
Categories: Home Release, Recommendation
Leave a Reply