It has been more than forty years since Rob Reiner’s beloved cult film This Is Spinal Tap first cranked the dial up to 11 in the mockumentary realm. Initially released in 1984, the movie is now preparing for a glorious comeback to cinemas. With the help of Bleecker Street and Fathom Entertainment, a 4K restoration of the film will grace theaters this summer.
And rest assured, there won’t be a puppet show stealing any thunder this time.
Co-created by Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, This Is Spinal Tap follows the chaotic escapades of England’s loudest (and most mishap-prone) rock band. This fictional ensemble features David St. Hubbins (McKean) and Nigel Tufnel (Guest) handling vocals and guitar, Derek Smalls (Shearer) on bass, Viv Savage (David Kaff) on keyboards, and Mick Shrimpton (Atomic Rooster’s R.J. Parnell) on drums.
From its notorious series of drummers meeting outlandish ends, to a pitch-black album cover, a calamitous jazz experiment, and a comically small Stonehenge stage prop, the film is filled with unforgettable scenes. A notable performance by Fran Drescher also stands out. This Is Spinal Tap is a movie that defies description—you truly need to watch it to grasp why fans continue to quote it 41 years on.
The re-release is perfectly positioned to stir excitement for the much-anticipated sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, slated to debut on September 12. The original cast returns, accompanied by a star-studded roster of cameos, expected to feature Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John.
Honor the film’s 41st anniversary when This Is Spinal Tap makes its way back to theaters from July 5 to 7.