The Corner Penthouse

The Criterion Collection recently released the This is Spinal Tap (1984) 4K UHD + Blu-ray. Let's take a look at it...

[ SYNOPSIS ]

Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), and Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) embark on their final American tour, with filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) capturing all the mishaps, creative tensions, dwindling crowds, and ill-fated drummers.

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

The movie is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with a runtime of 1:23:01 (the first 13 seconds is the Criterion logo). The movie has been rated R. Audio languages include English. Subtitle languages English SDH.

[ SPECIAL FEATURES ]

All of the content listed below (aside from the commentaries) can be found on the third (Blu-ray) disc. The 4K UHD disc and the first Blu-ray disc only contain the movie and the commentaries. Looking at previous DVD and Blu-ray releases, it seems that a few things are missing, but not much.

• Audio Commentary - with actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. Originally recorded in 1994 for the Criterion laserdisc.
• Audio Commentary - with director Rob Reiner, producer Karen Murphy, and editors Robert Leighton and Kent Beyda. Originally recorded in 1994 for the Criterion laserdisc.
• Audio Commentary - with band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls. Originally recorded in 2009 for the Criterion Blu-ray.
• Rob Reiner with Patton Oswalt (30:16) - A 2025 interview of director Rob Reiner by celebrity fan Patton Oswalt.
• The Cutting Room Floor (1:38:10)
• Spinal Tap: The Final Tour (20:45)
• The Return of Spinal Tap (10:02)
• Back from the Dead Interview (56:26)
• Cheese Rolling Promo (3:38)
• Cheese Rolling Theatrical Trailer (1:36)
• Theatrical Trailer (2:55)
• TV Spots (1:34) - A total of 3 spots.
• Heavy Metal Memories Commercial (1:37)
• "Hell Hole" Music Video (3:12)
• "Gimme Some Money" Music Video (2:18)
• The Thamesmen Press Conference (1:49)
• "(Listen To The) Flower People" Music Video (3:01)
• "Big Bottom" Music Video (3:48)
• Spinal Tap on The Joe Franklin Show (2:50)
• Catching Up with Mary DiBergi (5:02) - A 2000 DVD featurette.
• Spinal Tap II: The End Continues Trailer (2:18)

[ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ]

Included inside the Digipak packaging, with a side-loading slipcase, is a magazine-style booklet containing the essay "Stupid and Clever" by Alex Pappademas (along with credits and transfer information).

[ NOTES ]

This is Spinal Tap (1984) is available on 4K UHD + Blu-ray, individual Blu-ray, and DVD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This item has been provided by the Criterion Collection for review on this site.