Plot: What’s it about?
“We’re Spinal Tap from the U.K., you must be the U.S.A.!” With these words, the world’s loudest rock band kicks into gear and begins their latest touring effort, Tap Into America. Though the reaction hasn’t been as overwhelming as they’d like, Spinal Tap has hopes that their tour will pick up soon, so long as their newest drummer doesn’t off like the last few have. Along with their manager Ian, the band travels across the country to woo fans and rock the house, and two new developments have come up. First is their new album, Smell The Glove which comes out very soon and then there’s Marty DiBergi, hard-core fan and documentary filmmaker who is taping all the action of this latest tour. After they’ve taken the stage and left the fans with more than their money’s worth, the band sits down with DiBergi to discuss all manner of topics, from the band’s history to special amps they use which have an edge on the competition. But with dates being canceled due to lack of interest and internal troubles as well, can Spinal Tap tough it out and make this last tour their best one ever? Or have the days of Spinal Tap been broken…like the wind?
One question seems to evident with this release, is it better than the Criterion edition? That’s a tossup question and depends on what you prefer in your discs. Both stand as nice treatments of a terrific film, but I have to rule that true Tap fans will want both discs in their collections. The Criterion disc features two commentary tracks and this disc has a bonus third one, so between the two you’ll hear every angle you could ask for. The deleted scenes also vary from each disc, but combined you’ll find just about the unused footage you could dream of. You even see Tap at the zoo, for Pete’s sake. You’ll also gain several smaller bonus features with each, so you’re covered well with either disc as far as extras. Where this MGM edition takes the lead is in the audio/video department, where this disc sports an anamorphic widescreen transfer and 5.1 surround sound, whereas the other had a non 16X9 transfer and stereo surround. Casual fans will be pleased with either of these discs, but hard-core fanatics will have to have them both. Rock on!
This hilarious film sports an awesome cast, lead by Harry Shearer, Michael McKean, and Christopher Guest. These three seem so natural in their roles, I can’t even imagine them as characters. I’ve seen them in other projects and such, but I don’t think of them as “the guys from Spinal Tap,” since Spinal Tap is Spinal Tap, at least it is to me. The bulk of the film was improvised and perhaps that’s why it all seems to fluid and natural. Even though the lines were not rehearsed and such, they never seem forced and unfunny. Even the worst of jokes works on some levels, though the last third or so of the film does seem to slow down somewhat. I think McKean is hilarious and Guest shines also, but Shearer really steals the show for me as the quiet Derek Smalls. Smalls has the smallest of the three roles in terms of talking time, but he never fails to make me laugh. Serving as director and actor for this film is Rob Reiner, who made his feature film debut with This Is Spinal Tap. Reiner is a riot as the hack DiBergi and also does a fine turn behind the camera, giving this film a true documentary feel. The cast is also littered with smaller roles played by famous names as Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Fran Drescher, Fred Willard, Angelica Huston, Bruno Kirby, and Tony Hendra as Ian.
Video: How does it look?
This Is Spinal Tap is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This print has some grain and debris evident, but this by far the cleanest version of Spinal Tap I’ve seen. I’ve never seen a pristine edition of this film and due to the low budget nature of the film, I doubt I ever will. So this one might not be as sharp as a more modern transfer, but this is the top of the pops for this movie. The colors look natural, but still retain some brightness and flesh tones seem normal and warm. No contrast issues emerge either, as detail is always high and shadow depth is accurate also. If you want to see Stonehenge in all its glory, this is your best chance.
Audio: How does it sound?
Spinal Tap sounds better than ever in this new Dolby Digital 5.1 remix, which flat out rocks. This is a dialogue driven film for the most part, but when the music kicks in, the speakers will be shaking! The songs sound fantastic and make good use of the entire scope of the sound system, this is only way to rock out to Tap, if you ask me. I imagine it might sound a little better if it were recorded in Dubly, but it still sounds good as it stands. The dialogue also sounds crisp and clean at all times, no volume or separation issues arise. This disc also has English captions and subtitles in Spanish and French.
Supplements: What are the extras?
MGM has given This Is Spinal Tap a wealth of bonus materials also, including one of the most entertaining audio commentaries of all time. This track features the member of Spinal Tap (in character) discussing the film, and I don’t think a serious word is uttered the entire time. I think this is almost like having a second version of the film, the guys are that amusing and hilarious here. Awesome music videos for Gimme Some Money, Big Bottom, (Listen To) The Flower People, and Hell Hole have been included too, which I am very pleased to have. Next is a selection of fourteen deleted scenes, which offer even more hilarity with the guys, though some are just extended or alternate takes of existing scenes. A few of the sequences have been brought over from the previous Criterion release, but about half are new to this disc. A few short pieces have been tacked on also, including Catching Up With Marty DiBergi, The Flower People Press Conference, and Spinal Tap’s visit to the Joe Franklin Show. Rounding out the disc are some trailers, a Heavy Metal Memories piece, three television spots, and some Rock and Rolls commercials.
