Re-tapping the pseudo-metal legend

"This is Spinal Tap," the classic 1984 mock rockumentary is re-released today on video and DVD

By Phil Witte
Daily Forty-Niner

Exploding drummers, canceled tour dates in Des Moines, Iowa, a manager that plans concerts based on signs of the zodiac and on-stage cocoon props that trap band members during concerts.

No, it is not the new season of Behind the Music on VH1. It is the re-release of Rob Reiner's classic mock rockumentary "This is Spinal Tap."   Last week's limited theatrical release coincides with the Special Edition DVD, which will be released today.

The film follows documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) as he chronicles the final American tour of British rock band Spinal Tap, dubbed the "world's loudest rock band" in their prime.

The heart of Spinal Tap is lead singer David St. Hubins (Michael McKean) and lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), who have known each other since childhood and formed their first group, The New Originals, in grade school.

Add to this bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) and an assortment of drummers (Spinal Tap drummers have a habit of dying mysteriously), and you have one of the most ludicrous, yet oddly believable rock groups ever put to film.

DiBergi and his film crew follow the band on their American trip, peeling back the layers of the band through revealing and hilarious interviews.

Every performance is wonderful, from Tony Hendra as Tap's put-upon manager to June Chadwick as St. Hubins' flaky wife Jeanine.

In addition to the outlandish humor, "Tap" gives the feel of a real documentary. The tension between guitarist and wife over control of the singer, the look back at the band's evolution from Beatles clones to Byrds clones to heavy metal clones, and the wonderful amps that go to 11 are all believable and hilarious.

Though not normally known for their musical talents, the actors playing rock stars did write and perform all their own songs and give the audience the sense that they are watching a real rock band.

The theatrical re-release of the film will include its first showing in Dubly Sound (one must see the movie to get the joke).

Given the creative quartet behind "Tap," it is easy to understand the quality of cameos the film has to offer.

Making appearances in the film are Billy Crystal, Bruno Kirby, Paul Shaffer, Patrick MacNee, Ed Begley, Jr. and, in the least annoying role of her career, Fran Drescher.

The DVD also features the new Dolby Sound transfer, one hour of deleted scenes and commentary from the director and three stars, all in character. If the film is an indication, commentary from the four brilliant creative minds behind "Spinal Tap" will likely prove to be as funny as the movie.