One of Rob Reiner‘s last projects before his death was the release of a new book about “Spinal Tap,” his memorable 1984 music mockumentary, and the book has returned to Amazon’s bestsellers charts following the writer and director’s passing.
“This Is Spinal Tap” was Reiner’s feature directorial debut and it became a critical — and cult — favorite, with reviewers ranking it among the all-time comedy classics while being selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2002.
In the new book, titled “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever,” Reiner reunited with the movie’s stars, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, including commentary on how the characters were created, the backstories behind their most memorable lines, and how a fake band pulled off a real concert in front of more than 100,000 fans at Glastonbury.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap
Originally released in September, Reiner’s book is currently back in the top ten of Amazon’s rock music biographies chart as of this writing.
In addition to stories from the set, the book features never-before-seen photographs, band memorabilia and personal anecdotes from the actors about the surprising success of the film. In true Reiner fashion, it also comes with a bonus “memoir” by the director’s alter ego, “Marty DiBergi,” who interviews Spinal Tap band members Nigel Tufnel, David St. Hubbins, and Derek Smalls about their musical journey and “their drummers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to the rock gods.”
You can also listen to the audiobook version of “The Story of Spinal Tap,” which is narrated by Reiner, along with Guest, McKean and Shearer. The audiobook has a runtime of seven hours and 26 minutes and is currently available to stream online for free as part of a free trial offer to Audible.
The continued fandom for Spinal Tap over the years finally led to a sequel, dubbed “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” which was released this past September (the book was released to coincide with the new film). The sequel was once again directed by Reiner and featured Guest, McKean and Shearer reprising their roles as members of the fictional heavy metal band. Paul McCartney and Elton John make cameos.
The original Spinal Tap movie, meantime, was released as a special-edition 4K UHD Criterion Collection set in September.
NEW RELEASE
This Is Spinal Tap (The Criterion Collection) 4K UHD
The Criterion Collection release features a 4K digitally restored update of the film, with a remastered soundtrack for 5.1 surround sound.
The two-disc set also features a slew of bonus features, including audio commentary from Reiner and the actors, more than 90 minutes of outtakes and interviews with the band from their 2009 “Back from the Dead” album.
A celebrated actor and writer, in addition to his directing work, Reiner was found dead in his home in Los Angeles on Dec. 14. He was 78.
