Spinal Tap - This Is Spinal Tap - The Movie
(DVD, Digital Download)

Some movies begged to be watched over and over again. If VCRs had been around when I was a kid, it might have been the Wizard of Oz for me back then. There is no question, however, that the movie This is Spinal Tap never gets old. I cannot count how many times I have seen this over the past 20+ years and I love it every time. I probably watch it at least once a month or so.

One thing that makes this Special Edition DVD cool is the secondary audio. You have David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls all adding their commentary to each part of the movie (when you select the secondary audio option). Hearing their experiences first-hand after the fact as the scenes are being shown is almost like having a second documentary, uh, rockumentary if you will (and even if you won't). For instance, I never knew that the pod door that closed on Derek Smalls' arm during "Rock and Roll Creation" had a serrated edge. Yet he endured the pain like a true rock star! This is but one of the poignant stories you will hear listening to the Tap boys comment on their movie.

But that's not all. Like all special edition DVDs you get extra stuff, but actually having the video for "Hell Hole" is beyond belief. That song says so much - how when we have nothing we think the rich have it better, then we realize that they don't, and true happiness comes from being devoid of all the trappings of riches. The song itself does convey it so well, but to actually see poor Nigel suffering in the pool that's too hot while the butler holds up his "I Quit" sign, elicits such pathos from the audience. You don't just feel his pain. You see his pain as the tax man comes and the relief of finally getting back to his Hell Hole.

I've learned all this myself as I went from being a well-paid business analyst to being laid off during the dot.com burst and starting my own writing business. The insanity of working mega-hours just to be able to make the money to pay for a nanny and a professional lawncare firm and office clothes is ridiculous. Sure I don't have the big paycheck, but I don't have to pay the nanny or the lawn service either! It really is better in a Hell Hole. You know where you stand in a Hell Hole. Folks lend a hand in a Hell Hole.

Speaking of lending a hand, if you buy This Is Spinal Tap from Deaconlight.com, I might get about twenty cents from the sale!

-- May 16, 2005 (DD)