Spinal Tap II: The End Continues is finally getting a 4K Blu-ray release, but here’s where things get controversial—despite the cult status of the original, the sequel barely made a splash at the box office. The follow-up to the iconic mockumentary comedy, which has a loyal fanbase, surprisingly flopped when it came out, earning just $1.6 million and averaging a disappointing $872 per screen. To be fair, a big theatrical payday was never really expected; even the legendary 1984 original only grossed $5.8 million during its theatrical run, becoming a classic largely through home video and cable TV exposure. Now, Blu-ray.com has revealed exciting new details about the upcoming 4K Ultra HD edition of the Rob Reiner-directed sequel.
The film stars familiar faces such as Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner himself, and Fran Drescher, with the release date set for November 11. Intriguingly, the product description seems to echo the original movie’s vibe, stating, “This Is Spinal Tap chronicles England’s loudest and most punctual band on their disaster-filled U.S. tour. Experience the remastered, remixed, and definitive version of what can only be described as a mockumentary masterpiece.” But this raises a question—are we looking at the original film’s description accidentally carried over, or is the sequel aiming for the same legendary status?
Special Features and Technical Details Include:
- Film presented with High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Dolby Atmos immersive audio track for a rich sound experience
- Deleted scenes offer a deeper dive into the movie
- Original trailers included
- Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles to enhance accessibility
Video Specifications:
- Codec: HEVC / H.265 for efficient compression
- Native 4K resolution at 2160p for stunning visuals
- HDR formats: Dolby Vision and HDR10
- Aspect ratio preserved at 1.85:1, matching the original theatrical presentation
Audio Offerings:
- English Dolby Atmos for cutting-edge surround sound
- English Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) as the core audio
Subtitles Available:
- English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish
Disc and Packaging Info:
- Single disc (BD-66) featuring both 4K UHD and Blu-ray content
- Special SteelBook case with inner artwork
- Region-free 4K Blu-ray playback compatibility
Tyler Nichols, our own reviewer, found the sequel to be a charming continuation, remarking in his review that while it doesn't quite capture the magic of the original, it remains a sincere and enjoyable reunion with the beloved characters. He described it as "almost like catching up with old friends," with heartfelt moments taking center stage rather than just laughs. This approach might not satisfy everyone craving pure comedy, but it certainly honors the spirit of the first film.
But here’s the part most people miss—does shifting the focus to emotional depth risk alienating the fans who loved the original’s sharp satire? Is a heartfelt sequel inherently less successful because it sacrifices some humor for sincerity? We’d love to hear your opinions: Did Spinal Tap II stay true to its roots, or should it have leaned more into comedy? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
About the Author:
The article was written by a News Editor with a passion for classic 80s and 90s action films, Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's martial arts masterpieces, and timeless hits like Die Hard, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Rocky IV, Speed, and the Terminator series. When not covering movie news, the editor enjoys acting, writing, Photoshop, video editing, classic seasons of The Simpsons, Conan O’Brien’s humor, Bill Burr's stand-up, exploring YouTube rabbit holes, savoring french fries with Pepsi, and creating art showcased on their DeviantArt page.
