This Is Spinal Tap: 41st Anniversary

Prepare to crank those amps up to eleven.

Get ready to rock out (and maybe lick a love pump, or two) at the Rio Theatre with 41st Anniversary screenings of the iconic comedy satire THIS IS SPINAL TAP, which has been beautifully restored, remastered, and remixed in anticipation of the long-awaited sequel (THIS IS SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES – coming in September). Created by director Rob Reiner with stars and co-writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, THIS IS SPINAL TAP chronicles England’s loudest and most punctual band on their disaster-filled U.S. tour.

THIS IS SPINAL TAP pushed (or possibly created) the “mockumentary” genre with this pitch-perfect, hilarious spoof about the excesses of the rock n’ roll lifestyle. Reiner (who also appeared as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law on TV’s ALL IN THE FAMILY) cast himself in the role of “director” Marty DiBergi, tasked with chronicling the life and times of Britain’s loudest heavy metal band, Spinal Tap (co-writers Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer), during their American comeback tour.

“It stays so wickedly close to the subject that it is very nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.” (The New York Times)

“… all these years later, their songs remain the same, the jokes are still funny — and in terms of fake movie bands, they still go to 11.” (Rolling Stone)

“The funniest film ever made.” (BBC)

Saturday, July 12
Time TBD! On sale soon.

Wednesday, July 16
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THIS IS SPINAL TAP (Rob Reiner, 1984 / 82 mins / PG) Legendary British rock band Spinal Tap is followed by a documentary film-maker during their attempt at an American comeback tour. The resulting film, interspersed with powerful performances showcasing Tap’s pivotal music and profound lyrics, candidly follows the group as the difficult industry threatens to fade them into obscurity.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

"This Is Spinal Tap" shines a light on the self-contained universe of a metal band struggling to get back on the charts, including everything from its complicated history of ups and downs, gold albums, name changes and undersold concert dates, along with the full host of requisite groupies, promoters, hangers-on and historians, sessions, release events and those special behind-the-scenes moments that keep it all real.

About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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