Heavy metal fans are in for a treat as an iconic film from 1984 will be re-released this weekend. The musical comedy is showing in picture houses around the country for its 41st anniversary.

This Is Spinal Tap has been remastered and remixed for this special theatrical run ahead of the release of the highly anticipated sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, which will be released in the UK on September 12 later this year. The music movie was directed by Rob Reiner and stars Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Tony Hendra and Bruno Kirby.

The film's synopsis reads: "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."

The mockumentary has received much praise and garnered a 96% approval rating from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Their consensus states: "Smartly directed, brilliantly acted, and packed with endlessly quotable moments, This Is Spinal Tap is an all-time comedy classic.

Critics have billed the movie as "brilliant" and a "classic".

One top critic said: "Reiner, with McKean, Guest and Harry Shearer, have done a great job in creating and portraying characters that are dimwitted, cliched and yet oddly endearing."

"Perhaps most important to Spinal Tap's longevity is that the group's music is actually good, as well as being funny. 'Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight' is absurdly redundant but undeniably hummable," another added.

One fan said it was "hilarious", with another adding: "An all-time rockumentary comedy that is shot and written in a deliberate, unique way of expressing the core of rock n' roll."

This Is Spinal Tap will show in cinemas from July 5-7.