Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie
More clever than funny.
Based on the web series and TV series “Nirvanna the Band the Show,” “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” is a 2025 comedic feature film starring Canadian comedy duo Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol. In the film penned by the two, Matt and Jay play fictionalized versions of themselves. Back in 2008, Matt and Jay were wannabe musicians living in Toronto. Jumping ahead to 2025, the two are still wannabe musicians. Matt is constantly coming up with hair brained schemes and his latest involves a big publicity stunt in order to land a gig at the Rivoli. The stunt fails and it becomes the final straw for Jay. He plans to have an open mic in Ottawa by himself, but in a strange twist of fate, both Jay and Matt wind up traveling back in time to 2008 in an RV Matt had modified for yet another scheme. The two find a way to get back to 2025, but Matt alters the past by removing a note which changes the timeline. In 2025, Jay is a popular musician while Matt is in a Jay cover band. Things only get worse for the two, but can they go back in time again to repair the timeline?
Admittedly, I had never heard of “Nirvanna the Band the Show” prior to this film so I went into this film blind. As a comedy, the humor did not land with me outside of using Orbitz as a plot device. Dialogue was reportedly improvised and it definitely shows at times as the characters tend to ramble a lot. As a time travel story and a film production though, there is much to admire here.
The behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film is arguably more interesting than the film itself. Not only were hidden camera style tactics used by director Matt Johnson to film scenes in public, but scenes were often shot without permits. How they managed to pull off the CN Tower footage is beyond me. The most creative aspect is the seamless editing of 2008 footage with the 2025 footage. It works so well here and it makes the story about friendship, the past, and regrets all the more impactful.
Going back to the story itself, the time travel aspect gleefully lifts and parodies “Back To The Future” right down to the score and cable connection scene. Again, even if the comedy doesn’t work for you, you have to appreciate the clever storytelling that really wins you over.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? This is a sharp looking comedy. The scenes atop the CN Tower are particularly breathtaking (and panic inducing).
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? From the dialogue to the score, this track delivers.
Extras:
* DVD copy
* 2 commentary tracks- One by Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol and one by Matt Johnson and the post production team.
* Alternate opening, Ethan deleted scene, and post credit scenes.
* The first episode of “Nirvanna the band the show.”
* Nearly 12 minutes of home movies.
* “Back To 2008” and “Running Cable”- Rehearsal and animatic combo.
* “Figured It Out”- A collection of outtakes
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