Review: Sign o' the Times (1987)

Prince, a name synonymous with musical genius and boundary-pushing creativity, brought his electrifying presence and artistic vision to the screen with the 1987 concert film Sign o' the Times. This film is a visual and auditory feast that captures the energy of Prince's performances during the tour of his critically acclaimed double album of the same name. For fans and collectors, this isn't just a concert film; it's a slice of musical history that showcases Prince at his peak.

Plot Summary

Unlike traditional films, Sign o' the Times doesn't follow a narrative plot but instead offers a series of live performances filmed during Prince's European tour. The film stitches together footage from concerts in the Netherlands and Belgium, interspersed with some studio-shot sequences to fill in gaps and enhance the visual storytelling. Each song is a performance piece in its own right, with Prince leading his band, the Revolution, through a setlist that includes hits like "U Got the Look," "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," and, of course, the titular "Sign o' the Times." While there's no storyline in the conventional sense, the film captures the raw essence of Prince's musical prowess and the dynamic energy of his stage presence.

Performances

Prince's performance in Sign o' the Times is nothing short of exhilarating. His command of the stage is evident from the first note to the last, with every guitar riff and dance move executed with his characteristic flair. His ability to seamlessly transition between instruments and deliver powerful vocals is a reflection to his versatility. The supporting band members, including Sheila E., who has her moment to shine on the drums, and Cat Glover, who adds vibrant choreography to the mix, complement Prince's performance and contribute to the overall spectacle.

The chemistry among the band members is palpable, creating an infectious energy that leaps off the screen. Each musician is given room to showcase their talent, but it’s Prince who remains the undeniable focal point. His charisma is magnetic, drawing the audience in and making them feel as though they’re part of the concert, even from the comfort of their living room.

Direction and Craft

In terms of direction, Prince himself is credited as the director, along with Albert Magnoli, who had previously worked with him on Purple Rain. The film's editing is tight, with rapid cuts that mirror the frenetic energy of the performances. The decision to include studio-shot scenes is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, they provide a break from the concert footage and add visual interest; on the other, they can sometimes disrupt the flow of the live experience. However, these interludes are brief and don't detract significantly from the overall impact.

Visually, the film captures the vibrancy of Prince's stage show, with colorful lighting and dynamic camera work that keeps the viewer engaged. The audio is equally important, and the sound mixing ensures that every instrument and vocal line is clear and immersive. For a concert film from the late '80s, the production values are impressively high, making it a standout piece of work.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, Sign o' the Times is a valuable addition to any music and film collection. The best format to own is the LaserDisc. While the format may be seen as outdated, it offers superior audio and visual quality compared to VHS, capturing the vibrancy of the concert in a way that more modern digital formats sometimes struggle to replicate without losing some of the analog warmth.

In terms of rarity, the LaserDisc version is considered rare, especially in good condition with all original artwork and inserts. This rarity adds to the appeal for collectors, as it not only enhances a collection but also represents a piece of music history. Whether you're a devoted Prince aficionado or a collector of music films, Sign o' the Times is a gem worth seeking out.

Collector's Verdict

A must-have for Prince fans, capturing the essence of his dynamic performances. LaserDisc is the preferred format for its superior audio-visual quality.