Prince - Sign "O" the Times

Prince - Sign "O" the Times

Directed by Prince 

It is widely considered and agreed upon that the world as we know it became a much more insufferable place in 2016. The year started with David Bowie passing away and ended with a certain election. In between that shit sandwich, on April 21st, His Royal Purple Highness, The One & Only Prince died unexpectedly at age 57. 

I'm one of the bigger Prince fans you'd meet, and like many his death devastated me. The crass deluxe album reissues and tacky merch as well as the straight up pillaging of his vault of unreleased music has been disheartening to say the least. What is exciting is the prolific Artist that he was, he left behind so much officially released material I'm still working my way through it all. Case in point, the 1987 concert film Sign "O" the Times.

Running a blistering 90 minutes and recently remastered for an IMAX reissue, this is one of the best concert movies I've ever seen. And that's a lot! If you've come to hear any previous Prince classics you're in the wrong place. The setlist is almost entirely from the album of the same name. Now if you want to experience one of the greatest musicians and performers of all time arguably at his peak, filmed and lit with such dynamic precision. Honey!

There's the faintest whisper of a narrative, but after two viewings last weekend I couldn't really tell you what it is. There's a Woman, and there's Prince and there's HEAVY use of those plasma globes we used to play with. The music and showmanship is truly next level, even when comparing to other Prince shows. We've all seen him dance but I don't think I've ever seen him dance this much for the entire show. So. Much. DANCING! His wardrobe is unmatched, giving us several different looks. I thought it was couture. 

With respect to The Revolution and New Power Generation, this might be the best band Prince has worked with. From the opening title track, to all timer jams like HOUSEQUAKE, the band keeps up with our man the entire time. Not only that they all bring so much style and personality, just the coolest cats to ever do it. The sound and picture in IMAX had me ascending to the heavens, and I'm not even exaggerating.

I miss Prince everyday, but maybe it's good he's not here to see all of ...this. Whether you're familiar with his work or not, if you're a fan of music and showmanship in the slightest this is essential viewing. In Prince We Trust.

☆☆☆☆ out of 4