Sign 'o' the Times

This is definitely my favorite Prince film, because I think this film of a concert (with filmed vignettes) really encapsulates the true power of the artist's performances. This is one of his best versions of the Revolution, with Sheila E on drums, and the enigmatic Cat on vocals and dancing. The music is powerful, if not as well known as many of his earlier hits during the 1999/Purple Rain era, and the staging is electric. Sheena Easton provides a highlight with the song "U Got the Look", but it was really kind of dissappointing, as it was the entire extended music video inserting into the concert continuity instead of a new performance.

Sign 'O' the Times is, objectively, the greatest cinematographically captured live performances of our era. It is the purest depiction of the brilliance that was Prince. This concert/film is not just a tour de force from the Artist Known As Prince, but it is the greatest example of his love for his craft, and his appreciation for his fellow musicians. This film will not only earn Prince's naysayers respect; it will earn their fandom. I wept when Prince died: and re-watching this film so many years later reminded why I did.

I don't see how people could rate this film lowly. I think the "acting" is pretty great and the whole thing is very energetic. Sure Prince lip-syncs, but the performances are all very energetic.

The only thing you can rate this movie on is the performance and the music... and I don't see how either of these fail to satisfy. This is one brilliant song after another.

The only qualm I have is using the music video for U Got The Look instead of a live performance. Oh, and not including Strange Relationship.

But really, it has all of the album's best songs like Housequake, If I Was Ur Girlfriend, Play In The Sunshine, I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man (Oh, man that keys solo in the beginning is amazing).

This movie is just fun all-around and perfect to see with a group of friends.

(Damn, Shiela's fiiiine in this movie. =d)

This concert is really one of prince's best performances. The band prince and the audience all together appear to be having the time of their lives. Plus the versions of sign o' the times, house quake, it, and the cross I think are more intense live. This lineup of musicians is the best. Even people that say they are not prince fans tend to eat their words by the the third song in. This concert shows great guitar playing as well of the multi-talents of Shelia E. Also shows excellent vocal solos from prince as well from the band. I like lending the video out to people that are unfamiliar with prince to see their reaction. I have seen Prince live and this video captures what he is all about, when some live albums or videos do not.

From the opening with the title song, you can feel the energy created by the cast of musicians, the star and the audience. This energy builds and flows from one exciting song to the next; even the slow ballads are so full of power that it is hard to sit still; this film is a testament to the power of Prince... it is the definitive demonstration of his awesome talent; the live versions of these songs, including a "Little Red Corvette" sing along, make the studio album sound sterile and that is something damned-near impossible to do to Prince (And only Prince could do it!) If you want to see him at his peak, this is it!! There is dancing, singing and music, music, music. The band includes some members of the Revolution and some future NPG members, but the real stand-outs are Cat, Sheila E. and Bonnie Boyer. If you have only heard the studio album, check this film out...so good it'll make you slap yo' mama!!