📰Sign O’ The Times – Film Review – Apr. 1988
- GlamSlamEscape
- Apr 1, 1988
- 2 min read
A concise newspaper capsule capturing the critical reception of Sign O’ The Times, Prince’s 1987 concert film — a moment when his live vision was being recognised as cinematic art rather than mere documentation.
đź“° What the Clipping Shows
A short printed review excerpt under the heading “SIGN O’ THE TIMES”, set in bold uppercase type. The text praises the film’s ambition and artistry, describing it as “more than a documentary of a concert.” The typography is typical of late‑1980s newspaper entertainment listings — compact, justified columns with minimal spacing.
This clipping matters because it reflects mainstream press acknowledgment of Prince’s concert film as a visionary work, bridging pop performance and narrative cinema.
đź“° The Story Behind It
By spring 1988, Sign O’ The Times had completed its theatrical run in the U.S., earning acclaim for its fusion of live performance and stylised storytelling. The Star Tribune review highlights Prince’s dual mastery as musician and filmmaker, noting that the project transcends the concert genre.
“This splendid movie is more than a documentary of a concert. Made with a vision about the music…”
The reviewer’s tone conveys admiration for Prince’s ability to translate stage energy into cinematic language, positioning him as “pop music’s most exciting and provocative concert performer.” The phrasing captures the cultural moment when critics began to view his work through an auteur lens — not just as spectacle, but as art.
“…the film convincingly captures pop music’s most exciting and provocative concert performer while depicting a story of a love.”
Within Prince’s timeline, this review sits at the intersection of his Sign O’ The Times era and the transition toward Lovesexy, marking a period of creative expansion beyond studio albums into filmic expression.
đź“° Publication Details
Publication: Star Tribune
Date: April 1, 1988
Country: USA
Section / Page: 50
Format: Review / Capsule Listing
đź“° Related Material
• Sign O’ The Times theatrical press kit (1987)
• Rolling Stone review – “Prince’s Vision in Motion” (1988)
• Chronicle entry: Sign O’ The Times – Film Premiere Coverage
Additional material connected to this entry is listed in the tag index at the foot of the page.
đź“° Visual Archive
Excerpt from the Star Tribune review of Sign O’ The Times (April 1, 1988), praising the film’s visionary approach to concert performance.
The clipping is text‑only, printed in black on white newsprint, with bold title and compact paragraph layout.
đź“° Closing Notes
This brief review encapsulates how Sign O’ The Times redefined the concert film — transforming live music into cinematic storytelling. It stands as a testament to Prince’s creative ambition and the critical recognition of his artistry at the close of the 1980s.
đź“ť Copyright Notice
All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
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