“Every day I feel is a blessing from God. And I consider it a new beginning. Yeah, everything is beautiful.” – Prince
On August 29th, Prince fans will get to experience the 1987 concert movie “Prince: Sign O’ the Times”, which is returning to IMAX theaters. For lifelong fans like me, this is more than a movie. It’s a celebration of the greatest singer and performer of all time.
“Sign O’ The Times is widely celebrated for capturing the artist at his creative peak—blending electrifying concert footage with cinematic storytelling, powerful visuals, and genre-defying sound. Now, enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theatre geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available. Prince – Sign O’ The Times features some of Prince’s most iconic tracks, including “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” the anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times,” and “U Got The Look,” Prince’s smash hit duet with Sheena Easton. The film showcases Prince’s unparalleled musicianship, stagecraft, and style, highlighting his timeless impact on music and popular culture. For the first time ever, the iconic concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times will be released exclusively in IMAX theatres globally for a limited time, beginning August 29, 2025”
I first discovered Prince when the Purple Rain movie came out. I was blown away. The music and energy was so different. The first album I ever bought was Purple Rain. From the moment I heard it, music changed forever. I was hooked. Prince wasn’t just another artist, he was a powerfully creative musician and musical innovator that the industry has never seen. His music was bold and new. He had a unique style and aura about him. Over his career, Prince gave us so many hits, including “Kiss”,“Let’s Go Crazy”, “1999” and “When Doves Cry.”
I grew up in a small northern Canadian mining town. Most kids in my town were blasting AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and other heavy bands. Meanwhile, I was playing Parade and Lovesexy on repeat. It made me stand out, and not always in a good way. But I didn’t care. I was proud to be different, and Prince helped me feel confident in that.
My bedroom walls were covered in Prince posters, magazine clippings, and anything Prince I could find. I used to own every Prince album and knew every word to every song. Even today, the only CDs I keep in my car are Prince (and Morris Day and The Time). His music has been with me my whole life.
When I heard the news that Prince had passed away on April 21, 2016, I was devastated. Like his song from the movie soundtrack, “Under the Cherry Moon” said, “Sometimes it snows in April.” I couldn’t even listen to his music without feeling heartbroken. And even now, I still can’t bring myself to listen to Purple Rain. It hits too hard.
But this IMAX release of Sign O’ the Times is a chance to celebrate. It’s a way to remember the amazing legacy of Prince on the big screen.
“Prince: Sign O’ the Times” will hit IMAX theaters, August 29th.
