MovieChat Forums > Sign 'o' the Times (1987) Discussion > Definitive US Zone 1 release is crying o...

Definitive US Zone 1 release is crying out to be made!

posted 18 years ago by FeelingSoSad
9 replies | jump to latest

A special edition US Zone 1 release is crying out to be made! Let's play imaginary composition here and pretend we are compiling a DVD release!. We have some really 'under-average' transfers from Brazil and Argentina, and only one really good one from Canada (with no extras). What do you suppose would make a really cool DVD release? If "Under the Cherry Moon" and "Graffiti Bridge" can make it, surely "Sign O' the Times" can as well! We can pretend it's a 20th anniversary edition for 2007 (and hopefully someone from Warner Brothers might look and see what ideas they can pick up).
Here is what I would possibly add:

*Immaculate, cleaned up, (if need be)digitally repaired, true original widescreen print.
*Incredible sound... hey, I'm not a technical sound person so I don't know the proper terms 5.1 DTS... 6.1 DTS... or whatever - remastered sound, it's got to be the best!
*World Tour Book pages/photo/poster gallery
*Commentary from Alan Leeds and any of the film producers involved,
*Commentary from at least a few of the band members
*Commentary from the director who shot the "U Got the Look" music video
*Sign O' the Times music video clip (that I think MTV made up or something like that)
*Mini doco featuring interviews from band members and their wonderful (and not so wonderful!) memories of the "SOTT" era.
*MTV Awards performance of "Sign O' the Times" & "Play In the Sunshine"

*Included of course would be a multi-page booklet with liner notes from Tour Manager at the time, Alan Leeds (naturally!), heaps and heaps of photos... and more!

What more can can be put in?

[–] anewvibe 18 years ago

Right On!

I like the ideas & plus in '07 I graduate HS!!! So that'd be a major treat

*Commentary from at least a few of the band members

Maybe by then they can located Cat & include her on the commentary too.

What more can can be put in?

Add a special 'In Loving Memory' segment 4 Boni Boyer perhaps at the end of the concert.

"It's the talk of tounge" - Color Shock

[–] FeelingSoSad 18 years ago

Wow, great minds do think alike! I actually entertained the thought of a "In Loving Memory"/"Tribute to.." or "Remembering..." segment for Boni Boyers, too! That would be a great idea! Hey, I wonder if it costs much to pay people for interviews and all that type of thing, or would they do them for the sake of remembering and sharing the good times? Would Cat really do a commentary? I'm not sure - I haven't heard from her in years, but I would love to hear of her recollections! It would be a dream if ALL of the surviving band members could give interviews (except of course Boni) - that indeed would be a divine miracle! Of course in the "Purple Rain" 20th Anniversary edition, I recall they had interviews from all the members except for Brownmark... I guess you can't win them all.

[–] anewvibe 18 years ago

Wow, great minds do think alike! I actually entertained the thought of a "In Loving Memory"/"Tribute to.." or "Remembering..." segment for Boni Boyers, too! That would be a great idea!

Hey, I wonder if it costs much to pay people for interviews and all that type of thing, or would they do them for the sake of remembering and sharing the good times? Would Cat really do a commentary?

That's a good question, I'm not too sure myself. But, I'd like 2 think there've been times people would do an interview 4 the sake of memories~also, when the people are on there they might not tell all the detail (4 ex: on the PR 20th Anniv. DVD no one mentions the deleted scenes)~what I mean by that is they might have 2 draw a line on how far/how much they're able 2 talk about a certain person or moment. If this happens, I hope Cat & all the other remaining members contribute 2 it. I think the DVD would sell pretty good if it's offered 4 a 20th Anniv. release.

Somethin' else...I just thought about, y'think if Warner Brothers or Warner Video (whatever it's called) was 2 re-release it in '07, u think if they'd still do it if say Prince doesn't put out a new album next year..or just not in the very beginning of the year--also, the new album would have 2 do real well on charts in order 4 them 2 cash in on Prince?

**I hope on the last part u might under

"It's the talk of tounge" - Color Shock

[–] FeelingSoSad 18 years ago

Oh how can I forget, I also left out 'optional English subtitles' as well! Could we be bothered with subtitles in other languages? I guess it would have to have subs in Spanish & French as well... but I'm just happy with an English subs option just for the sake of it being a bonus extra to add on the 'bonus features' list!
I think I understand about the deleted scenes thing on "Purple Rain". You heard in the commentary about paricular deleted scenes but didn't get to see them. Well, I guess they got chucked out or something, which is really sad :O( I recall that there was a steamy scene between Prince & Apollonia that was cut out... I can understand if someone stole THOSE negatives!
Any idea what kind of packaging you would want for the DVD?
I sorta do remember reading a hypothesis (I don't remember where and I don't know whether it be true or not) that WB released "Graffiti Bridge" & "Under the Cherry Moon" in the wake of "Musicology"'s success. "Purple Rain" DEFINITELY needed to be celebrated in deluxe DVD edition for the 20th Anniversary since it was such a tremendous era for Prince and for music itself in the '80's. As for "Graffiti Bridge" and "UTCM"... ummm, at least their DVD editions have bonus music clips... hmmm, dunno what else to say about them ones - they're hybernating in my closet at the mo' since they were impulse buys from the bargain bin...
If he did release another 'great' CD in 2007 (though at this rate, it would be 2008... I can imagine it now - a "21st Anniversary Deluxe set for the 21st century"! Sounds like great marketing strategy on my end!) I wonder if WB with bring "SOTT" out because of that success (as like the other DVD releases). "SOTT" wasn't really a resounding success of course. Hmmm, what proper reason can we reason with to convice anyone high-up for it to be released? It would be like an apocalyptic wait... wait... wait and see if 2007 will bring the coming deluxe DVD edition that we can only imaginatively and prophetically speak about. And of course, since no-one knows our real names it's not like we have shame-face if it doesn't happen! Hmmm, almost sounds like a cult!!!
Prince - he's ALWAYS the man, and I respect his artistry like no other. I confess not to be as die-hard fan as I was as the enthusiastic 13 year old I was back in the '80's, but still, even when I have biasly dissed him in the '90's, it was unfair since I only reacted to the negative (re)views from reading half the story given. Reading about his name-change in the Wikipedia(?) recently was really touching and a side to his story that I (whom have been out of touch for a long time) had not heard before. Know that it's really weird growing up and reading reviews THEN and then comparing them to the retrospective NOW. At this time, it's as if everyone (that includes ME) thinks he's back on a high now, and that he's back on par with the glorious '80's (give or take a few or something like that - can't please 'em all) but even when I was young, I always did remember initial '80's reactions given album releases. When "ATWIAD" came out after "Purple Rain", it was dissed as not being on par with "PR" and when "Parade" came out, other than the incredible "Kiss", everybody's talk was dissin' the "Cherry Moon" film and thinking that he was further away from the "PR" success. But NOW, everyone only recalls those times with The Revolution as being classic Prince-era! When "SOTT" arrived, other than 'warmish sales' there was mixed reviews (I remember one reviewer giving it an "OK" rating mentioning that it 'didn't have anything as definitive as "Kiss"...". I another one critic thinking that "SOTT" was the beginning of the end(!) for him. One proud thing I can say about "Sign O the Times" the album: Here in my country, we (like all the other countries in the world would have) had these end of the decade countdowns to the best and groundbreaking 'albums of the ('80's) decade'. I remember watching it late at night, watching all the retrospective clips of the good ol' '80's as the decade was ending, wondering for the following hours what album was going to be ranked number 1: was "Purple Rain" going to be in the countdown? NO. "Born in the USA" from Springsteen? NO - it ranked close. Dire Straits? No, close still. Then it MUST be the multi-multi-multiple platinum selling album from the MJ - "Thriller"!... To what would seem like EVERYBODY'S surprise, their countdown ended with the Number 1 album of the decade being Prince's "Sign O' the Time"! What a shock it must have been for some to encounter that after such a build-up! Of all the albums mentioned in the countdown, I believe it was probably the only one that wasn't a number 1 selling album! I was a bit shocked but sorta pleased at the same time. I'm glad that those presenters/reviewers intuitively looked into almost prophetic hindsight. I recall reading at least one letter to the editor, following that particular countdown complaining bitterly of that 'great build-up' to 'suddenly to give us...Prince's "Sign O' the Times"'. NOW it seems everyone is saying that "SOTT" was one of the best and that it was his to him (Prince) what the Beatle's had with the "White Album". Now, don't get me started on "Lovesexy"... (OK,I will!) - OH MY GOSH, PANNED to the max! Aside from the music (which is a story in itself), what a whipping THAT one got for the cover sleeve ALONE!!! And of course, AGAIN I read general critics thinking that it was the 'beginning' of the end of his good name (but I have a suspicion that some couldn't even see past the front cover). But my goodness, it is my FAVOURITE Prince CD of all time! I've had countless times that I've listened to worn-out "Lovesexy" cassettes (I think I went through 2 copies in the end). I only got the CD version a couple of years ago, and didn't realise that it was a '1-track' CD - but I don't care. I'm probably one of the only few people who ever LOVED the WHOLE CD without exception and think EVERY song is sooooo great. I have no complaints that I can't skip to this track or that track. One good thing that I remember critic-wise: a Sunday newspaper I read for that 1988 year ending ranked "Lovesexy" and George Michael's "Faith" CDs as being the albums of the year - probably the most optimistic review I remember. And of course NOW guess what? - "Lovesexy" IS the CLASSIC tour that EVERY Prince fan talks about being the BEST (or should talk about - I just LOVE my Lovesexy Tour 1 & 2 videos!)....And of course, after ALL that irrelevant flap that has no relevance to the thread: the point being - though we hear great things of the past, there was A LOT of flak and panning in the past no matter how good they seemed!

[–] anewvibe 18 years ago

I think I understand about the deleted scenes thing on "Purple Rain". You heard in the commentary about paricular deleted scenes but didn't get to see them. Well, I guess they got chucked out or something, which is really sad :O( I recall that there was a steamy scene between Prince & Apollonia that was cut out...

Yeah, that's true. I think that particular scene was when Apples 1st visits The Kid's house, & after that awkward moment they start 2 kiss--in the commentary I believe they said it was shot in G-rating, PG-rating, R-rating & they went with the PG-rating (obviously--u don't see Apples' well..u know...).

Any idea what kind of packaging you would want for the DVD?

Hmm..well, somethin' nice the pics MUST be from the concert-1987. U know on the Brazil release, it has a pic of him from 1982/3 era.., that was kinda messed up.

I sorta do remember reading a hypothesis (I don't remember where and I don't know whether it be true or not) that WB released "Graffiti Bridge" & "Under the Cherry Moon" in the wake of "Musicology"'s success.

I think that's what really prompted their releases 2 DVD.

they're hybernating in my closet at the mo' since they were impulse buys from the bargain bin...

...LOL..I actually watch Graffiti Bridge a little more than the average person should..just 2 see more of Jesse

If he did release another 'great' CD in 2007 (though at this rate, it would be 2008... I can imagine it now - a "21st Anniversary Deluxe set for the 21st century"! Sounds like great marketing strategy on my end!) I wonder if WB with bring "SOTT" out because of that success (as like the other DVD releases). "SOTT" wasn't really a resounding success of course. Hmmm, what proper reason can we reason with to convice anyone high-up for it to be released? It would be like an apocalyptic wait... wait... wait and see if 2007 will bring the coming deluxe DVD edition that we can only imaginatively and prophetically speak about. And of course, since no-one knows our real names it's not like we have shame-face if it doesn't happen! Hmmm, almost sounds like a cult!!!

I guess it'll just have 2 be a wait & see situation, but we can always hope 4 the best.

As 2 the ending, YES! Prince is/always the man & I too will always respect his music--if it wasn't 4 him, I wouldn't have came 2 have SO MUCH love 4 the ol'school (80s, etc.). It's just so cool, he knows how 2 push those buttons with folk doin' all of that through music--that's deserves MAJOR props.

Also, u're definitely right about the Lovesexy era being said as Prince's best era (concert wise)--when I 1st started gettin' into Prince, I remember many people sayin' that--at the time didn't know what they were talkin' about, but after seein' a few video footages from that era I understand. It just seems, people dissed what he was doin' back then, but 20+ years later people give props 2 it..lol, but times do change & people probably start 2 understand the messages or gist of what the song/album means.

This has been a very good chat

"It's the talk of tounge" - Color Shock

[–] dhjenkins72 18 years ago

In response to lstruck's comment: "people dissed what he was doin' back then, but 20+ years later people give props 2 it"

Of course that's what happens...True "Art" is always ahead of it's time. Look at all the painters, musicians and composers throughout history who died penniless only to have their work be "discovered" after their deaths (either literally or creatively). Nothing is more satisfying to me than being able to say "I told you so" when someone popular validates what I've been saying for years.

[–] anewvibe 18 years ago

@ dhjenkins72

Of course that's what happens...True "Art" is always ahead of it's time. Look at all the painters, musicians and composers throughout history who died penniless only to have their work be "discovered" after their deaths (either literally or creatively). Nothing is more satisfying to me than being able to say "I told you so" when someone popular validates what I've been saying for years.

u're right.

"It's the talk of tounge" - Color Shock

[–] dolphin18181818 18 years ago

I might be wrong about this (hell, more like probably) but I believe at least part of the hold up is due to the SOTT film not being a "true" Warners release. I mean, I'm sure they were involved as they had tha ironclad grasp of Prince's career then, but I'm fairly positive the film came out from Orion Pictures, a studio that has since folded, and not WB.

PS: As a substitute for nothing, the Canadian (no extras) version available from amazon.ca is fine. But by all means, stay away from the unwatchable so-called "Brazilian" version. To say that it's bootleg quality is an insult to bootlegs.

"Well, what if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today." --Phil Connors

[–] anewvibe 18 years ago

by - dolphin18181818 on Thu Aug 10 2006 12:56:02

But by all means, stay away from the unwatchable so-called "Brazilian" version. To say that it's bootleg quality is an insult to bootlegs.

I dunno..to me I'm able to watch the Brazil version, just as well. Although, you ain't the only person's that's gave that one a thumbs down.

Still, it's okay be me.

"It's the talk of tounge" - Color Shock