Prince – Sign O’ The Times’ To Be Released in IMAX, Opening August 29th

Back in March 2025, a newly-restored version of Prince’s 1984 rock musical drama Purple Rain was given a one-night-only presentation in Dolby Cinema. (See our article ‘Purple Rain’ Returns To Theaters in Dolby Cinema.) Now, the critically-acclaimed 1987 film Prince – Sign O’ The Times is getting its own theatrical release, this time in IMAX. In cooperation with Mercury Studios and FilmRise, IMAX has just announced that the iconic concert film will be released in IMAX theaters globally for a limited time, beginning August 29, 2025. It has never before been shown on IMAX screens.

The film, which was directed by, scored by, and stars Prince himself, also features his then-new backing band. He had fired his longtime band, Revolution, before the release of Sign O’ The Times, his 9th studio album. Singer and Prince collaborator Sheena Easton appears in the movie, alongside percussionist Sheila E., Revolution keyboardist Dr. Fink, drummer Bobby Z., guitarist Wendy Melvoin, and keyboardist Lisa Coleman. The movie has reportedly undergone IMAX’s proprietary Digital Media Remastering (DMR) process to deliver “unprecedented image and sound quality.” IMAX promises audiences an immersive experience of Prince’s legendary performance, which is widely celebrated as one of his best. Although not  as commercially successful as Purple Rain, the Sign O’ The Times album was nevertheless certified platinum 4 months after its release. Perhaps more importantly, it has become Prince’s most acclaimed record, combining a range of musical styles, including funk, soul, psychedelic pop, electro, and rock. And so the film, Prince – Sign O’ The Times, captures Prince at what many consider a creative peak. It blends “electrifying concert footage with cinematic (scripted) storytelling, powerful visuals, and genre-defying sound,” according to the announcement from IMAX.

Now, enhanced with IMAX’s precision surround sound audio, customized theater geometry, and crystal-clear images, Prince’s virtuoso performance is set to mesmerize fans old and new in the most epic format available.

— IMAX

Prince’s musicianship, stagecraft, and unique style are all on display in the film, which features some of the artist’s most enduring songs, including “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” and the hit duet with Sheena Easton, “U Got The Look.” The anthemic title track “Sign O’ The Times” is of course included, alongside a mash-up of “Little Red Corvette” and “Housequake.” Other featured tracks include “Play in the Sunshine,” “Slow Love,” “Hot Thing,” “Forever in My Life,” “It’s Gonna Be a Beautiful Night,” “The Cross,” and a cover of the Charlie Parker tune “Now’s the Time.”

Pathé Live will manage the distribution of the film in other territories worldwide. IMAX, Mercury Studios, and Pathé Live previously collaborated on Queen Rock Montreal. Although the limited theatrical release of Prince – Sign O’ The Times officially begins on August 29th, those who attend special screenings at AMC theaters on August 28th will receive a collectible concert-style ticket.

For a complete list of US theaters and ticketing info, visit: www.imax.com/prince.