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Category:    Home > Reviews > Thriller > Aliens > Science Ficiton > Signs (2002/Blu-ray)

Signs (2002/Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B+     Sound: B+     Extras: C-     Film: C-

 

 

An odd film that has become somewhat odder thanks to the career turns of Mel Gibson, M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs (2002) odd in ways no one could have imagined.  It may remain one of the director’s biggest hits to date, which makes me realize a moneymaking theory I have about his films: The less conclusively deconstructive and smug, the more money they make.

 

In this case, we get a suspense thriller where aliens from outer space are leaving fancy patterns in a family’s cornfield and that family is headed by a widower (Gibson) and includes his two children and their uncle (Joaquin Phoenix) are enjoying their home and life when reports about such markings all over the media mark the ones in their backyard.  The ending may be unsatisfying, but the film stretches out this concept for most of the time.  Unfortunately, it is just too thin and we have seen this kind of film before, but done much better.

 

There is also too much humor in Shyamalan’s screenplay, but that made it digestible enough for the public, explaining its success, though it is not a film many talk that much about since.  Gibson has nothing to do with that one way or the other, but too many Shyamalan disappointments since have and no, he did not become the next Spielberg.

 

The 1080p 1.85 X 1 digital High Definition image has small problems throughout pointing to the likelihood of an older HD transfer, but it is very good looking despite the flaws and one of the reasons this did well is the cinematography of Director of Photography Tak Fujimoto, A.S.C., still best known for The Silence Of The Lambs (reviewed elsewhere on this site) and his style helps the weak script.  The PCM 48/24 5.1 mix is even more impressive, with rich, thick sound throughout, a solid soundfield, well-recorded dialogue and James Newton Howard’s decent score benefits as well.  I fall else disappoints, it is a very good back catalog sound demo.

 

Extras include a six-part making of featurette, Shyamalan’s first alien movie, storyboard multi-angle comparison feature and deleted scenes.  Fans will like it, but the rest will fall asleep or play sound highlights.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo


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