Signs 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 82
from 6 reviewers
Review Date:
Signs in 4K offers a marked A/V improvement with a stunning HDR10 transfer and DTS-HD MA 5.1, making it a must-have despite lacking new features.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS-HD MA
Video: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Signs" offers a marked upgrade over its 2008 predecessor, featuring a 2160p HEVC/H.265 transfer with an improved HDR10 grade that enhances detail, contrast, and color palette—especially in outdoor and shadow-heavy scenes. While Dolby Vision is absent, the vibrant HDR highlights and fine textures in day and night sequences alongside the newfound lossless DTS-HD MA audio mix make for a highly compelling audiovisual presentation that surpasses prior editions.
Audio: 86
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Signs" delivers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that offers clean dialogue and immersive ambient sound, skillfully engaging surround channels to enhance the film's eerie atmosphere. However, the lack of a Dolby Atmos mix for more dynamic scenes is notable yet doesn't detract from the overall effective sound design.
Extra: 64
The 4K UHD release of "Signs" is a barebones movie-only disc accompanied by a 2008 Blu-ray, which hosts recycled and dated supplemental material from the 2003 Vista Series DVD. The extras, although lacking updates, include deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, storyboard features, and a snippet of Shyamalan's youthful film, all in standard definition, with a digital copy included.
Movie: 78
"Signs" captivates with its mastery of suspense and emotional depth, blending personal human drama with sci-fi tension. This 4K UHD Blu-ray release impresses technically, offering filmic visuals and immersive sound design while retaining its foundational themes of faith and coincidence. However, the plausible plot conveniences and alien vulnerability remain points of contention.
Video: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Signs," presented in a 2160p HEVC encode with HDR10, markedly improves upon previous editions. Shot on 35mm film by Tak Fujimoto and remastered from the original camera negative, this release features a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The high dynamic range provides enhanced contrast and depth, with significant improvements in shadow definition, particularly notable in the film's numerous low-light and nighttime scenes. While some minimal CGI scenes show resolution limitations, the overall presentation boasts crisp detail and texture fidelity, offering a robust visual experience that surpasses the 2008 Blu-ray release.
The transfer offers an impressive color palette, naturally bold highlights, and deeper blacks which enrich the film's atmospheric scenes. The outdoor shots, encapsulating the late-summer harvest theme, benefit immensely from the 4K treatment; the golden hues and natural lighting are reproduced accurately. Interior and nighttime sequences maintain detailed shadow representation, adding a layer of suspense in obscured settings. Though the HDR10 lacks the Dolby Vision support seen in other releases, it still enhances the cinematic quality with its improved depth and color saturation.
Overall, "Signs" delivers a striking visual upgrade, highlighting every nuance from facial features to fabric textures, effectively enhancing the film's aesthetic appeal. The remaster positions it as a definitive edition for fans and collectors alike, capturing the static yet visually engaging cinematography at its finest.
Audio: 86
The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Signs" maintains a strong technical presence with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The film was originally released theatrically in Dolby Digital EX, SDDS, and DTS, but this lossless DTS-HD Master Audio encoding effectively supports the narrative with a pleasing, though not groundbreaking, sound experience. Dialogue is impressively clear and clean, while the surround channels employ subtle ambient effects, enhancing scenes with eerie crickets or distant barks to draw the viewer into the story's atmospheric tension. Despite lacking an immersive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X mix, the blend of low-frequency effects delivers a satisfying muscular bass response when required, supporting James Newton Howard’s score beautifully.
The dynamic range and imaging are commendable as they retain the integrity of prior LPCM 5.1 mixes without any significant perceptible differences, as noted by comparisons across various scenes. Although it might miss the opportunities for extreme sonic immersion during more intense sequences—such as the aliens' presence on the roof—the consistency and effectiveness of sound effects through the DTS-HD Master Audio track are apparent. This track elegantly portrays the eerie sounds of aliens amidst suspenseful scenes and showcases spatial accuracy, ensuring the distribution across channels remains engaging. Optional subtitles and additional audio mixes, such as English 2.0 Descriptive Audio and several international language tracks, are available to cater to diverse audiences.
Overall, while some enthusiasts might wish for an Atmos overhaul to enrich specific moments further, the technical execution of this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track remains a praiseworthy element, delivering both clarity and atmospheric depth that complements the film's eerie storytelling.
Extras: 64
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Signs" offers a viewing experience that focuses primarily on the film itself, with all supplementary features reserved for the accompanying 1080p Blu-ray. Regrettably, there are no new extras for this edition; instead, it relies on a set of legacy features initially produced for the 2003 Vista Series DVD. Despite their age, these features provide a valuable retrospective. The making-of documentary is a comprehensive, hour-long exploration of the film's production, albeit presented in 480i resolution. Additional materials include storyboard multi-angle features and deleted scenes, though image quality does not surpass standard definition. A brief clip entitled "Night’s First Alien Movie" offers a whimsical glimpse into director M. Night Shyamalan’s youthful creativity. While these extras are worth a look for those unfamiliar, existing content is largely unchanged, missing an opportunity to offer fresh insights into the film's legacy.
Extras included in this disc:
- Deleted Scenes: Includes five scenes available in standard definition.
- Making Signs: A detailed making-of documentary produced by Laurent Bouzereau.
- Storyboards: Multi-Angle Features: Allows switching between storyboards and finished scenes.
- Night’s First Alien Movie: A short home movie from Shyamalan's youth.
- Digital Copy: A Movies Anywhere code for a 4K digital copy of the film.
Movie: 78
"Signs," directed by M. Night Shyamalan, continues to captivate audiences with its intricate blend of suspense and drama, marking it a noteworthy entry in the director's filmography. The plot follows the Hess family, led by Graham (Mel Gibson), a former preacher grappling with faith and loss, as they stumble upon mysterious crop circles on their farm. This film relies less on surprise twists and more on building a pervasive sense of dread and suspense, masterfully achieved through atmospheric cinematography by Tak Fujimoto and an evocative score by James Newton Howard. Shyamalan skillfully uses suspense to grip the audience, drawing inspiration from masters like Hitchcock by focusing on what remains unseen.
While "Signs" navigates Shyamalan's penchant for weaving human drama into genre storytelling, it does face critique regarding its reliance on convenience. The discovery of the alien weakness introduces a questionable plot element, challenging viewers to ponder whether events are random or fate-driven. However, the film's strength lies in its portrayal of a family confronting extraordinary circumstances while processing grief. Mel Gibson's portrayal as a regular farmer trying to regain his faith offers a compelling human element alongside standout performances from Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, and Abigail Breslin.
In terms of technical execution, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release enhances the viewing experience with improved picture quality reminiscent of Hitchcockian thrills. It offers a stunningly immersive sound design that amplifies the tension throughout the film. Despite its plot shortcomings, "Signs" remains a compelling piece in Shyamalan's oeuvre, not reaching the heights of "The Sixth Sense" yet standing above many of his later works. Its exploration of faith and fate against a backdrop of extraterrestrial fear ensures it holds a place as a memorable sci-fi thriller.
Total: 82
"Signs," an intriguing entry in M. Night Shyamalan's filmography, is now available in a 4K UHD Blu-ray edition that significantly enhances the visual and auditory experience. As a small-scope alien invasion thriller, "Signs" captivates viewers with its clever premise and expertly crafted suspense. Despite a pacing that might feel languid by current standards, it remains engaging, thanks to a stellar cast and a gripping narrative. The new release boasts a stunning HDR10 transfer, marking a substantial improvement over previous editions, alongside a robust DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track that complements the film's chilling atmosphere.
While the 4K edition includes few new extras beyond what was available on earlier DVDs and Blu-rays, the existing bonus features provide enjoyable insight into the film's creation. This package is enticing for both newcomers and long-time fans, offering the optimal way to experience "Signs." It manages to deliver an unsettling and cerebral viewing experience, characteristic of Shyamalan's work, while showcasing his ability to build tension. This version is a worthy enhancement that should appeal to sci-fi and thriller enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, while "Signs" might not represent Shyamalan's peak, its enduring entertainment value and the upgraded audiovisual quality make this 4K UHD release highly recommended. The improved imagery and sound elevate an already compelling thriller to new heights, making it an essential addition to any collection, particularly as Halloween approaches. Whether revisiting or discovering it for the first time, "Signs" in 4K should not be missed.
Blu-ray.com review by Jeffrey KauffmanRead review here
Video: 90
HDR adds some significant highlights in several of the blue tinged scenes, and there's at least marginal improvement in shadow definition in any number of dark scenes, including some of the late cellar...
Audio: 90
The sound design of Signs is considerably more labyrinthine, maybe even Byzantine, than The Sixth Sense, and as such surround activity is much more prevalent and noticeable than in the earlier film....
Extras: 50
The 1080 disc in this package repeats the supplements Marty covers in some detail in his review (I'm including the total time for Making 'Signs', while Marty's review breaks it down into its constituent...
Movie: 80
Signs is in some ways the most thoughtful of the three, less dependent upon tricks and/or twists for its meaning, but perhaps too reliant on what has often been Shyamalan's screenwriting stock in trade,...
Total: 80
Signs is often a surprisingly thoughtful entry from Shyamalan, a filmmaker who is often either rightly or wrongly accused of relying on subterfuge and trickery to obtain his desired goals....
The Digital Bits review by Bill HuntRead review here
Video: 95
Optically printed transitions and digital effects shots exhibit a bit of resolution loss, as one would expect, but grain is light-moderate and ever present....
Audio: 90
Additional mixes are available in English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and German 5.1 DTS-HD, Castilian Spanish and Italian 5.1 DTS, and Quebec French, Latin American Spanish, Japanese, Czech, and Polish...
Extras: 70
You also get two storyboard sequences, which let you switch back and forth between the storyboard art and the final scene, and give you the option to hear music-only audio, effects-only, or the final sound...
Movie: 75
Graham lives on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, raising his young son and daughter with the help of his younger brother, Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), a washed-out, minor league baseball player....
Total: 83
And if you are a fan of Signs, you’ll be pleased to know that while the 4K disc offers just as few frills as the previous editions, the A/V quality is at least very good and a marked improvement over any...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
We get to see all of the tiny production design details of the Hess farmhouse, and a lot of close-ups to examine facial features, costumes, and so forth all gaining significant ground over the old 2008...
Audio: 80
Between replaying the scenes where they chase the alien off the roof, or when Mel is in the cornfield alone at night, or when they’re all holding the baby monitor, I really strained to hear any kind of...
Extras: 60
Considering it’s been 22 years since the theatrical run, our cast and director are in very different places and a retrospective would have been a welcome addition....
Movie: 80
As a post-9/11 film, it deftly touches upon our collective obsession with news updates and the stress of trying to explain the unexplainable....
Total: 80
It might rest on a few too many conveniences, it might be a sign of some of the director’s worst tendencies to come, but with a terrific cast, a smart premise, and some expert-level suspense building,...
Home Theater Forum review by Todd ErwinRead review here
Video: 90
This is a nice improvement over the previous 1080p Blu-ray release from 2008 (included in this set), particularly in better contrast and deeper blacks, allowing for better shadow detail....
Audio: 90
As Matt Hough noted in his 2008 Blu-ray review, the track makes “excellent use of the LFE channel and plenty of ambient sounds to keep the surround channels active and interesting....
Extras: 60
Storyboards: Multi Angle Feature (480i): Offers two sequences which the viewer can flip back and forth between storyboards and the finished scene....
Movie: 80
Shyamalan takes a cue from directors before him, such as Steven Spielberg and Alfred Hitchcock, instilling fear in the audience by not showing us much of the aliens until the grand finale, scaring us by...
Total: 80
Signs is another early entertaining thriller from M. Night Shyamalan that now looks better than ever....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 90
In general, this Ultra HD offering improves upon the previous home video release, and, is worthy of consideration for inclusion in the collections of fans....
Audio: 92
Ambient, and, discrete sounds, can be heard emanating from multiple locations within the room to create the feeling of running through a cornfield, footsteps in the attic above, chirping crickets, barking...
Extras: 90
...
Movie: 80
is the gripping story of an ordinary family as they encounter the possibility that Earth is being invaded by creatures from another planet....
Total: 88
Ralph Potts AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews Reference Review System: JVC DLA-NZ7 4K Ultra High-Definition Laser Front Projector (Calibrated with Calman color calibration software and Portrait Displays C6 HDR2000...
Why So Blu? review by Adam Toroni-ByrneRead review here
Video: 100
Music and sound effects are loud and proud with dialogue sounding near perfect throughout....
Audio: 80
Extras: 60
Signs comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray bundled with a repress of the 2008 Blu-ray and digital code....
Movie: 80
The invasion of aliens is inevitable, and we just wait with bated breath because we know the moment will be a tense one....
Total: 90
With the ported bonus features along this is a great package for newcomers to the film and for fans alike!...
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin
PlotIn rural Pennsylvania, the quiet existence of a former Episcopal priest, Graham Hess, is disrupted when mysterious crop circles appear in his cornfields. Struggling with a crisis of faith after the death of his wife, Graham lives with his two children, asthmatic son Morgan and daughter Bo, who has a peculiar habit of leaving half-drunk glasses of water around the house. His younger brother Merrill, a failed minor-league baseball player, has moved in to help out. The strange formations in their crops initially seem like an elaborate hoax, but reports of similar occurrences around the world, along with other unexplained phenomena, suggest that something more ominous may be at play.
As local law enforcement and the media descend on their farm, the family begins to witness increasingly bizarre and frightening events. Animals behave erratically, electronic equipment fails, and an unsettling presence seems to lurk in their fields at night. Coping with the growing tension and his own internal struggles, the patriarch tries to maintain a semblance of normalcy for his children while grappling with the possibility that the phenomena could be related to extraterrestrial activity. Isolation and fear take hold as the family strives to understand the purpose behind the patterns and the increasingly hostile intrusions into their home, forcing them to confront their doubts and fears.
Writers: M. Night Shyamalan
Release Date: 02 Aug 2002
Runtime: 106 min
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English, Portuguese