Signs

While Signs isn't a new movie to DVD, the Blu-ray has just been released and is definitely worth the upgrade. The suspenseful music and unmatched picture in full 1080p really make this movie bring the story to life. While alien movies aren't new, M. Night Shyamalan really captivates the audience by keeping the suspense growing and keys to what is about to happen two steps ahead of the audience. SIGNS tells the gripping story of an ordinary family who encounters the possibility that Earth could be invaded by creatures from another planet. When Graham Hess (Gibson) and his family awaken to find a 500-foot crop circle in their backyard, they are told extraterrestrials are responsible. News reports tell of similar “signs” suddenly appearing all over the world. The performances by Mel Gibson who plays Graham Hess, a reverend who has lost his faith in God after his wife is killed by a car on an evening walk, and Joaquin Phoenix who plays Merrill Hess, a washed up ball player, really bring the story together and are spot on in making you believe that aliens have indeed landed. The scene when Phoenix is watching TV in the closet, it's the first glimpse the audience gets at the aliens and is hair-raising. While I truly feel that the only thing missing was Rod Serling taking us on a Twilight Zone adventure, M. Night reinvents suspense in this Sci-Fi thriller. When you finally think the movie is coming to an end that’s when all of the loose ends are tied up and you understand earlier scenes that otherwise would have you wondering if they were just filler. The culmination that arises as the World is regaining its composure is merely another chapter for Gibson and Phoenix and will have you on the edge of your seat to see how their fate plays out. I questioned if this movie would hold up once you know what is going to happen and it truly does. The upgrade in sound and picture really elevates the experience and I highly recommend trading in your original DVD copy and getting the Blu-ray version.

Blu-ray Disc Bonus Features:

The Making Of Signs:

• Looking for Signs – Commentary by M. Night Shyamalan on conceiving the idea and writing the script
• Building Signs – A featurette on creating the storyboard for the film and building the sets
• Making Signs – Commentary by M. Night Shyamalan on filming the main sequences of the film
• The Effects of Signs – A featurette on the physical and visual effects
• Last Voices – Commentary by composer James Newton Howard on creating the musical elements of the film
• Full Circle – Commentary by M. Night Shyamalan explaining the steps taken to ensure the film reaches its audience

Additional Scenes:

• Graham and Merrill
• Flashbacks (2)
• The Dead Bird
• Alien In The Attic and The Third Story

Storyboards: Multi-Angle Features: (viewers can use the angle feature to switch between viewing the animated version or the final scene)

• Graham, The Knife & The Pantry
• Graham & Merrill Chase
• The Unknown Trespasser

Night’s First Alien Movie:

• Childhood home movie with an introduction by M. Night Shyamalan