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Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be released exclusively for a special limited 2-week engagement worldwide. This means the studio is pushing up the debut of the film by two days to Wednesday, October 28th. Tickets for the 2-week presentation will go on sale in most cities beginning on Sunday, September 27th. Separately, the producers of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture. The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson. Ortega was Jackson’s creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert.
Ortega said in Sony's new release: “This film is Michael’s gift to his fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT– inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force—you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”
Michael Jackson THIS IS IT is the behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.
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Talk about over-selling. I mean it’s rehearsal footage, which is supposed to be pretty raw, and a lot of the reports say he was in pretty poor shape during those rehearsals, which may not be as electrifying as Sony seems to think.
I just don’t think enough fans are willing to make this their last memory of him to justify the $60+ million investment.
I’ve been a fan of Michael since he was 8. I remember how all of a sudden it was ok for little white girls to have a poster or magazine with a black kid. He opened the door for all people of diverse backgrounds. Believe me, I was there. He was a transforming,barrier-breaking phenomenon from the sixties on…He deserves respect. Too bad for the no-nothing,mean-spirited,’Fox News-loving’ bloggers out there, because, as usual, you don’t know what you’re talking about!
Two week limited run my ass!
That’s just to get the suckers in to see it by claiming it won’t be around again.
It will be pirated immediately & out on DVD within 24 hours.
The legit DVD will be for Xmas this year & on pay cable next spring at the latest.
I’m just surprised they didn’t try the old four walling bit for the release to get even more money!
you know what. it’s not called being a sucker.i’m almost 55 and it’s a dam shame that my grandkids will ever get to see anyone of MICHAEL JACKSON’S CALLIBER.i have been a fan of his my entire life no matter what the circumstances surrounding him were.he will get the justice that he deserves in the end.
And now, ladies and germs, the dancing junkie!
Hey get a life you critic!! It doesn’t take alot to be a critic the world is full of them. No one wil replace him he was an icon.
Oh great….so maybe the “anti-film” will show his disfigured face, all his hypos and iv lines and prescription bottles…while a voice over reads all the depositions from the child molestation cases that never made it to trial…you know—”a look into a creative genius’ world…”
who do you think you are? ME!
With all due respect to Kenny Ortega, how can this film be considered “Michael’s gift to his fans” when he was dead before the film was ever conceived?
And how can this be “Michael as we’ve never seen before,” after the countless ‘behind-the-scenes’ specials that MTV, et al. have cranked out for years every time Michael was about to release a new video or embark on a new concert tour?!
It reminds me of how promoters always beat the whole ‘this could be her last tour ever’ drum every time Madonna goes on tour. Except, well, this is even more shameless because at least Madonna’s alive to exploit herself.
Yawn. Hopefully this is it.
Michael Jackson was a legend even before he left us.
He will always be the king of pop and one of the worlds greatest humanitarians.
Rest in peace Michael, thank you for your friendship for 23 years. It was an honour to meet you and I am very glad that I was able to tell you and show you how much I love you.
I’ll be the first one in line!
Ortega,
I just hope this film shows only the great, fascinating and amazing side of Michael. Please, make Michael proud of your work. He deserves it! It´s going to be really hard for me as a fan to see him in action, working hard and creating a show that never happened.
Thank you for your iniciative… For sharing with us, fans a little bit of all you´ve seen of Mike during his last months.
All the best from Brazil!
I agree with Victoria. I’ll be right behind her in line! Interesting how critics can review the film they have yet to see. I’m happy to see it in October and will pay for the dvd whenever it’s released.My choice,my money,my Michael.
obviously Oterga hasn’t seen TV guide channel lately
because most of the special shows(Hollywood 411 and other specials) have been about michael and they haven’t stopped airing it.
The mean spirited miserable people who feel better tearing someone who was and will always be better than them down is just disgusting. The disgusting comments made by bloggers had calmed down directly after his death. Now it is seems the miserable set is out in full force! We, Michael’s fans, appreciated talent and we want to see his final film footage. There is nothing ghoulish or bad about it. It is to see a performer doing what he always did best…perform. I have already seen the clip released by AEG and Michael looks wonderful. We will make this a special event because we loved him.
I know this has all been a lot!
But for all of you that have no respect for the dead!!
You are all a bunch of selfish, pigs!!
This was sudden and heart breaking for his family and friends and very unexpected!! No matter what you think, out of respect maybe you could use some kinder words. Positive comments and maybe a little compasion, OH RIGHT, I forgot , most of America has forgotten what compasion is!!
No matter how you feel, think about what you would want people to say when you die!!!!
In response your comment about “Americans and no Compassion”.. I am a RED BLOODED “NATIVE” AMERICAN and the people in my circle are nothing but compassionate. Michael was an outstanding entertainer but he was not perfect, NONE OF US ARE.. but it is not our job to judge them or eachother. That job belongs to someone else.
Unfortunately most people hide behind the internet to cast their judgement that you have so blatently opposed. Your comment about Americans couldn’t be more wrong. The judgement that you have cast on “MOST AMERICANS” has now landed you on the same level as the people you criticize.
My point…. Hipocrits come in all creeds, colors and religions.
with that said… PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH!!!
AS FOR THE REST OF YOU>>>> MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS…
I believe Michael would want his family, friends and fans to see him at work for his final concert even though he’s gone. He always generously shared his talent and mission with the world. People want to get a glimpse of this creative genius at work because we love him. It’s just the way it is. Substantial proceeds from the film and other business endeavors will go to Michael’s estate which, you may recall, states that 20% of his estate goes to charities he supported. The world continues to benefit from this gifted human being. May he rest in peace.
I’m glad there is still people thinking like you, I see I’m not alone crying for him every day, those people whom still judging him for something that could never be probe should read the Afhrodite Jone’s book Michael Jackson Conspiracy, thank you for your comment, Michael we always will love you. RIP
Michael, thank you for giving so much regardless of your detractors. You did all you could and more. Love you and miss you. Prayers go out especially to Prince Michael, Paris, and Blanket. ~Connie
@ Furious D — you couldn’t be more wrong. I am the 3rd of 4 generations in my family that admire MJ and be right in line for this right along with many others. And I’d pay a pretty pricey penny for the DVD of this rehearsal footage. Although I am not on board with Sony and all the things they’ve pulled on Michael Jackson and their “rootkits” on some DVD’s and CD’s out there not related to MJ, but to see this last bit of Michael before he passed away, I’d take a chance and BUY IT (only legit mind you) when and if it comes out on DVD. Yes, this fan since the late 60’s who grew up on Michael Jackson where his music and videos appeared at many of our family weddings, BBQ’s, reunions and our personal lives.. YOU BET I’d buy a LEGIT DVD of this in a heart beat.
Just a momma on a mission who plans and is determined to continue to carry down Michael Jackson in our family just as the generation before me did with me.
Bring it on! I’ll watch it anyways.. I mean I always watched/listened to his productions without even liking them much anyways..
But yeah he made the whole wide world move.. so haterss try your best to atleast become nothing compared to him
These guys are as BAD as his relatives! The poor guy hasn’t even been buried so the family can bring more HIPE to the situation. And now, since MJ didn’t want anything to do with his family while making all the $$, they figure it’s their time to MILK the system, too!
MJ molested kids and his family is molesting the public!
“This film is Michael’s gift to his fans.” Please…
All “RIP” wishes aside, this is NOT any kind of gift or anything from Michael Jackson at all. It’s a monetized, profit-making endeavor by SONY, who ponied up the largest bid for the footage.
I don’t mind so much that they’re doing this (people want to see it and the footage exists, so why not); I do mind that they’re marketing it the way they are. Talk about lack of respect for the dead, not to mention that his own family is on board. Money-grubbing vultures, the lot of ‘em.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!
Leave Michael alone.
Does this mean Kenny Ortega is supervising post-production on this movie? I mean, he already shot the footage before Jackson died (and the movie wasn’t even a glimmer in AEG’s eyes either).
I am looking forward to this! Forget about what MJ haters say. To each his own. MJ haters shouldn’t even read about this and just move on to other websites or celebrities that they can tear apart and criticise. But for those of us who think MJ really made a difference in this world, we wouldn’t miss it for the world.
looking forward to this. RIP MJ the king of pop.
Can’t wait to see this film. People who talk negative of him are the poor ones who never experienced HIM. And have become slaves of the negative tabloid junk.
Its a shame that the film is to bee shown for only two weeks. ~Nina~
Variety claims that the 3D sequences won’t be included – what a huge mistake. 3D is the only way that this film will be a smash – if it’s EVENT concert film a la the Jonas Brothers or U2 in 3D…
I totally love Michael Jackson but even I’m getting way burned out on him at this point. All the fussing, arguing and tabloid stories are just too over the top. Won’t even go see this film at this point.
Hey, all you blinded by celebrity MJ followers and I know this has been asked before, but would any of you have left MJ alone with your six year old? I’m sorry , but innocent people don’t pay millions to settle “false” claims. One less dead child molester is all.
Oh, dear. The Jacko fans are spreading their craziness in force.
Let’s be realistic: Sony is hoping the same stunt Disney pulled for the Hannah Montana concert movie will make people rush to the theaters. But I think people are too savvy for that now. And concert films do not do big business; it’s been a long time since the concert film genre’s 1970s heyday.
And the Michael Jackson hype turns out to be just that: hype. The millions expected to flood the streets outside the Staples Center memorial never showed up. People moved on. The media wants to whip up another Princess Diana frenzy, but Michael Jackson hadn’t had a hit in fifteen years when he died, and his sister Janet had eclipsed him as the family’s dominant culture shaper with Control.
It’s not going to do the business media pundits seem to think it will, at least not in America. The reason Sony paid out for it was because they’re hoping it will boost sales for Jackson’s catalog, which is released by – you guessed it – Sony. The concert film will likely have its biggest day the Friday of release, slide down the first weekend, and drop off a cliff the second weekend.
What’s with all of the personal commentary on DHD lately?
Shouldn’t we be talking about whether the investment was a sound one and whether the “Extra Features” that will be sold as a movie will be able to do as well as the Jackson Estate hopes?
Reading the comments has made me think that there’s suddenly a lot of tourists here. There’s a fansite or blog somewhere that needs your comments guys and gals, but I for one think that DHD comments should stick to the industry.
Business As Usual? – Thank you! I was surprise as I read down the comments. Yours made me laugh with relief!
Hello,
Thank you to all who are sticking by Michael after his death.
I knew Michael intimately for 22 years,loving him for himself,the entire time.I thank God that there are still decent,unjudgemental people here who are not of the typical sheep behavior in believing what they read and hear. He was a great,loving,caring,and patient man whom I loved dearly.Thank God he knew that.
Yes,I really did know him,due to a job I held as a Ride Operator at a famous Amusement Park,where he and I met for the first time,in 1987. He was kind,caring,loving,and very passionate about so many things.His interests were vast,and he and I shared so very many common interests. Please remember that you can’t believe most of what you read and hear,and that those bogus charges,were just that,bogus. Those mothers used their children to get money out of Michael,and when they couldn’t do it any other way,they fabricated those stories.Ever notice how they gave up so quickly? Any child who’s been molested,absolutely refuses to go near the person who did that to them.Just keep that in mind,ok? The next time you want to believe something about a person you’ve never met.You will have to answer for all your wrongs in the afterlife.
Cynthia, please join us in our quest for retraction of the bogus charges against Michael Jackson. No links allowed here, so Google for Yahoo Groups Vindication Better Than Trbutes.
I will be there with you on this claim, I thing the justice have to be done, we have to make his detractors read the Afhrodite Jones book ‘Michael Jackson Conspiracy” I completly agree with you than vindication is better than tribute, thank you is a release to know there is a lot o people still loving the most nice and charming person ever exists.
Anyone can say that they knew Michael, but until you have proof(after all, so many people have lied on him through the years, so you can understand everyones skepticism), why keep bringing up the Famous Amusement Park story on every single blog on the internet? It is so boring, so fake, and so not Michael! Get a grip Cynthia, and stop acting like a crazed teenager!!!
Dear Mr. Ortega,
I’m not sure if you will ever see this letter or not, but I wanted to express my deepest thanks to you for producing the movie “This Is It!” How hard it must have been for all of you working on his London come back, to be devastated by the news that he was so suddenly gone, so close to the opening in London. (Gone Too Soon) All the long hours, the costumes, the anticipation, it all came crashing down. A shockwave that exploded worldwide, shattering the hearts of you all as well as millions of fans. How hard it must have been to put the footage for “This is It” together for you and the team.
As I sat through the Movie “This is It” watching this incredible man doing what he was created to do, tears ran down my face. I felt so honored to see him, even for this one last glimpse. My heart ached for all the pain and suffering he went through at the hands of the media throughout his lifetime. I ached for his 3 children who now have to miss their father, for the family who misses their child and sibling, anguished over the addiction that held him prisoner, felt angry for the carelessness that killed him, and for the loss of the most creative and incredible entertainer the world had ever known. And also, selfishly mourned for myself, just a fan, who would never know him personally, but someone who saw his heart and soul through the words he wrote in his songs and did not want him to be gone. His music touched the heart in ways that made one sit up and take notice of all that is good, beautiful, spiritual, bad, wrong, righteous and unrighteous, and self–life-examining. Such an empty feeling filled me when I left the theater, as once again, reality slapped me in the face that he was really gone.
I never ever had the privilege of seeing Michael Jackson in concert (I was born in 1958 also). From the time I was 10 years old, I was dealing with family illnesses (My Mother suffered for 16 years with heart and lung problems before dieing), my older Brother got Cancer at age 19 and suffered for many years before dieing at age 32 from a second bought of Cancer, my Father went through Colon Cancer. I went through some physical issues of my own. Maybe that is why loss strikes my heart so hard, even the loss of Michael Jackson, someone I never even knew personally. I know how hard it is to lose someone and to have to let them go. Death is like a fire that burns a hole in your heart, where only ashes remain. But time (and God) can heal that wounded heart and help you get back up and move forward again. The hard part is wanting to put forth the desire and effort to get back up again.
The world had waited for years for MJ to think about stepping back into the spot light. I wanted to see him Shine again. I had been trying to work out a way to get to London to see him in concert, but the news of his death blew that dream away. After seeing “This is It”, I just could not get MJ out of my mind, so I sat down and wrote the below poem. I wanted to share it with you. Thank you again, for letting us have one last glimpse of the KING OF POP, this extraordinary man who humbly radiated his heart of love out to the world, exposed his soul for us to see the light shining within him, generously gave with the purpose of wanting a world of peace and to help heal the world through all his charity work, and who only wanted and hoped to feel loved back in return. Love you MJ!
A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
Written by a true fan (JMO)
With mournful hearts, we cling to you, selfish though it may be.
Immortalized forever to the world, is your music, your dancing, your beautiful face.
The KING OF POP you will always be, there will never be another you.
Remembered always in the hearts of your fans, is your tender and caring soul.
We just can’t seem to let you go, to rest in heaven’s peace.
We want you back among us here, to keep you for ourselves.
But now transformed in the City-Of-Light, inside Heaven’s beautiful gates,
Your light and love will shine forever, and in the world, will permeate.
We mourn with your three children, who miss their father so dearly.
For they are a true, extension of you, that the world can cherish and treasure.
We pray for their aching hearts to heal, so we can again see you clearly.
For you live in their hearts; in the lights of their eyes; embedded within their souls.
And the love you instilled shines outward, with your beautiful heart of gold.
Thank you Michael, for the gift that you were. Your talent was beyond measure.
Your music taught us to live together, no matter what race or color.
The world stood ready to welcome you back, as your London performance approached.
No others ignited the fire of their fans, the way your performance enthralled us!
The KING OF POP, would again rule the top, as if you had never left it!
Your screaming fans, would have told the tale, of the legendary, Michael Jackson!
I express my thanks to Kenny Ortega, who couldn’t contain his grief.
So he gave the world one last glimpse of you, in our hearts to always keep.
So rest in peace now, sweet Michael. For your work on earth is done.
We will never, ever forget you, of that, you can be sure.
WE MISS YOU, MICHAEL!
OUR HEARTS WILL KEEP YOU ALIVE FOREVER
thanks for this dvd, i will watch it many times, the rest of my life.
The idea MJ still could preform like that, make’s me happy!!Iam so happy that i’ve seen him in Amsterdam with the History tour, what a show!!
L.O.V.E to his kids and everybody that was close to MJ