Michael Jackson's This Is It

Theatrical Release Date: 2009 10 28 (USA)

UPC: 043396338814

Studio: Sony Pictures

MPAA Rating: PG   Contains:null

Summary: Legendary musical superstar Michael Jackson takes the stage one last time in this theatrical concert film compiled from over 100 hours of rehearsal footage for the 50 shows he had been scheduled to perform at London's O2 arena at the time of his death. Take a trip behind the scenes to see the mastermind behind such classic pop hits as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" prepare for the concert that would have crowned his entire career. Produced in collaboration with the Estate of Michael Jackson, the film details the elaborate preparations that took place for two months beginning in April of 2009. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Category: Music [nf]

Features: 2 making-of documentaries
3 featurettes: the Gloved One - costumes, Memories of Michael, Auditions: searching for the World's best dancers
Bd exclusives: Thriller and Smooth Criminal vignettes - presented in 5.1 audio
Making Smooth Crimijnal featurette
BD Live - enables with movieIQ featuring the This Is It interactive playlist

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Format: Blu-ray

Release Date: 01/26/2010

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Alternate Wide Screen

Audio: DHMA null, DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1, DD2 Dolby Digital Stereo

Runtime: 111 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: English,French

Region: Blu-ray region A (North America, Central America, South America, Japan, Taiwan, North Korea, South Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia)

Alaina O'Connor

It's been more than a decade since the King of Pop -- who fell out of favor with the media and many fans due to scandal, controversy, and his eccentricities -- toured, and when he announced in March 2009 that he was launching his final concert series, there was speculation that he would be too weak to perform. So while the idea of a frail, drugged, aging performer onscreen rehearsing seems daunting -- even macabre -- this concert film provides a look at Michael Jackson the performer, free from the tragedy surrounding his life and death. With This Is It, director Kenny Ortega (High School Musical 2 and 3) gives the audience a rare behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals for Jackson's concert that would have kicked off this summer at London's O2 arena. The moment you see Michael Jackson on-stage, you relax into the idea that you're watching a performer who never lost his energy, drive, or talent. All of the ugliness fades away, and what you're left with is a journey through the Michael Jackson music catalog, soaring past his days with the Jackson 5, cascading down through the hits that span several decades, and settling into a musical adventure. Ortega, creative partner and director of the "This Is It" show, pieces together production and rehearsal footage to form a cohesive picture that tells two stories. There's Jackson the visionary, who has very specific ideas for what this feast-for-the-senses experience would look like, from the pyrotechnics to the elaborate set pieces to the updated "Thriller" graveyard sequence, complete with prosthetic makeup and 3D technology. It's interesting to see how this over-the-top spectacle was set into motion, but the most intriguing aspect of this story lies in the rehearsal footage. Nothing compares to seeing Jackson perform on-stage; though he's clearly holding back both vocally and otherwise, the effect is astonishing and also bittersweet. This Is It is more than a film about the development and execution of a stage production -- it's also a portrait of a man who represents the embodiment of a true artist. Onscreen, Jackson was always the consummate professional. From the opening moments of the film, Ortega interviews dancers -- some giddy, some emotional, and some downright in tears -- from all around the world whose dreams have come true because they're performing with their idol. Jackson guides them through the choreography with tough love and humor, and the dancers, like starstruck schoolchildren, soak up every word. The same holds true for the musicians and backup vocalists, who are eager to take direction to achieve the pitch-perfect performance that a perfectionist like Jackson demands, not out of obligation or fear, but out of respect. This Is It is definitely for the fans; whether you were charmed by the adorable kid from the Jackson 5, captivated by his incredible dance moves, or touched by his voice, the film speaks to those who are still in mourning over the passing of a pop icon who touched thousands of adoring fans and influenced a generation of performers. ~ Alaina O'Connor, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Kenny Ortega  Director 
Kenny Ortega  Producer 
Randy Phillips  Producer 
Paul Gongaware  Producer 
Michael Bearden  Composer (Music Score) 
John McClain  Executive Producer 
John Branca  Executive Producer 
Michael Jackson  Actor 
Orianthi Panagaris  Actor 
Tommy Organ  Actor 
Bashiri Johnson  Actor 
Jonathan Moffett  Actor 
Alex Al  Actor 
Mo Pleasure  Actor 
Ken Stacey  Actor 
Darryl Phinnessee  Actor 
Judith Hill  Actor 
Charles Klapow  Actor 
Tyne Stecklein  Actor 
Dres Reid  Actor 
Timor Steffens  Actor 
Daniel Celebre  Actor 
Mekia Cox  Actor 
Nick Bass  Actor 
Devin Andrew Jamieson  Actor 
Shannon Holtzapffel  Actor 
Misha Gabriel  Actor 
Chris Grant  Actor 

Country: USA