Michael Jackson's This Is It

Michael Jackson's This Is It[6] is a 2009 American concert film documenting Michael Jackson's rehearsals of the concert series of the same name (scheduled to start on July 13, 2009, but canceled because of his death on June 25, 2009), both on stage and behind the scenes. The film, dedicated to Jackson's three children Michael Jr. (Prince), Paris-Michael and Prince Michael (Blanket), shows Jackson mentoring his team for the 50 shows, as well as him creating, developing, and ultimately staging the high-tech performances. The film's director Ortega confirmed that when Jackson had filmed footage of himself rehearsing that he never had the intention of releasing it to the public, but after Jackson's death, it was agreed that the film be made and released for Jackson's fans. The footage was filmed at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Despite originally being set for an October 30, release date, the film's release date was rescheduled for October 28, 2009; due to a strong demand by Jackson's fans. The film was given a wide worldwide release and a limited two-week theatrical run from October 28, to November 12, 2009. Tickets went on sale a month early on September 27, 2009, to satisfy a high anticipated demand; to date, the film has broken numerous records via tickets both pre-sale and sales worldwide.

Since the film's confirmation, AEG Live has faced criticism; mostly consisting of theories that they'd only made the film solely for them to be able to make a profit off Jackson. Multiple members of Jackson's family had confirmed that they didn't support the film and some family members went as far as to try to stop the film agreement in August. The film has also been surrounded by multiple controversies, including allegations regarding the appearance of body doubles in place of Jackson, which Sony denied, and an outrage from Jackson fans; with some going as far as to start a protest against the film. On August 10, 2009, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved a deal between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live, and Sony Pictures. The agreement allowed Sony to edit the hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage needed to create the film. Sony subsequently paid $60 million for the film rights.[7]

The trailer premiered during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13, 2009,; along with the simultaneous launching of the film's official website.[8] The film was released to mainly positive reviews from both critics and Jackson fans; the film's portrayal of Jackson and his performances were generally praised, while criticism mainly consisted of both critics and fans having felt that the film was made just to profit off Jackson's death and that Jackson wouldn't have wanted the film released because he was a "perfectionist". In the film's opening weekend it grossed over $23 million - in the United States alone - making the film number one at the box office[5] and making it the fifth highest-grossing Halloween debut.[9] With the film's current revenue gross of over $109 million, the film is the highest grossing concert movie in history.[9]

The film opens with a short text introduction stating the purpose of the footage and its intent "For the fans...". After short dialogues from various dancers, Kenny Ortega is heard talking through the original concert opening sequence involving a body suit made from screens which display fast clips and images with bright intensity from which Jackson emerges on stage. Immediately after this, Jackson begins "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" first solo, which pauses half-way through and a small snippet of Jackson singing his song "Speechless" acapella is shown. Jackson is then joined by dancers and completes the first number. A short clip showing rehearsals of the "toaster" mechanism is shown before rehearsal footage of "Jam" is played. This plays directly into the green screen adaption of soldiers dancers for "Bad" which are also used for "They Don't Care About Us" which is shown next. From here, the film shows Michael directing Ortega and his band for his solo rehearsal performance of "Human Nature" which he performs acapella, then acoustic and finally with full band. Green screen rehearsals for the video vignette for "Smooth Criminal" come next, with dress rehearsals of the song following, including parts of the vignette intertwined with the dancing. Jackson is seen next directing his musical team for the cues in his song "The Way You Make Me Feel." Jackson then performs a rehearsal with dancers which he alters and changes as he goes. A small animatic introducing the Jackson 5 is shown afterwards, and Michael then rehearses "I Want You Back", "The Love You Save", "I'll Be There" and "Shake Your Body." Jackson stops only to report problems with his earpiece. After this, Jackson sings with one of his back up singers on his duet song "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" in which he sings at full strength, directing his partner as he goes. The filming for the "Thriller" vignette is then shown with Jackson and Ortega watching with 3D glasses. Jackson is then seen rehearsing "Thriller" with the vignette intertwined like that in "Smooth Criminal."
Footage of Jackson rehearsing was filmed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

During the dance sequence, puppets are suspended in the audience aisles while Jackson emerges from a robotic spider originally seen in the vignette. Jackson and Ortega rehearsing the cherry-picker is seen next, along with Jackson rehearsing "Beat It." Jackson creates the ending he wants for the song, a long drum build up in which he tears off his jacket and burns it. Footage of the show's aerialists rehearsing to the instrumental of "Who Is It" is shown next, followed by the Jackson and his band rehearsing "Black or White," in which he allows guitarist Orianthi Panagaris to take center stage to finish with a high guitar rift. The video-sequence for "Earth Song" is shown next, featuring a small girl who wanders through an abundant forest, falls asleep, and wakes up to find the forest destroyed by man. Jackson then performs the song both onstage and using the cherry-picker, with his voice being heard at the end telling of the dangers of Global Warming and the lack of reversible time left. Afterwards, Michael is seen conversing with Ortega, his dancers and band about the shows, trivial dance moves and his hopes for the concert series. He then performs a quick version of his song "Billie Jean" featuring an extra dance sequence. Michael is then seen talking to all crew members and wishing everyone the best for the London performances. At a sound check, Jackson performs "Man In The Mirror" with strong backing vocals. The film ends with Jackson's arms extended on stage and the message: "Michael Jackson King of Pop Love Lives Forever"
[edit] Cast
Michael Jackson and background dancers rehearsing "They Don't Care About Us".

* Lead vocalist and dancer: Michael Jackson
* Choreographer: Michael Jackson
* Music: Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Robert Kelly, Quincy Jones, Distributed by Sony.
* Keyboards: Michael Bearden, Morris Pleasure
* Lead guitar: Orianthi Panagaris
* Rhythm guitar: Thomas Organ
* Bass: Alfred Dunbar
* Percussion: Roger Bashiri Johnson
* Drums: Jonathan Moffett
* Background vocalists: Judith Hill, Dorian Holley, Darryl Phinnesse, Ken Stacey
* Background dancers: Daniel Yao, Misha Gabriel, Nicholas Bass, Daniel Celebre, Mekia Cox, Christopher Grant, Misha Hamilton, Shannon Holtzapffel, Devin Jamieson, Charles Klapow, Ricardo Reid, Danielle Rueda Watts, Tyne Stecklein, Timor Steffens
* Earth Child: Jasmine Alveran

[edit] Background
[edit] The concerts
See also: This Is It (Michael Jackson concerts)
The interior of The O2 Arena, where the concerts were set to have been held. Jackson was to perform from July 2009 to March 2010 - which would have been the longest residency at the arena.[10]

On March 5, 2009 at the O2 Arena, Jackson announced that he was to perform 10 concert performances as part of a comeback.[11][12] Jackson suggested possible post-show retirement: "I just wanted to say that these will be my final show performances in London. When I say this is it, it really means this is it."[13] On March 11, two days before pre-sale began, an extra 40 dates, totaling to 50 tour dates, were added to meet high demand—five of these dates were reserved in their entirety for the public sale.[14] Jackson's 50 dates would make the concerts the longest residency at the arena. In May, 2009, the tour was originally set to have begun on July 8, 2009, and finished on March 6, 2010.[15] On May 20, 2009, it was announced that the first concert would be pushed back by five days to July 13, and three other July dates would be rescheduled for March, 2010. AEG Live stated that the delay was necessary because more time was needed to prepare, mainly for dress rehearsals. The revised schedule called for 27 shows between July 13, and September 29, 2009, followed by a three month break, and resuming in 2010, with 23 more shows between January 7, and March 6, 2010.[15]

The This Is It concert tour would have been Jackson's first major performances and series of concerts since the HIStory World Tour that began in 1996 and finished in 1997. In preparation for the concerts, Jackson had been collaborating with multiple well known and high profile figures, such as Kenny Ortega, who would have served as his choreographer;[16] Rushka Bergman who would have served as his personal stylist;[17] and body builder Lou Ferrigno, who would have served as his personal trainer.[18] On June 29, 2009, only days after Jackson's death, AEG Live, the concert's promoter, offered ticket holders two choices - to either get refunded all the money spent of their ticket(s) or to keep the ticket(s) as a 'souvenir' and 'memento' by receiving the printed ticket that Jackson had designed himself.[19]
[edit] Music
[edit] Soundtrack
Main article: This Is It (Michael Jackson album)
Jackson and background dancers performing "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", which is featured on the film's album.

The album, titled This Is It was released internationally on October 26, and worldwide the following day. The album debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with the sales of over 373,000 in it's first week of release.[20] The two-disc album features music 'inspired from the documentary of the same name'.[21] Sony said of the albums that: "Disc one will feature the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film" and stated that the "the disc ends with two versions of the 'never-released' 'This Is It' [...] This song is featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael [Jackson]'s brothers, the Jacksons."[22] Sony also stated that the second disc will feature "previously unreleased versions" from Jackson's 'catalogue of hits' and that It will also include a spoken word poem entitled "Planet Earth" (which orginally appeared in the liner notes of the Dangerous album) and a 36-page commemorative booklet with "exclusive photos of Michael [Jackson] from his last rehearsal".[23] On October 9, Sony confirmed the songs that will appear on the album.[24][25] A record label source said of This Is It - a song featured on the album: "It (the song) sounds awesome. The size and scope of the orchestra hasn't been seen since Ray Charles recorded Georgia. Everyone expects a huge hit" and described the song as being "set to be a huge hit" but stated of the song's secrecy that "they're worried about it getting out [..] they've hired huge bodyguards to stand by the [music] studio['s] door."[23] Rolling Stone stated that This Is It was recorded during the sessions for Jackson's 1991 album Dangerous.[23]
[edit] Permission for distribution

According to TMZ.com, on September 17, 2009, lawyers for the estate received permission from a probate judge to close the deal with Sony, though neither of them released or disclosed the terms.[26] TMZ.com stated that: "We've learned lawyers for Michael Jackson's estate went to court today and the probate judge gave permission for them to strike a deal with Sony Music for the production and distribution of a soundtrack album in connection with the '[Michael Jackson's] This is It' film release." TMZ.com also stated that Sony and Jackson's estate had reached an agreement." On September 18, 2009 Sony Music confirmed, which TMZ.com had reported the previous day, that they had struck a deal with Jackson's estate to release the a CD soundtrack of the film.[27][28] Jeryll Cohen, an attorney for the special administrators of Jackson's estate, said of the short-timing they had for preparing the soundtrack for its given release date that: “In order for the album to be completed in time to be released simultaneously with the film, Sony Music must begin working on the film's soundtrack album immediately.”[29]
[edit] Songs featured in the film

1. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'"
2. "Speechless"
3. "Bad"
4. "Smooth Criminal
5. "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
6. "Jam (with snippet of Another Part Of Me)"
7. "Mind Is The Magic"
8. "They Don't Care About Us" (with snippets of "HIStory", "She Drives Me Wild" "Why You Wanna Trip On Me and Bad")



9."Human Nature"
10. "The Way You Make Me Feel"
11. "I Want You Back"
12. "The Love You Save"
13. "I'll Be There"
14. "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)"
15. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You"
16. "Thriller" (with snippets of "Ghosts" and "Threatened")



17. "Who Is It"
18. "Beat It"
19. "Black Or White"
20. "Earth Song"
21. "Billie Jean"
22. "Man In The Mirror"
23. "This Is It" (played during the credits)
24. "Heal The World" (live audio played during the credits)

[edit] Production
[edit] Development
A mid-twenties African American man wearing a sequined military jacket and dark sunglasses. He is walking while waving his right hand, which is adorned with a white glove. His left hand is bare.
According to the film's director Ortega, Jackson (pictured here in 1984) had wanted to record video footage of him rehearsing for himself - and had no intention of ever releasing it to the public.

The film's director and choregrapher; Ortega stated that the rehearsal footage and concept of making a film to document the preparation of the concerts had come about as "an accident".[30][31] Ortega stated the film was pieced together from "private footage" of Jackson and the concerts crew rehearsing and that before Jackson's death, was never intended to be released to the public, or even in general.[32] "The recordings were made so we could use them, then the tapes were destined for Michael [Jackson]'s private library. They have a real unguarded honesty to them."[32] Ortega stated that he had gotten the idea to use the rehearsal footage from Jackson's fans after his death: "At first I got so many messages from fans around the world asking to see the shows, asking to see the footage and eventually I realised the journey wasn't over and we had to do this," and Ortega also stated that the film was made only for the Jackson fans: "[The film] is for the fans and the film will show the development and intentions of the show, and the concert as it moved closer to London."[32]
[edit] Deal with AEG Live

On August 10, 2009, Mitchell Beckloff, who is a Superior Court Judge, officially approved the deal between Columbia Pictures (film distributor) and AEG Live (the concerts promoter) for Columbia to be able to purchase and distribute rehearsal footage of Jackson and the rehearsal crew for the film.[33][34] The deal also included a merchandising agreement with Bravado International Group - the company is a division of Universal Music Group that is owned by Vivendi - so that they can distribute and and sell "Jackson-themed products".[35] Columbia had reportedly paid 60 million (£35 million) for rights to the rehearsal footage in court documents that were filed.[36] The papers filed had also reportedly stated that Jackson's estate will get 90% of the profits and that AEG will get the remaining 10% from the film's revenue. In the agreement, Columbia and AEG Live both agreed in the deal that the final version of the film should be no longer than 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes), and that the film must attain a PG rating.[35] The contract also stated that the film is not allowed to show footage of Jackson that shows him in a negative way, stating that: "Footage that paints Jackson in a bad light will not be permitted and "Under the terms of the proposed contract, the film will have to be screened for Jackson’s estate and cannot include any footage that puts the superstar in a bad light."[36] AEG stated that they'd had given Columbia over "100 hours of footage of preparations and rehearsals for the shows" as part of the deal."" The court papers stated that in order for the film to be released to the public the final version of the film must be screened to representatives for Jackson's Estate[37] no later than October 2, 2009.
[edit] Release
[edit] Marketing

On September 9, the film's official theatrical movie poster was released. On September 10, 2009, it was reported that MTV's Video Music Awards's, which at the time had already announced that they would honor Jackson at the show would premiere the film's first, and only known, trailer.[38] The trailer premiered, as scheduled, right before the end of the VMAs show.[39] The show was watched by a total of 9 million people; a 17% increase over 2008's show and the biggest ratings since the 2004 award show.[40] On September 13, 2009, it was reported that a "secret Michael Jackson [promotional music] single is being produced" to promote the film, at which the film would have, at the time, been released the following month.[41] It was reported that Jackson had recorded the song for release with his planned summer tour but after his death it was shelved until producers in Los Angeles remixed the vocals with an orchestral accompaniment.[42]

On September 23, 2009, it was reported that the film's new song This Is It will be released on October 12, 2009; sixteen days before the film's release.[42][43][44] On October 9, it was confirmed that the song will debut online Monday at midnight - the song, will get its world premiere on MichaelJackson.com.[45] On September 21, 2009, Sony released a 45-second clip of Jackson rehearsing his performance for "Human Nature" and also released stills from the video clip.[46][47] On October 5, 2009 Youtube.com which receives over 1 billion page views daily, advertised the film on their websites homepage.[48] On October 9, 2009, IMDb.com which receives 57 million page views monthly, and MTV.com advertised the film their website.[49][50] As part of print marketing for the film Entertainment Weekly magazine did a cover story of the film for the magazine's October 16, 2009, issue, to collide with the films release for that same month.[51][52] Also as part of promotion for the film, Entertainment Weekly released 8 "never before seen" movie stills from the film.[53] On October 21, a clip of Jackson rehearsing The Way You Make Me Feel was released.[54] On October 21, a 2 minute featurette of the film was released.[55]
Before the film's official theatrical poster was released on September 9, 2009, - Sony had at the time been using this logo (above) as a promotional and marketing tool for the film.

In September 2009, Sony launched "This-Is-It-Fans.com", which allows fans to sign up for an 'alert' so that they can be able to take part in 'Michael Jackson’s This Is It mosaic', in which fans can upload photos to the website, beginning from September 21, to September 30, and the completed mosaic will be posted online on October 22; six days before the film's release.[56] On September 24, 2009, MTV announced, after the success the project proved with New Moon, that they will allow MTV registered users, to "watch and comment on any scene" in the film's already released trailer." MTV described the project as "essentially [being] an in-video graphical overlay that allows users to comment on the video as it plays and review comments from other users.[57] MTV stated that: "the doodad is back and this time we're launching it for the trailer for 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' [...] So here's how it works. Watch the [film's] video [trailer]. When it reaches a point that you'd like to comment on, click the Share button. From there you'll be asked to sign into your preferred social network, Facebook or Twitter, and make your comment. Whenever anyone watches the video thereafter, your words will be pegged to that timestamp in the video."[57]
[edit] Obtaining tickets
Crowds of people lined up outside of L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles two and half days early to buy tickets for early screenings of the movie.

On September 21, 2009, it was reported that there were three ways to obtain tickets to the film goes on sale starting September 27. The three options for obtaining tickets were to get them at the box office;[58] through the film's official Sony website (This-Is-It-Movie.com);[59] or through the film's official ticket site (This-Is-It-Tickets.com).[60] It was also reported that fans have the option of signing up for an 'alert' when tickets go on sale by a movie theatre in their area by going to "Tickets" section on This-Is-It.com.[61] Fandango.com, who are a movie theater ticket distributor, stated that tickets will be available for purchase starting as 12:01 am on Sunday, September 27, and stated that they'll continue to sell tickets for as long as they last.[62] MTV.com stated that the are no internet sales of the tickets to the first screening - meaning that the only way to obtain tickets to the first screening are only available via the box office.[63]

On September 25, 2009, lines opened at the courtyard outside the Nokia Theatre's L.A. Live complex in downtown Los Angeles. Dozens of people were waiting in line to purchase tickets three days before tickets went on sale through the box office."" Though The Insider.com stated that there were 'crowds' of people starting as early as September 24, 2009 afternoon.[64] Tickets for the advance shows are scheduled to go on sale Saturday midnight/early Sunday morning, meaning that people already in line would have to 'spend days' (over 48 hours)."" The L.A. Live complex; allowed people waiting in line the opportunity to bring chairs - one per person - and umbrellas due to the 'long wait ahead of them.'[64] AEG, which operates the L.A. Live complex stated that "no tents, alcohol, cooking or boom boxes were permitted in line" and set-up onsite monitors - that would issue 'passes for restroom and food breaks.'[65]

It was reported that the "first 500 fans in line have been promised commemorative lenticular tickets designed by Jackson for the London concerts at the O2 Arena", the only other way to obtain those specialized tickets was to trade-in your concert tickets to the now-canceled tour.[66] MTV.com also stated that: "Fans in line are also eligible to receive commemorative 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' T-shirts and posters [...] They're also being invited to sign the memorial wall set up outside the theater, which is open for anyone who wants to leave a message or memory for the late King of Pop."[66] A reported total of 3,000 movie tickets will be available for the early screening of the film on October 27, 2009, at the L.A. Live's new Regal Cinemas Stadium 14, marking it the movie theater's grand opening. It's the only screening location offering the advance shows and commemorative tickets.[67] Musician, James Bourne stated that he had waited over "50 hours" in line and that after he'd purchased his tickets he had received "wrist bands" as 'proof of purchase'.[68] Jeff Labrecque, a writer for EntertainmentWeekly.com said of enthusiasm that Jackson's fans have for the movie to wait in line for days that: "Three months after Michael Jackson’s death, I’m still surprised by the passion of his fans."[69] Bridget Daly, a writer for Hollyscoop.com said of dedication Jackson's fans have for him, to have to go through just to watch a screening of a film: "This is all so serious! Can you imagine those poor Michael Jackson fans who will have to stay up all night for a screening at 4AM? But it’s for Michael Jackson, so we can expect nothing less.!"[70]
[edit] Ticket sales

On September 27, the first day of ticket sales, all 3,000 tickets to the advanced screenings of the film had "sold out within two hours [on] early Sunday [September 27, 2009]." Fans had reportedly waited in line for days.[71][72][73] CinemaBlend.com reported that over 160 showings had sold out.[74] Reuters.com, stated that "hundreds of screenings in North America have already sold out, a month before the film's October 28 opening."[75] According to MovieTickets.com, sales of tickets to the film have "accounted for more than 82 percent of all the tickets sold at the site today [Monday, September 28, 2009]." CinemaBlend.com described the sale of tickets on MovieTickets.com as being "fairly significant" - but remarked that "this is after all, just a concert documentary." It was reported that over 80 percent of tickets sold on Fandango.com were for this film.[76] It was also reported that the film had "accounted for some 80% of all online ticketing in the U.S. within its first 24 hours of sales, dominating presales compared with such upcoming titles as Avatar and The Twilight Saga: New Moon.[77] Sony, confirmed that over 30,000 tickets were sold in the first 24 hours that tickets went of sale.[78][79] Sony also stated - as of September 28, - that the film's 'moved' over 1 million dollars in tickets sales in Japan.[79] Sony announced in a press release that in the "last 24 hours [since September 27]", that over 80% of all Fandango.com and Movietickets.com sales for the film, had already sold out in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Nashville and New York, among others and: "Internationally, exhibitors from London and Sydney to Bangkok and Tokyo have experienced the same epic demand." Sony stated in a statement of the film's good ticket sale's that: "Staggering advance sales were reported in Australia, where tickets for Michael Jackson's This Is It purchased through Village Cinemas exceeded the lifetime pre-sales of such blockbusters as Transformers and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. In Bangkok, Thailand, fans lined up at box office ticket counters throughout the city, and by the end of the first day, all tickets for the first showings across Bangkok were sold out."" On Thursday October 1, 2009, Fadango.com stated the film was the 'top ticket seller' on the site.[80] Both Fandango.com and Movietickets.com are reported that more than 1,600 screenings had already been sold out, via online pre-sales, by October 15.[81] In United Kingdom, Vue Entertainment stated that they'd sold 64,000 tickets in the two-and-a-half weeks since ticket purchasing was made available, while Odeon Cinema stated that they'd had the sales of over 60,000 tickets by October 15.[82]
"Last year, Disney billed Miley Cyrus' Best of Both Worlds show as a one-week-only event. Then the film scored a $31 million opening weekend, and one week turned into 15. Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus became the top-grossing concert movie of all time. So far. While it's still early, This Is It is on track to top Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. During its first three days of sales, Fandango said, Jackson's film outpaced Cyrus' first three days by a wide three-to-one margin."
—Joal Ryan, a writer from E!Online.com on predicting that the film will be more successful than Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert based on the comparison of the two film's pre-sale tickets.[80]

E! Online.com said of the film, based on its current record ticket selling, out-selling and making more revenue then Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert that: "Last year, Disney billed Miley Cyrus' Best of Both Worlds show as a one-week-only event. Then the film scored a $31 million opening weekend, and one week turned into 15. Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus became the top-grossing concert movie of all time. So far. While it's still early, This Is It is on track to top Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. During its first three days of sales, Fandango said, Jackson's film outpaced Cyrus' first three days by a wide three-to-one margin."[80] Joel Cohen, the executive vice president of MovieTickets.com, said of the ticket sales: "Michael Jackson is such an iconic figure, with a fan base that transcends even some of the most bankable stars in Hollywood [...] We expected there to be a large demand for tickets for an ‘event' film like this one, but MovieTickets.com has never seen such a high volume of sellouts this far in advance for any movie."[83] A spokesperson for Fandango.com, stated that, as of October 4, that: "The [film is the] best-selling concert film of all time. We were expecting a huge rush of ticket sales within the first few days. They are still going strong as of Thursday, fives days in. It shows no sign of abating." Nikki Finke stated that she felt the film "could shatter box-office records" and predicted that they will take in a total of $250 million in its first five days of release alone - which would make it the biggest opening of all time; taking that record from the current title-holder The Dark Knight, which earned $203 million in its first five days of release.[84]
[edit] Record sales

Stuart Boreman, Vue Entertainment's film buying director, stated that the film's sales of over 30,000 tickets in the period of 1 day (24 hours) had broken 'box office records' of having the 'biggest ever one-day sales record' in the United Kingdom, eclipsing advance buying for films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Lord of the Rings. Boreman stated: "I've never seen anything like it in the 25 years I have been film buying" and described the film's ticket sales as "a true phenomenon and sales show no sign of slowing down."[85] It was reported that fans had "lined" up at the box office ticket counters throughout the city of Bangkok, Thailand, and that by the end of the first day "all tickets for the first showings across Bangkok were sold out."[79] It was also reported that there were "sell-outs at theaters in France" and that "thousands of fans lined up at The Grand Rex in Paris and quickly bought out the film's first screening there [...] Record-setting sales also were recorded in Germany [...] hundreds of fans lined up outside one theater in Munich at midnight to await the opening of the box office." A German exhibitor said of crowds of people lining up for tickets to the film, that: "Something like this never happened before in Germany.""" Among other countries, "record sales" and "sell-outs" are also being reported in Holland, Sweden, Belgium and New Zealand."[79]

On October 1, 2009, MovieTickets.com said it had already "sold a record of more than 550 sellouts." On October 7, 2009; three weeks prior to the film's release, MovieTickets.com stated that the film had entered their "Top-25 Advance Ticket Sellers of All-Time", bumping The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring from the Number 25 slot.[86] At #25, the film is currently 18 slots away from outselling Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert; which is the highest grossing concert film of all-time.[86] A week before the film was to be released in South Africa it was confirmed that the film had broke multiple pre-sale ticket records for a film release in South Africa.[87] With over 18,000 tickets already sold by October 21, 2009, and "only a few tickets left over" for the film's premiere at 2:00 am premiere on the 28, that is double what the previous record set by Quantum of Solace (2008) had, with, the pre-sales of over 7,500 tickets.[87] By October 27, Kinekor cinemas sold over 24,000 pre-sale tickets in South Africa, tripling the previous pre-sale record.[88]
[edit] 3-D and IMAX
On September 30; days after tickets went of sale for the film, Regal Entertainment Group confirmed that they would make 25 of their IMAX theater's available for screening's of the film across the country, due to the film's popularity - based on the sales of pre-sale tickets.

Despite the fact that IMAX screenings are usually planned and booked months in advance by the film's movie distributors, Regal Entertainment Group, the nation's largest theater chain, stated on September 30, 2009, that they would screen IMAX versions of the film at their cinemas.[89] Regal stated that they are planning on making 25 of their IMAX locations available for the screening of the film when it opens to the public on October 28, 2009.[89] Dick Westerling, who's the head of marketing and advertising for Regal, said in a statement that: "Michael Jackson's This Is It advance ticket sales are extremely popular at our theatres across the country, so we are pleased to continue this momentum by adding the film in The IMAX Experience at 25 locations."[89] The film's director; Kenny Ortega stated, on his official Twitter page, in response to people questioning whether the film will be in 3-D that: "Heads up, in answer to your question re [sic] Michael Jackson's This Is It, it is NOT in 3D."[90]

IMAX Corporation and Sony stated on, October 26, that the film will open in digital IMAX theatres."" Sony stated that the limited IMAX release will be played domestically during "evening show times" in 96 IMAX digital theatres.[91] In addition, the movie will rplayed in 27 of the company's international digital locations. Sony described the film as having has been: "Digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology.[91] A key part of the IMAX DMR process includes re-mastering the soundtrack to take advantage of IMAX's 14,000 watt digital audio system."[91] The film's IMAX screening will sound "10 times more" dynamic range than average systems in regular theatre, it will not have distortion and will have sound quality that "feels more immersive, especially with added acoustic paneling that absorbs sound and removes echo. This unparalleled sound experience combined with IMAX's crystal-clear images and customized theatre geometry create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are actually attending a Michael Jackson performance".[91]
Release schedule

On August 11, 2009, it was widely announced, and later confirmed, that the film would be released to theatres in October 2009, though at the time no specific date was released or confirmed.[92] When confirmed it was reported that the film was set be released worldwide on October 30, 2009.[93] Later in August it was announced that the film's release date was rescheduled two days early for October 28.[94] Sony stated that the film's release date was moved up by two days due to an 'overwhelming demand' for the film."[94] On October 28, 2009, the film will be released United States domestically, Canada, and to various over-seas countries including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, United Arab Emirates,[95] and United Kingdom.[96] The following day, on October 29 the film will be released to Greece, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, South Korea and Turkey.[96] On October 30, the final worldwide start date, the film will be released to Bulgaria, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden.[96] Overseas, Sony's worldwide distribution-marketing topper Jeff Blake said the studio is planning a wide foreign release for the film, with more than 8,500 prints sent out to exhibitors in 75 countries for the October 28, release - along with the 5,000 prints for the domestic launch.[97] Though that's not a high-level opening on the foreign side, in which tentpole releases such as "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" launch with more than 10,000 playdates, but its well above average.[97] The film, will be released in 99 countries on October 28, and later to 110 territories by October 30.[98] On Tuesday October 6, 2009, it was reported and confirmed by a Sony executive, that the film had been chosen to be one of the last of China's "20 annual foreign movie import slots".[99][100][101] China only allows 20 major foreign films to be released in the country every year on a revenue-sharing basis.[101] Chinese censors had reportedly approved the film before the countries weeklong holiday that started on October 1, clearing it in time for the global release date of October 28.[101][102] Li Chow, manger of Sony Pictures Releasing International's stated that Sony will give the movie as wide a release as possible because of Jackson's popularity in China; depending on how many prints they can issue before the film's release on the 28th of that month, Li commented that: "We'll do as many prints as possible. It depends on the labs."[101][103][104]
Early release

On September 21, 2009, it was reported that Sony will 'host' over 25 global premieres of the film, in over 15 different cities around the world, on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, one day before the film will be released to the public.[105][106][107] Sony stated that locations with advanced screening include New York, Rio de Janeiro, London, Berlin and Seoul, though Sony did not release the names of the other cities that will host the 15 'simultaneous screenings', Variety reported there will be premieres in Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney and Paris at a 'later date'.[108] In Canada, an advanced screening was held in Montreal. In the United Kingdom, screening's of the film will be held at London's Leicester Square, and will take place at 1:00 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, in order to coincide with the 6:00 pm start time of the 'Los Angeles' premiere October 27, 2009.[105] Following the film's London premiere event, United Kingdom audiences will be able to see the film for the first time starting as early as 4.00 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2009.[105] The film's "grand opening" will be at Regal Cinemas Stadium 14, for the film's opening, the theatre will show the film on all of its 14 screens that night. After the premiere of the film at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, screening's of the film will be followed three hours later in New York, Rio de Janeiro, London, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Seoul.[109] The film's premiere event at the Nokia theater is set to be broadcast via satellite. The film will be released across India with over "150 prints" - cities with tickets available for purchase are Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bangalore.[110] Jeff Blake, who is a chairman of the film's distributer Sony, said of giving advanced screening of the film worldwide-a day before its public release in a statement: “Michael Jackson has an army of fans everywhere around the world [...] By rolling out this film with simultaneous premieres and special advance screenings on October 27th, [2009] we are giving audiences an incredible opportunity to join together in celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible career.”[108][111] Sony decided it to run in Japan for additional two weeks [112].
Home media

Sony stated that they'd hoped to have had released the film on DVD/Blu-ray by Christmas - to capitalize the holiday shopping season, but overall chose to reschedule the release day. Sony stated that the DVD is expected to come out in late January or early February of 2010.[113] Sony which usually wait 90 (three months) to 120 days (four months) stated that, when they'd planned on releasing the film in December, that they had tried to persuade theater operators to make an exception for the film due to it having a limited theatrical release, Blake stated that: "We [Sony Pictures Entertainment] felt we made a pretty good case as to why this movie was different".[113] John Fithian, president of the National Assn. of Theatre Owners stated that "We['ve] had several conversations with Sony and so did our members [...] Anytime we see the window go under three months, we alert our members and raise concerns with the studios."[113] Fithian stated that after hearing "complaints" from exectutives of the company, he'd "raised a general concern with Sony" about the short gap between the film's release and the DVD release, soon after Sony, agreed to release the DVD later "to preserve good relations with them".[113]
Controversies
AEG Live criticism

In September 2009, AEG, stated that based on the positive enthusiasm by fans for waiting in lines for days for tickets to the film, that they'd hoped that it was a sign that the public hadn't felt that they were exploiting Jackson after his death.[114] Tim Leiweke, the president of AEG, stated that he hoped that the film would give fans some peace of mind that as a company, Jackson's 'legacy' and well being was always a priority and the fact that people had thought otherwise had really "hurt" people at AEG.[114] Leiweke stated: "Some of the things that people have said about us, which are so untrue, this movie's going to restore his legacy, and prove that we, in fact, gave Michael a second chance here. And an opportunity to make the kind of comeback he was dreaming of. And that we created an environment for him that was probably the best environment that the guy had the last 10 or 15 years of his life. And I'm very proud of the way we treated Michael, and very proud of the partnership that we had with him. And this movie is an opportunity to celebrate that, and we could get past all of the gossip and all of the innuendo."[114] Multiple members of Jackson's family had opposed the film from the start of the film's confirmation in August 2009.[115] According to TMZ Jackson's nephews had tried to go to court to try to stop the film negotiation's between AEG Live and Sony.[115] Jackson's older sister Latoya stated that she felt that Michael wouldn't have wanted the film to have been released because he wasn't giving his all into his performances. "Michael [Jackson] always wants to give his best. This is a rehearsal. He wasn’t giving his all [...] He loves to give his all always. That’s just the way he is. He wants people to see him at the top of the ladder and not half-stepping because he doesn’t want to do a full-out rehearsal."[116] Jackson's mother, Katherine stated that she cannot watch the film, still under grief by Jackson's death, but hopes to watch it "another time".[117] Despite members of the Jackson family opposing the film, Sony confirmed that they had given the entire family 60 premiere tickets to the film.[118]
Body double allegations

In October 2009, Jackson's father, Joe stated and had strongly insisted that the film "is mostly body doubles" and that "the media is going to tear this movie apart" because of it.[115] TMZ stated that members of the Jackson family had felt that footage of "Jackson" in the film wasn't him - but rather body double(s).[119] On October 27, 2009 - the day before the film's release, Sony released a statement denying rumors that the film had rehearsal footage of Jackson body doubles. "This story is pure garbage and there are no body doubles. [...] Audiences will begin to see the film tomorrow [October 28, 2009] and every time they see The King of Pop they will know that every frame is unquestionably Michael [Jackson] as he rehearses and prepares for the London concerts that were to have begun this past summer."[119]
Protest

At the time of Jackson's death, and in the aftermath of it, multiple reports surfaced that AEG Live purposely tried to hide Michael Jackson's health concerns during preparations for his would have been concerts. Concerns included Jackson's frail appearance due to lack of eating that had reportedly caused Jackson to be unable to perform from lack of strength[120] and that AEG had used body doubles in rehearsals to stand in for Jackson.[115] After Jackson's death, AEG stated that there was no truth to any of the rumors and that Jackson was thin but in good enough condition to perform.[121] On October 23, days before the film's release, fans of Jackson launched a protest campaign against the film entitled "This Is NOT It".[122][123] The campaign's focus was to convince people that Jackson's health was neglected by AEG, among others, and that AEG was partly responsible for Jackson's death and now the company is making a profit off Jackson's death.[124] The group started a website and created their own 'trailer' for the movie to showcase their point-of-view on the documentary.[124] The protesters stated: “In the weeks leading up to Michael Jackson’s death, while this footage was being shot, people around him knew that he looked like he might be dying. Those who stood to make a profit chose to ignore it. Friends and fans who had no financial interest, chose to address it and attempted to help him. AEG, the promoters for This Is It, ignored the signs, ignored the pleas, and in fact, actively covered up the truth. What you will see on that screen is part of that cover up.”[124][123] The protestors also inaccurately claimed that Jackson was 108 pounds (49 kg) at his death, contradicting Jackson's autopsy, which had stated that Jackson weighted 136 (61 kg).[125] Shortly after the protest became news, The Guardian conducted a poll on their website asking users "What do you think of Michael Jackson's posthumous film Is This It?", 50% agreed with one of the two options: "I agree with the fans who are boycotting it - it's shameless profiteering".[126]
Reception
Ratings

As of October 30, 2009, on the website Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, the film currently has a rating of 87% - overall giving the film a "fresh" (positive) review.[127] The film was rated, on average, as a 7.1/10 and received a review of 80% based on 137 reviews - 111 were positive, giving it the rating of "the cream of the crop"; while 26 were negative, rating the film as being "rotten".[127] Based on 4,895 user ratings (votes), IMDb.com gave the film a rating of 7.6 on a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 10 (the best).[128] In the film's conducted ratings, it showed that the film garnered positive ratings more by, females than by males (8.9 compared to 7.4); results showed that the film was more liked by non-US users than by US users (7.9 compared to 7.0) and was more liked by people within the age group of people under ages 18 to 29 (8.1), and the age group of the of age 18 to 29 (8.0), than age's 30 to 44 (6.6) or 45 or older (5.8).[128] Film currently has the rating of four out of five stars on AllMovie.com.[129] Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, reported that reviews were "generally favorable", with an average rating of 67 based on 31 reviews, the film garnered a more positive user rating; compared to ratings from critics, with a rating of 7.8 out of 10, based on 50 votes.[130] The film currently has garnered an "average rating" of four out of five star rating by users on Moviefone.com.[131] On YahooMovies.com the film currently has the rating of B+ on a scale of A+ to F- based on 12 reviews by critics and a rating of A by users based on 3,394 votes.[132] In a week-long online survey conducted by Fandango.com, Fandango reported that the film's survey showed that; moviegoers interested in seeing the film were Jackson fans (43%), that movie goers were particularly more interested in Jackson’s work since his death (48%), and that moviegoers had sampled one or more songs from the film's album that was already released before the film's release (60%).[133] On BoxOfficeMojo.com, which rates film's - based on user voting - on a scale of A to F received the "grade" B, based on 345 votes.[5]
Critical response

Roger Ebert, of Chicago Sun Times described the film as being an "extraordinary documentary", and stated that the film was "nothing at all like what" he was expecting to see.[134] Ebert tore apart rumors that were raised by media outlets stating that Jackson was in poor health and was underperforming stating that the film didn't show a "sick and drugged man forcing himself through grueling rehearsals, but a spirit embodied by music" and referred to Jackson's rehearsal performance(s) as having been "something else".[134] Kirt Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter praised the film for "it's a strange yet strangely beguiling film that captures one of pop culture's great entertainers in the feverish grips of pure creativity" and stated that film presents that audience with a screen filled with everyone ranging from performers, musicians, choreographers, crew members, craftsmen, and took notice that the film had a primaril focus of Jackson.[135] Honeycutt perceived based on what he'd seen from the behind-the-scenes look of rehearsals that he understood what it takes to "attain such dizzying heights in entertainment" and that he understood why Jackson "chose to stay away" from performing "for a decade" and, based on what he saw from footage from rehearsals that it "looks like the world has missed one helluva concert".[135] Honeycutt cited that the only thing that frustrated him more than knowing the "tragedy" that prevented the concert from happening was "not knowing what you're looking at" and praised the film for having not having felt like a complete concert film because it had a grip on the audience, stating: "Where are Jackson and his conspirators at any given moment in the creative process? The film tries to be a concert film without having the actual footage. So when everything comes to a halt, audiences get thrown."[135] Peter Travers, of Rolling Stone described watching Jackson's "struggle" as being "illuminating, unnerving and unforgettable" and felt that the film was a great "transcendent tribute" to Jackson because it didn't have, nor need, a "safety net".[136]
"More important, however, is that we rarely witness Jackson giving 100%: He frequently comments that he is saving his voice and body for the actual performances. Jackson certainly can’t be faulted for this, but it’s questionable whether he would really want his fans to see him thus. Don’t get me wrong: 60% of Michael Jackson is still a pretty good thing [...] [Jackson] the noted perfectionist, at work, correcting others’ dance moves without missing a beat himself and giving notes, sometimes revelatory and other times inscrutable, to his music director and others"
—Marjorie Baumgarten of Austin Chronicle[137]

Joshua Rothkopf of Times of New York referred to being a "must-see danceumentary".[138] Rothkopf described Jackson as "obviously" having been "shooting for the moon right before his death" based on what he could tell from the "stunning bits of concert spectacle" of "phalanxes of computer-generated dancers, tempo changes on a dime, a bombshell of a blond guitarist who plays Eddie Van Halen’s “Beat It” solo flawlessly".[138] Rothkopf stated that: "But the true value of this raw rehearsal footage is its emphasis, less known, on MJ’s laserlike attention to detail, as he works his band and troupe up to speed. A firm floor manager himself, he’s often exposed—and probably wouldn’t have approved of this film. (One on one, High School Musical’s Kenny Ortega, meanwhile, treats him with kid gloves: “I agree, Michael.”) But to see him sweetly lose himself in “Human Nature” (“I like living this way…”) is to feel a creature of the stage finally returned home, and possibly on the cusp of redemption."[138] Peter Paras, of E! Online felt that watching Jackson and his performance's in a positive aspect is the "genius and the sadness of the entire film".[139] He did note that Jackson's performance of Earth Song, which consists of using Jackson's voiceover to emphasize his environmental concerns while a bulldozer threatens to eat him, was well intentioned - because it brought attention to environmental concerns - but felt it was a little over the top.[139] Paras felt the film showed an "exacting and refreshingly funny side of Jackson to be revealed" and "had Jackson lived, we never would have seen those moments" and felt the film was a proper way to "finally say goodbye" to Jackson.[139]

Randall Roberts of LA Weekly had a mixed opinion on the film, feeling that "the problem is that Ortega offers only the public" Jackson and commented that "die-hard" Jackson fans should "prepare to be thrilled — and heartbroken".[140] Roberts criticized the film for "whitewashing" the audience by only letting them "witness" Jackson through the eyes of his employees in a film "designed not only to illuminate Jackson’s final days but also to set the terms of future conversation about them" and commented that the film does not show him "as an alleged child molester or a helpless, drug-addicted wreck but as a force of nature and, above all, a dancer".[140] Traver's also criticized the film for showing "the cleanest, most positive spin on the last days" of Jackson and questioned that "what other, potentially more dynamic stories hide inside the 100 hours of footage from which This Is It was culled? "[140]

Marjorie Baumgarten of Austin Chronicle referred to the film as being "neither a true concert film nor a strict behind-the-scenes documentary, This Is It is, like Jackson himself, a real hybrid" and felt that while the film's "made up of lots of grainy footage, which Ortega has edited together seamlessly" it will also "provide a fitting farewell".[137] Baumgarten noted that "the finished film is a fairly complete concert run-through with each song edited" and that while the film will easily show that it was made for a profit, that, the audience will see a "film to be a fitting elegy."[137] Joe Morgenstern, of The Wall Street Journal, felt the film was "expertly packaged—brilliantly packaged", and noted that the film "quite convincingly" had emphasized that Jackson had enough energy to perform, even with his "wraith-thin body".[141] Ann Powers, of Los Angeles Times said that while the film offers only a few such "insights into Jackson's artistic process, though enough surface to make this a useful document, as well as a beautiful one" that the film is "a piece with Jackson's body of work: dazzling and strange, blurring the line between fantasy and reality".[142] She described Ortega's editing to make the film feel like a real concert film as being "almost too good to believe".[142] Powers praised the film for showing "intimate views" of Jackson, like his "vulnerable moments" during performances and felt the film was made "to honor not just the memory of Jackson but the hard work of a big cast and crew that never made it to opening night", which she felt mostly is a tribute to the "power of Jackson's body and voice". Powers stated she'd felt the film was such "a tragic teaser for the shows that might have been, 'This Is It' hurts. If Jackson had been able to perform as he frequently does during these scenes, he would have accomplished the comeback for which he was so hungry."[142] She praised Jackson's performance's of Beat It and The Way You Make Me Feel and Billie Jean, because "sequences are driven by Jackson's anomalous grace" and appear to feel "enhanced; his gauntness is downplayed; split screens make the dancing more magical; a careful sound mix hides most of the roughness for which any middle-aged singer must compensate."[142] She noted that Jackson's "total lack of engagement with the cameras adds to the unreal mood" because he was always performing - "but for the imagined masses, not for the filmgoer" and that the film doesn't "entirely acknowledge that reality, and that's a little odd".[142]
"We see Jackson as a perfectionist, a generous boss, a tough taskmaster and a playful child. Off guard and probably unaware that it would ever be seen by the public, we find Jackson pushing his band and production team to the limit with demands to "let it sizzle" and "make the music simmer". Obsessive Jacko fans may be shocked by his Diva-ish behaviour as he complains about ear-pieces, but it's heartening to finally view the late singer as a rounded human with regular failings and imperfections. Similarly a scene featuring Jackson screaming "weeeee!" with childish glee as he moves around the stage on a giant cherry-picker, will surely bring a smile to even the most cynical viewer"
—Alex Fletcher of Digital Spy[143]

Lou Lumenick, of the New York Post strongly criticized both the film and Jackson's performances - both aspects which were highly and the most praised by critcs. Lumenick criticism of Jackson's performances was he felt Jackson moves "stiffly and lethargically" and that it was "clear" that Jackson was lip-synching while performing 'Thriller'.[144] He felt Jackson's performance of 'Smooth Criminal' looked "incongruous, to say the least" and that "the hokey environmental visuals accompanying 'Earth Song' are even worse", and cited Beat It as being the movie’s "only half-decent number".[144] Lumenick said that he was certain that a "perfectionist" like Jackson wouldn't want to have been remembered by a "shoddy piece of exploitation".[144] David Edwards, of Daily Mirror, stated that while he felt that the film is a "success" he overall disliked the film, having felt that "as an exercise in wringing every last penny from Jackson's legacy" the film "most certainly isn't it" a tribute.[145] Alex Fletcher, of Digital Spy described the film as having been an "essential viewing" and praised the film for showing "the real Michael Jackson" - which consisted of "difficult, odd, kind, obsessive and funny". He cited Jackson's best performances as Thriller and Billie Jean and the "worst material", Earth Song.[143] While, Flethcer did feel that, based on the rehearsal footage, that Jackson "falls short of his groundbreaking 'Dangerous' and 'Bad' world tours" he noted that Jackson's age and thinness was mostly likely a factor in his performances and described Jackson as having more "star quality and charisma than a million Simon Cowell factory-line production pop singers".[143] He stated that would have been concert could have been potentially one of the "grandest and most visually stunning concerts of all time - never got to see the light of day".[143]