Michael Jackson 'This is It' due for DVD release on Jan. 26
Nov 30, 2009 By City News Service - La Jolla Light
The much anticipated DVD release of Michael Jackson's hit concert film "This Is It" will be Jan. 26, Sony Pictures announced Monday.
The film, to be released on DVD and Blu-ray, showcases rehearsal footage of the late pop singer as he prepared for his sold-out series of 50 concerts that were scheduled for London's O2 arena.
The Blu-ray and DVD release will allow fans to go beyond the theatrical experience with a pair of documentaries -"Staging The Return: Beyond The Show" and "Staging The Return: The Adventure Begins," in which Michael Jackson is shown developing, creating and rehearsing for his "This Is It" tour.
Also included will be a series of featurettes, including "The Gloved One," with the show's costumer revealing the elaborate outfits created for the tour; "Memories of Michael," in which cast and crew pay tribute to Jackson's legacy; "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers," spotlighting the search for the show's backup dancers; and the film's theatrical trailer.
Additional features exclusive to the Blu-ray include the complete and uncut versions of "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller," two all-new vignettes seen briefly in the film, along with a special "Making-of Smooth Criminal" featurette.
In the "Thriller" vignette, Jackson recreates one of his most popular songs featuring a new cast of zombies, ghosts and ghouls, and he performs new and signature dance moves.
Jackson, 50, was pronounced dead around 2 p.m. June 25, hours after he was found not breathing at his rented Holmby Hills mansion. The "King of Pop" was staying at the mansion while rehearsing at Staples Center and Inglewood's Forum for his London concert engagement.
Jackson died from an overdose of a prescription sedative. A criminal investigation into his death is continuing.
The film was compiled from more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage taken between March and June.
Proceeds from the film are expected to benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust.
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