In just four months since Michael Jackson passed away, Columbia Pictures has managed to produce a documentary chronicling the King Of Pop's rehearsals for his sold-out "This Is It" tour. The intended 50-date run at London's O2 venue was scheduled to begin July 13, just a few weeks after Michael's untimely June 25 death.
The "This Is It" film hits theatres worldwide today and has already set yet another record for the globally acclaimed performer, thanks to enthusiastic fans who have been aggressively purchasing tickets.
We are anxious to see "This Is It" and have compiled a list of 5 things we know about the movie.
1. 'It' Will Feature The Following Songs
Michael Jackson has such a massive catalog of hit records that it would be difficult to slip in too many surprises into the documentary "This Is It." Viewers can expect to see rehearsal footage of Michael performing "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," "Earth Song," "Man In The Mirror," "Heal The World," and what the "This Is It" production notes describe as his biggest hits from the "Thriller" and "Bad" albums. The 1 hour and 57 minute movie will also showcase Michael performing a Jackson 5 medley including songs "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There."
Check out this just-released footage of "Smooth Criminal":
2. Michael's Children Want To See 'It'
According to TMZ, Michael's three children, Prince Michael, Paris, and Prince Michael II, will see the movie Tuesday evening in a private screening at the Sony lot in Los Angeles. "This Is It" choreographer Travis Payne told Access Hollywood that the children expressed interest in seeing the film last week when they were shown a preview. Access Hollywood added that Michael's brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy are scheduled to attend the premiere at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. But, sister LaToya and mother Katherine Jackson told TV Guide that it is too early for them to watch the movie. "I don't think I can bear to look at it right now," Katherine said. "But eventually in time, I will watch it."
Is 'It' The Best Pre-selling Performance Movie?
From the moment tickets went on sale for "This Is It," it was a contender to become the performance movie with the best pre-sale tickets ever. According to Time, more than 1,600 advance sellouts have been reported since the September 27 on-sale date. "This is a movie that's tailor-made for advance ticketing," Paul Dergarabedian, a box-office analyst for Hollywood.com, told Time. "People want to have peace of mind that they will not be turned away."
It' Will Be On DVD By 2010
"This Is It" is expected to be released on DVD by January 20, AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips told Examiner.com. Phillips said the rush to prep the DVD is one of the reasons why the movie was given a two week theatrical run, citing a battle between theaters/studios with DVD releases. "We were trying to have the DVD out by Christmas," Phillips said, "but we missed the deadline." Phillips added that the theatre dates could be extended if the movie performs well. The DVD will reportedly contain the entire big screen version, plus interviews and outtakes.
Rumors have circulated that a body double for Michael Jackson was used to fill in some gaps in the movie. The speculated arose after Joe Jackson commented that the media would "tear this movie apart" and claimed that it was "mostly body doubles," TMZ reports. However, a rep from Sony shot down the accounts. "This story is pure garbage and there are no body doubles," the unnamed rep said. "Audiences will begin to see the film [Tuesday] and every time they see the King Of Pop they will know what every frame is unquestionable Michael as he rehearses and prepares for the London concerts that were to have begun this past summer."