A little over a month ago, footage from one of Michael Jackson’s final rehearsals hit the web. Though only two minutes long, the released clip was as compelling as anything seen in recent memory, not only because of the incredibly eerie reality that the man before us would tragically die just hours later, but that the King of Pop still had it.
If two minutes did that for us, one can only imagine what two hours will be like. Well, come October 30th, we’ll get our chance to find out.
On that day, Sony Pictures will release This Is It, a feature film chronicling Jackson’s preparation and rehearsals for his 50-date London residency in the days prior to his death. Produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson, the film will include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with those involved, and 3D sequences.
“The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project,” said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert in an issued press release. “This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”
Sony Pictures and Sony Music will serve as co-producers with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film. Additional details will be posted on michaeljackson.com in the weeks ahead.
