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Amazon.co.uk Review
It's hard not to watch This Is It without feeling a mixture of sorrow and elation. When he passed away in the summer of 2009, Michael Jackson was in the midst of rehearsals for his final tour, an ambitious 50-date engagement. In editing 120 hours of rehearsal footage together, Jackson producer Kenny Ortega proves that it would've been an event for the ages. Michael performs material that spans his career, from a Motown medley to multi-platinum hits from Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Though he hadn't toured in 10 years, it becomes instantly apparent, despite rumours to the contrary, that Jackson was still in full possession of that unmistakable voice--high-pitched whoops and all--and that he still had the gravity-defying moves of a man half his age. Jackson and Ortega also collaborated on some real showstoppers, such as a graveyard-set "Thriller"; an imposing "They Don't Care About Us," in which several dancers appear to morph into thousands; and a film noir sequence in which the singer slides in and out of Gilda and other black-and-white classics, singing "Smooth Criminal" all the while. Not everything works, like the Jackson 5 numbers, in which he flubs a few lyrics, claiming that his earpiece isn't working properly, but as he readily acknowledges, "That's what rehearsal is for." It's a tragedy that he didn't get the chance to share this dazzling show with the world, but Ortega allows fans to feel as if it actually happened--at least onscreen. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
DVD Description
Michael Jackson's This Is It is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena.
Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows.
Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows.
DVD Special Features
Disc One:
• European release only: "The Unfinished Rehearsals" featurette
Kenny Ortega and Production Designer Michael Cotton reveal two show-stopping concepts for This Is It which never made it to the big screen.
• "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" Making-of Documentary
This in-depth documentary reveals Michael Jackson’s unique, groundbreaking vision for his ambitious return to the stage, with director Kenny Ortega and the entire crew from This Is It.
• "Staging the Return: Beyond the Show" Making-of Documentary
Director Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It discuss Michael Jackson's final rehearsals, and the purpose behind creating the concert film.
• "The Gloved One" Costumes Featurette
Costume Designer Zaldy reveals the elaborate new costumes created for Michael Jackson to wear on the This Is It tour.
• "Memories of Michael" Featurette
Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It share personal stories about working with Michael Jackson, and how they will remember their friend.
• "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers" Featurette
A look at the high-stakes audition process, which began with over 5,000 applicants and ended with the selection of 11 exceptionally talented dancers.
• Theatrical Trailer
Disc Two:
• Meet the Dancers
Meet each of the 11 dancers chosen among thousands to dance with Michael Jackson on his This Is It tour.
• Meet the Band
Go behind the scenes with the band members chosen to perform on the This Is It tour with Michael Jackson
• Meet the Vocalists
Go behind the scenes with the vocalists selected to sing with Michael Jackson on the This Is It Tour
Stills from Michael Jackson: This Is It (Click for larger image)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
261 of 266 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I went to the cinema with genuine discomfort at the motivations for releasing this film. Would it be yet another exploitation of Jackson's legacy? Another shot at raking in money from his name? Could rehearsal footage be of any interest? Did I really want to see a skeletal drug-addict shamble around? But my children really wanted to see the film, and I had promised them a treat following their exams so I was beholden to taking them. I was not looking forward to seeing "This Is It" and I am not a nutty fan.
In short, Kenny Ortega has produced a staggering film. Admittedly, there is some sycophancy from some of the dancers (only in the opening sequence) and Jackson is not giving a full-on stage performance (remember - it's a rehearsal!), but... Wow! Even when operating at 70%, Jackson's stagecraft, voice and dancing are miles ahead of anyone performing today. This 50 year old man shows everyone how it should be done.
"This Is It" cannot be pigeon-holed. It is not a movie. It is not a concert. It is not a documentary. The footage was shot for Jackson's personal collection. However, Ortega has compiled a compelling and amazing film.
The sheer scale of the concerts, the preparation required, the rigs, the video sequences... this would have been the greatest comeback in the history of pop. I know I sound like Elizabeth Taylor here, but I am pretty critical. If you see my other reviews, I don't dole out 5 stars willy-nilly.
For all the negativity I have read about this film, I cannot agree that Jackson looked weak. He was certainly thin, but he was more than able to perform the moves. He was saving his voice, so didn't belt out every song, but that's the norm for rehearsals - and even with so much in reserve, he sounds incredible. Of course, Ortega might have edited it favourably for Jackson's posterity, but this is no bad thing for the viewer. There is no mawkish focus on watching Jackson wither. If Sony and AEG are cynically exploiting Jackson's memory, it doesn't feel like it on watching the film. I would urge you not to deny yourself the opportunity to see this film because of the bad press it has received from some (I would say, uninformed) corners. If you were ever a fan of Jackson's music, you are in for a treat with this film.
"This Is It" is without doubt one of the very best cinematic experiences I have ever had.
The World was denied a once in a generation event. Having seen this film, I have no doubt that had Jackson lived to perform the concerts, his reputation as the greatest entertainer of his generation, and perhaps all-time, would have been secured.
In short, Kenny Ortega has produced a staggering film. Admittedly, there is some sycophancy from some of the dancers (only in the opening sequence) and Jackson is not giving a full-on stage performance (remember - it's a rehearsal!), but... Wow! Even when operating at 70%, Jackson's stagecraft, voice and dancing are miles ahead of anyone performing today. This 50 year old man shows everyone how it should be done.
"This Is It" cannot be pigeon-holed. It is not a movie. It is not a concert. It is not a documentary. The footage was shot for Jackson's personal collection. However, Ortega has compiled a compelling and amazing film.
The sheer scale of the concerts, the preparation required, the rigs, the video sequences... this would have been the greatest comeback in the history of pop. I know I sound like Elizabeth Taylor here, but I am pretty critical. If you see my other reviews, I don't dole out 5 stars willy-nilly.
For all the negativity I have read about this film, I cannot agree that Jackson looked weak. He was certainly thin, but he was more than able to perform the moves. He was saving his voice, so didn't belt out every song, but that's the norm for rehearsals - and even with so much in reserve, he sounds incredible. Of course, Ortega might have edited it favourably for Jackson's posterity, but this is no bad thing for the viewer. There is no mawkish focus on watching Jackson wither. If Sony and AEG are cynically exploiting Jackson's memory, it doesn't feel like it on watching the film. I would urge you not to deny yourself the opportunity to see this film because of the bad press it has received from some (I would say, uninformed) corners. If you were ever a fan of Jackson's music, you are in for a treat with this film.
"This Is It" is without doubt one of the very best cinematic experiences I have ever had.
The World was denied a once in a generation event. Having seen this film, I have no doubt that had Jackson lived to perform the concerts, his reputation as the greatest entertainer of his generation, and perhaps all-time, would have been secured.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I booked 6 seats for 'This is It' for my husband's birthday - we all like the music so it was worth a shot - and, like the reviewer above, I was somewhat worried what might unfold.
I needn't have been concerned - the film gave an unusual insight into the rehearsal process behind a massive production and was a celebration of all that made Michael a great performer. Most of what needs to be said is accurately reflected in the review above, so I won't repeat it.
Suffice it to say that my family - ranging from 50+ down to 15 years and by no means all committed Jackson fans - were all enthralled and my youngest came away almost in tears as she realised what the world has lost now Michael is gone.
It confirmed for me that Michael lived for his music and his music lived through him in a way we are unlikely to see again.
Don't miss it!
I needn't have been concerned - the film gave an unusual insight into the rehearsal process behind a massive production and was a celebration of all that made Michael a great performer. Most of what needs to be said is accurately reflected in the review above, so I won't repeat it.
Suffice it to say that my family - ranging from 50+ down to 15 years and by no means all committed Jackson fans - were all enthralled and my youngest came away almost in tears as she realised what the world has lost now Michael is gone.
It confirmed for me that Michael lived for his music and his music lived through him in a way we are unlikely to see again.
Don't miss it!
73 of 75 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Obviously the films 5 stars. No question.
But if your buying the two disc special edition your buying this for the extras also.. Although they're great... they're not what I was hoping for.. I heard there was going to be 6 hours and loads of extra footage of Michael.
There basically isn't ANY extra footage of Michael! Everything of MJ is in the film.. the extra footage is just mini docs about the costumes or the staging or the dancers or meeting the band etc etc.. with lots of talking heads from the producers, musicians etc etc..
If your hoping for an unedited version or two of say one whole run through of smooth criminal or whichever track, the extras here don't feature any such treat.
There is hardly any, if any, extra MJ performance footage in the extras!!!
We do see things like the planned ending for the show explained.. and the costume doc explaining and showing what was planned for the Billie Jean costume is great - I wonder actually why these two bits weren't in the actual film..? - really fascinating.
Obviously as I say the film is great, and as a fan I would never not buy the 2 disc version.. just thought I'd give people a heads up that the extras.. although great.. probably won't thrill you as much as you hope... Hundreds of hours of material were shot during rehearsals.. and none extra were put on these discs!!! :(
The second disc actually just has on it three mini docs. Meet the Band, Meet the Dancers and Meet the Vocalists... sums it up really.. all just a bit of a con.
If you buy this you want to see extra MJ right? here you get extras interviews with the producers.. There's a Kenny Ortega interview on youtube from last year almost promising extra footage, what happened?? I suppose they're planning on flogging this further and releasing another DVD in a year or so...?
MUST JUST ADD! Someone kindly commented on this review and told me to check out the Blu Ray version as it has the extras I was frustrated are missing on the DVD. I have since done so and can confirm, ALL the extras you can wish for, are solely on the BLU RAY! So if you have the chance, buy the Blu Ray version!!!!!!!!!!!!
But if your buying the two disc special edition your buying this for the extras also.. Although they're great... they're not what I was hoping for.. I heard there was going to be 6 hours and loads of extra footage of Michael.
There basically isn't ANY extra footage of Michael! Everything of MJ is in the film.. the extra footage is just mini docs about the costumes or the staging or the dancers or meeting the band etc etc.. with lots of talking heads from the producers, musicians etc etc..
If your hoping for an unedited version or two of say one whole run through of smooth criminal or whichever track, the extras here don't feature any such treat.
There is hardly any, if any, extra MJ performance footage in the extras!!!
We do see things like the planned ending for the show explained.. and the costume doc explaining and showing what was planned for the Billie Jean costume is great - I wonder actually why these two bits weren't in the actual film..? - really fascinating.
Obviously as I say the film is great, and as a fan I would never not buy the 2 disc version.. just thought I'd give people a heads up that the extras.. although great.. probably won't thrill you as much as you hope... Hundreds of hours of material were shot during rehearsals.. and none extra were put on these discs!!! :(
The second disc actually just has on it three mini docs. Meet the Band, Meet the Dancers and Meet the Vocalists... sums it up really.. all just a bit of a con.
If you buy this you want to see extra MJ right? here you get extras interviews with the producers.. There's a Kenny Ortega interview on youtube from last year almost promising extra footage, what happened?? I suppose they're planning on flogging this further and releasing another DVD in a year or so...?
MUST JUST ADD! Someone kindly commented on this review and told me to check out the Blu Ray version as it has the extras I was frustrated are missing on the DVD. I have since done so and can confirm, ALL the extras you can wish for, are solely on the BLU RAY! So if you have the chance, buy the Blu Ray version!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The king of pop, forever
This DVD contains a spectacular performance, probably the best, of Michael Jackson. Perhaps the best direct ever seen. Maybe. We'll never know.
Published 25 days ago by Nacho
Excellent
This film shows the world that Michael Jackson was only at home when he was on stage. It showcases his exceptional talent and understanding of music.
Published 1 month ago by Barney
SHOCKINGLY GOOD
Being a ticket holder to the show that never was, I sent for my Blu-ray copy mainly to get a glimpse of what I would've seen and heard at the O2 in London. Read more
Published 1 month ago by tommyboo
Michael Jackson - This was it!
I am not a Michael Jackson fan but had to see what had been prepared for the O2 - it was absolutely brilliant and a great shame the full show did not come to pass - well worth... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Richard Phillips
A very good job (and concert)
It's a wonderful job. You can imagine what Michael wanted to show us in his last tour and you see it would have been the best show ever. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Sue
AMAZING
I am an MJ fan, but was never interested in this film. I happened to see it and was blown away! You can't watch it expecting a documentary OR a pristine concert video. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Shaunl23
Could have been better IMO
Although a great keepsake I get the feeling that this DVD was made in a real hurry. Some of the picture quality is very poor, as if filmed on a home camcorder. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Culluding
great behind the scene
amazing how much time and effort goes into production of his songs and the amount of effort that all cast put in, and how fit he was with his dancing.
Published 4 months ago by Mr. Leon Durrant
A shame.
I bought this for pretty much a giveaway price, cheaper than most charity shops actually. Because it was so cheap, I thought it wouldn't be up to much. Read more
Published 5 months ago by W. I. Taylor
Fabulous
The King of Pop, what more is there to say, this DVD is actually quite sad, as it shows his comeback preparation etc etc
Published 5 months ago by Driverman
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