Fans of Michael Jackson are still in shock. The King of Pop is dead. Long live the King. The fans comfort themselves with his records but now they have something new to look forward to. The 50-night residency at the O2 arena in London was not to be but it has been announced that a film, titled 'This Is It', is scheduled for release on 30 October 2009. It shows Jackson in rehearsals for the upcoming shows that also held the title of 'This Is It'. The film’s final edit will be from over 100 hours of footage filmed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and The Forum in Inglewood, California. The Staples Center was the venue for Jackson’s memorial service on 7 July.
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Following
Jackson’s death, there was some speculation that the preparations for such a grueling concert series had proved too much for the fragile state of the singer’s health. Eyewitness reports however, state that he seemed in good health and was performing with energy. The footage is not a grainy effort with poor sound quality but a high definition film with the best digital sound. So, hopefully, it’s the next best thing to seeing him live. Some parts are offered in 3-D and there are also interviews with friends and collaborators.
Since the news of
Jackson’s death on 25 June, there has been controversy, just as there was during his lifetime. A lot has been written about his financial affairs and his reported debts. Some of the proceeds from the film will go to the
Michael Jackson Family Trust, which administers all assets. This means that Jackson’s three children and his charitable causes will benefit. In fact, the hope is that the money will settle the estate’s debts. There is therefore, a lot riding on the success of this film. If anyone has a guaranteed audience, it’s
Michael Jackson.
Planning 50 shows in the same venue was certainly unusual and tickets were like gold dust. The first one was arranged for 13 July and these shows were supposed to be his swan song. Rehearsals don’t normally involve performances at full throttle but the film should give some indication as to whether
Jackson would have disappointed his fans or blown them away at the O2. No one can know for sure. What is certain is Jackson’s place in the record books, his iconic status in popular culture assured. 'Thriller' is still the best selling album of all time. He won 13 Grammy Awards and sold more than 750 million records across the world. '
This Is It' really is it but the fans will make sure he is never forgotten.