Jackson Film Gets Limited-Run Theatrical Release

CULVER CITY: This Is It, the film featuring footage from Michael Jackson’s last concert rehearsals, will be screened in theaters for just two weeks, Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced, with the release date moved up to October 28.

Sony Pictures Entertainment shelled out a reported $60 million for the rights to some 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in HD in June as the late singer was preparing for his 50-date concert series in London. Initially slated for an October 30 rollout, the film now hits screens two days earlier. Tickets in most cities are set to go on sale beginning September 27.

"This film is Michael’s gift to his fans," said Kenny Ortega, who was a creative partner with Jackson on the London tour and has now been named to direct the upcoming theatrical release. "As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before—this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the This Is It collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert… This Is It may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work."