After an initial delay, “Michael Jackson’s This is It” has been rescheduled for Blu-ray Disc release a few days before the Grammys on January 26 with 90-minutes of bonus features including Blu-ray exclusive complete and uncut videos of Jackson’s newly staged performances of “Smooth Criminal” and “Thriller.”
The two vignettes feature new choreography and staging of the popular videos with pre-filmed segments.
As in theaters, there is no 3D component on the Blu-ray Disc… yet, even though the Thriller video is clearly shown in the movie being filmed in 3D and director Kenny Ortega has been quoted saying the 3D elements will be released later.
The single-disc Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release of the world’s top-grossing concert film in history ($72 million domestically through Nov. 29; nearly $240 million worldwide) will carry a price tag of $39.95 and include these additional bonus featurettes:
* Blu-ray Exclusive: “Making ‘Smooth Criminal” (behind-the-scenes look at the production of the new “Smooth Criminal” film created for This Is It.
* “Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins” (docu reveals Jackson’s vision for his return to the stage, with director Kenny Ortega and the entire “This is It” crew.)
* “Staging the Return: Beyond the Show” (Ortega and crew discuss Jackson’s final rehearsals, and the purpose behind creating the concert film.)
* “The Gloved One” (costume Designer Zaldy reveals Jackson’s elaborate costumes)
* “Memories of Michael” (Ortega and crew share personal stories about working with Jackson, and how they will remember their friend.)
* “Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers” (the audition process that began with over 5,000 applicants and ended with the selection of 11 exceptionally talented dancers.)
In “Smooth Criminal,” Jackson is digitally integrated with some of the greatest movie stars of all-time in a new black and white vignette that celebrates his love of ‘Old Hollywood.’
“Michael Jackson’s This is It” is a 111-minute behind-the-scenes look at the creative and rehearsal process from April – June 2009 culled from more than 100 hours of footage shot during the preparation for the much-anticipated sold-out concerts that were to have taken place last summer in London’s O2 Arena.
The movie’s scheduled two-week run in IMAX and other movie theaters was extended for several weeks due to consumer demand, which led to the delay of the scheduled home release in time for the holiday selling season.