Michael Jackson and 3D fans may not get to see his “This is It” in 3D on the Blu-ray version Jan. 26, but five days later everyone will get to see a 3D version of the mini movie for his original composition “Earth Song” on the Grammy Awards Jan. 31 that was not even shown in 3D in theaters or anywhere else until now.
In a phone call with 3DHollywood.net / HollywoodInHiDef.com, Grammy Awards co-executive producer Ken Erhlich said producers are not going to re-create the segment on stage exactly as it was to be in the This is It show, specifically leaving out the bulldozer on stage for a dramatic finale. But there will be dancers on stage to complement the 3D movie, he said.
Free 3D glasses for the Grammys will be offered by CBS through Target stores from Jan. 24-31 for the first-ever 3D broadcast of a segment on a major TV awards show. It’s part of a celebrity tribute to Jackson that will include Grammy winners Carrie Underwood, Usher, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, and Smokey Robinson.
Even though there is no 3D on the Blu-ray, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment didn’t miss the perfect opportunity to promote the disc by putting an ad for the Blu-ray on the earpieces of the cardboard glasses.
In an announcement on the Grammys website, Erhlich says “Earth Song,” which is in the movie in 2D and was intended to be a centerpiece of Jackson’s “This is It” stage show, has a strong theme about the future of the planet, and Jackson saw it as a unique opportunity to deliver a message to millions of people who would have seen him on tour.
“It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes,” says Ehrlich, longtime Jackson associate who was also at the rehearsal that night. (Story continues below the following video…)
“This very special Grammy moment will feature some of our most respected Grammy recipients, all of whom have a great love for Michael,” added Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year’s show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the GRAMMY Awards have become renowned.”
The Grammy Awards also were the first awards show to broadcast in HiDef and 5.1 surround sound in 2003.
The 52nd Grammy Awards will take place live on Sunday, Jan. 31 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 Surround Sound on CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).