***SYNOPSIS*** - Michael Jackson's This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, the film is 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. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. 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 final show. Directed by Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show.
***MOVIE REVIEW*** - The world lost an incredible performer and human being on June 25,2009.This documentary culled form over 80 hours of footage and put together from director Kenny Ortega is a candid look at the man that so many loved but few really knew.My favorite moments of the film besides the as expected amazing musical performances is the quieter scenes of Michael putting all his heart into wanting create what was going to be his comeback and at the same time farewell tour.He comes across as a genuinely caring and passionate man , even when disagreeing with a musician he is still completely professional.I went opening night to see the film with my Grandmother who is 84 and has always stood by Michal and was a true fan.Instead of being a sad night, it was instead a celebration of the icon and we both had smiles on our face the entire time.Tears were shed, but they were tears of joy.This is but a brief glimpse into the mind of Michael Jackson at work but I can think of no better way to remember this true legend who showed he was still at the top of his game and was ready to take the world by storm all over again." You NEED this in your collection "
***VIDEO QUALITY*** - Video Quality on this Blu-ray release is in full 1080p utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio.A solid performer overall but I will let you know ahead of time that the aspect ratios fluctuate from 1.33 to 1.78 and the quality can dip to vintage clips in SD and the rehearsal footage that looks spectacular since it was shot using HD cameras.I can say though that this is without a doubt a perfect recreation of what I saw at my local theater.Colors are rock solid with bold primaries.Blacks were satisfying and added to the depth of the image .Detail is good in the HD footage but lacks the fine texture detail that I was hoping for but wasn't there due to the source material.As I said this a solid performer overall and earns a respectable 9/10
***AUDIO QUALITY*** - "This Is It" is presented in a superb DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio lossless track.What struck me first was how clear and crisp everything is considering this was rehearsal footage shot in an empty Staples Center.We get an aggressive track that was impressive throughout.Any limitations are due to the source.Music is the clear winner and the songs performed during the film really came alive and was complemented by surprisingly rich bass.Surrounds aren't engaged too much but do come in to play more during the song rehearsal's. Granted this track was not filmed from a full fledged concert but what is here was quite pleasing. 10/10
***SPECIAL FEATURES*** -
* "movieIQ"
* "Smooth Criminal Vignette" - (HD,4min)
* "Making Smooth Criminal Vignette" - (HD,11min)
* "Thriller Vignette" - (HD,4min)
* "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" - (HD,28min)
* "Staging the Return: Beyond the Show" - (HD,13min)
* "The Gloved One" - (HD,15min)
* "Memories of Michael" - (HD,16min)
* "Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers" - (HD,10min)
* Theatrical Trailer - (HD,2:30)