The Michael Jackson concert rehearsal docu-film This Is It is coming to the end of its theatrical run, but plans are already in motion for the film’s DVD and Blu-ray release. The film will make its home-theater debut on January 26th, 2010, with an onslaught of bonus material sure to make every Michael fan happy.
The Blu-ray/DVD includes an hour of additional footage not seen in theaters, two making-of documentaries and featurettes about the costuming, dancer auditions and memories of Jackson, Variety reports. Pre-orders for the DVD and Blu-ray will begin December 24th
Directed by Kenny Ortega, the Blu-ray and DVD release will allow fans to go beyond the theatrical experience of the film Roger Ebert called "one of the most revealing music documentaries I've seen" with the two documentaries "Staging The Return: Beyond The Show" and "Staging The Return: The Adventure Begins," in which Michael Jackson is shown developing, creating and rehearsing for his sold-out This Is It tour. Also available are a series of illuminating featurettes, including "The Gloved One," a costume themed featurette; "Memories of Michael," in which cast and crew pay moving tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson; "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers," spotlighting the search for the show's incredibly talented backup dancers; and the film's Theatrical Trailer.
Additional features exclusive to the Blu-ray include the complete and uncut versions of "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller," two all-new vignettes seen briefly in the film, along with a special "Making-of Smooth Criminal" featurette. In "Smooth Criminal," sit back and marvel as Michael Jackson seamlessly shares the screen with some of the greatest movie stars of all-time in a new black and white vignette that celebrates Michael's love of 'Old Hollywood.' Then, in the all-new "Thriller" vignette, watch in awe as Michael brings one of his most popular songs to a monstrous second life in a thrilling new video featuring a whole new cast of zombies, ghosts and ghouls igniting awareness with all-new and signature Jackson dance moves.
