Michael Jackson's This Is It

I view this movie-documentary as a tribute to Michael for thousands of his loving and adoring fans worldwide. It is a beautiful legacy, a splendid farewell 'eulogy' to a beautiful man who's heart was all about love/brotherhood, a man who truly tried to make a difference in his/our world. He danced his dream to make it a better place. I am glad TII was NOT a `tissue-for-tears' work. In my opinion, a true documentary would have been less perky. For me, it was uplifting (with funny moments sprinkled in). My heart felt light and chipper, filled with the light and spirit of MJ's love. Before TII, there was a new generation out there who had never heard of MJ before his passing. They were curious about this world-stopping icon. They wanted to know who and what he was all about, who was this man who almost crashed the almighty Internet, who all but brought the world to a standstill...fans pausing at their various activities/occupations to mourn, to bring honor and tribute to MJ's passing. People everywhere seemed to mourn him in some shape or form. This generation found themselves wanting to go with the flow, to climb aboard that seemingly 'universal' bandwagon... and they have. For many, many of us who had stepped away from his career path and forgotten him for the moment, we reset our sails in an effort to renew our interest in the talents of this Man and his phenomenal Music. Ortega's TII set out to do just that...to 'showcase', if you will, this country's masterpiece...our King of Pop. TII is showing us in this movie-work the makeup and musical depthness of Michael's genius... who and what The Man In The Mirror was all about. We saw him at his art, at his final best--preparing, carving, chiseling, molding, sculpturing it for the Moment... a la Michael Jackson! This Michael Moment was not to be, however. For the fair price of a ticket, we were able to see him at his work, to see him weave his tapestry of magic, to look into an integral part of his soul. We readily see him in character and style, we watch him perform (robbing himself of 100% now to give 200% later at O2), we see him (perhaps not at his best) at what he does best and probably better than any performer alive---happy, smiling catchingly, singing, dancing... executing his phenomenal talent and influence on stage right in front of our eyes. Counting my blessings that day, I likened the film to a 'live' concert!!!!! Yes, yes, a warm and loving human being. Outside of our dreamy state, all of us knew that we were watching his swan song-- those final `animated' days of his life. We knew that the stage-curtain would never again be lifted on him, not in our time and space. In this movie, he appeared thin yet he went about every facet of his work joyously. My thanks and appreciation go to Ortega for his fine footage-editing and 'displaying' MJ in a good light for millions to see. And, I thank the producers for giving us Michael as Michael appeared in the last months or weeks of his life. Many say he was not health, but he did not appear frail. Thank God, I would have truly tear-flooded the theater. Michael was 50, said not in his finest form, and a tad thinner than former times... yet, in loving eyes (his fans) he was beautiful and the man we knew and loved as Michael Jackson. As I write this my eyes are teary; I do not apologize for this emotion. Btw, I took along a couple of my larger hankies to wipe away my tears, but had no need for them. Each emotion of the moment (no sad moods) engrossed me throughout the movie--so much so that I forgot that MJ had left this same stage a mere 4 months earlier! I walked out of this theater feeling greatly touched, inspired and entertained... enough to want to see this movie a second time. And, I did... but this time without the hankies! TII....no waste of my bucks!!! Anxious to add the movie DVD tribute to my MJ trove of 'precious memories

Wonderful!

Props to Kenny Ortega and the editing team for a really well constructed movie, made in a fraction of the time a feature normally takes to produce. Nothing about this movie seemed "thrown together" or rushed. It's a neat homage, concert film and documentary rolled into one. An unintentional work of art, as the footage was never meant to see daylight. Much better than I expected, and very moving in spots. (Those who stay through the end of the credits will be rewarded with additional small treats.) No question in my mind, this would have been the live show to end all shows. It's almost difficult to comprehend so many mind-blowing production numbers in one two-hour concert. MJ said in an interview that his intention was for fans to leave the shows unable to sleep all night, needing to stay up 'til dawn to talk about the experience with their friends, and I believe he would have achieved that. He had many fresh ideas for what are now considered his classic works. "Smooth Criminal" has never been a favorite of mine, but I liked it here a great deal. After seeing this movie, I believe that Michael would have not only made it through all fifty shows at the O2, but would have been absolutely smashing, wowed his kids and his fans, and achieved the comeback and respect he so strongly desired. As one reviewer noted, Michael Jackson wasn't about to just phone this one in for a payday, despite what some detractors have suggested. In the collected footage we're privy to here, Michael looked to be in astonishingly good form as a singer and dancer considering he hadn't toured in over a decade. If he was "frail" or otherwise compromised, there is no evidence of that here. Work obviously brought out the best in the man. I would have liked a touch more of MJ speaking/instructing/interacting; it could have been a little longer of a film to accomplish that. No one would have been fidgeting in their seats if the movie was 2:15 instead of 1:48. To me, those were some of the best moments, a rare treat to see a master craftsman in unself-conscious work mode, oblivious to the cameras. So one hopes that there will be lots of special features on a blu-ray edition (the whole videos, maybe? More interviews with the dancers/crew/band? More outtakes of MJ just being himself?) But a terrific film, a must-see for any Jackson fan, not only the die-hards. When this comes out in Blu-Ray, it will be in my library.

Love Michael Jackson that was a great album. Miss him so much definitely recommend. Exploring the world.

...written on a note pad as I viewed this film: (Okay, so it's an unusual way to review a film. Please be gentle. lol) - -Finally, we get to see MJ work on his craft. Mesmerizing. Chills. -The world lost someone very special. -I wonder if he really and truly knew how he effected millions of people around the world with his humanity, music, dance and unmatched showmanship. -Pleasantly surprised that he sounds so great. -I'm struck by his professionalism, perfectionism, artistry, creativity, kindness... -His dancers obviously adore him. -Wow, what a show it would've been. *smile -Michael Jackson, The Musical. Just a thought. -His legs are really skinny. haha -What a musical genius. Amazing. -The backup singer rapping on the "Black or White" number is terrible. haha -You really get a sense of who Michael is through these rehearsals - work ethic, professionalism, how he deals with and interacts with the people who work for him and so on. -Genius, indeed. -Still love that "Billie Jean" bassline. haha -eee hee hee...ch'mon. :-) -Yeah, MJ, the musical might be cool. -I wonder what it was like to be Michael Jackson. -He broke out some dance moves I hadn't seen him do before. Cool. -I enjoy it when he freestyles on occasion. -He says, "God Bless You" a lot. -Wow, lot of people involved in this production. Look at that circle. -Still surprised at how good he sounds. -I miss him. *Tear -Money well spent. Glad I got my copy of "This Is It" on the day it came out. -It's a finger-snapping, toe-tapping experience. Love it. -I'd recommend it to everybody. Even to the haters. -I've heard every song on this disc at least a thousand times. I'd say I'm a fan. haha -Don't think I've enjoyed watching someone working at his job so much in my life. -The extras are nice - especially the "Memories of Michael". *Tears -Mr. Ortega's story about his visit to Neverland - the elephant passing by the window - gave me a chuckle. -I never believed the ugly rumors about MJ and never will. -I will cherish this disc forever. -"All for love, L-O-V-E". *Tears -R.I.P MJ

A mementos moment in time.

THIS IS IT provides a behind-the-scenes view of Michael Jackson's efforts to launch one last tour of fifty performances prior to retirement. MJ often used cameras during rehearsals to capture footage to view in his downtime in order to make last-minute improvements and corrections for his live performances. For this reason, viewers of this DVD have the extremely rare opportunity to view a perfectionist in the midst of perfecting. While many dispute the appropriateness of sharing footage MJ never intended for the public, the amount of money generated from creating this feature-length documentary, among other projects, ensured that executors of MJ's estate (John Branca and John McClain) were able to preserve the financial wherewithal of MJ's children, which had become a major source of uncertainty and concern for their father prior to his death. To handle the business side of This is It, MJ reunited his old team of Branca and McClain with Frank Dileo along with Kenny Ortega, director of DANGEROUS and HISTORY tours, to handle the creative side. Despite the shadow of prescription drug addiction and the lethal use of anesthesia, what cannot be denied from viewing the disc is the sheer magnetism, charisma, and command of stage that MJ always maintained from childhood. Whenever he is in the camera's frame, the viewer's eyes find him and then cannot leave him. Though soft of voice, MJ maintains control of music, sound, lighting, choreography, and yes, even direction. At the same time, he respectfully receives and offers constructive feedback to raise performance levels for himself and others, always "with love," and "God bless you," he says. Because this is rehearsal footage, we do not see MJ singing or dancing at the top of his range. As he repeats several times, he is preserving his voice and energy for the show itself. Still, the audience witnesses his athletic body memory performing complex dance movements on several numbers. He also corrects the tone, pitch, and timing of his backing singers and music director. The audience sees a genius who maintains a sense of humor and generosity towards fellow performers, musicians, crew, and director. He makes sure his female guitarist and duet partner have their time to shine and that his dancers have plenty of opportunities to showcase their own athleticism. While MJ appears tired during rehearsal for Thriller, for all other numbers, he appears alert, energetic, engaged, positive, and confident. As for concerns about body weight, a repeat view of the Bad tour, Live at Wembley 1988 reveals a man with a dancer's body--slender with lean musculature and sufficient cardio ability to dance and sing for two hours. Other people who pop-locked in the 80s have since decided to give their joints rest. Nineteen years later, however, we see MJ still lean of build, fifty-years-old, and strong enough to continue pop-locking at a time most other dancers either become teachers and choreographers or actors. Weak people cannot pop lock, fall to their knees, slide on the floor, then get back up, belt out a song, jump around, stomp the floor, then reprimand their music director "with love" for still not understanding who's actually in charge. "That's why we rehearse," MJ says. In-between rehearsal footage, the audience receives asides from the producers, film and concert director, dance and music directors, costume designer, etc on their thoughts of their experiences with MJ and This is It. Missing are thoughts or views from any member of MJ's family--mother, father, sisters, brothers, children. This leaves friends and acquaintances to tell the story of the last moments of MJ's life. This is It, is also the title of an unfinished 80s demo, finally completed with backing vocals from the Jacksons that plays over end credits. The song sounds great and hopefully, such collaborations will continue with the vast collection of unreleased MJ demos, perhaps even with occasional assistance from sister Janet. Disc includes two making-of documentaries and three featurettes on costumes, dance auditions, and interviewees sharing their memories of working with MJ. Worth the price of purchase by both fans and non-fans to view the last rehearsal performances of the greatest pop star on the entire planet--Michael Jackson. Though North American media challenged and even mocked MJ's King of Pop designation, through sheer force of worldwide record and album sales, worldwide fan devotion, genius-level songwriting and storytelling ability, plus record-setting contributions to charitable causes, MJ's influence in the world of music entertainment can be denied only by the petty and the confused. No longer just a man. Michael Jackson is legend. He is King of Pop.

Michael wanted to be Elvis, I think he made it. I never really understood Michael, did anyone? This movie offers a glimpse into the man, and his talent. He will be remembered.he will be missed.

Ich weiß schon im Vorfeld, dass diese Rezension vermutlich von den Fans zerrissen wird und sie vermutlich keine Chance hat. Ich schreibe nur selten eine Rezension, aber wenn ich das ganze Gelabere von angeblichen Fans hier lese, dann muß ich doch irgendwann intervenieren und auch meinen Gedankenmist, den man wohl durchaus mal hinterfragen darf, zum Besten geben. Zum Film "This is it".. Ja, ein letztes Zeugnis darüber, welch ein Genie und genialer Künstler er gewesen ist... definitiv. Michael ist tatsächlich stimmlich überraschend gut, die Songs die er probt sind wohl zu 95% live gesungen und Michael gibt hier die beste Live-Version von "Human Nature" ab, die ich je in meinem Leben gehört habe und auch sonst ist Michael, trotzdem er mehrfach behauptet seine Stimme schonen zu müssen, unerwartet stimmgewaltig. Daran haben viele nach zuletzt eher stimmlich unspektakulären Gesangsdarbietungen schon nicht mehr geglaubt . Auch die Bühnenshow hätte wohl in der Endfassung, vor allem durch die geplanten 3D-Elemente, neugedrehten Videos, der vielen herausragenden Tänzer usw. etwas bisher noch nie dagewesenes dargestellt und deshalb hat dieser Film auch nichts anderes verdient als 5 Sterne. Aber: Der Film kann, so gut er es auch versucht, nicht darüber hinwegtäuschen, dass Michael nicht in bester Verfassung war. Ich hab mir den Film im Kino 4 mal angesehen und bei mir wollte der sog. "Funke" nicht überspringen. Ich würde mich selber schon als Michael Jackson-Fan bezeichnen (ich war bei der Dangerous-Tour, bei 14 Konzerten der HIStory-Tour in ganz Europa, und bei dem "What more can I give"-Konzert) und dort ist der Funke jedesmal übergesprungen. Warum also diesmal nicht... vielleicht bilde ich es mir nur ein, aber ich hatte während des Films einfach mehrfach das Gefühl, dass Michael desorientiert, vergesslich und unkonzentriert war, vermutlich aufgrund von Schmerzmitteln, Angstlösern und/oder gar Drogen? Wie komme ich drauf? (Bitte lesen, den Film ansehen und dann kommentieren) 1. Ich habe wirklich viel Filmmaterial von Michael gesehen, aber ich hab ihn noch nie derart viel Kaugummi kauen gesehen, zumindest bei den Einstellungen, bei denen er nicht singen mußte. Lag es daran, dass es Schmerzmittel und Drogen gibt, die einen Kauzwang wecken? 2. Bei den Proben zu "Smooth Criminal" gibt es Anfangs eine kleine Panne. Michael verpasst seinen Einsatz bzw. man war sich nicht einig, wer den Einsatz gibt. Dies führte zu einer Diskussion zwischen Michael und Kenny Ortega. Man muß hier nicht der englischen Sprache mächtig sein (ich bin es zwar), um zu merken, dass Michael total verwaschen, stotternd und zerbrechlich spricht, außerdem scheint er total neben der Kappe zu sein? Lag es wiederum an Medikamenten? Für meine Augen auf jeden Fall, denn so habe ich Michael noch nie gesehen. 3. "I want you back"... Michael hört nach dem zweiten Satz zu singen auf.. versucht sich wieder einzufinden, schafft es aber bis zum Ende des Songs nicht mehr. Anschließend hält er eine Rede, dass sein Earphone zu laut wäre und es sich anfühle, als ob im jemand eine Faust aufs Ohr presst. Er meint zudem, dass er anders aufgewachsen wäre und dies nicht gewohnt sei... Ganz ehrlich wirkt Michael eher wieder unkonzentriert und spricht wieder leicht verwaschen. Auf mich wirkt es so, dass Michael einfach den Text zu dem Song nicht mehr wußte und die Sache mit den Ohrhörern als Ausrede diente, denn ganz ehrlich, schaut euch Bilder von Bad und Dangerous und HIStory an, Michael hat diese Geräte immer schon bei Konzerten benutzt.. jetzt zu sagen, er sei nicht daran gewöhnt wirkt irgendwie lächerlich.. Wenn jemand den Text eines Liedes vergisst, dass er seit über 40 Jahren immer wieder singt, dann liegt es wohl nicht an viel zu lauter Musik im Earphone 4. Sonnenbrille.. warum trägt Michael in einer dunklen Arena ständig eine Sonnenbrille. Fans würden sagen, es liegt an den hellen Scheinwerfern, aber Michael hat doch sonst bei Konzerten auch nie eine Sonnenbrille getragen und wenn doch, dann nur kurzzeitig... und warum trägt er die die äußerst behindernde Sonnenbrille während er Billie Jean performt. Er hält sie lieber bei jeder Drehung fest, als das dumme Ding einfach abzunehmen. Könnte es nicht vielleicht auch daran liegen, dass es Aufputschmittel und Drogen gibt, die zu einer extremen Pupillenerweiterung führen und einer damit einhergehenden Lichtempfindlichkeit? Ich will den Film nicht schlecht machen und am allerwenigsten liegt mir daran in irgendeiner Weise einem, wenn nicht sogar DEM, herausragendsten Künstler, den dieser Planet wohl jemals gesehen hat zu schaden, aber in diesem Film ist sicherlich nicht alles Friede, Freude, Eierkuchen. Zum Beispiel das Thema HD-Aufnahmen. Wo sind denn die von Kenny Ortega angekündigten 100 und mehr Stunden HD-Aufnahmen. Im Film ist maximal (das Video von Thriller und Smooth Criminal mal ausgenommen) 30 Prozent davon zu sehen. Und die Aufnahmen die man in HD genießen darf sind anhand der Kostüme die Michael trägt auf maximal 3 Drehtage zu beschränken. Hat da ein Kenny Ortega schon gewußt, dass Michael die Shows möglicherweise nicht durchsteht und hat deshalb angefangen zum Ende hin Teile der Show in HD aufzunehmen, um nachher vielleicht noch den größtmöglichen Profit herauszuschlagen? Ich sage nicht, dass Kenny Ortega gewußt hat, dass Michael stirbt, aber ich denke, dass er wußte, dass Michael es gesundheitlich nicht packen würde.. Viele Fans werden jetzt vermutlich sagen, dass ich Blödsinn rede und Michael es geliebt hat, überall um den Globus herum auf der Bühne zu stehen.. FALSCH... Michael hat es gehasst auf Tour zu gehen.. er liebte es zu performen, aber er wollte nie von zu Hause weg. Echte Fans müßten die Interviews kennen in denen er sagt "Ich hasse es auf Tour zu gehen.. Ich verliere mein Gewicht und ich dehydriere wenn ich auf Tournee bin!" Auch wie der Film im Trailer beworben wurde ("But there was still one dream he wanted to share with everyone") klingt für mich erlogen und unglaubwürdig. Ich empfehle mal Randy Taraborelli's, von Michael autorisierte Biographie: Michael Jackson. Die ultimative Biographie zu lesen. Dort sagt Michael, dass er seinen Job eigentlich ab seinem 30. Lebensjahr an den Nagel hängen wollte, also wie kann die Aussage stimmen??? Nun gut... ich könnte her noch viel schreiben und meine spekulative Meinung verbreiten, aber es bringt wohl nichts. Ich will nur erreichen, dass man sich den Film richtig ansieht, zweimal hinsieht und Dinge hinterfragt und nicht nur das Scheinwerferlicht und Glanz und Glemmer sieht, denn das war es definitiv nicht. Ich rate auch mit Sicherheit nicht vom Kauf dieser BluRay oder DVD ab, denn man bekommt für sein Geld wirklich was geboten, auch wenn es mich wirklich immer wieder traurig macht, Mr. Michael Jackson in teilweiser, offensichtlich schlechter Verfassung zu sehen. Long live the King!

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is an amazing behind the scenes look at Michael Jackson as he develops, creates and rehearsed for his sold out show of the same name. Chronicling the months from April to June 2009, this film was produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson which is drawn from more than 100 hours of behind the scene footage featuring Michael rehearsing for the show. Disc 1: THIS IS IT movie described above which is sensational. To see Michael hard at work with the singers, dancers and musicians was awesome!!! This would have been truly phenomenal to have seen live but I am truly grateful this DVD was compiled to let us see what THIS IS IT would have been like. Truly a gift for all to see. Also on Disc 1: Making of Documentaries, Featurettes: The Gloved One, Costumes, Memories of Michael and Auditions. Disc 2: Featurettes: Meet the Dancers, Meet the Band, Meet the Vocalists and Unfinished Rehearsals. Truly a remarkable 2 Disc set that will be enjoyed by all and especially Michael Jackson fans. His singing and dancing, even though he was much older than the other dancers was awesome. To see this show come alive right before your eyes was amazing! Also Michael's attention to detail and his creative process was amazing to watch first hand as these cameras were only there for Michael's own library as he recorded everything he did so that he could make adjustments. This is a once in a lifetime never to be repeated show which is aptly entitled THIS IS IT. So enjoy all 111 minutes plus all the bonus material. A must have for all Michael Jackson collectors and fans.

Je suis fan de Michael Jackson et je voulais retrouver le film de Michael Jackson

"This is it" è un bellissimo film documentario pubblicato il 23 febbraio 2010 sulle prove del concerto MJ che avrebbe dovuto fare a Londra in ottobre 2009 poco prima che morisse. E' veramente bello, un montaggio spettacolare, si vedono scene delle prove con MJ che canta e che prova con i ballerini, consigli degli scenografi, regista, coreografo, MJ che discute su come vuole le cose e cosa vuole ottenere, tutto fila alla perfezione e non smetti di guardarlo. E' stato un bene registrare tutto questo back stage (scelti in più di 100 ore di filmati) e deve essere stato un duro lavoro fare e montare un film/documentario come questo. In alcune prove la voce di MJ non si sente bene "perchè vuole risparmiare la voce", la cosa che emoziona è vedere la prova, perchè le riprese sono particolari e secondo me ti fanno capire chi è la persona vera e non il cantante/ballerino che farà (avrebbe dovuto fare) lo spettacolo. Durante le prove quando parla con le varie persone coinvolte nella creazione dello spettacolo vedi il suo modo di lavorare, il perfezionismo, la perfetta conoscenza di ogni nota delle sue musiche delle canzoni. I ballerini e le ballerine sono una favola, uno spettacolo, una forza della natura! Nati per ballare :) Emozionante, veramente emozionante, anche pensare cosa sarebbe stato questo spettacolo. Sono stato fortunato ad aver trovato il Blu Ray originale italiano, non perchè è in italiano ma perchè volevo quello venduto in Italia, va bene anche quello non italiano, verificate che ci siano i sottotitoli in italiano se non capite l'inglese durante il parlato tra una prova e l'altra e nei contenuti speciali tutti da vedere, vengono fatti parlare tutti i protagonisti dello spettacolo (ballerini, produttori, coristi, musicisti ecc.) "This is it" per me è un acquisto eccellente anche per il costo a 11,12 €. Ovviamente consigliato. Blu Ray 16:9 qualità audio buona Il film dura 111 minuti e ci sono 177 minuti di contenuti speciali molto belli. Come sempre se volete più dettagli vi consiglio di leggerli su Wikipedia.

Nice