I just watched Michael Jackson's This Is It on Blu-ray DVD and I was surprised just how good a film it is.
Director Kenny Ortega and his team of editors have expertly quilted together an amazing documentary out of bits and pieces of informally shot rehearsal video at an empty
Staples Center in Los Angeles. Taking place just shortly before his death on June 25th, the film shows MJ preparing for what he prophetically said would be his last live concert apperance, a series of 50 sold out shows at London's
O2 arena in July 2009. The ill-fated concert featured Jackson performing many of his hits, accompanied by elaborately produced 3-D films, projected on a mammoth LED video wall behind him.
This Is It is susprisingly intimate, providing a rare glimpse at Jackson's musical and performing genius at work. Forget 'Wacko Jacko'. Whatever demons that may have tortured Jackson in his private life are not looming here. Instead we see a happy and healthy looking 50 year old MJ, still at the top of his game, singing and dancing up a storm. It's fun to watch his creative process, meticulously rehearsing each familiar song, stoping at times to fine tune and tweak each element. Always a perfectionist, MJ is a kind taskmaster, politely demanding as much from his musicians and dancers, as he does from himself.
Although the film was quickly produced last summer,
This Is It is very polished and seems to be a project motivated by love, not greed. To complete some of the numerous musical performances for the film, Ortega had to seamlessly patch together rehearsals from different days, as revealed by MJ's changing clothes. There's also a mixture of HD and SD video, but it fits together so well that you don't mind the lack of continuity.
This Is It looks and sounds spectacular on
Blu-ray. Crank up the Dolby Surround audio for an immersive experience.
The Michael Jackson we see in
This Is It is at odds with the person portrayed in tabloid tales of his bizarre lifestyle, alleged drug abuse and mysterious death. Michael Jackson, the performer, seems to be humble, friendly, approachable, hard working and very down to earth. Time will tell how MJ will ultimately be remembered.
This Is It will go a long way help to put a positive spin on his too short and troubled life.
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