This Is It

This Is It documents the final days of Michael Jackson doing what he loved-singing and dancing. His performances throughout are amazing, especially the signature dance moves, which are as impressive as ever. This release demonstrates that Michael Jackson is the epitome of one of the great entertainers of our time. The documentary is compiled from an estimated 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage of the legendary entertainer preparing for his 50 sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena that were scheduled to commence in July 2009 before his untimely death in June at age 50. Interviews with collaborators and close friends of the late performer are featured. Michael Jackson is shown as a perfectionist, and a caring and loving man who recognizes talent and nurtures those who collaborate with him. This is an awesome tribute to the "King of Pop!" (Gary Reber)

Special features include movieIQ, featuring the This Is It Playlist and BD-Live functionality with real-time information on the cast, music, and trivia while watching the movie, as well as an interactive playlist where you can bookmark your favorite songs and e-mail yourself a customized playlist; movieIQ+sync for connecting a Blu-ray Disc™ player to a PC or iPhone via the Internet with full synchronization; Smooth Criminal black-and-white full-length vignette with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, which was to be shown before the performance of "Smooth Criminal" at the "This Is It" concert (HD 03:58); a Making Smooth Criminal featurette (HD 11:08); the Thriller full-length vignette (obviously shot in 3D with with aggressive out-of-screen visual effects) with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio, which was to be shown during the performance of "Thriller" (HD 03:51); the Staging The Return: The Adventure Begins making-of documentary in two parts (HD 40:46); three featurettes: The Gloved One costumes (HD 15:13), Memories Of Michael (HD 16:19), and Auditions: Searching For The World's Best Dancers (HD 09:50); the theatrical trailer; up-front previews; plus a two-CD set of the music that inspired the movie with the brand new song "This Is It."

The 1080p AVC picture is a mixture of high-definition footage shot with the Red One Camera and standard-definition video footage. The footage was never intended for prime time, except segments to document the "making-of" bonus features to accompany a first-rate live concert HD video production. But then tragedy struck, and Michael Jackson fans should be grateful that such quality footage was shot and is presented here. Viewed in this context, this is a remarkable presentation that is mesmerizing in impact and visually stunning. There are some rough segments and flaws inherent in the source, but the presentation is so powerful that it takes concentration to realize. Of course, the imagery shot with the critically acclaimed Red One Camera is sharp, pristine, and detailed. Fine facial features and textures are finely resolved, for an intimate look at the quintessential entertainer. The lighting effects enhance the color saturation, which at times, is eye-popping and awash with warm and rich hues. MJ's dress and rehearsal threads are intense, with bright blues and reds, and blacks are inky deep and solid. Fleshtones always appear natural. Even shadow delineation is revealing, which is impressive for what is basicly unseen in documentary filmmaking. The HD imagery is intercut with standard-definition visuals, which dramatically downgrades resolution, but then such shifts are not distracting because the scenes work thematically so well. The "Thriller" vignette is shot in 3D, and both MJ and Director Kenny Ortega are caught watching the segment wearing RealD 3-D glasses. Perhaps when quality 3D arrives, Sony Pictures will release this footage in the format it was produced. "This Is It" is a remarkable visual tribute to Michael Jackson and exhibits stunning video quality that will be an emotional inspiration to entertainers and would-be entertainers, as well as show fans the hard work that is required to "make it." Watch it, you won't be disappointed. (Gary Reber)

The DTS-HD Master Audio™ 5.1-channel soundtrack is exceptionally mesmerizing. The music is well recorded throughout, with a holosonic® soundfield presence enhanced with aggressive and directional surrounds. MJ's core group of musicians are top notch: Michael Bearden, guitarist (music supervisor), Orianthi Panagaris, guitarist, Bashiri Johnson, percussionist, Mo Pleasure, keyboardist/guitarist, Alex Al, electric and synth bass guitarist, Jonahan "Sugarfoot" Moffett, drummer, and Tommy Organ, guitarist. The band and backup vocals are spread across the soundstage, with electric and bass drums focused in the .1 LFE channel. Michael's lead vocals are phantom center with a touch of discrete center channel lock. The music projects a driving presence, with deep, solid bass. Moffett uses three bass drums to create the "in-your-gut" emotional bass impact. The .1 LFE track is tight and powerful. In particular, the "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin," "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billy Jean" beats penetrate the soundfield with impressive transient attack and thunderous clarity. The music is emotionally uplifting. Sound effects, such as explosions, punctuate the soundfield, for impressive effect. Instrument timbers and vocals are clearly discernible and articulate, even though MJ purposely was not singing at full strength to save his voice for what would have been his final concert tour. Guitar rifts and horns rock and soar, and the soundstage is wide and deep, with an aggressive surround presence that enhances the dimensionality. Dialogue sounds completely natural, with excellent spatial integration. No phony-sounding ADR here. The overall clarity and resolution is impressive and unexpected for a "documentary" release. The soundtrack is thrilling and electrifying and is absolutely sure to emotionally move MJ fans. This is a "hit parade" of some of Michael Jackson's most memorable songs. This release needs to be played on a great home theatre system with capable sonic attributes, to fully experience the emotional impact. Listen to it and be enthralled. (Gary Reber)