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Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter trailer released

@britt_mahaney — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:36:45 +0000

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The name alone, “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” might draw confusion and general uncertainty from the average person, but there are some reasons why the new trailer is mildly convincing. The effects look pretty impressive, it’s directed by Tim Burton and it’s based on Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel of the same name. With roughly 5 percent historical accuracy, the 16th president’s mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which sends him on a rampage against vampires and their slave-owning helpers.

Will you see it or have you had enough of the vampire craze?

A Mash-up of the Best Films of 2011

Natalia Buia — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:43 +0000

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Last week we introduced you to a video that mashes all the hit songs from 2011 in 4 minutes.

Now, we’re back with more amazing mash-ups. This time around, the 166 best films of the year are scrambled together in a 7 minute video, as seen on Gossip Cop.

Titled “The 2011 Portofolio”, some of the films featured includes “Drive” with Ryan Gosling, “Harry Potter”, “Kung Fu Panda 2″, “Melancholia” with Kristen Dunst and “Like Crazy”.

In just 7:44 minutes, 166 films are shown, 6 songs are played and the whole thing took 30 some odd days to put together. The way the mash-up plays out makes me want to see each individual movie right now. Sorry Beliebers, but Justin’s “Never Say Never” flick was snubbed from this playlist.

Movie Review: Warrior, a Friendly Family Duel

Lauren Treihaft — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 05:05:00 +0000

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Though the film is not terribly gory, Warrior bleeds testosterone as three male characters brawl in a fight that rears two heads.

Tommy Conlon, a brooding drifter (played by a seriously bulked up Tom Hardy) returns to his hometown in the seedy streets of Pittsburgh to attend to the demons of his past, his formerly abusive alcoholic father Paddy (Nick Nolte). After a chance fight in the rings of a local gym, Tommy proves his strength and agility in mixed martial arts and decides to take it further and enter into a 5 million dollar tournament. Tommy is unwilling to forgive his father, but he seeks him out as a trainer for the tournament.

Meanwhile on the other side of the tracks, Tommy’s brother Brendan (Joel Edgerton), a retired UFC fighter, who is striving to provide for his family and live the American Dream, loses his job as a physics teacher and decides to enter the same tournament. However, the brothers are unaware that they are about to take the same path.

It’s the Shakespearean set-up of the century, two brothers going head to head though perhaps the outcome is less expected than usual. The recycled and predictable storyline often convolutes the action of the film, but the fight scene’s are dark, visceral, and mesmerizing.

Hardy gives a brilliant performance with his agonizing face and brow so deeply set. The pain of Tommy’s childhood is easily read from his grimace. Edgerton too gives a genuine performance allowing for the chemistry between the brothers to appear natural and provide the audience with an emotional resonance.

Unfortunately for Nolte, his days of acting as a trainer for young fighters may be a role that needs retiring. This is Nolte’s second “Warrior” film (2006′s Peaceful Warrior). Nolte is believable as a recovered alcoholic but the role is washed up and almost unnecessary to most of the narrative.

For those who enjoyed The Fighter and The Wrestler, Warrior may appeal to those same interests. The film builds to a thrilling conclusion and boasts a strong familial storyline as the brothers finally come to terms with their father and his past actions in an epic fight scene.

Film Exposes Kings of Leon

andPOP Staff — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:58:43 +0000

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After cancelling the remainder of their tour, Kings of Leon have a new film which shines new light into the band.

“They are just tired from touring, they just don’t stop. Everyone needs a break from each other once in a while, and they just need a little time off,” Stephen C. Mitchell, who signed the then-unknown musicians several years ago, told FOX411. “They’re just having a little rest now and they’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to seeing them play again soon. They are still young; they have a whole other chapter ahead of them.”

Mitchell created a film called Talihina Sky: The Story of the Kings of Leon. The film exposes life behind the scenes, and the interesting dynamic of the group.

And in regards to their turbulent relationship?

“They are brothers too so they’re relationship is a little different to other bands, brothers can pretty much say whatever they want to each other,” Mitchell explained.

Sofia Vergara Bows Out of The Paperboy

Samantha Lui — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:48:15 +0000

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Looks like there will be more Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in upcoming episodes of the award-winning sitcom Modern Family.

According to Deadline, Sofia Vergara who was announced to be part of the cast of the Lee Daniels’ directed drama The Paperboy, has just dropped out of the film.

When the start date of the movie got pushed back a week, the schedule conflicted with her day job on Modern Family, whose third season will shooting by then.

“Modern Family is her first priority, so once she was made aware of the change in schedule, she had no choice but to pull,” said an insider in her camp.

Vergara, will however be a part of The Three Stooges, a film adaptation of the television series directed by the Farrelly brothers.

The Paperboy, which stars Matthew McConaughey, Tobey Maguire and Zac Efron, is based on the Pete Dexter novel about a newspaper reporter who returns home to FLorida to investigate the possible unlawful imprisonment of a death-row inmate.

So what do you think of Vergara’s dropping out?

Personally, I don’t mind at all because her character on Modern Family is my favourite. I’m sure other films will be coming her way in the future!

Lindsay Lohan Appears In Film ‘Transformed’

Christian Allaire — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:18:44 +0000

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Lindsay Lohan has returned to films. But instead of appearing in a major blockbuster, Lohan is appearing in the short indie-like film ‘Lindsay Lohan: Transformed’ by Richard Phillips.

Running 90 seconds long, the film is basically just about Lohan and how beautiful she is. There are lots of close up shots and artistic camera shots, emphasizing her looks and facial expressions. The video was shot last month in Malibu, Calif., by surf-king filmmaker Taylor Steele.

“I’ve never made a film, not even on an iPhone,” Phillips said. “In some ways the video relates to my art, but it’s also a way to think about a new kind of portraiture.”

“What fascinates me about Lindsay are not her problems but the way she embodies an eminence on the level of a Bardot or an Ullmann,” Phillips said. “She’s a combination of the fantastic and the real, which is what makes her so magnetic. She can also bring forward an existential presence that speaks to the isolated self.”

Despite all her troubles in her personal life, one can’t deny that Lohan is a great actress, and an even better model. Check out the below to see Lohan in all her glory.

Alex Pettyfer To Star Alongside Channing Tatum As Male Strippers

Christian Allaire — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:48:34 +0000

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I have a feeling this movie will bring in a lot of prepubescent teenage girls.

Based on Channing Tatum’s real-life stripper past, Alex Pettyfer will star alongside Tatum as a male stripper in ‘Magic Mike,’ reports Deadline.

Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh chose 21-year-old newcomer Pettyfer to play a young Tatum, while Channing will play his older mentor.

Pettyfer recently starred in ‘I Am Number Four’ and ‘Beastly,’ and will appear this fall opposite Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried in the film ’In Time.’

‘Magic Mike,’ though, is the story of a friendship set in the world of male strippers. Tatum plays the title character, who schools a young dancer, Pettyfer, in how to hustle on and off the stage. It’s a ”wild summer of dancing, partying, and women.”

The inspiration came from Channing’s own experiences as a stripper when he was 19, before making it big as an actor.

Like I said before, two half-naked men in a two hour movie is definitely going to bring in ticket sales. I bet you girls are already lining up outside movie theatres.

Whitney Houston To Return To Film, Enters Rehab

Christian Allaire — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:35:49 +0000

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Whitney Houston is set to return to the big screen for the first time in 15 years, reports CTV.

The 47-year-old singer-and-actress will be reuniting with her former ‘Waiting To Exhale’ castmates to create a sequel to the 1995 hit movie, in which she played unlucky-in-love television producer Savannah Jackson.

Actress Angela Bassett, who portrayed Bernadine Harris in the film, explained director Forest Whitaker is in the process of altering author-and-screenwriter Terry McMillan’s follow-up to the movie.

“It’s preliminary, but it’s going to happen, ‘Waiting to Exhale 2′. McMillan wrote ‘Getting to Happy’ and she’s written the screenplay … Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, Whitney, Forest. Forest is working on the script now.”

In others news, a representative for the superstar singer confirmed today that Houston is undergoing treatment. Kristen Foster says Houston is in an out-patient program for drug and alcohol treatment. She says it is a voluntary measure and part of Houston’s “long-standing” recovery process.

Houston has battled problems with drug addiction for years. But in 2009, as she released a comeback album, she declared herself healthy and clean.

However, her 2010 tour overseas was trouble. Houston cancelled some dates due to illness and received negative reviews from fans who were disappointed in the quality of her voice and performance.

It’s unclear how long Houston will be in rehab or where she’s being treated. But before she takes on the stress of doing huge films, it’s good she clears her mind and focuses on herself first.

Chelsea Handler Going to Film

Christian Allaire — Sat, 07 May 2011 18:53:42 +0000

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Chelsea Handler may bring the laughs on stage, but the comedian is now set to appear in a dramatic film role, reports E Online.

It is reported that the ‘Chelsea Lately’ star will take on the dark role of a restless housewife in the adaptation of Eric Bogosian’s 2001 novel, Mall.

Handler’s castmates include ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ star Vincent D’Onofrio, who plays a ‘voyeuristic businessman’ and is also producing the film with partner Erika Hampson and Sam Maydew.

“This film will be a comment on social violence,” D’Onofrio said in a statement. “It begins as a man walks through the front door of a suburban mall armed to the teeth, causing five strangers to embark on a night that will change them forever. As the bullets fly, one teenage boy hurtles through the night on a collision course with the man he will become.”

Joe Hahn of Linkin Park will also unleash his directing debut in this movie, and Bogosian will make a cameo as a store owner.

Wow – I love Handler, but I never saw this coming. It’s a pleasant surprise though, I think she’ll do great in this. She’s obviously shown she has the acting capabilities before, appearing on ‘In The Motherhood’ and always doing comedy sketches on ‘After Lately.’ Can’t wait to see this, I’m a huge fan!

Tupac’s Only Screenplay To Be Made Into a Film

Christian Allaire — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:24:46 +0000

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Rapper Tupac Shakur’s only screenplay ever made will be turned into a film, reports MTV News.

A notorious double threat, Tupac produced platinum albums and singles and also earned notices for his acting in films such as “Juice” and “Poetic Justice.”

But the notorious rapper, who studied acting, poetry, jazz and ballet while performing in Shakespearean plays at the Baltimore School for the Arts as a teenager, not only acted in plays and movies, he also apparently wrote them.

Now, the rights to the only full screenplay Shakur wrote while he was in jail, titled “Live 2 Tell,” have been acquired by a production company that plans to start filming the movie next year.

One of the producers Preston Holmes has collaborated with Shakur’s mother, Afeni, on the 2003 documentary “Tupac: Resurrection” and Afeni will be an executive producer on the $11 million project as well.

The script is described as the story of a teenage drug dealer and his struggles to leave a life of crime. It was written by Shakur while he served an 11-month sentence on sexual assault charges.

“This kid was a genius, and the net of it is, he was from this community, he knew the struggles these young people were dealing with,” said Ivan Juzang, whose NStar Studios was behind the acquisition of the screenplay. “And he’s able to talk to young people in 2011, 2012, the same way he was able to talk to young people in 1995.” Holmes had originally contacted Shakur about the script when the rapper was still behind bars.

“We think that the name we need is the name we have, which is Tupac Shakur,” Holmes said.

This is the second attempt at making the film. The script was first optioned more than five years ago by the Insomnia Media Group and was slated to start production in March 2006. No casting for that version was ever confirmed.

I think this is a nice ode to Tupac’s work – the man had some serious talent, and it’s nice to be shared.

Lindsay Lohan Loses Role To Play Victoria Gotti

andPOP Staff — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:06:42 +0000

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It seems like a curse has been placed against Lindsay Lohan, and she just can’t get a job. Lindsay was supposed to play Victoria Gotti in the upcoming film “Gotti: Three Generations,” but now that’s not going to happen.

Executive Producer Marc Fiore tells TMZ he has ended negotiations with Lindsay’s team because, “It just didn’t work for me.” Money was an issue, but also some of the demand were ludicrous, however there is no info on the specifics of those demands.

There is still hope. Fiore says, ”Maybe if Lindsay calls me up, we can talk about it.” So perhaps there is still a chance for Lindsay to keep the job, and hopefully hire better management.

Demi Lovato Reaches Out to Catherine Zeta Jones

Christian Allaire — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 02:23:09 +0000

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Demi Lovato has reached out to Catherine Zeta Jones via Twitter, after the star announced she was entering a rehab facility for her Bipolar II disorder.

Lovato, who also entered a rehab facility this year for an eating disorder, tweeted “I don’t know Catherine Zeta-Jones personally but what she has decided to do it SO brave.. And SO difficult but worth it… I’m proud of her.”

Jones’ publicist announced earlier this week that “after dealing with the stress of the past year, Catherine made the decision to check in to a mental health facility for a brief stay to treat her Bipolar II disorder. She’s feeling great and looking forward to starting work this week on her two upcoming films.”

It’s a fresh change to see younger starlets reach out to older stars – something you don’t see very often. I commend Jones for being so public with her disorder, it’s definitely nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I just feel bad for her, from her husband Michael Douglas going through cancer to now dealing with this, she hasn’t had a great year. Jones is a fabulous actress and a respected member of the film scene though, so I’m sure she’ll bounce back in no time.

Victoria Gotti Wants Lohan To Play Her In Film

Christian Allaire — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 22:41:24 +0000

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For once, it appears that Lindsay Lohan is being fought over to appear in a film. TMZ reports that Victoria Gotti herself has handpicked Lohan to play her in an upcoming film about her father and notorious gangster John Gotti.

Lohan even beat out Blake Lively and Sienna Miller for her new role as Victoria Gotti. Who would have thought this day would come? I’m personally so happy for her!

Sources close to the production tell TMZ that producers were considering both Blake and Sienna for the role, but John Gotti’s famously blonde daughter wasn’t having it, insisting Lindsay get the role instead. This isn’t surprising, apparently, as according to sources Victoria is a good friend of the Lohan family and often spends time with them on Long Island. An inside job? Maybe. But Lohan should take what she can get.

Lindsay is currently in L.A. auditioning for “Superman,” but TMZ is told she already has a plane ticket back to NYC for April 12th to close the Gotti deal for good.

I think this merrits celebration. It will be her first movie role since her cameo in Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Machete’ as a meth-addicted daughter turned nun, so I’m hoping this role will cause her to be taken a little more seriously. I’ve always been a huge Lohan fan, so I’m rooting for her. It’s time to move on up!

Arcade Fire, Spike Jonze Team Up For ‘The Suburbs’ Short Film

@coltondaniel — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:32:23 +0000

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Fresh off their Grammy-win, the good old Canadian band Arcade Fire have teamed up with Academy Award-nominated director Spike Jonze to create a short film inspired by the album entitled: Scenes from the Suburbs. The first public glimpse at the film was released in a trailer on Monday.

A story of battles. The battle of adolescence, social circles and love – and war, thanks to Jonze. The film stars stars Sienna Blau, Sam Dillon, Zoe Graham, Zeke Jarmon, Paul Pluymen, and Ashlin Williamson living in an ordinary suburb with a lingering militaristic presence, reminiscent of 1984.

The film is set to play this Wednesday at the South by Southwest (SXSW) interactive music and film festival in Austin, Texas. It has already premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and, according to the trailer, is soon coming to DVD. Both Arcade Fire’s front man Win Butler and manager Scott Rodger were executive producers of the film, and Win’s brother and bandmate Will co-wrote the script with Mr. Jonze.

Arcade Fire and Jonze’s history goes back to his use of “Wake Up!” in the trailer for his critically acclaimed 2009 film “Where the Wild Things Are”. Since, Jonze directed the music video for the band’s title track to the Suburbs.

Kanye West Admits To Considering Suicide

andPOP Staff — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:00:01 +0000

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The Huffington Post reports that during a screening of his film “Runaway” on Monday in Los Angeles, Kanye West revealed that he has considered suicide in the past.

Describing himself as a pop icon and “soldier for culture,” West told the crowd “there were times that I contemplated suicide.” However, he said, “I will not give up on life again.”

“There’s so many people that will never get the chance to have their voice heard” as loudly as his, West said Monday. “I do it for them.”

“Runaway,” which West is the director of the abstract 35-minute film, features portions of nine new West songs, with bold and beautiful visuals. The film will premiere this weekend on MTV, VH1, and BET.

Spike Jonze and Arcade Fire Team Up for Film

Sara Harowitz — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:08:24 +0000

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Now here’s one collaboration that has “awesome” written all over it!

Popular Canadian alternative band Arcade Fire are working with film director Spike Jonze, reports NME.com.

Jonze, who used the band’s song “Wake Up” in his 2009 film Where The Wild Things Are, is said to be casting the film in Austin, TX.

The filmmaker’s spokesperson confirmed with MTV News that the project was definitely a-go, saying, “Spike will be in Austin shooting a short film which is a collaboration with Arcade Fire.”

There is talk that the project is about friends who grow apart and that it is going to be a short film, but these things have not been confirmed.

Arcade Fire is set to release a new album soon, and they are due to premiere it during their headline appearance at this August’s Reading And Leeds Festivals.

Jimi Hendrix Sex Tape to be Released

Sara Harowitz — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:08:19 +0000

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Who needs Paris Hilton?

A DVD that features Jimi Hendrix (or so the film’s creators say) having sex will be released as part of Jimi Hendrix: The Story Of The Lost Sex Tape on May 3 in the U.K., according to CHARTattack.com.

The filmmakers said that in 2007 about 11 minutes of hardcore pornography were discovered at an auction, reports NME.com. The footage is reportedly of Hendrix having sex with two women.

The following year, Los Angeles porn studio Vivid Entertainment (who, funnily enough, was responsible for the Pamela Anderson/Tommy Lee sex tape) started selling the footage online. “Jimi Hendrix could have been as great a porn star as he was a rock star,” they claimed.

Still, some questioned whether it was actually Hendrix in the footage. The rock icon’s longtime girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, told the New York Times that the man’s “face is too broad and nose and nostrils too wide for Jimi.” Author Charles R. Cross also said he did not think that it was Hendrix in the tape.

However, Cynthia “Plaster Caster,” who became famous for making plaster casts of musicians’ breasts and penises from the 1960s to the present, claims in the film’s trailer (which can be found on YouTube) that the man in the tape is definitely Hendrix.

“That’s Jimi Hendrix’s dick, and I should know!” she said.

Avatar Now Is Number 2 Money Maker

andPOP Staff — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:56:18 +0000

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This movie just can’t be stopped. E! Online confirms that Avatar has now brought in $1.14 billion worldwide, making it the second highest grossing film of all time. And now some are suggesting if the movie continues this pace, it could knock out James Cameron’s other film Titanic which is the highest grossing film of all time at $1.8 billion globally.

Also Fox ‘s FX Network has struck while the iron is hot and has purchased the TV rights to Avatar for $25 million. A TV series should premiere sometime in 2012.

Movie Review: Pirate Radio

Ilan Mester — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:20 +0000

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“Pirate Radio” is entertaining, well written — but also forgettable. Directed and written by Richard Curtis (“Love Actually,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral”), there’s no question this movie will appeal to rock lovers and rock dummies alike. However, that doesn’t make it a memorable film.

In theory, this comedy has everything going for it: actors who can actually act (like Philip Seymour Hoffman), a reasonably original plot and a witty, Oscar-nominated screenwriter. The movie is based on the true story of a seafaring group of rock-obsessed DJs who captivated 1960’s Britain with their “pirate radio.” This at a time where rock music was mostly banned from the airways so the group broadcast live-to-air in an old tanker from the middle of the North Sea.

Their radio station helped unify millions across the nation and their story is without a doubt hilarious as told by Curtis. So what’s the problem? It’s just clustered. “Pirate Radio” is an ensemble film, but one with too many characters. While the movie does a fantastic job of developing a handful of oddball DJs, the rest of them are merely props.

There are some fantastic scenes in “Pirate Radio,” but unfortunately they just flit from one to the next. The one thing (or character) who reoccurs throughout many of the scenes and sort of binds them is a teenager by the name of Carl (played by Tom Sturridge), the godson to Quentin (Bill Nighy, the station’s manager). He’s freshly expelled from school and sent by his mother to spend some time on board. Having Carl’s character in the movie is smart to say the least because it makes the film accessible to a much younger crowd (including those who think a record only refers to an achievement).

One thing that’s definitely phenomenal about this movie is its cast. From established actors including Hoffman, Nighy and Emma Thompson to younger actors like Sturridge and “007’s” Gemma Arterton, the movie exudes talent.

The plot is interesting as well. The thing that keeps this movie going is the government’s attempts at sinking the pirates through legislation, along with subplots from some of the DJs. When one subplot is unveiled, another one takes off. The problem is there’s too much filler to get cheep laughs from the audience.

However, with all it’s faults, “Pirate Radio” is still a worthwhile movie. The film may not be a masterpiece (and may be a half hour too long), but the songs it features are without a doubt classics. I mean, you can’t go wrong with a soundtrack that includes The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks can you?

Sony Confirms Release Date For Michael Jackson’s This Is It

Ilan Mester — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:49:43 +0000

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Sony Pictures confirms Oct. 30 as the release date for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” movie, which documents the King of Pop’s final concert rehearsal.

The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage – all captured in high definition.

To add to the experience, “This Is It” will also offer certain sequences in 3-D, along with interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and creative collaborators.

“This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been,” read part of the statement released by Sony. “The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson’s meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.”

Most of the footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

“Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art,” said Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, in a statement. “He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect”.