andPOP » footage

Michael Jackson’s Doctor Wants To Release ‘This Is It’ Outtakes, Court Case Ensues

Christian Allaire — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:10:32 +0000

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Attorneys for Michael Jackson’s doctor want to release outtakes from his concert film ‘This Is It,’ reports Billboard.

Dr. Conrad Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death, wants access to over 100 hours of raw footage that was filmed during the singer’s last days.

Sony Pictures is, of course, fighting the request, but Murray plans on using the clips to defend himself and show that Jackson was in good health before he died.

Lawyers for Murray and Sony attorneys are due in court Thursday. Murray is charged with giving Jackson an overdose of anesthetic propofol and other sedatives.

I don’t think releasing footage of a very ill Jackson is going to solve anything. People are trying to move on, and he’s just dragging it out. The charge has been laid, you’re guilty, now pay the price.

Michael Jackson’s Life Remembered in Variety of Films

Emma Renda — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:47:19 +0000

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After parties aren’t hard to come by in the entertainment world, which is why it was no surprise Michael Jackson’s burial was followed by a high-profile soiree at Villa Sorriso Ristorante in Pasadena.

It’s even less-surprising that the footage could be turned into a special screening for A&E. A DVD, with footage of the burial, is also rumoured to be in the works.

The funeral was indeed a star-studded affair, with guests including Elizabeth Taylor, Barry Bonds, Macaulay Culkin, Mila Kunis, Chris Tucker, Al Sharpton and the entire Jackson family (although they arrived nearly an hour and a half late.)

Following the ceremony at the Forest Lawn cemetary in Glendale, some of the Jackson family and other mourners went to the restaurant where Rat Pack music played throughout the night and Casablanca was screened on the walls, according to TMZ. On the way out, Corey Feldman busted out his fedora and best MJ dance move to the resounding cheers of crowds outside the restaurant.

Now with Jackson laid to rest, fans and friends will be able to remember him via the silver screen. Michael Jackson: THIS IS IT will hit theatres worldwide for an exclusive two-week engagement starting Oct. 28 thanks to Sony Entertainment. The film bears the same name as Jackson’s world tour, and will be directed by Kenny Ortega who was Jackson’s creative partner for the tour.

Footage of Jackson preparing for the tour that would have kicked off in London this summer will be included in the film, featuring rehearsals, studio time and candid backstage moments.

“This film is a gift to Michael’s fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work,” Ortega said in a press release on Jackson’s website.

“I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”

Tickets will go on sale Sept. 27 in most cities. No details about a DVD have been released.

Michael Jackson Film To Hit Silver Screen On Halloween

Ilan Mester — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:16:13 +0000

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A deal involving Sony Pictures, to acquire rehearsal footage from Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert rehearsal is being finalized. According to Variety, the distribution company hopes to give the film a theatrical release this Halloween.

It has been reported that Sony is paying approximately $60 million for 80 hours of rehearsal footage of Jackson. The footage currently belongs to AEG Entertainment, the company responsible for promoting Jackson’s 50 shows in London.

Kenny Ortega will reportedly assemble the movie which Sony plans to released on October 30, according to MTV News. The “High School Musical” director shot the original footage. According to Variety, the rehearsal film will feature “at least three” videos, and one of them could be an alternative version of Jackson’s hit “Thriller.

A slew of distributors were reportedly interested in the footage, but since Sony’s music division owns the publishing rights to the king of pop’s songs, it’s fitting for them to own the rehearsal footage as well.