Michael Jackson’s This Is It (R1/US BD) in January

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment have announced the US DVD and Blu-ray Disc release of Michael Jackson’s This Is It on 26th January 2010. Michael Jackson’s This is It offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning summer 2009 in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

Priced at $28.96 SRP on DVD and $39.95 SRP on Blu-ray Disc, features are outlined below…

• DVD: 1.78:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English DD5.1
• BD: 1080P 1.78:1 Widescreen, English 5.1 DTS-HD MA
• English, English SDH, and French (Canadian) subtitles (Film only)
• “Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins” Making-of Documentary - This in-depth documentary reveals Michael Jackson’s unique, groundbreaking vision for his ambitious return to the stage, with director Kenny Ortega and the entire crew from This Is It.
• ”Staging the Return: Beyond the Show” Making-of Documentary - Director Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It discuss Michael Jackson's final rehearsals, and the purpose behind creating the concert film.
• “The Gloved One” Costumes Featurette - Costume Designer Zaldy reveals the elaborate new costumes created for Michael Jackson to wear on the This Is It tour.
• “Memories of Michael” Featurette - Kenny Ortega and the crew of This Is It share personal stories about working with Michael Jackson, and how they will remember their friend.
• “Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers” Featurette - A look at the high-stakes audition process, which began with over 5,000 applicants and ended with the selection of 11 exceptionally talented dancers.
• Theatrical Trailer
• BD Exclusive: “Smooth Criminal” Vignette - The full-length vignette starring Michael Jackson which was to be shown before the performance of “Smooth Criminal” at theThis Is It concert.
• BD Exclusive: “Making ‘Smooth Criminal’” Featurette - An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the groundbreaking production of the new “Smooth Criminal” film created for This Is It.
• BD Exclusive: “Thriller” Vignette - The full-length vignette which was to be shown during the performance of “Thriller” at the This Is It concert.
• BD Exclusive: movieIQ: connects you to access real-time information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie! Also includes the "This Is It" interactive playlist where you can bookmark your favorite songs featured in the film and email yourself a customized playlist!

The Blu-ray is coded for Region A only (based on the back cover).