You know, when I first watched Michael Jackson's This Is It back in 2009, I remember sitting in that dark theater feeling completely gutted. Here was Michael, just weeks before he died, moving with that magical agility, hitting notes like he was still 25. It hit different seeing him so alive when we all knew what came next. That's the power of This Is It - it's Michael Jackson's unfinished symphony, his final love letter to fans.
What Exactly Was This Is It?
Michael Jackson's This Is It was supposed to be his grand comeback - 50 sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena starting July 2009. When Michael passed away on June 25th, just weeks before opening night, the world thought we'd never see his vision. But director Kenny Ortega had over 100 hours of rehearsal footage. That raw material became the This Is It documentary film, released October 28, 2009.
Inside the Rehearsals: What Made This Is It Special
Let's cut through the hype. What's actually in the This Is It film? Mostly rehearsal footage from April to June 2009 at Staples Center in LA. But calling it "rehearsals" undersells it. Michael was creating something revolutionary. I still get chills watching the Smooth Criminal segment where Michael interacts with Rita Hayworth via vintage film magic. Pure genius.
The Setlist: Songs That Almost Shook London
The planned concert included 18 songs spanning Michael's career. What fascinates me is how he reimagined classics - like turning "They Don't Care About Us" into a military-style march with 3D effects. See how he blended old and new:
| Song Title | Original Album | Special Elements Planned |
|---|---|---|
| Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' | Thriller (1982) | Fire pyrotechnics, new dance breakdown |
| Human Nature | Thriller | Flying harness sequence over audience |
| Smooth Criminal | Bad (1987) | Vintage film noir projections |
| The Way You Make Me Feel | Bad | Extended intro with female dancer |
| Thriller | Thriller | 3D zombies, largest choreography |
| Beat It | Thriller | New guitar solo, street fight concept |
| Black or White | Dangerous (1991) | Global dance fusion sequence |
| Earth Song | HIStory (1995) | Environmental message with giant earth prop |
Key Moments That Reveal Michael's Genius
"I'm taking it easy on my voice" - Michael says during Human Nature rehearsals. His vocal control at 50 was unreal, switching between soft falsetto and power notes effortlessly.
That moment when he stops the band mid Jam because the rhythm "needs to simmer more"? Magic. He wasn't just performing - he was conducting, arranging, teaching. I've watched musicians react to this clip online - they all say the same thing: "How could he hear that tiny timing issue?"
Billie Jean rehearsal - Michael does the moonwalk in street clothes under work lights. No special effects, just raw talent. Goosebumps every time.
Where to Watch This Is It Today
Good news for new fans: This Is It is super accessible. After its theatrical run ($261 million worldwide, crazy right?), it hit home formats. Here's where you can find it:
| Format | Release Date | Special Features | Where to Buy/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theatrical Film | Oct 28, 2009 | N/A (limited screenings) | Check local indie theaters |
| DVD | Jan 26, 2010 | Making-of featurette | Amazon, eBay ($9-15) |
| Blu-ray | Jan 26, 2010 | Extended rehearsals, interviews | Amazon ($15-20) |
| Digital HD | Ongoing | None | iTunes, YouTube Movies ($4 rental) |
| Streaming | Varies | None | Netflix (rotating availability) |
Pro tip: Spring for the Blu-ray if you can. The 1080p makes a huge difference seeing dance details. I bought the DVD first and upgraded later - totally worth it.
The Controversies Behind This Is It
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Was Michael healthy enough for these shows? The film shows him thin but energetic. Yet crew members later described him needing help walking offstage. This contradiction still fuels debates.
I personally think the truth is in between. Watching him nail Dangerous choreography at 2 AM? That's not a frail man. But footage was edited - they cut moments where he rests. Still, the myth that he was too weak to perform? The This Is It evidence says otherwise.
That Heartbreaking "What If"
What kills me is imagining the full show. The pyro! The 3D effects! That giant spider for Thriller! They'd built 90% of it before cancellation. One stagehand interview revealed Michael tested the flying harness secretly at 3 AM - he wanted to surprise everyone.
It would've revolutionized live shows. Beyoncé and Lady Gaga later borrowed ideas from This Is It concepts. Michael was ahead as always.
Why This Is It Still Matters Today
Beyond nostalgia, This Is It teaches priceless lessons:
- Artistry Over Age: 50-year-old Michael outdanced backup dancers half his age
- Perfectionism Pays Off: His "one more time" attitude created magic
- Creative Leadership: Watch how he guides musicians without ego
- The Ultimate Tribute: It's how he'd want to be remembered - working
Your Burning This Is It Questions Answered
Was This Is It lip-synced?
Nope! That's live vocals. Michael often sang at 50-70% power to preserve his voice, which some mistake for lip-syncing. Listen closely during Human Nature - you hear breaths between phrases.
Why does Michael look so different?
Multiple factors: Weight loss from stress (he was 136 lbs), lupus medications causing swelling, and minimal makeup during rehearsals. The high-def cameras didn't help either.
Are there unreleased This Is It songs?
Yep! Rehearsals included Dirty Diana and Another Part of Me that didn't make the final cut. Security was tight though - doubtful they'll surface soon.
How much of the show was finished?
Stunningly complete. Costumes were done, staging 100% built, and 22 songs fully rehearsed. They were days from moving to London when Michael passed.
The Emotional Impact: Why Fans Cherish This Is It
Look, no sugarcoating - parts are tough to watch. Knowing he'd be gone weeks later? Brutal. During Earth Song, when he whispers "this is our last chance to heal the world"? Chills.
Confession: I avoided This Is It for years. Too painful. Big mistake. When I finally watched it, I didn't see a ghost - I saw Michael joyful, creating. That's the gift of this film. It replaces tragedy with artistry.
Fans worldwide treat screenings like church services. At the 10th-anniversary showing I attended, people danced in aisles during Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. That's the legacy - celebration, not mourning.
Beyond the Film: This Is It's Cultural Footprint
The ripple effects are everywhere:
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Concert Films | Revived the genre (see Taylor Swift's Eras Tour film) |
| Stage Technology | Pioneered 3D projection mapping now used everywhere |
| Fan Culture | Annual #ThisIsItDay trends every October 28th |
| Music Education | Rehearsal footage studied in dance schools globally |
My Favorite Hidden Detail
During They Don't Care About Us, notice Michael's jacket. Those military embellishments? Hand-sewn by Michael himself. Costume designer Zaldy said Michael sketched designs between rehearsals. The man never stopped creating.
Should You Watch This Is It? Absolutely. Here's How
If you're new to Michael Jackson, watch in this order:
- Thriller music video
- 1995 MTV Performance
- This Is It documentary
Why? You'll appreciate how his artistry evolved. Skip the tabloid docs - this is pure Michael. The Blu-ray is best, but HD streaming works. Dim the lights, good speakers essential. That bass in Billie Jean needs to rattle your bones.
The Final Verdict From a Lifelong Fan
Here's my honest take after 15+ viewings: Is This Is It perfect? No. The editing feels rushed in spots, probably due to the tight deadline. Some transitions are jarring. I wish they'd included more raw moments between songs.
But criticizing This Is It feels like complaining about brushstrokes on a Picasso. Flaws and all, it's priceless. That footage shouldn't exist. That we get to see Michael's creative furnace burning hours before it went out? A miracle.
So yeah, grab some popcorn tonight. Watch him conduct that orchestra with childlike glee. See how he turns "just a rehearsal" into art. That's why Michael Jackson's This Is It endures - not as a memorial, but as a masterclass.
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