Michael Jackson's This Is Itpremiered to a star-filled crowd including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez and four of the singer's brothers last night, winning early praise from critics and showing fans that the King of Pop could still entertain.
Culled from 80 hours of videotape taken of Jackson's final days of rehearsals for a series of London concerts planned for July, the film has been called "a story of a master of his craft" by director Kenny Ortega.
Michael Jackson fans around the world flocked to screenings of This Is Itearlier today, many dressed as their idol or in costumes from Jackson music videos, as they bid a final farewell to the King of Pop.
Jackson, who grew up as one of Motown legends The Jackson 5 and still has the best-selling album of all-time with his 1982 Thriller, died suddenly on June 25th in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest aged 50.
"This Is It" was culled from 80 hours of film of the singer's rehearsals for 50 London concerts planned for July which the media dubbed a "comeback tour". Jackson left the stage in 2005 after child molestation charges of which he was later acquitted.
After a star-studded opening in Los Angeles last night and premieres in 16 other cities, the highly publicised film was to go on show in up to 99 countries by today, expanding to about 110 by the weekend.
"We have to celebrate his life, celebrate his legacy and that's what this documentary is all about," Teddy Riley, who produced Jackson's "Dangerous" album, told reporters on the red carpet at Sydney's premiere on today.
In central Taipei, a handful of Jackson impersonators, members of local fan club called MJ's Army of Love, danced to entertain the hundreds of fans queuing to see the documentary which is initially on a limited two-week release.
"It's such a regret, because his performances, songs and dances are totally perfect. It is a pity we cannot see his performance on stage but in a movie theatre instead," said impersonator Li Yen-Ting, who was dressed up like his hero.
Sony and Columbia Pictures bought the movie rights from concert promoter AEG Live for a reported $60 million and has reported "phenomenal" demand since advance ticket sales started last month.
Columbia has said the movie will be extended beyond its two-week run if ticket demand is high and also plans to release the DVD for the movie in early 2010.
Reuters