Michael Jackson’s This Is It – Blu-ray Disc Review
January 18, 2010 – 6:09 pm - Posted by: Justin SlussTags: AEG Live, BD-Live, Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson, movieIQ, Red One Camera, Sony
has an average rating of 7.4 on IMDb
1080p in AVC MPEG-4 on a 50gb disc
DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio
are pretty lengthy & ALL in Hi-Def
– 
– 2009
– 111 minutes
– Sony
– 
This uses 23.3GB for the movie out of 39.4GB total.
Street Date: January 26th, 2010
Overall Verdict – Highly Recommended
Buy it for $23.99 @ Amazon.com
— Review written by: Justin Sluss —
The Movie Itself was Directed by Kenny Ortega (of “High School Musical” fame) and is comprised of the final rehearsals of the “King of Pop” (Michael Jackson) before what would have been his farewell tour title “This Is It” — hence the title. As you know, Michael passed away this last year and left the entire world shocked. At first the idea of this coming this soon to home video was a bit disturbing but once I saw folks like Roger Ebert give it rave reviews and even MJ’s friend Elizabeth Taylor say the film was great I changed my mind. I did NOT opt to see this in the short theatrical run because as I discussed above, being a fan I was not sure it was quite time to see this. So, I waited until this morning when the screener of this arrived to watch it and I will simply describe this in a one-word description, “AWESOME“. I enjoyed absolutely every minute of this from start to finish and I’m also not afraid to admit I was very moved emotionally by this film.
It is just as the package art advertises, you see a side here of the man that you never saw. For instance, you get to see Michael with what appears to be a day or so old beard as well as get to see him watching them film the 3D “Thriller” vignette. In that bit, you’ll actually see Michael Jackson, with Director Kenny Ortega watching the 3D footage back on a 3D display using “RealD” 3D glasses. The performances here are amazing, especially Michael‘s dancing which remains just as impressive as it was decades ago and now finally has been captured in Hi-Def. The songs performed here are as follows:
- “Wanna Be Startin’ Something“
- “Jam“
- “They Don’t Care About Us“
- “Human Nature“
- “Smooth Criminal“
- “The Way You Make Me Feel“
- “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)“
- “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You“
- “Thriller“
- “Beat It“
- “Black or White“
- “Earth Song“
- “Billie Jean“
- “Man in the Mirror“
In closing, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is a very, very emotional rehearsal footage film / documentary. Director Kenny Ortega is actually responsible for something that folks of all ages (not just the “tweens” this time) will end up enjoying and coming to appreciate his direction. I think the late Michael Jackson would be very pleased with the footage and way they have put it together in a very tasteful and respectable manner for the fans to enjoy Michael‘s music one last time.
Video Quality on this release is in full 1080p using the AVC MPEG-4 codec on a BD-50 (50 gigabyte dual-layered Blu-ray Disc) in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. A majority of the film is in full Hi-Def but I will remind viewers that some portions are from a SD (Standard Definition) camera source and will have black bars on all 4 sides of the screen. This footage is very minimal but it is worth noting. The Hi-Def footage looks amazing here with sharp detail, bright vibrant colors, accurate fleshtones and a very solid black level. The lights and such of the stage show don’t really interfere with the Hi-Def cameras at all unlike some other concert films I’ve seen shot in HD. The real reason this looks so good can be attributed to one thing, the camera. According to IMDb‘s technical specifications for the aspect ratio, this was shot on the Red One camera. The shift between the SD and HD (Red One) footage can be a bit weird at times but you do have to keep in mind that no other footage existed of these final rehearsals and this is the best they could do. With that taken in to consideration, I really cannot find anything at all to complain about here in the visual Hi-Def presentation. This earns a perfect “5 Star Rating” for overall video quality, even with the small bit of Standard Def footage thrown in. Here’s to hoping that more live concerts are shot using the Red One camera in the future because it looks marvelous.
Audio Quality on this release is presented in DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio. Sound here is very important but one should keep in mind that Michael Jackson was not singing at full strength, as to not strain his voice (as he even notes in the footage), so do not expect him to be singing the classics exactly how you remember line-for-line. The vocals come through excellent through the 5.1 mix in primarily the front center channel for MJ’s lead vocals and a tad bit of front left and right channels for the backup vocals as well as majority of the music from the instruments in the band. The drum beat holds an enormous sense of LFE (bass) to it as does the bass guitar, especially during numbers like “Billie Jean” which showcases on the percussion (beat) for a solo. The rear channels get a great presence from the music, occasional sounds of folks in the background and such as well as extravagant treatment on the “vignettes” (short little films) for “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” which sound excellent. Overall the presentation here in terms of sound is very impressive and sure to leave fans pleased, earning it a “4.5 Star Rating” for audio quality. This sounds excellent but you do have to keep in mind that Jackson was not singing at his full vocal capacity to conserve his voice for what would have been his final tour. It is a definite shame that we do not ever get to have this as it was planned on home video in a real live concert performance but these rehearsals do hold a great amount of emotional significance regardless and most importantly, they sound excellent.
Bonus materials are ALL presented in High Definition (HD) video with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo sound @192kbps — unless otherwise noted.
- BD-Live is include on this Sony release which requires the user to be on a “Profile 2.0” capable Blu-ray Disc Player to access online content from the studio.
- “movieIQ” is included on this release which uses BD-Live to access facts and such about the film. This information is updated in real-time via the BD-Live functionality. This release also includes the ability to make your own personalized favorite “Playlist” out of the Michael Jackson songs here.
- “Smooth Criminal Vignette” (3:58) features the short little bit of film that was shot to be displayed on the giant LCD screen behind the stage when the song was performed in concert, as shown in the film. This is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound @640kbps.
- “Making Smooth Criminal Vignette” (11:08) takes a look behind-the-scenes at the making of the vignette discussed above.
- “Thriller Vignette” (3:51) features the short little bit of film that was shot to be displayed on the giant LCD screen behind the stage when the song was performed in concert, as shown in the film. This is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound @640kbps. Sadly this is not in 3D as it was originally shot and intended but maybe with Blu-ray 3D finally getting announced we may someday see this footage presented in 3D.
- “Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins” (28:13) is a making of style documentary. This includes interviews with Director Kenny Ortega and the entire crew.
- “Staging the Return: Beyond the Show” (13:25) is another making of style documentary but it discusses the passing of Michael Jackson and Ortega‘s purpose for creating this concert film (of sorts) using the final rehearsal footage.
- “The Gloved One” (15:13) is a featurette that takes a look behind-the-scenes with the costume designer Zaldy at the outfits and such Michael had planned to wear on the tour.
- “Memories of Michael” (16:19) is a basic tribute featurette with director Kenny Ortega and the members of the crew discussing their personal experiences with Michael and how they remember him.
- “Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers” (9:50) is a behind-the-scenes featurette that is self-explanatory by the title itself. These talented young men and women had the chance to dance onstage with the late great Michael Jackson and this is how they got to that point.
- Theatrical Trailer (2:31) is presented with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound @640kbps.
Overall, the bonus materials are somewhat impressive. You have the 2-part making of featurette “Staging: The Return“, the featurettes for the costume design, a tribute, the dancer auditions and the two vignettes for “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal” as well as even a “making of” for it. Fans will be pleased with the 90 minutes+ of Hi-Def supplemental material found here. The “movieIQ” is also a nice inclusion as well. The only thing that honestly seems missing is a digital copy but oh well.
Blu-ray Disc packaging:
Screenshots:
NOTE: The full-sized 1920×1080 files are in a .PNG file format and uncompressed. Bare with the slow loading times, keep in mind these files are at least 1MB (1 megabyte) in size each.
27 Responses to “Michael Jackson’s This Is It – Blu-ray Disc Review”
Great review but will not buy! You don’t need to look very far to see it’s simply a cash in of sorts to ride the wave that is Mr. Jackson’s death. I being in the minority was a fan of Michael long before it was the “hip” thing to do, especially during the whole courts things so it’s a bit funny/disgusting seeing how some people reacted when you knew they thought differently before hand.
That being said, I’ve heard great things about it, will catch it on TV or give it a rental. And yes I know the whole thing about Michael’s debt but even Graceland is falling victim to debt/low revenue!
By Mehar Gill on Jan 18, 2010
Glad to see you liked This Is It just as much as I did Justin! Great review.
By Loys Johnson on Jan 18, 2010
Great review really!!! Cant wait when it comes out!
By Heigo on Jan 18, 2010
Great review I can’t wait for to get it, but unfortunately I don’t have a Blu-ray player, I don’t even know what it is lol, but I will be getting the DVD, I’m sure it’s just as good!!
By Kim on Jan 18, 2010
Kim: admire your honesty
Thanks though to you and everyone else who has commented.
By Justin Sluss on Jan 18, 2010
I’ve been a fan since the Jackson5 days. I see this as a tribute to the artist and a gift to the fans, not as a cash in on his death. Although I don’t think he would mind since the majority will go to his estate and ultimately his kids.
I keep thinking of the reviewer’s comments that Jackson was not singing full out, but he sounded better than any concert film I have seen. It was a wonderful movie, this is a great and accurate review, and I can’t wait to get the disc. I will treasure it.
By Tom Joyce on Jan 18, 2010
Thanks Tom
By Justin Sluss on Jan 18, 2010
Thanks so much for the review
I love mj so much,cant wait for the dvd/bluray
miss him so much
By blondy on Jan 18, 2010
i love This Is It and MJ!
By Darlene on Jan 18, 2010
This is a great movie and a moving tribute to a great artist and his art. He is shown to be focused, giving and kind, humble and hard-working and just at the top of his game. It also highlights the whole team of talented singers, dancers and musicians who worked on this project. If you appreciate music, dance and the performance arts, then this movie is for you, even if you weren’t really an MJ fan. Rest in peace, MJ. We love you more.
By anna on Jan 18, 2010
The Greatest Entertainer Who Ever Lived!!!!! I love this man. I have been a fan since 1969 for forty years, he has been the Man……!!!
By Eric on Jan 18, 2010
I will definately buy the video, as I will always treasure the tape of the Greatest Entertainer to Ever Live-Michael Jackson! I loved him and miss him so much. We will never see the likes of this level of talent in our lifetime. It is such a tragedy and a great loss to all of us. May he rest in Peace. He was a wonderful human being and I only wish he were still with us. This video is a gift to us – the fans. Thank you Kenny Ortega!
By mirandajanemorris@gmail.com on Jan 18, 2010
THANK YOU for having an early review of the movie! I have ‘District 9′ on BR and have been playing the trailer of ‘This Is It’ on REPEAT until I get the BR! Saw it in Theaters 3 times and it was AMAZING every time! Can’t wait to watch and BLAST the Sound at home!!! SO-MUCH-FUN!!! Would’ve been an AMAZING Concert!
By Chris B. on Jan 19, 2010
A question for JUSTIN SLUSS, the reviewer – does the DVD/Blu-Ray include the song “STRANGER IN MOSCOW” that was shot but not included in the movie? The videographer said it was going to be on the DVD back in Novemeber…
By Vinny D on Jan 19, 2010
GREAT Review, and very fair.
This is a great film to own and watch.
By Tom Vjestica on Jan 19, 2010
Vinny D: No, not in the film.
By Justin Sluss on Jan 19, 2010
Vinny D: However It could be maybe a download via BD-Live once the title streets and BD-Live functionality is added.
By Justin Sluss on Jan 19, 2010
Thanks for most thorough review. Casual fan even though soundtrack of my life – only after finding out more @ the man/artist/humanitarian hearing the pros/cons after his death did I become a serious fan.
I always thought Michael was treated unfairly/viciously by the media. That’s why I saw This Is It 80 times – ea. time was a vote against the haters, I wanted it to be hit, I wanted to memorize the movie so I could ‘watch’ it in my mind until it was released (extreme & I’m a Star Wars geek, too), and I could never get enough of Judith Hill’s & Mike’s duet of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” – which Sony should release.
By Ligaya on Jan 19, 2010
I have skipped it too when it was in theaters for the same reasons you mentioned.
Since you gave this film such a glowing review, I feel safe to buy it, thanks. Actually looking forward to it now. I have always admired Michael Jacksons music and dance choreography and since I don´t own any concert DVDs or Blu-Rays yet, this is probably the one to get.
By Roland Öller on Jan 19, 2010
This is such a great, and honest review! Being a Michael Jackson fan for over 26 years, I was also very reluctant at first to see the movie. The wait for it to come to theaters had me stressed out and sad….”This Is It” finally hit theaters…..and I had won two free tickets by being caller number 9 on a radio station….so, I went….My whole body shook when the theater lights went down and MJ came on the scene…I instantly cried. The movie captured what the media never could in all the years Michael was in the spotlight: beauty. I loved the movie, and I never felt like I was “cashing in” on MJ’s death, because, as a fan, I felt as though I “needed to see him one last time” for I never was able to make it to one of his concerts. I already have a pre-paid copy of “This Is It”, and plan on buying several more copies. The world is not the same without MJ. Great review!!!
By Shannon Guzman on Jan 20, 2010
Thank you everyone for you comments, Michael is definitely missed.
By Justin Sluss on Jan 20, 2010
Thanks for the review, it is really good. Even if the review comes bad, I will still try to buy the other version of this blu-ray, as I know, there are many versions all over the world, in Hong Kong, it will bundled with a 30-page photo album, in other countries (Korea?), there is steel box special edition. I will try to collect them all, it sounds crazy, but at least and show my support to him and I believe part of the $$ can goes to his children, this is something we can do, can support MJ.
By Johnny Yaupei on Jan 20, 2010
Very sorry to say, but until June 25 I didn’t know anything about Michael Jackson, other than some of his earlier music (I heard in Eastern Europe where I was born/grew up) and that he was a controversial superstar. When I noticed the many inconsistencies in the media coverage of him after his death, I resorted to doing my own research on the man… and I never stopped crying and raging for several weeks straight. I not only realized what creative musical genius we lost, but I also began grasping how spiritually evolved MJ was, his courage and strength to put up with the BS, cruelty and humiliation by the press, the “hand of law” and the extortionists (the TRUTH is easily discernible, one only needs to look!), his persistent kindness, generosity, depth, humour… one amazingly brilliant and fascinatingly different artist FULLY entitled to do what he chose with his body and life.
By the time I saw This Is It, I’d read/ heard/ seen all MJ’s “Making of…” youtube videos, all his home videos, interviews, speeches, etc., so I wasn’t surprised… I knew he was singing full out in the film only a few times (ex: during the duet) and that EVEN IN HIS MOVES he was ONLY “marking” most of his solo dance routines (but for Billie Jean, when he did get carried away, wow!)
Today I feel utterly transformed and inspired by this man—his superb showmanship, but MAINLY by the power and essence of his spirit, as he actually “brought Christ home” for me.
Thank you for everything, my KING, I’ll see you on the other side…
By kat on Jan 21, 2010
From an audio standpoint, the feature film is an absolute masterpiece, deserving of a 6th star. Felt like I was part of the rehearsals @ Staples Center though I watched from my living room couch. Best soundtrack I’ve ever heard coming from a blu-ray disc.
By Fred on Jan 30, 2010
Hi there guys! I am a guitar player called Silverface and I just love MJ is a real inspiration in fact we did a cocnert entitled from bach to michael jackson, with full orchestra here in Mexico, you can search in youtube like: Carlos mendez y los virtuosos de monterrey, or simply de bach a michael jackson.
I dont have blue ray but I bought the special limited 2 dvd edition and it ir awesome!!! I looks great and the audio is superb, the only REAL DIFERENCE BETWEEN THAT EDITION ADN BLUE RAY are the videos, but the rest is GREAT, so fans if you dont have blue ray and want to get the DVD, GO FOR IT, IT IS AS COOL AND GREAT AS THE BLUE RAY VERSION!!
By Silverface on Feb 8, 2010
fantastic review! i loved this is it, its brilliant. RIP Michael, Love Lives Forever. It’s all for love, L.O.V.E.
but you forgot Smooth Criminal in the set list between human nature and The Way You Make Me Feel!!
By stefan on Mar 6, 2010
stefan: Thanks so much for pointing that out. I had totally overlooked that “Smooth Criminal” was missing from that set list in my synopsis. Thanks also for your kind words regarding the review and regarding Michael. He is truly missed and will never be forgotten.
By Justin Sluss on Mar 6, 2010