Jackson Film to Play Advance Screenings

A day ahead of the original release date, Sony will offer advanced screenings of Michael Jackson's "This Is It" documentary, the studio announced Monday.

Three hours after 25 global premieres begin -- 15 of which will occur simultaneously -- audiences will be able to see the film for the first time. Following the evening of the premiere, the film will screen for a limited two-week engagement. 

“Michael Jackson has an army of fans everywhere around the world.  By rolling out this film with simultaneous premieres and special advance screenings on October 27th, we are giving audiences an incredible opportunity to join together in celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible career,” Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures, said in a statement.

Tickets for all shows, including the advance screenings, go on sale this Sunday, Sept. 27.

In Los Angeles, the film's world gala will be held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Other events will be held in cities including New York, Rio De Janeiro, London, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Seoul.

 

The film offers a rare glimpse at some of Jackson's last days as he rehearsed for his sold-out concert series that would have occurred this summer in London's O2 Arena. The film is drawn from over one hundred hours of footage shot between March and June, 2009.

 

Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, Kenny Ortega, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Ortega, Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware.