CULVER CITY, Calif., November 12, 2009 – “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” has reached a box office gross of $200 million worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today.  The film has taken in $61 million domestically and more than $140 million internationally.

Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, “Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music.  This special film documents Michael’s creative genius. We are seeing repeat business throughout the world because this movie is so rich with Michael performing his most renowned and recognized songs while offering such a unique, never-before-seen perspective on his artistry. Kenny Ortega and the filmmaking team did a brilliant job of capturing Michael creating a masterwork and it’s a genuine thrill to see audiences respond to the film as they have.”

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in such countries as Japan ($27.2 million), UK ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide 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 this summer in London’s O2 Arena.  Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show.  Audiences are given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before.  In raw and candid detail, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history.  Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner for the concert tour and the director of the stage show, directed the film, which was produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

(“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is still playing in Digital IMAX in SM North EDSA and regular cinemas across the Philippines.)

Columbia Pictures announced today that the theatrical run of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” has been officially extended.

The concert/documentary on the late music superstar was previously scheduled for a limited two-week engagement only, starting Oct. 28, but is now set to run beyond Nov. 10,  its supposed end-date.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” can still be seen at the SM North Edsa IMAX Theatre and other selected cinemas nation-wide.  The public is advised to check newspaper movie sections for directory listings and screening times.

The film’s run has also been lengthened in most international markets, including the U.S.

A backstage look at the late Michael Jackson during rehearsals for his supposed comeback concert tour that would have started last July in London, “This Is It” has already broken the record for all-time biggest-grossing concert or documentary feature in the Philippines.

In the U.S., “This Is It” received an “A” CinemaScore and is one of the best reviewed films of the year.

Critic Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine wrote, “An unmissable film…Illuminating and unforgettable.”

Rogert Ebert of Chicago Times gave the movie a four-star rating, while Time Magazine’s Richard Corliss wrote that the film proved Michael Jackson “is still a thriller.”

For his part, Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman raved that the movie is “a raw and endearing sketch of a genius at work…the music pours out of him like sunlight.”

Highly regarded Filipino critic Nestor Torre praised, “It’s worth the long wait. At long last, MJ fans have a farewell show worth remembering their musical idol by. Even better, the movie includes `reality’ footage that shows Jackson on top of his musical game, painstakingly tweaking his show into one of his best productions ever.”

Finally, award-winning writer Krip Yuson wrote, “[Director] Kenny Ortega judiciously selects electrifying footage of Michael as a compleat entertainer…simply takes the viewer’s breath away.”

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

As dozens of buoyant Michael Jackson fans queued up in the Nokia Plaza to be among the first to see their idol’s last performance in the upcoming movie “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” others watching the scene expressed mixed emotions.

Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, which bankrolled Jackson ‘s “This is It” tour and is a key player in the film, recalled the moment he got the news of Jackson ‘s death. “Well, at first it lets all the air out of you, and you sit here and you’re stunned at how quickly it happened and occurred. You’re in denial. You can’t believe it. You’re looking around, saying, ‘What happened?”

Zip ahead some three months — about an hour before the opening of the nearly two-and-a-half day waiting line for advance tickets to “Michael Jackson’s This is It” concert documentary. Leiweke reunited with musicians, singers and dancers from the tour in a press conference held in the plaza, which is just directly across the street from the Staples Center, the site of Jackson’s rehearsals, the last of which taking place just hours before his death June 25.

“It’s mixed feelings, first of all, to see these guys again, and to be in this space,” noted singer Darryl Phinnessee. “You know, we finished rehearsing at quarter to midnight the night before Michael died, and he was energetic and up and doing his thing, as you’ll see in the movie.”

Crafted from hundred hours of rehearsal footage, “This is It” is directed by longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, who had been working with Jackson on the concerts.

“You see the music, the studios, the rehearsals, the dancers, the auditions, the costumes,” said Leiweke. “You see all of the behind the scenes, and the you finally see the last few days of the dress rehearsals, and you begin to see the genius of Michael: the dancing, the singing, the choreography, and his concept of creative a one-time performance that no one would ever forget.”

Leiweke said the movie also will provide proof that AEG had Jackson ‘s well-being in mind. “I think we still are hurt,” Leiweke explained. “Some of the things that people have said about us, which are so untrue, this movie’s going to restore his legacy, and prove that we, in fact, gave Michael a second chance here. And an opportunity to make the kind of comeback here was dreaming of. And that we created an environment for him that was probably the best environment that the guy had the last 10 or 15 years of his life. And I’m very proud of the way we treated Michael, and very proud of the partnership that we had with him. And this movie is an opportunity to celebrate that, and we could get past all of the gossip and all of the innuendo.”

(Opening on Oct. 28 in conventional theaters across the Philippines and Digital IMAX in SM North EDSA, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.)

Local fans can now avail of their tickets to the eagerly anticipated film MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT, according to Columbia Pictures which distributes the movie.

The following theaters are now briskly selling advance tickets on site over the counter:  all SM Cinemas in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; all Ayala Cinemas including Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 1, Trinoma, Market  Market, Alabang Town Center, Marquee Pampanga and Ayala Cebu; selected  Robinsons Cinemas including Galleria, Manila, Metro East and Forum Pioneer; and Shangri-La Cineplex.

Other theatres like Gateway, Eastwood, Powerplant, Greenhills, Festival and Sta. Lucia are also expected to start selling advance tickets before the movie’s Oct. 28 opening.

Tickets to Philippine screenings are sold only in cinema ticket counters and are not available for sale on the Internet.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT will open across the Philippines starting 12 noon of Wednesday, Oct. 28, playing simultaneously in more than 150 cinema screens.  The film will play in theatres only for a limited two-week run.

Offering Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been, the film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson ‘s meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT is produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and is drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London .

The majority of the film’s footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles , California , and The Forum in Inglewood , California , as Jackson prepared for “This Is It,” the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London .

MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to celebrate the global launch of Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT when Sony Pictures Entertainment hosts over 25 global premieres, with more than 15 of those coordinated simultaneously around the world on October 27th.  Three hours after the red carpet events begin, audiences will be able to see the highly anticipated film for the first time as the studio has added special advance screenings that evening throughout the world.

“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,” said Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will be available worldwide for a limited two-week engagement beginning October 28.

The film’s world gala will be in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, October 27.  That event, which begins at 6pm PDT, kicks off a series of more than 25 premieres around the globe.  More than 15 cities, including New York, Rio De Janeiro, London, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Seoul will host event simultaneously, with red carpet arrivals and activities from the Los Angeles event broadcast by satellite to those cities.  Other cities, including Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, Paris, and many others will host their own, non-simultaneous premiere activities.

Three hours after the worldwide celebration of the motion picture, the first public screenings of the film will begin.  For example, the first audiences in Los Angeles will see the film at 9pm; in New York, audiences will have the opportunity to see the film at midnight; in London, the advance screenings will be at 4am UK time.

In the Philippines, cinemas will open at 12 noon of October 28.  For advance ticket sales, Filipino fans are advised to check for announcements in their favorite cinemas.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide 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 this summer in London’s O2 Arena.  Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.  Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before.

In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Capturing the vibrant energy of Michael Jackson himself, the poster shows the legendary singer’s full-figured silhouette in victory pose.   Inside the silhouette are various images from the film, and emblazoned below the title is the phrase, “Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before.”

To be shown exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide (including the Philippines) starting October 28th, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and is drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London.

The film will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and creative collaborators.

The majority of the film’s footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for “This Is It,” the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.

“This Is It” will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson’s meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Intimate portrait of Michael Jackson as you’ve never seen him before to hit theaters worldwide October 28

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced that “Michael Jackson THIS IS IT” will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide (including the Philippines), with the studio pushing up the debut of the film by two days, to Wednesday, October 28th.

Separately, the producers of “Michael Jackson THIS IS IT” announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture.  The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson ’s creative partner on the “THIS IS IT” concert, said, “This film is a gift to Michael’s fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the `THIS IS IT’ collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project.

“This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert,” continues Ortega.  “I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates `THIS IS IT’ – inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force — you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers.  I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. `THIS IS IT’ may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”

“Michael Jackson THIS IS IT” will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide 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 this summer 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. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.

“I have never been partners with a more creative, innovative or groundbreaking entertainer than Michael Jackson ,” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG LIVE and producer of “Michael Jackson THIS IS IT.”  “While the concerts would have been the greatest shows in the history of music, our film will provide a historic event for Michael’s fans to see for themselves the genius that he was and the creativity, talent and imagination that the entire cast devoted to create the ‘greatest concert that never happened’.”

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at http://www.michaeljackson.com.

Dubbed the Billion Dollar Maestro by Daily Variety, Kenny Ortega has conquered feature films, television, stage, concerts and massive live events such as The Olympics with equal excellence. As Michael Jackson’s director and creative partner on “THIS IS IT” as well as the previous Jackson concert tours “Dangerous” and “History,” Mr. Ortega has been a friend, trusted colleague and collaborator of Michael Jackson’s for over 20 years.

Kenny will segue from directing the film version of “THIS IS IT” to directing the Paramount feature film “Footloose” this fall.  The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualized Disney’s billion-dollar “High School Musical” franchise of films both for Television and as a Feature Film.  Kenny directed the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Mile Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring The Jonas Bros.  This tour broke numerous records and extended its sell out tour by more than 20 shows.  He also directed to tremendous praise the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City , Utah

“Michael Jackson THIS IS IT” is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to  see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Millions all over the world mourned as news broke out.  Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, said “I am shocked beyond words. It’s like a dream – a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here?” Millions worldwide shared the same sentiment. Gordy adds “Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music.”

Other stars like Sheryl Crow and Spike Lee had this to say about their friend and idol, and about their favorite song:

Sheryl Crow, Singer-songwriter and former Jackson backup singer
“I’ll Be There”
His sweet young voice had the understanding that made you believe he knew what he was singing about

Spike Lee, Director-producer
“I’ll Be There”
I loved him as a solo artist — I had a big Afro like he did, and I hoped that the girls would like me the way they liked him — but I have a special place in my heart for the stuff he did with the Jackson 5

THROUGH HIS MUSIC, THE KING OF POP WILL LIVE ON.

In celebration of Michael Jackson’s life and his legacy MCA Music releases – Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5 : The Motown Years. This collection is a comprehensive three-disc rediscovery of the greatest hits released by the legendary Michael Jackson and his family band while they were on the Motown label.

The compilation includes I’ll Be There, which was tearfully rendered by Mariah Carey during Michael’s memorial. It also includes the hits I Want You Back, Never Can Say Goodbye, Ben, One Day In Your Life, Rockin’ Robin (one of the most famous appearances of an adolescent Michael Jackson’s blistering lead vocals) and more. This release delves deeper and includes other rare songs. This is available in record stores nationwide for Php495.

Disc 1 – Jackson 5
1. ABC
2. Never Can Say Goodbye
3. Ready Or Not (Here I Come)
4. Love Song
5. Forever Came Today
6. The Life Of The Party
7. Doctor My Eye
8. All I Do Is Think Of You
9. I Am Love (Parts 1 & 2)
10. Darling Dear
11. Maybe Tomorrow
12. I Found That Girl
13. It’s Too Late To Change The Time
14. Lookin’ Through The Windows
15. Who’s Loving You
16. Whatever You Got, I Want
17. I’ll Be There

Disc 2 – Jackson 5
1. I Want You Back
2. Dancing Machine
3. Sugar Daddy

4. Little Bitty Pretty One

5. Hum Along And Dance
6. Corner Of The Sky
7. I’m So Happy
8. Get It Together
9. Goin’ Back To Indiana
10. Skywriter
11. The Love You Save
12. Mama’s Pearl
13. Touch
14. La La (Means I Love You)
15. It’s Great To Be Here
16. Hallelujah Day
17. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Disc 3 – Michael Jackson
1. Farewell My Summer Love
2. You’ve Got A Friend
3. My Girl
4. One Day In Your Life
5. Just A Little Bit Of You
6. Got To Be There
7. We’ve Got A Good Thing Going
8. Rockin’ Robin
9. Ben
10. I Wanna Be Where You Are
11. Girl You’re So Together
12. We’re Almost There
13. Wings Of My Love
14. Girl Don’t Take Your Love From Me
15. Music And Me