Spring Break
Documenting MJ's final days
Documentary originally meant for private collection becomes mega-fan must-see extravaganza
Peter Banuelos
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Diversions
By Peter Banuelos
The Daily Barometer
Fans will always remember Michael the icon and Michael the musical genius.
When Michael Jackson announced that his world-wide tour, "This Is It," would be his final curtain call and that it would be everyone's last chance to see the King of Pop put on the show of a lifetime, fans all over the world rushed to buy their tickets.
The concert tour sold out fast.
Then we lost the King of Pop. But his music lives on.
We can see how much of a talented genius, stage presence and perfectionist Michael was by the final footage recording Michael's rehearsals for the "This Is It" tour filmed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical 3"). The footage was intended for Michael's private library and for the concert's creative team to analyze, revise and alter the aspects of the show. Kenny Ortega decided that MJ's fans should see this final footage to show MJ the artist, the man and the loving soul. This can be seen by MJ's love for his fans, L-O-V-E love.
The documentary has great footage of the rehearsals and backstage happenings - and even interviews. It shows MJ working with his band, with the technical team and with his dancers. The film shows his patience, his humor and his desire for perfection. The soft-spoken singer belts out fan favorites like "Billy Jean," and "Man in the Mirror," but it was the great props and pyrotechnics of "Smooth Criminal" as well as zombie-filled "Thriller" that made me say, "Man, that would have been a great concert!"
But the tour didn't happen.
Now all we have is footage, memories and Michael's music. Michael was the King of Pop and no one came close. MJ sold millions of records, his music transcended language and culture and he easily moon-walked right into our hearts. Michael's love for the world can be heard in his music, and now it can be seen in the documentary "This Is It." We can now see why Michael put so much into his final show, for the love of it all.
Peter Banuelos
diversions@dailybarometer.com
The Daily Barometer
Fans will always remember Michael the icon and Michael the musical genius.
When Michael Jackson announced that his world-wide tour, "This Is It," would be his final curtain call and that it would be everyone's last chance to see the King of Pop put on the show of a lifetime, fans all over the world rushed to buy their tickets.
The concert tour sold out fast.
Then we lost the King of Pop. But his music lives on.
We can see how much of a talented genius, stage presence and perfectionist Michael was by the final footage recording Michael's rehearsals for the "This Is It" tour filmed by Kenny Ortega ("High School Musical 3"). The footage was intended for Michael's private library and for the concert's creative team to analyze, revise and alter the aspects of the show. Kenny Ortega decided that MJ's fans should see this final footage to show MJ the artist, the man and the loving soul. This can be seen by MJ's love for his fans, L-O-V-E love.
The documentary has great footage of the rehearsals and backstage happenings - and even interviews. It shows MJ working with his band, with the technical team and with his dancers. The film shows his patience, his humor and his desire for perfection. The soft-spoken singer belts out fan favorites like "Billy Jean," and "Man in the Mirror," but it was the great props and pyrotechnics of "Smooth Criminal" as well as zombie-filled "Thriller" that made me say, "Man, that would have been a great concert!"
But the tour didn't happen.
Now all we have is footage, memories and Michael's music. Michael was the King of Pop and no one came close. MJ sold millions of records, his music transcended language and culture and he easily moon-walked right into our hearts. Michael's love for the world can be heard in his music, and now it can be seen in the documentary "This Is It." We can now see why Michael put so much into his final show, for the love of it all.
Peter Banuelos
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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