Well, Sony sure scored with their $60 million purchase of the concert footage from Michael Jackson’s rehersals before his concert tour. The movie made $2.2 million domestically in its opening night, and is looking very strong at a $20+ million dollar opening day. MJ even scored an 81% (at the time of this writing) approval rating on rottentomatoes.com. This will definitely be Sony’s strongest movie in 2009, and I assure you that will be most clear once international numbers come in. This Is It opened simultaneously in 95 different countries which have not reported sales yet. Nikki Finke of deadline.com stated that she felt the film “could shatter box-office records” and predicted that they will take in a total of $250 million in its first five days of release alone – which would make it the biggest opening of all time; taking that record from the current title-holder The Dark Knight, which earned $203 million in its first five days of release.
Wondering how Sony obtained the rights to the movie? You may find this information interesting dug up by Finke:
Major studios like Viacom’s Paramount/MTV, NBC Universal, and News Corp’s 20th Century Fox/Fox Broadcasting Co, all battled Sony Music and Sony Pictures during AEG’s auction of the rehearsal footage. Sony had the inside edge because it controls the distribution rights to Michael Jackson’s music. The reason for the Hollywood feeding frenzy over Michael in death and not in life was because he was worth more dead than alive. The Jackson estate will get the “lion’s share” of any profits from the high-def footage. That’s why a judge had to bless the deal with Sony.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’m pretty sure I want to see it in IMAX. Sony stated that the limited IMAX release will be played domestically during “evening show times” in 96 IMAX digital theatres. In addition, the movie will played in 27 of the company’s international digital locations. Sony described the film as, “Digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. A key part of the IMAX DMR process includes re-mastering the soundtrack to take advantage of IMAX’s 14,000 watt digital audio system.”
The film’s IMAX screening will sound “10 times more” dynamic range than average systems in regular theater, and it will not have distortion and will have sound quality that “feels more immersive, especially with added acoustic paneling that absorbs sound and removes echo. This unparalleled sound experience combined with IMAX’s crystal-clear images and customized theater geometry create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are actually attending a Michael Jackson performance”. Who wouldn’t want to go to this? Whenever geometry is included in the definition of my experience I will be there.
(L-R) Jermaine Jackson, director Kenny Ortega, Tito Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Marlon Jackson arrive at the premiere of Sony Pictures’ “This Is It” held at Nokia Theatre Downtown LA on October 27 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
In true MJ fashion, Sony had the star-studded red carpet premiere online at the Nokia Theater in LA at thisisitpremiere.com, which I noticed at one point had 150000+ viewers. That wasn’t the only premiere, though – This Is It was a wide international release. Every country pretty much had a big event for the movie – the list is astounding, including countries and cities such as South Africa, Paris, Moscow, Sydney, Tokyo, Beirut, Bermuda, and so much more. Check out this incredible photo stream of “This Is It” interesting premiere shots that is must see at daylife. Make sure you hit “Next >” to see all photos there.
Actor Will Smith arrives for the world premiere of the Michael Jackson’s This is it at the Nokia Theater at LA Live on October 27.
Why the big release? Sony wanted to get the movie out as quickly as possible to defeat piracy. Smart move, but I can see this on getting on torrents pretty quickly. However, I think there is still great value in the film when it eventually leaves theaters. It will probably be a stunning Blu-ray release.
A fan has the words “Michael J” on her face during the Taiwan premiere of “This Is It” in Taipei October 28.
A general view of atmosphere at the “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” New York premiere at the Regal E-Walk on October 27 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
US pop star Lionel Richie smiles as he arrives at the Japanese premiere of the Michael Jackson film “This is it” in Tokyo on October 28. (Photo by YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images)
A crowd gather for the Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” film premiere held in London’s Leicester Square Wednesday, Oct. 28. (AP Photo/Sony Pictures, Richard Lewis)
