Michael Jackson's This Is It (PG) 
Relevant offers
DVD Reviews
Shortly before the first of 50 sold-out Michael Jackson concerts in London last year, the pop superstar was found dead. This documentary is not a portrait of Jackson and his life but, with its emphasis on many of his best hits, a chronicle of his music by using footage taken from rehearsals for his first stage performance in a decade – which, ironically, was to be his farewell (thus the title of the concert series and this film).
In the midst of much reverential gushing by those associated with Jackson, and the rehearsals, the film shows Jackson as a creative perfectionist involved in every minute detail of the production.
But most of all, it reveals a performer still, at age 50, in superb form.
Among his hits included here are Jam, They Don't Care About Us, Human Nature, Smooth Criminal, The Way You Make Me Feel, Thriller, Beat It, Black or White and Billie Jean.
Jackson fans will love this tribute to the "King of Pop" and the celebration of his music. Others will at least appreciate what a remarkable, exceptionally gifted musical artist he was.
- Reviewed by David Manning; DVDs for review supplied by United Video, Nelson.
- © Fairfax NZ News
