When Michael Jackson's This Is It was released in late 2009, it wasn't merely a documentary; it was a cultural artifact documenting the final creative chapter of the King of Pop. While the film itself offered a captivating glimpse into the rehearsals for his planned comeback concerts at London's O2 Arena, it was the —frequently referred to as "This Is It 2009 Extras 1" —that truly allowed fans, dancers, and musicians to appreciate the immense detail and passion Michael Jackson poured into his artistry.
The result is a breathtaking paradox. On one hand, it showcases an energetic, precise, and vibrant Michael Jackson who feels ready to reclaim his throne. On the other, there’s an undeniable, haunting knowledge that these rehearsals were his final performances. The film is less a memorial and more a testament to his relentless work ethic and creative spirit, providing fans a "privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius" in his element. The home release would expand this world, allowing viewers to spend even more time in that creative space.
However, in a bittersweet tribute to the legendary performer, the producers of the concert series decided to compile a documentary film, also titled 'This Is It,' which would feature rehearsal footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Jackson's final days. The film, released on October 28, 2009, provided an intimate look at Jackson's creative process and offered a poignant insight into his life.
One major value of Extras 1 is its documentation of Jackson’s leadership style and creative process. The footage frequently shows him directing dancers, critiquing movement, demonstrating phrasing, and obsessing over timing down to fractions of a beat. Those glimpses reinforce the long-standing image of Jackson as meticulous and exacting—someone who controlled every aspect of presentation, from choreography to costume to lighting cues. But the extras nuance that image as well, showing moments of warmth, humor, and encouragement. Crew members and collaborators speak with evident affection for him, recounting instances of generosity and patience. Thus the supplementary material complicates simple caricatures that circulated in tabloid coverage—revealing both the intensity that drove Jackson’s excellence and the relational ties that sustained the production team.
Extras deepen understanding of Jackson’s creative process and the massive collaborative effort behind large-scale pop productions. They preserve moments of artistic labor and offer a granular look at how performance, choreography, music, and production design are iteratively crafted into a cohesive spectacle. michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1
: A "making-of" for the new pastiche film where Jackson is digitally inserted into classic gangster movies.
The theatrical This Is It was a eulogy.
One of the standout segments focuses on the discovery and integration of Australian guitar virtuoso Orianthi Panagaris. The bonus footage provides an extended look at her audition and the subsequent moments where Jackson pushes her to hit her peak performance during the famous guitar solo in "Beat It." The interaction highlights Jackson's role as a mentor, gently coaxing maximum theatricality and fire from his musicians. The Backing Vocalists and Band Rehearsals
The behind-the-scenes extras show a calmer, more focused Michael Jackson than the often-sensationalized media portrayals. We see him collaborating with choreographers like Kenny Ortega, sharing his vision for the concert's narrative. When Michael Jackson's This Is It was released
: A deep dive into the wardrobe designed for the tour. It highlights Jackson’s personal style preferences, such as his affinity for natural fabrics and his refusal to wear wool or fur. Memories of Michael
Additional featurettes dive into the vocal arrangements led by musical director Michael Bearden. Jackson’s perfectionism shines through in raw audio feeds where he instructs the band on how to play the tracks "exactly like the record," but with a live, breathing energy. The bonus content showcases the backing vocalists practicing intricate harmonies for "Earth Song" and "Man in the Mirror," proving that every element of the show was designed to be a wall of acoustic perfection. The Costumes and Visual Effects
The bonus features highlight the sheer scale of the production, intended to be a theatrical masterpiece rather than just a concert.
One of the most tragic losses of the cancelled residency was the "Dome Project"—high-definition short films intended to play behind Michael on stage. The extras provide a clean look at these mini-movies. On one hand, it showcases an energetic, precise,
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Details the origin of the 50-show residency and the early stages of planning .
Based on the standard Blu-ray/DVD release of , the content for Extras Disc 1 (or the primary Special Features section) typically includes the following featurettes and bonuses.