Exclusives for 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' DVD and Blu-ray releases

Credit: AP Photos

The world will always mourn that no one got the chance to see Michael Jackson perform live one last time. After a 10 year hiatus, he was scheduled to start touring in Summer 2009 with 50 stops scheduled. His first stop was the London O2 Arena. During his final days before his untimely death, he had been busy making final preparations. In Michael Jackson's This Is It, all his hard work from concept to finished product is captured during the months from April to June 2009. The film gives the audience a glimpse of the more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage that was taped of the rehearsals. A lost genius can clearly been seen through his singing, dancing and filmmaking. It is a must watch for all Michael Jackson and music fans.

Best Buy SteelBook

A list of DVD and Blu-ray features are in 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' DVD and Blu-ray features and best deals. Mark your calendars to go out and get this when it releases on January 26, 2010 on DVD, Blu-ray and UMD for PSP. Check here for a list of stores that will be hosting midnight release events.

SteelBook Inside Artwork

SteelBook Back Cover Artwork

Some retailers are already taking pre-orders. You can order it at Amazon.com (DVD, Blu-ray, UMD for PSP) and it will be shipped out on release date. If you have Prime shipping, you may even receive it on or before release date. Best Buy USA is accepting pre-orders as well in-store and online. If you pre-order between now and January 25, 2010 (with a $5 deposit), you will receive a collectible DVD-size SteelBook metal case (DVD, Blu-ray) immediately that you can display alongside your other Michael Jackson memorabilia. Inside, the case has room to hold the discs for the film. There will also be three different Best Buy exclusives for the Blu-ray version of the film. Each will include an exclusive bonus Blu-ray disc with extra content (Dancing Machine & Digital Copy) and a 3D backstage pass replica showcasing different artwork. Version #1 is This Is It - Pointing, Version #2 is This Is It - Smooth Criminal and Version #3 is This Is It - Blue Shirt Dancing. If you pre-order in-store, you will not be able to select which Best Buy exclusive version for the Blu-ray release and you will still have to arrive at the store early on release day to guarantee you get your first choice. However, if you pre-order online, you can select which Best Buy exclusive version for the Blu-ray release you would like immediately and they will ship it to you. At this time, on BestBuy.com, the images seem to be incorrect representations of Version #1 and #2 of the Blu-ray exclusives so please confirm with customer service when ordering to ensure you get the version you want.

Walmart USA has an exclusive limited edition 2-disc DVD available now for pre-order costing $24.96. It includes all the content from the single-disc edition plus an extra 60 minutes of never-before-seen exclusive features (Meet the Dancers, Meet the Bands, Meet the Vocalists & The Unfinished Rehearsals). Target USA is the only retailer to release a Blu-ray & DVD combo pack. It will consist of both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of This Is It. It is a great choice if you want to watch it in the car DVD player and also at home on your Blu-ray player. Also, it is good for anyone who currently does not have a Blu-ray player, but plans to in the future. The Blu-ray & DVD combo pack is currently priced at $29.99 and available for pre-order at Target.com. Both Walmart and Target exclusives will be available in limited quantites at the stores on January 26, 2010 for purchase. At Target stores, the price will be $24.99 during the first week of release. Walmart store prices may vary. Blockbuster USA stores have a free Limited Edition Collector's Card and Blockbuster exclusive DVD Photo Collection with pre-order in-store. FYE stores have a free poster with pre-order in-store. SonyMusicDigital.com is currently selling an 11"x17" poster that comes with each DVD or Blu-ray purchase.

Left: Walmart USA DVD Exclusive; Right: Target USA Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack Exclusive

Amazon.de Exclusive

Kingston as created a Michael Jackson's This Is It limited edition DataTraveler 2 GB USB 2.0 flash drive preloaded with the standard definition version of the movie. It is a collector's item with only 75,000 units produced. Each is serial numbered and backed by a 5 year warranty with 24/7 technical support available.

In Canada, Future Shop will carry the exclusive Blu-ray SteelBook in the Blu-ray-size metal case. It will contain the same content as the USA Blu-ray release. Best Buy Canada will have a Blu-ray exclusive with the 3D lenticular backstage pass replica and bonus footage.

In Germany, Amazon.de has for pre-order their own exclusive Michael Jackson's This Is It Ultimate Fan Collector's Edition in SteelBook for Blu-ray version.It includes a collectible Blu-ray SteelBook metal case, 24-page photo booklet, four memorial postcards and three 3D backstage pass replicas. Amazon.de ships worldwide and will cost approximately $60 USD including shipping. If you have an Amazon.com account set up already, you can use the same account information to order from Amazon.de. The site is formatted very similar to Amazon.com and has English help pages in case you have any problems. This exclusive will be released on February 25, 2010.

  Memorial Postcards

Lenticular Backstage Passes

If you plan to order overseas, remember Europe and Japan's DVDs are Region 2. Japan's Blu-rays have Region A coding, same as USA. However, Europe's Blu-rays are generally Region B. Australia's DVDs are Region 4 and Blu-rays are generally Region B. Unless you have a region-free DVD or Blu-ray player, you will not be able to play the discs that are not coded the same as the USA discs. Sometimes overseas blu-rays may be region-free, but that is not a guarantee. Always check here to see if a Blu-ray is region-free prior to ordering.

As always, these exclusives are limited and may run out quick. So order early and sit back relaxed knowing you are all set! Check out the slideshow to see more of these exclusives.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009).

For more info:

• Standing ovation for Michael Jackson's 3-D 'Earth Song' at the Grammy Awards
• Free screening of 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' in high definition on February 6-7, 2010
• 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' DVD and Blu-ray features and best deals lists the features included in the DVD and Blu-ray versions and includes a comprehensive table showing the best deals and where to get all the different exclusives.
• 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' midnight release events on January 26, 2010 in the USA lists the stores that will be participating in this celebration.
• Michael Jackson's 3-D mini-movie 'Earth Song' at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (January 31, 2010)
• Meet 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' dancers, choreographers and Kenny Ortega on January 25, 2010 at select Best Buy locations where there will be a screening of Michael Jackson's This Is It with never before seen footage with chance to dance "The Drill" and meet choreographers Stacy Walker and Travis Payne and Director Kenny Ortega.
• Dance workshop with Travis Payne and 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Dancers a huge success
• How to get ready for Kenny Ortega, Travis Payne and 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' dancers tonight
• 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' family remembers Michael at the midnight release (Best Buy Union Sq)
• Laughter & Tears at 'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Midnight Release Event (Best Buy Union Sq)