After a record-setting first week that grossed Sony Pictures more than $100 million globally, the theater run for Michael Jackson's This Is It has been extended through Thanksgiving weekend in America and worldwide.
"In just 5 days, Michael Jackson’s This Is It has become the highest grossing concert film of all time and we are elated by the response to this special film by fans, critics and moviegoers from all over the world," said Jeff Blake, chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Worldwide Marketing & Distribution in a statement. "With this kind of global response, it’s clear that the motion picture deserves an extended run and we are going to do everything we can to make the film available to everyone who wants to see Michael Jackson’s This Is It on the big screen.
Allow me to translate: "We at Sony Pictures have been paralyzed by fright that the public would view this documentary of Michael Jackson's final weeks as exploitation, and little more than a shameless act to further profit from the death of one of the world's most beloved entertainers. Since that has not happened, and we can all breathe again, we've decided to remove the safety net and capitalize on the great press and huge public groundswell around the release..."
Personally, I haven't seen the movie yet - I plan to this week - but have heard and read nothing but glowing reviews and critical praise of the documentary recounting the tour rehearsals that led up to Michael Jackson's untimely death. My logic for waiting? I wanted to appreciate the movie without the mass hysteria that surrounded its initial release.
As for that hysteria, it extends far beyond Michael Jackson's most rabid fans.
"On Sunday, I’m told, the movie was screened for Academy voters. They loved it, apparently, giving This Is It a standing ovation," wrote Roger Friedman on his Showbiz411 blog: " But I wouldn’t get too excited. The film missed the documentary deadline for the Oscars. And it’s unlikely it will get a Best Picture nomination, despite the fervor of the Oscar blogs. A Golden Globe nomination for Comedy/Musical is more likely. And maybe a Best Song nomination for Jackson’s Paul Anka title track."
Reports suggest that the film has earned as much as $105 million worldwide since it's release last week. To put those numbers in staggering perspective, the previous record for top-grossing concert film was Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds, which grossed $71.3 million in it's entire lifetime worldwide. Sony purchased the rights to the picture for $60 million.
According to Sony, the top-grossing territories in the first week of release are North America ($21.3 million), Japan ($10.4M), UK ($7.6M), Germany ($6.3M), France ($5.8M), Australia ($3.6M), China ($3.2M), Italy ($2.9M), and Spain ($2.6M).
A date for home release has yet to be announced, but DVD and Blu-Ray pre-orders are already being accepted on MichaelJackson.com.
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Comments
I just came from seeing this movie for the 3rd time! I'm happy it's being extended esp. since the DVD isnt until Feb 13th, (which is Prince Jackson's birthday, btw).
I saw it 4 times already. Wonderful movie. Already ordered the DVD.
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