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Michael Jackson Film 'This Is It' Makes £12m on First Day

'This Is It', the movie based on the rehearsals for Michael Jackson's planned London concerts this year, took £12m ($20m) in its first day of release, the studio distributing it has said.

Director Kenny Ortega's film was drawn from more than 100 hours of rehearsals footage in Los Angeles ahead of the 50-date residency at London's O2 Arena which was to have started in July and run until March of 2010.

The movie was launched in 19 cities around the world on Tuesday, including London, Los Angeles and New York.

Sony Pictures said the film had taken £4.4m ($7.27m) in the US and £1.2m ($2m) in the UK.

Steve Elzer from Sony Pictures said the film is a "reaffirmation of the global appeal of Michael Jackson," the BBC reported.

Jackson died on June 25 and his death is being treated as homicide. It was only two weeks before the London shows were supposed to start.

He also said the studio would put the film forward for nomination in the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards next year.

In order to be eligible for Oscar shortlisting, the film would have to complete seven-day run in Los Angeles County and its producers would need to "submit the proper paperwork," Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger said.

Director Kenny Ortega said Jackson "deserves" to win an Oscar.

The film was released in cinemas on a two-week run, but Sony has said its release may be extended if ticket demand remains high.

By the weekend the film is expected to have been seen in 110 countries.

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Blinky

My family and I saw Michaels rehearsals footage today. We thought it was beautifully put together and a 'fitting tribute' with an insight of what might have been. It would have been 'it' as no other concert would have ever matched up!

Watching the film filled us with happiness as well as making us sad as Michael looked so full of energy but we now know that although his showmanship was perfection itself, his body was vunerable and after going through so much over the last years, we are amazed that he managed to acheive what he did up until his untimely death.

They say the GOOD die young and in Michaels case it is certainly true. You will never die in our hearts and your legacy will be infinity.

God Bless xxxxxxx

November 01 2009 at 5:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
slena

It was good to see pop king during rehearsal. When I heard his first album I was too little and I did not know even who he was. But when I grew I became huge fan of Michel Jackson. I bought ticket for his London show. But unfortunate way he was died before the show. By the way I glad to see him again in live through This Is It movie.
Source
http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/in-theaters/watch-michael-jacksons-this-is-it-online

October 31 2009 at 12:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Philipine

Hello everyone I thought of making a unique memory gift for Michael Jackson. If anyone has thought, comment, or feelings they wish to tell the tale of the pop star king, now is your chance! http://peopledancing.blog.co.uk

October 30 2009 at 4:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Liz

THANKYOU MARIA WHAT A FITTING TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL ENTERTAINER AND A FANTASTIC FATHER MAY HIS MEMORY LIVE ON FOREVER AND ALSO THROUGH HIS CHILDREN REST IN PEACE MICHAEL WE LOVE YOU........

October 30 2009 at 12:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
maria

I went to see the film as I was an avid fan and did not get ticket`s for his concert. this concert would have been absolutely fantastic, I have no doubt.
I was saddened by his ability to cope with some of the rehearsals, as he looked thin, gaunt, tired and weiry. he obviously never complained. I did cry for him at the cinema, as he needed help, love and support.
50 concerts were too much to ask of him and the sorry thing is the directors, promoters I think, really exploited him. they were looking at there own financial greed in all this and not the beauty of what could have been.
I am so glad this film version is a great hit and I hope the money goes to help his children personally, as it`s them I think of the most without a father.
michael should definately get an oscar for his performance and his children should be allowed to collect it. what an accalade for them to know that his fans thought of him as a true performing genius. one of the best, despite all of the hell in his private live of being a celebrity.
god bless michael now at rest in his land of hopes and dreams. may his children and family also find the strength to be happy and live there hopes and dreams too in a world that could be magical, as michael hoped for. if only people would let it.

October 30 2009 at 11:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to maria's comment
dizzydiana

beautifully written we will never know if michael could have coped with 50 concerts but at least they would have taken 8 months and not 50 straight days or thats what ive been led to believe

October 30 2009 at 12:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
TheRealest

It's been getting getting rave reviews: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-this-is-it28-2009oct28,0,4507172.story

and i'll be in line tomorrow night to see it...just picked up some tickets from fandango and i will be first in line tomorrow night!!

October 30 2009 at 11:26 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
michael

Saw the film and loved it! I bought 4 tickets for that concert and it would of been the best concert ever! This film proves that! I even took one of my laminated concert tickets to the cinema as a personal tribute to this great man! God bless him! I would of prefered to see a little more comments from the lucky musicians and dancers about their experience with MJ but overall, brilliant and really sad at the same time! shook my head in sadness a few times just imagining would could of been!!

October 30 2009 at 11:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply