Michael Jacksons This Is It 2009 Extras 1 Jun 2026

When Michael Jackson passed away in June 2009, he left behind more than just a grieving global fanbase; he left behind hundreds of hours of high-definition rehearsal footage. Recorded at the Staples Center and the Forum in Los Angeles, this footage was originally intended for Jackson’s private archives and to help develop the staging for his ill-fated 50-show London residency.

Technically, Extras 1 also enriches our appreciation for the scale and ambition of the This Is It project. Interviews with the show’s creative leads—musical director, lighting designers, choreographers, and set designers—outline conceptual aims: blending Jackson’s greatest hits with theatrical staging, cinematic visuals, and narrative interludes designed to evoke theatrical spectacle rather than a straightforward concert. The extras show planning sessions where cues are mapped, effects are tested, and video elements are synchronized with sound. For students of performance technology and event production, these behind-the-scenes elements function as a case study in modern concert staging, illustrating how technical innovation and logistical coordination translate artistic vision into live experience.

This segment features rare interview footage with director Kenny Ortega, production designer Michael Cotton, and associate producer Travis Payne. It chronicles the early spring of 2009, when Jackson first mapped out the concepts for the show. Viewers get to see early conceptual sketches and 3D digital renderings of the stage, which was designed to be one of the largest and most technologically advanced LED setups ever constructed for a live performance. Staging the Return: The Choreography

Beyond the Stage: Exploring "Michael Jackson's This Is It" 2009 Extras (Part 1)

Analyze featured in the rehearsals.

Inside the Magic: Exploring "Michael Jackson's This Is It" 2009 Extras (Part 1)

This article delves into the behind-the-scenes content that forms the first set of "extras," exploring the dancer auditions, the fashion design, and the creative collaboration that promised to make This Is It his greatest tour ever. Auditions: Searching for the Best in the World

The 'This Is It' documentary and its extras have been widely praised for their intimate and revealing portrayal of Jackson's life and artistry. The film has been credited with inspiring a new generation of fans and providing a fresh perspective on Jackson's legacy.

One of the most fascinating "what ifs" of the This Is It material is the 3D footage that was never widely released. While the Blu-ray contains the 2D versions of the "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller" vignettes, the full 3D segments were intended for the concerts but were never presented to the public as Jackson envisioned. In some releases, a "3D Enhanced Edition" was made available, which included over 10 minutes of 3D footage, allowing fans to experience the "Thriller," "Smooth Criminal," and even the "Earth Song" 3D vignettes as they were meant to be seen. This 3D material was a key draw for collectors and remains a holy grail for fans seeking the most complete picture of Jackson's vision. michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1

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.

Michael planned to use giant 3D video screens during the live shows. The home video extras gave fans a clear, uncut look at those special short films:

The film's source material came from more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage, filmed between April and June 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and other locations. This footage was not intended for a commercial release but was originally meant as a reference for the show's creative team.

The following article provides a complete breakdown of the bonus materials found on the This Is It home releases, from the standard documentaries to the coveted Blu-ray exclusives and the immersive 3D footage. When Michael Jackson passed away in June 2009,

The main course came with the home video release. On the DVD, Blu-ray, and digital downloads, a specific menu item has intrigued and delighted fans for over a decade:

If you are referring to the Deluxe Edition soundtrack , Disc 1 contains the "Music That Inspired the Movie," featuring remastered studio versions of the hits rehearsed in the film, plus a previously unreleased title track: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' They Don't Care About Us Human Nature Smooth Criminal The Way You Make Me Feel Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) I Just Can't Stop Loving You Black or White Earth Song Billie Jean Man in the Mirror (New track) This Is It (Orchestra Version)

These features gave viewers a sense of the scale and ambition of the shows that were planned for London’s O2 Arena, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail that was a hallmark of Jackson's live performances.