For the gearheads, the featurettes on the stage design are fascinating. From the "Lightman" (a giant LED-encrusted figure) to the custom-built sound systems, the extras reveal that this wasn't just a concert; it was meant to be the most technologically advanced show in history. Why the Extras Matter
: Collaborators and close friends share personal reflections on working with Jackson during his final months. Auditions (Searching for the World’s Best Dancers)
Touching anecdotes about Michael’s humor, humility, and unmatched work ethic during late-night rehearsals at the Staples Center. michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1
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.
We see Michael Jackson counting . We see him teaching Kenny Ortega the angle of the lean. He wears his soft grey trousers and a V-neck sweater, looking more like a university professor than a pop star. He drills the backup dancers on the "anti-gravity lean" by showing them how to tense their calves. This segment strips away the iconography and leaves you with the athlete—the man who knew exactly how many millimeters his heel needed to slide to catch the beat. For the gearheads, the featurettes on the stage
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
Features show Michael working with musical director Michael Bearden. You see MJ’s beatboxing—using his voice as a percussion instrument to explain exactly how he wants a bassline or a synth hit to feel. On the other, there’s an undeniable, haunting knowledge
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
When the documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It premiered in October 2009, it was more than a film; it was a eulogy, a celebration, and a time capsule. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the film cobbled together over 100 hours of rehearsal footage from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. But for the dedicated fan, the theatrical release was only the appetizer.
These documentaries provide a behind-the-scenes look at the technical ambition and rehearsal process for the tour: This Is It | Staging The Return | 2009 87 views · 4 months ago YouTube · Behind The Camera Michael Jackson - This Is It Extras | Memories of Michael 91 views · 9 months ago YouTube · The NG Concerts