This Is It

Michael Jackson and his team are filmed as they gear up for an anticipated set of London concerts. The footage mixes candid interviews, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and onstage test runs, all capturing the energy and precision that defined his live show concept. We see the choreography being hammered into shape, musicians tuning up, and Jackson guiding dancers with exacting feedback, often pausing to share memories or dreams for the performance. The film presents a window into the creative process rather than a simple concert film, focusing on how a single artist crafts a sprawling visual and musical experience. It keeps the tone respectful and intimate, revealing the pressure, humor, and relentless drive behind a worldwide event for fans everywhere to enjoy.

Directed by Kenny Ortega, This Is It collects Michael Jackson's London rehearsals and backstage material into a documentary framework. It presents the artist's preparation for a major tour as a cinematic record of the making for fans everywhere to enjoy.

Worldwide gross reached 261.2 million on a 60 million budget, making it a box office performer among concert films. Its success underscores the appetite for intimate music docs. The film's broad appeal helped expand concert film releases worldwide for viewers.

Fans and critics treated the film as a rare glimpse into MJ's artistry and work ethic, intensifying anticipation for his posthumous legacy. The rehearsal footage and performance snippets circulated widely, fueling conversations about dance innovation, showmanship, and the demands of modern pop spectacle. It spotlights the discipline behind the choreography.

Critically, the film is praised for its access and music centric focus, while acknowledging the immense pressure of creating a stadium show. Its themes center on artistic perfection, collaboration, and the idea that a single performer can shape a global cultural moment and the technology behind live sound and visuals.