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.

Perhaps the most emotional "extra" is the footage of the dancer auditions. Over 5,000 dancers from around the world showed up for a handful of spots. Watching these world-class athletes break down in tears just to be in the same room as Jackson emphasizes his status as a "dancer’s dancer." You get to see the specific "MJ style" being taught—a mix of military precision and fluid street dance. The "Memories of Michael" Featurette

The final segment of is usually the hardest for fans to watch. It is the last recorded rehearsal for Heal the World , shot two nights before his death.

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.

The 2009 release of Michael Jackson's This Is It features extensive behind-the-scenes content highlighting the production of his planned final concert residency, including documentaries "The Adventure Begins" and "Beyond the Show". Featurettes on the first disc focus on costume design, dancer auditions, and cast memories, with exclusive Blu-ray content including specialized 3D screen vignettes like "Smooth Criminal". For a detailed breakdown of the two-disc set, visit Michael Jackson's This Is It [Blu-Ray] (2009)

Above all, the behind-the-scenes footage confirms that Michael Jackson was driven by a passion to deliver the best possible performance to his fans.

To watch the full today, you must:

: Includes rare production stills and sketches of the stage design not seen in the film. To help you get the most out of this,

When Michael Jackson’s This Is It hit theaters in October 2009, it offered a bittersweet glimpse into what would have been the greatest concert residency in history. While the main feature captured the King of Pop’s perfectionism and vision, the (specifically those found on Disc 1 of the special editions) provide the essential context that transforms the film from a concert documentary into a masterclass in artistry.

Out of thousands of hopefuls who auditioned in Los Angeles, only a select few were chosen to share the stage with Jackson. This extra highlights the grueling audition process overseen by Jackson, Kenny Ortega, and choreographer Travis Payne. It features emotional, archival interviews with the chosen dancers, who reflect on the life-altering moment they realized they would be backing their ultimate idol. The footage displays the raw energy of the rehearsals, showing how Jackson’s presence elevated the dancers' performances. 3. The Audiovisual Architects: The Band and Vocalists

The first set of extras focuses on the monumental task of building the O2 Arena show from scratch. Unlike previous world tours, This Is It was designed to be a permanent, high-tech spectacle.