The documentary movie, Michael Jackson’s This is It, has been described by its director as a gift to the late pop legend’s legion of fans all over the world.

Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical fame) said as they began assembling the footage for the motion picture, they realised they had captured something extraordinary, unique and very special.

"It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’ world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artiste at work," he said in a press statement.

Ortega was not only the director but also Jackson’s creative partner for the This is It series of 50 concerts the King of Pop had planned to do in London beginning of July this year.

Ortega said Michael Jackson’s This is It comprises raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captured his interaction with the collaborators he had personally assembled for his London concerts.

He said the film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as they put together the framework for the historic concert. 

"I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearsed for and created This Is It – inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force," recalled Ortega.

"You see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. 

"I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action."

Ortega added that the This Is It series would have been the greatest concerts ever to have been staged but no one got the chance to see them. "In the film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for the concerts which I believe would have been his best."

Jackson, who passed away on June 25, ruled the charts in the 1980s but he suffered setbacks in the 90s due to allegations of child molestation, financial troubles, dismal record sales, dubious marriages and eccentric behaviour.

Jackson’s ever-evolving looks (courtesy of plastic surgery) simply made matters worse for him as more emphasis was placed on his troubles rather than his undeniable talent.

However, he seemed to be on a comeback trail of sorts when he signed up with entertainment group AEG Live to do a series of 50 concerts in London’s O2 arena beginning this July. It was to have been a new lease of life for the father of three who was by then debt-ridden.

Then came the tragedy of Jackson’s untimely death, the cause of which was reportedly cardiac arrest brought about by the numerous drugs he was prescribed for various conditions, including insomnia.

On Aug 10, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge approved a deal among Michael Jackson’s estate, concert promoter AEG Live, and Sony Pictures to allow Sony Pictures to edit the hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage to create the motion picture.

Sony was said to have paid US$60 million (RM202.8 million) for the film rights.

Michael Jackson’s This is It is compiled from an estimated 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage of the entertainer preparing for his concerts in London.

The trailer for this film premiered during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on Sept 13, with the official movie website being launched at the same time.

Fans will get to see Jackson mentoring his team of dancers, back-up singers and musicians, as well as watch him create and develop his moves which were supposed to feature some astounding technology.

The footage was filmed at The Forum and the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California. Interviews with collaborators and close friends of the late performer are also featured as are some of Jackson’s popular tunes such as Billie Jean, Black Or White and Human Nature.

Running at about one hour and 51 minutes, Michael Jackson’s This is It will run for a limited period of two weeks only (beginning Oct 29).

The frenzy has already started with a record number of advanced bookings being made in the US and Asia. In Malaysia, the number of advanced bookings has hit over 20,000 in the first four days of ticket sales.

Despite the dismal response to Jackson’s supposedly new song This is it (which turned out to be an old recording co-written by Paul Anka), the movie itself is bound to be a big hit with fans clamouring to watch their idol in action one-last time.

Perhaps that is the best way to remember Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson’s This is It will be screened in cinemas nationwide here from Oct 29.