On the eve of the documentary's wide release, red carpet was rolled out in front of Nokia Theater in Los Angeles as well as of Odeon West End Cinema in London's Leicester Square.
- Oct 28, 2009
AceShowbiz - Just hours before "This Is It" is officially launched in theaters around the world, Sony Pictures has held global premieres for the Michael Jackson's film. The simultaneous premieres took place in 18 countries on Tuesday, October 27. Two of which were held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and at the Odeon West End Cinema in Leicester Square, London.
A star-studded event with the attendance of many Hollywood A-listers and fans alike, the Los Angeles premiere saw a transformation of the plaza in front of the Nokia Theatre into an elegant red carpet arrivals area. It was uniquely designed with a dozen crystal chandeliers, displays of Jackson's past costumes and the words "This Is It" spelled out in giant letters.
The Jackson's family were represented by Michael's brothers, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson , Tito Jackson and Jackie Jackson, for the screening. On the red carpet, Jermaine talked about his late brother saying, "Michael has always been a perfectionist. We're going to see him going through the motions, though, not giving 1,000|percent| because he's making sure everyone else is going to do their part but, at the same time, once he got on that stage, he was going to give them 100,000|percent|"
Family aside, director/producer Kenny Ortega and music producer Berry Gordy were among the guests spotted on the red carpet. "American Idol" alumni David Cook and Adam Lambert were also making an appearance in the L.A. premiere. Lambert, in particular, came in accompanied by fellow singer Katy Perry.
Other big names attending included Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Ashley Tisdale, Jamie Kennedy, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vivica A. Fox, Paris Hilton, Macy Gray, Paula Abdul and Neil Patrick Harris.
The London premiere, in the meantime, saw a mixture of Michael Jackson fans and curious tourists. It was attended by many stars, such as Leona Lewis, JLS, Estelle, Peter Andre and Spice Girls' Melanie Brown. The cast of the Jackson tribute show "Thriller Live" were also present.
"This Is It" offers a behind-the-scenes footage of Michael preparing for a series of the O2 London shows he was rehearsing before he passed away on June 25. It will compile more than 100 hours of video footage concert promoter AEG Live shot during April, May and June 2009. This movie opens in 99 countries Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28, before expanding to 110 territories by this weekend.
Live From the Los Angeles Premiere:
