When Michael Jackson passed away in June 2009, the world didn't just lose a pop star; it lost a visionary in the middle of crafting his most ambitious comeback. The documentary This Is It , released later that year, offered a hauntingly beautiful "fly on the wall" look at the rehearsals. However, for the true fanatics, the are where the real magic—and the technical genius of MJ—truly shines.

Critically, the extras help address debates about authenticity and editorializing in documentary presentation. Some critics argued that This Is It’s theatrical edit polished raw rehearsal footage into an image of an artist near the peak of his powers, potentially obscuring health concerns or the unfinished nature of the tour preparation. Extras 1 complicates this critique by offering more unvarnished material—outtakes, longer takes, and technical tests that make clear the rehearsals were works in progress. By exposing the messier side of production, the bonus content contributes to a more balanced historical record and allows viewers to form more informed judgments about Jackson’s condition and the state of the show prior to his death.

Extras deepen understanding of Jackson’s creative process and the massive collaborative effort behind large-scale pop productions. They preserve moments of artistic labor and offer a granular look at how performance, choreography, music, and production design are iteratively crafted into a cohesive spectacle.

Perhaps the most emotionally charged part of the first batch of extras is the audition process. Over 5,000 dancers from around the globe converged on Los Angeles for a chance to share the stage with their idol.

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

Finally, the extras invite reflection on ethical questions surrounding posthumous releases. While fans and many collaborators welcomed any material that celebrated Jackson’s work, others questioned whether additional footage should have been released at all—arguing it commodified grief or risked exploiting private rehearsal moments. Extras 1 occupies a middle ground: it can be read as both tribute and artifact, a resource for historians and enthusiasts while also raising concerns about consent and curation after death. How producers edit, package, and promote such material inevitably shapes memory and legacy.

This featurette gives fans a closer look at the sketches, fittings, and the painstaking process of creating the garments that would become synonymous with the tour. The Rehearsal Process: Polishing the Performance

For filmmakers, musicians, and dancers, the bonus discs are an invaluable textbook on the anatomy of stadium-level entertainment. For fans, they offer a comforting final memory of Michael Jackson doing exactly what he loved most: creating magic.

Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) was more than just a documentary film; it was a poignant glimpse into the final preparation of the "King of Pop" for his monumental comeback residency. While the main film showcases the meticulous planning, musical brilliance, and breathtaking talent, the bonus material—specifically the (often found on Blu-ray and DVD editions)—provides an indispensable look at the artistry behind the concert.

Explore the Michael Bearden discusses in the interviews. Share public link

"You have to let it simmer," he tells the band, describing the groove.

vary depending on whether you are looking at the or the Deluxe Edition Audio Album . DVD & Blu-ray Bonus Features (Disc 1)

The special features and extras included in the 2009 release of Michael Jackson's This Is It

The standard DVD and Blu-ray editions shared a core set of bonus features, including:

The This Is It extras aren't just "deleted scenes." They are the blueprints of a masterpiece that was never finished. They offer a glimpse into the creative process of a perfectionist who, even in his final weeks, was pushing the boundaries of what live entertainment could be.

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Michael Jacksons This Is It 2009 Extras 1 __top__ Jun 2026

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