Michael Jacksons This Is It 2009 Extras 1 May 2026

The 2009 This Is It home release was split into two distinct parts. While the main film focused on the polished rhythm of the rehearsals at the Staples Center and the Forum, Extras 1 functioned as a director’s cut of Michael’s creative process. It contains roughly 90 minutes of additional material, including:

With the rise of streaming, most platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ in some regions) only carry the theatrical cut. They do not include "Extras 1."

To watch the full "michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1" today, you must:

The main film shows the new 3D intro for Thriller. The Extras show the horror movie homage that never was. We get a few minutes of Michael in full, modernized zombie makeup, laughing between takes. There is a moment where he looks into the mirror as the "zombie" and starts doing the iconic claw dance. It is eerie, funny, and brilliant all at once.

Fans were devastated that the theatrical cut truncated the Thriller sequence. Extras 1 restored the 3D intro film that would have played on the massive LED screen behind the stage. It features Jackson turning into a giant spider (a concept he had been trying to realize since the Ghosts short film). While the CGI is dated by 2025 standards, the context is thrilling: Michael wanted the audience to feel like they were falling into a horror movie before the first zombie appeared on stage.

(Note: Standard DVD editions often have fewer extras, usually combining the "Staging the Return" segments into one featurette, whereas the 2-Disc Blu-ray edition contains the full breakdown listed above.)

Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' 2009 Extras: A Glimpse into the King of Pop's Final Performance

In 2009, the world was abuzz with excitement as Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, announced his highly anticipated comeback concert series, 'This Is It.' The shows, scheduled to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, promised to be a spectacular farewell tour, featuring a star-studded lineup and a medley of Jackson's greatest hits.

On June 25, 2009, tragedy struck when Michael Jackson passed away, leaving fans around the globe in shock and grief. The 'This Is It' concerts, which were set to begin just days later, were subsequently canceled.

However, in a bittersweet tribute to the legendary performer, the producers of the concert series decided to compile a documentary film, also titled 'This Is It,' which would feature rehearsal footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Jackson's final days. The film, released on October 28, 2009, provided an intimate look at Jackson's creative process and offered a poignant insight into his life.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the inclusion of 'extras' or bonus features, which provide additional context and insight into Jackson's artistry. 'Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1' refers to a collection of bonus features that offer a deeper dive into the making of the concert film.

The Extras: A Deeper Dive into Jackson's Artistry

The 'extras' section of 'This Is It' includes a range of fascinating features, such as interviews with Jackson's choreographer, Vincent Paterson, and the show's musical director, Michael McDonald. These interviews offer a glimpse into Jackson's creative process and provide insight into his approach to music and performance.

One of the most poignant features in 'Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1' is a behind-the-scenes look at Jackson's rehearsals. The footage shows Jackson tirelessly rehearsing his choreography, perfecting his dance moves, and working with his team to bring his vision to life.

The extras also include a feature on Jackson's iconic costume designs, which were created specifically for the 'This Is It' concerts. The intricate costumes, designed by Giovanni Santini, were a testament to Jackson's attention to detail and his commitment to creating a visually stunning show.

A Glimpse into Jackson's Final Performance

For fans of Michael Jackson, 'This Is It' offers a bittersweet glimpse into what could have been. The documentary film and its accompanying extras provide a unique insight into Jackson's final days and offer a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy as a performer.

The 'This Is It' concerts, which were set to be Jackson's final performances, promised to be a spectacular farewell tour. The shows were designed to be a celebration of Jackson's life and career, featuring a range of his greatest hits, including 'Billie Jean,' 'Beat It,' and 'Thriller.' michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1

Although the concerts were ultimately canceled, 'Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1' provides a fascinating glimpse into what could have been. The extras offer a behind-the-scenes look at Jackson's creative process and provide insight into his approach to music and performance.

The Legacy of 'This Is It'

In the years since its release, 'This Is It' has become a beloved tribute to Michael Jackson's enduring legacy. The documentary film and its accompanying extras have provided fans with a unique insight into Jackson's life and artistry, and have served as a poignant reminder of his impact on popular culture.

The 'This Is It' concerts may have been canceled, but the documentary film and its extras have ensured that Jackson's final performance will live on in the hearts of fans around the world. 'Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1' is a must-see for fans of the King of Pop, offering a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and providing a poignant insight into his life.

The Impact of 'This Is It' on Pop Culture

The release of 'This Is It' in 2009 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and critics alike eagerly anticipating the documentary film. The movie's success was a testament to Jackson's enduring popularity and his impact on popular culture.

The 'This Is It' documentary and its extras have been widely praised for their intimate and revealing portrayal of Jackson's life and artistry. The film has been credited with inspiring a new generation of fans and providing a fresh perspective on Jackson's legacy.

In the years since its release, 'This Is It' has become a cultural touchstone, with references to the documentary film appearing in music, film, and television. The movie's influence can be seen in the work of artists such as Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Bruno Mars, who have all cited Jackson as an inspiration.

Conclusion

'Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1' is a fascinating glimpse into the life and artistry of the King of Pop. The extras provide a unique insight into Jackson's creative process and offer a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy as a performer.

The 'This Is It' documentary film and its accompanying extras have become a beloved tribute to Jackson's life and artistry, and have served as a poignant reminder of his impact on popular culture. For fans of Michael Jackson, 'This Is It' is a must-see, offering a glimpse into the life and artistry of one of the most iconic performers of all time.

Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009) serves as a documentary and concert film capturing the rehearsals and preparation for the King of Pop's planned 50-date residency at London's O2 Arena.

The home media releases (DVD and Blu-ray) offer an extensive look at the production through various special features and documentaries. Core Documentaries The centerpiece of the extras is the two-part documentary " Staging the Return

," which chronicles the entire process of bringing the concert to life:

The Adventure Begins (27:21): Details the origin of the 50-show residency and the early stages of planning.

Beyond the Show (13:25): Focuses on the technical aspects and Michael's specific creative vision for the performances. Featurettes and Special Content

The 2-Disc Limited Edition DVD and Blu-ray versions include several specific featurettes: The 2009 This Is It home release was

The Gloved One (15:13): A detailed look at the unique costumes designed by Zaldy for the tour.

Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers (9:50): Highlights the rigorous selection process for the tour's backup dancers.

Memories of Michael (16:19): Emotional interviews with collaborators reflecting on their personal experiences working with Jackson.

Meet the Dancers / Meet the Band / Meet the Vocalists: Individual segments introducing the talented professionals hand-picked for the residency.

The Unfinished Rehearsals: Footage showcasing segments of the show that were still in the developmental phase. Audio and Visual Specifications

For collectors and audiophiles, the Blu-ray release provides a high-fidelity experience:

Video: 1080p High Definition (1.78:1 aspect ratio), blending HD rehearsal footage with standard definition behind-the-scenes clips.

Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit) and Dolby Digital 5.1. Soundtrack (2-Disc Album) The accompanying This Is It soundtrack album includes:

Disc 1: Mastered versions of the hits in the same order they appear in the film.

Disc 2: Previously unreleased demos and a spoken word poem titled "Planet Earth".

If you are looking for specific technical details about the "extras 1" designation (often referring to the first disc or specific digital bonus content), or if you want to know where to purchase specific editions like the 2-Disc Limited Edition DVD, let me know! I can also help you:

Compare different regional releases (e.g., Japanese vs. US editions) Find specific rehearsal tracklists for each bonus feature

Locate high-quality reviews of the documentary's technical transfers

The Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009) home media release includes a deep dive into the King of Pop’s final creative process. While the documentary itself provides a rare look at the rehearsal of his setlist, the Limited Edition DVD and Blu-ray features extend the experience with never-before-seen footage. Core Bonus Documentaries

The release is anchored by two significant making-of documentaries:

Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins: A multi-part mini-documentary that chronicles the initial production of the This Is It residency. It covers the logistics of building a massive show at the O2 Arena and the advanced technology involved in the set construction.

Beyond the Show: This featurette provides a technical perspective on the concert's complex visual cues and special effects. It includes footage of the stage "toaster" mechanism and the custom-designed video doors intended for Jackson's grand entrances and exits. Exclusive Performance Vignettes The main film gives you the polished highlights

The Blu-ray edition features high-definition shorts that were produced specifically to play on the giant LCD screens during the live concert: Tonight's 3D feature is This Is It

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)

The 2009 home video release of Michael Jackson's This Is It is widely considered a gold standard for posthumous tributes, largely due to its extensive "making-of" bonus content. While the main feature focuses on the stage performances, the extras provide a technical and emotional look at Jackson's meticulous creative process. Core Special Features

The following features are standard on both the DVD and Blu-ray releases:

Staging the Return: A two-part documentary ("The Adventure Begins" and "Beyond the Show") that serves as the centerpiece. It details how the 50-date residency was conceived and how Jackson personally directed every technical element, from hydraulics to lighting.

The Gloved One: A focused look at the elaborate costumes designed by Zaldy. It showcases pieces like the new "Billie Jean" suit embedded with strobe lights and an updated "Thriller" jacket.

Memories of Michael: A sentimental featurette where the cast and crew share personal stories and their experiences working with Jackson during his final months.

Auditions (Searching for the World's Greatest Dancers): A look at the intense selection process for the backup dancers, highlighting the emotional weight the tour held for the performers. Blu-ray Exclusive Content

The Blu-ray version includes approximately 30-40 minutes of additional footage not found on the standard DVD:

"Smooth Criminal" Vignette: The full, high-definition version of the film noir-style short film created for the tour, featuring Jackson inserted into classic gangster movie clips.

"Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal" Featurettes: Detailed breakdowns of how these specific stage segments were modernized with 3D effects and green screen technology.

Meet the Band & Vocalists: Profiles of the musicians and singers, including rehearsal highlights for songs like "Jam" and "Human Nature".

These documentaries provide a behind-the-scenes look at the technical ambition and rehearsal process for the tour: This Is It | Staging The Return | 2009 87 views · 4 months ago YouTube · Behind The Camera Michael Jackson - This Is It Extras | Memories of Michael 91 views · 9 months ago YouTube · The NG Concerts


The main film gives you the polished highlights. The extras give you the process. There is a raw, unedited rehearsal of “The Way You Make Me Feel” that isn't in the theatrical cut. Watching Michael work through the blocking with the dancers is mesmerizing. He isn't performing for a camera here; he’s teaching. You see the perfectionist at work—adjusting a hand movement by two inches, snapping his fingers to correct the tempo.

Date: October 28, 2009 (Archived/Republished) Tags: Michael Jackson, This Is It, Documentary, Music Legacy, DVD Extras

When Sony Pictures released Michael Jackson’s This Is It in theaters in late 2009, it was presented as a solemn tribute—a final bow for the King of Pop. It was a concert film that never was, pieced together from grainy rehearsal footage. It was emotional, yes. It was polished to a shine.

But if you picked up the DVD or Blu-ray and skipped straight to the movie, you missed half the story.

For the die-hard fans and the production nerds, the treasure trove wasn't the main feature—it was the section labeled "Extras 1" (often titled "Staging the Returns" or "The Gloved One" depending on your region). Today, we’re looking back at why these specific extras remain some of the most fascinating footage of MJ’s career.

The theatrical version cuts to the chase. Extras 1 shows the full, hilarious, and charming staging. Jackson spends nearly two minutes instructing the female dancer (filling the role of the "girl" he is chasing) on how to move. He claps, spins, and laughs. It is the most human Michael appears in the entire documentary.