Michael Jackson fans to get a treat with his new film THIS IT IT.

Fans worldwide will have the opportunity to celebrate the global launch of Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT when Sony Pictures Entertainment hosts over 25 global premieres, with more than 15 of those coordinated simultaneously around the world, on Tuesday, October 27th. Three hours after the red carpet events begin, audiences will be able to see the highly anticipated film for the first time as the studio has added special advance screenings that evening throughout the world.

The South African premiere will take place on Thursday 28 October at 3am at Ster-Kinekor Fourways Mall, Cavendish in Cape Town, Gateway in Durban and Sterland in Pretoria. Tickets will be sold at R200 a ticket (Vitality and Edgars Club concessions will apply)

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will be available worldwide for a limited two-week engagement beginning, Wednesday October 28. Tickets for all shows, are available for purchase beginning this coming Sunday, September 27. South African moviegoers can purchase tickets for both the release of the film and premiere by visiting www.thisisitmovie.co.za.

“Michael Jackson has an army of fans everywhere around the world. By rolling out this film with simultaneous premieres and special advance screenings on October 27th, we are giving audiences an incredible opportunity to join together in celebration of Michael Jackson’s incredible career,” said Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.

The film’s world gala will be in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, October 27. That event, which begins at 6pm PDT, kicks off a series of more than 25 premieres around the globe. More than 15 cities, including New York, Rio De Janeiro, London, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Seoul will host event simultaneously, with red carpet arrivals and activities from the Los Angeles event broadcast by satellite to those cities. Other cities, including Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, Paris, and many others will host their own, non-simultaneous premiere activities.

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail,

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. For more information about the film please visit www.thisisitmovie.co.za

This is a great way to celebrate the life of the legend. Don't miss out.

Nu Metro Beat pays homage to the King Of Pop

We did a short piece upon learning of the passing away of Michael Jackson. There has been a massive amount of coverage since then from all spheres of the media, mostly paying tribute to the fallen musical icon.

In more responses to the sad news that Michael Jackson passed away, Nu Metro Cinemas - South Africa’s premium cinema exhibitor - announced last Friday that the next event will feature a Nu Metro BeatMichael Jackson Biography as a tribute.

Nu Metro Beat is a once a month – one night only music event, featuring music concerts and music documentaries in cinemas.

Michael Jackson has led an incredible life, from his beginnings as a child star, to his rise as the King of Pop, followed by years of public scrutiny. Learn how his music career began at a young age and how it shaped his adult life. Get a view of his solo years and how his collaboration with Quincy Jones yielded one of the best selling albums of all time. This is the real story of a global star without equals, separating the man from the myth. This is Michael Jackson Unmasked!

According to Nu Metro Cinemas Content and Marketing Head, Mark Harris, “This event will take place on Friday the 10th of July 2009 - a simultaneous one-night-only release at the following Nu Metro Cinemas around the country: Bedford Centre, Clearwater Mall, The Glen, Montecasino, Menlyn Park, Boardwalk Port Elizabeth, Canal Walk, The Pavilion, Riverside, and Loch Logan at 6:30pm, 8:00pm and 9:30pm.”

If you watched the memorial service last night, you will fully understand the great things echoed about Michael Jackson as you watch the tribute at the specified Nu Metro theatres this Friday. If you think it was a moving and touching tribute, watch how he got to receive such a dignified and spectacular send-off. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see how Michael Jackson deservedly earned the King Of Pop title.

The Legendary King Of Pop Is No More.

The world is reeling with shock and sadness following the news of Michael Jackson's hospitalisation, and ultimately his tragic and unexpected death; from a cardiac arrest arising from heart failure. All spectrums of the media have covered the topic in abundance and it's one on everybody lips or fingers as the whole world sends their messages of sympathy and condolences to Michael's children, family and friends.

When I received a call from one of my friends after the Bafana Bafana game against Brazil last night, I immediately texted a friend of mine from the U.S. to share what they had heard as the local radio deejays were not sure of the facts. He said the news stations were reporting that he was in cardiac arrest, but within minutes he sent back another mobile text to say they were now reporting that he had died.

I cannot begin to describe the sadness that swept through my heart when it was confirmed that he had really passed on. I instantly remembered that me and a group of friends were watching one of his live DVD's for his Bucarest tour in 1992 just last Sunday over lunch and we were talking about him and the power and the ability to capture his fans' spirits and transport them into this surreal inexplainable world of worship.

The testimony to this ability was entrenched in a joke I read about on one of my favourite blogs Panache Report, where one of the commenters revealed a true account of a young, fat girl who used to be taunted by the neighbourhood kids because of her weight. After this happened for a long time, she one day turned around to face a gigantic Michael Jackson poster she had on the wall of her bedroom and loudly emitted, "Michael Jackson, please give me strength". She then went out and whipped those kids' butts; and needless to say, those kids never bothered her again. We all laughed until the back of our heads started to ache. That's just one of the many wonderful memories I will cherish about Michael Jackson until the end of my lifetime.

All I'll say for now is, may his soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fans throughout the world, who are all feeling different variations of pain, sadness and sorrow right now. We need to celebrate his life and most importantly the precious treasure he left behind, his music. His legacy will live on forever and stay unparalleled with any other entertainer who has braced this world. He was a trully phenomenal talent. He was trully THE BEST. R.I.P. Micahel Jackson.

Picture credit: Concreteloop