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Michael Jackson This Is It DVD Released

Director Kenny Ortega has told how Michael Jackson was in a "great space of mind" during the rehearsals for his doomed comeback concerts.

Speaking ahead of the DVD release of the documentary film This Is It, Ortega said Michael was excited to be back on stage.

"Michael had strong reasons for wanting to go back out and do these historic shows in London with hope there would be more touring following it."

"He was in a great space of mind and was incredibly excited and looking forward to the whole experience."

The King of Pop died last June after taking a cocktail of drugs while preparing for the London shows

Oretga has pieced together footage from the rehearsals leading up to the show to create the film This Is It.

Following its cinema release, the film went straight to the top of the UK and US box office charts and it has become the most watched film documentary of all time.

Ortega said: "I'm really pleased and ever so grateful that the work has been embraced by the fans, most importantly, and the family and critics.


"We set out to tell a story that Michael had for This Is It, what his plans were, what his goals were, and I think we did a pretty good job."

Film critic James King told Sky News he was impressed with the outcome after being slightly sceptical.

He said: "You come out of it and you think I can't believe I ever thought this wasn't going to work.

"He (Jackson) is obviously the consummate entertainer and that totally comes across even in the rehearsal footage."

Jackson announced the series of comeback concerts at London's O2 arena last April.

Since then, those involved in the production have all stayed in touch and helped each other get through their grief.

"We are all still very close and spend time together which is helpful but it's continuous and it's going to be for a while, I am certain," said Ortega.



Source: Sky News