The special features and extras included in the 2009 release of Michael Jackson's This Is It
offer over an hour of never-before-seen content that provides a deep dive into the concert's ambitious production. DVD and Blu-ray Special Features
The 2009 home media releases included several key documentaries and featurettes: Staging the Return
: A two-part making-of documentary that detail the overall development and technical orchestration of the This Is It residency. The Gloved One – Costumes
: A focused look at the elaborate stage outfits designed for the show, including specialized trousers for "Billie Jean" that featured remote-controlled flashing lights. Memories of Michael
: A 16-minute tribute where colleagues and crew members share personal stories and their experiences working closely with Jackson during his final months. Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers
: An inside look at the rigorous selection process for the backup dancers who would have joined Jackson on stage. The Musical Experience michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1
: A featurette focusing on the band and musical direction of the show. Post-Credits Content
The film itself contains two notable scenes after the initial closing credits: "Human Nature" Rehearsal
: A clip of Michael rehearsing the song roughly two weeks before his passing. Final Message
: A video of the young girl from the "Earth Song" vignette holding the earth, followed by Michael’s signature and his final message to fans: "I love you". Related Media The Soundtrack Album
: Released alongside the film, this two-disc set includes the titular song "This Is It" in both standard and orchestral versions, as well as early demo recordings of hits like "She’s Out of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," and "Beat It". mentioned in these extras?
Michael Jackson's This Is It DVD 2009 Special Features Kenny Ortega The special features and extras included in the
Given the niche specificity of this keyword (which likely refers to the bonus disc or specific feature listed on DVD/Blu-ray menus from the 2009/2010 releases), this article will serve as a comprehensive guide, review, and historical analysis of that exact content.
The highlight of the extras package is undoubtedly the extended footage of Michael’s interaction with the crew. There is a specific moment during a vocal run where he stops the band, not out of anger, but with a gentle precision.
"You have to let it simmer," he tells the band, describing the groove.
This is the MJ that the media rarely showed during his final years. He wasn't the eccentric recluse; he was a foreman on a construction site, making sure the foundation was perfect. In "Extras 1", we see him counting the band in, snapping his fingers with a rhythmic authority that is frankly terrifying. Even without the microphone at full power, his voice cuts through the Staples Center air.
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.
The most valuable aspect of "Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1" is the audio. In the theatrical film, many songs were truncated or edited for pacing. However, within Extras 1, we get pristine, extended audio/video of Jackson running through his catalog. Example Highlights Often Found in Extras 1
One of the strangest yet most beloved segments in Extras 1 is the costume featurette. Running 14 minutes, it follows designer Zaldy and Jackson's longtime collaborator Michael Bush.
Highlights include:
This featurette turns the documentary into a How It's Made for pop music royalty.
In 2009, we watched This Is It looking for signs of sickness. In the Extras, we find signs of life. We see Michael joking with the choreographers, arguing about the speed of a cue, and drinking juice between takes.
These bonus features strip away the tragedy and leave you with the artist. They prove that even at 50, even under the weight of the world, Michael Jackson was still the most electric person in the room.
Final Verdict: If you only own the digital version of This Is It, you are missing out. Find the physical copy. Watch the Extras. It turns a sad documentary into a joyful masterclass.
Did you catch the "Earth Song" full rehearsal in the extras? Let me know in the comments.
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)