Sony Unveils Michael Jackson "This Is It" 2010 DVD Release Plans

MUSIC NEWS -  After failing to release Michael Jackson’s This Is It on home entertainment this holiday season (see MNN story) , Sony has announced the This Is It DVD and Blu-ray release for January 26, 2010, planning to tie in the set to the Grammy Awards.

Sony has said DVD and Blu-ray will contain extra materials not seen in theatres, where the release topped off at only $72M in the USA after its' much anticipated October 28 release and the music video for MJ's Thriller tune. The basic DVD will have over an hour of extra footage, and the Blu-ray release will contain an extra 1.5 hours of material.  Exclusive to their Blu-ray set is a “Smooth Criminal” vignette that was originally planned to screen before the Jackson This Is It London concerts. Also planned are exclusive "collectible" gift with purchase at specific retailers (details tbd).

Marc Rashbu, Sony’s VP of worldwide marketing told Video Business. “The Grammys follow right after the release date [on Jan. 31]. There will be a lot of Grammy [merchandising] areas in stores, and we can play into that.”