Michael Jacksons This Is It 2009 Extras 1 May 2026

Title: The King in Rehearsal: Unpacking the Hidden Gold of 'This Is It – Extras 1'

When This Is It hit theaters in October 2009, it was both a eulogy and a miracle—a chance to see Michael Jackson, just days before his sudden passing, running through the full-scale production that was meant to conquer London. But for the true devotees, the main film was only half the story. The real treasure lies buried in the home release's supplementary material, specifically the section labeled "Extras 1."

These aren't just deleted scenes. They are a raw, unvarnished masterclass.

The Tension of Perfection

The first thing that strikes you in Extras 1 is Michael's voice. Not the polished studio whisper or the explosive live belt, but the working voice. In a grainy rehearsal clip for "The Way You Make Me Feel," he stops the band mid-crescendo. "No... slower," he says, tapping his chest. "It has to breathe." The band adjusts. He closes his eyes, nods once, and then unleashes a pelvic roll so sharp it feels like a secret. This is Michael the Director—meticulous, soft-spoken, but absolute.

The Unseen Choreography

We get extended, multi-angle footage of "Smooth Criminal." In the film, we see the finished illusion: the lean, the fedora, the gangster sway. In Extras 1, we see Michael teaching two new dancers the intention behind a single finger snap. "It's not about the hit," he whispers. "It's about the anticipation." He demonstrates the same eight-count of movement five times, each iteration subtly different—more wrist, less shoulder, a tilt of the head that implies danger. The dancers are exhausted. He is glowing.

Human Moments

Sandwiched between these thunderous rehearsals are tiny, devastating human beats. There’s a 30-second clip of Michael warming up his voice backstage, scat-singing a melody that doesn't belong to any known song—pure improvisation, pure soul. Another moment shows him sharing a quiet laugh with musical director Michael Bearden after a flubbed keyboard cue. He covers his mouth when he laughs, like a shy child. For one breath, he isn't the King of Pop. He's just Mike.

The Weight of "What If"

The final segment of Extras 1 is the hardest to watch: a full, uninterrupted run of "Earth Song" from a soundcheck at the Staples Center. No CGI forests, no bulldozer on stage. Just Michael in a maroon button-down and slacks, reaching for the rafters. The backing track drops out for 15 seconds, and he keeps singing—a cappella, raw, ferocious. When he finishes, the small crew of electricians and camera ops erupts into applause. Michael looks almost surprised, then bows deeply. michael jacksons this is it 2009 extras 1

Why It Matters

This Is It – Extras 1 isn't about what was lost. It's about what was present until the very end: an artist who still believed that every single "hee-hee" and every single toe-stand mattered. These extras strip away the spectacle to show the scaffolding—the sweat, the counting, the joy, and the relentless, aching love of craft.

You don't watch Extras 1 to mourn. You watch it to remember that greatness doesn't just happen. It rehearses.

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This guide covers the bonus features found on Disc 1 (or the primary single-disc release) of the 2009 documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It. These extras provide a deeper look at the technical rehearsals and the creative team behind the residency. 💿 Core Featurettes Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins Focus: The initial planning phases of the O2 residency.

Key Insight: Interviews with director Kenny Ortega and AEG Live executives.

Highlights: Shows the transition from Michael's "retirement" to the ambitious "This Is It" concept. Staging the Return: Beyond the Show Focus: The high-tech production elements.

Key Insight: Details the LED screens (the largest ever used at the time) and the "Lightman" suit.

Highlights: Footage of Michael interacting with the pyrotechnics and stage illusions. The Gloved One: Costumes Focus: The wardrobe designed by Zaldy.

Key Insight: Modernizing Michael’s iconic looks with Swarovski crystals and LED technology. Title: The King in Rehearsal: Unpacking the Hidden

Highlights: A close-up look at the "Billie Jean" jacket and the "Thriller" redesign. Memories of Michael Focus: Personal tributes from the crew. Key Insight: Filmed shortly after Jackson’s passing.

Highlights: Emotional reflections on his work ethic and kindness during the final weeks of rehearsal. 🕺 Audition & Talent Features Auditions: Searching for the World’s Best Dancers Focus: The grueling selection process.

Key Insight: Over 5,000 dancers auditioned for only 12 spots.

Highlights: Michael personally watching the final callbacks and selecting the "chosen" few. Meet the Dancers Focus: Profiles of the 11 men and 1 woman selected.

Key Insight: Shows their backgrounds and what Michael Jackson meant to their careers. 🎬 Technical Extras The "Smooth Criminal" Vignette Focus: The "Mini-Movie" filmed for the concert.

Key Insight: Michael was digitally inserted into classic 1940s noir films like Gilda.

Highlights: Comparison between the green screen footage and the finished 3D effect. The "Thriller" Vignette Focus: The updated graveyard sequence.

Key Insight: Filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles to be projected in 3D. 💡 Viewer Tips

Audio Settings: Check the "Audio" menu; most releases include a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track which is significantly better than the standard DVD mix.

Photo Gallery: Includes rare production stills and sketches of the stage design not seen in the film. To help you get the most out of this, "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" (Featurette) "The

What is "Extras 1"? Defining the Feature

On the two-disc "Deluxe Edition" (and the single-disc "Ultimate Fan Edition" internationally), the extras are usually split into two or three sections. "Extras 1" is the primary vault. It is not a single scene, but a curated playlist of supplementary material that runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Crucially, "Extras 1" is distinct from "Extras 2" (which usually contains The Unfinished Rehearsals montage or the "Smooth Criminal" making-of). Extras 1 is the goldmine. It contains:

1. "Staging the Return: The Adventure Begins" (Featurette)
2. "The Gloved One: Costume Design" (Featurette)
3. "Memories of Michael" (Interviews)
4. "Auditions: Searching for the World's Best Dancers"
5. Full rehearsal performances of "Human Nature" and "The Way You Make Me Feel" (Extended cuts)

Content in Extras 1 (typical elements)

Extras packages for This Is It varied by edition and region, but “Extras 1” style content commonly includes:

• Extended rehearsal clips not included in the theatrical cut (song run-throughs, choreography breakdowns, full takes of particular numbers).
• Focused featurettes on creative collaborators (e.g., Kenny Ortega, choreographers, musicians, dancers), explaining their roles and collaborative processes.
• Behind-the-scenes segments showing staging, costume fittings, set design, lighting tests, and technical rehearsals.
• Interviews and candid moments with Jackson offering insight into his creative intentions, vocal coaching, and direction to the band/dancers.
• Montage sequences demonstrating staging evolution — from concept sketches to on-stage mockups and scale model testing.
• Short archival snippets or photo galleries showcasing promotional imagery, rehearsal stills, or prep documents.

The Mic Check: A Master Class

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.

Deep Dive: Unlocking the Magic of "Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1"

When the documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It premiered in October 2009, it was more than a film; it was a eulogy, a celebration, and a time capsule. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the film cobbled together over 100 hours of rehearsal footage from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. But for the dedicated fan, the theatrical release was only the appetizer.

The main course came with the home video release. On the DVD, Blu-ray, and digital downloads, a specific menu item has intrigued and delighted fans for over a decade: "Michael Jackson's This Is It 2009 Extras 1."

This article breaks down exactly what that menu tab contains, why it is essential viewing for any MJ scholar, and how it differs from the standard theatrical cut.

The "Thriller" Makeup Test

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.

Critical Observations

• Editorial Choices: The extras, like the main film, are assembled from a large trove of rehearsal footage; editorial framing tends to emphasize positive, celebratory aspects over friction or fatigue, which shapes audience interpretation.
• Completeness and Access: Regional variations mean not all extras are universally available; some home-video editions collected more extensive featurettes or longer rehearsal takes. Collectors often compare editions to reconstruct the fullest picture of the rehearsals.
• Ethical Considerations: Posthumous editing raises questions about consent and representation—how rehearsal footage, never intended as a finished product for wide release, is presented to shape legacy.