Jackson film premieres across the globe
Updated on 28 October 2009
The premiere of the Michael Jackson concert documentary, This Is It, is staged simultaneously in 19 cities across the world. Elodie Harper reports.
Attended by a host of celebrities, as well as the singer's family, friends and fans, the film was edited from 100 hours of footage shot at rehearsals for the star's planned, but never performed, comeback shows.
Gracing the red carpet in London were celebrities such as British rapper Chipmunk, Harry Connick Jr, Westlife, JLS and Jackson impersonator Navvi.
"I was on my 'ABC 123' from a kid , I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, my Dad loves Michael Jackson, so I'm here for my Dad, everyone that loves Michael Jackson" said Chipmunk.
Peter Andre said "There are people complaining about it, but I think you should see it first, because I , when I heard it was a movie about Michael Jackson I wanted to see it."
Harry Connick Jr said he wanted to see the film from a performer's point of view: "As a performer I am interested to see how another performer works, it's not something I get to see too much and when you're talking about somebody as important as Michael Jackson was it's a great opportunity for someone like me to watch and observe."
Global box office estimates vary from more than $600m over its planned two-week run down to $100m, still a large amount for a movie of this kind.
