Michael Jackson's "This is It" extended

CEBU, Philippines - Columbia Pictures announced yesterday that the theatrical run of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” has been officially extended.

The concert/documentary on the late music superstar was previously scheduled for a limited two-week engagement only, starting Oct. 28, but is now set to run beyond Nov. 10, its supposed end-date.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” can still be seen at the SM North Edsa IMAX Theatre and other selected cinemas nation-wide. The public is advised to check newspaper movie sections for directory listings and screening times.

The film’s run has also been lengthened in most international markets, including the U.S.

A backstage look at the late Michael Jackson during rehearsals for his supposed comeback concert tour that would have started last July in London, “This Is It” has already broken the record for all-time biggest-grossing concert or documentary feature in the Philippines.

In the U.S., “This Is It” received an “A” CinemaScore and is one of the best reviewed films of the year.

Critic Peter Travers of Rolling Stone Magazine wrote, "An unmissable film…Illuminating and unforgettable."

Rogert Ebert of Chicago Times gave the movie a four-star rating, while Time Magazine’s Richard Corliss wrote that the film proved Michael Jackson “is still a thriller.”

For his part, Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman raved that the movie is “a raw and endearing sketch of a genius at work…the music pours out of him like sunlight.”

Highly regarded Filipino critic Nestor Torre praised, “It’s worth the long wait. At long last, MJ fans have a farewell show worth remembering their musical idol by. Even better, the movie includes ‘reality’ footage that shows Jackson on top of his musical game, painstakingly tweaking his show into one of his best productions ever.”

Finally, award-winning writer Krip Yuson wrote, “[Director] Kenny Ortega judiciously selects electrifying footage of Michael as a compleat entertainer…simply takes the viewer’s breath away.”

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.