Limited release for Jackson film

A Michael Jackson film built around rehearsal footage shot before his death will be released in a limited two-week run worldwide, Sony Pictures has said.

The distributor added it had brought forward the release date of This Is It by two days, anticipating huge demand. 

The film, directed by Kenny Ortega - the choreographer of Jackson's planned shows at London's O2 arena - offers a behind-the-scenes look at preparations. 

This Is It will be released in cinemas on 28 October. 

"This film is Michael's gift to his fans," Ortega said. 

It would give them a "very private, exclusive look" into the world of a "creative genius", he added. 

"For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before, this great artist at work. 

"It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the This Is It collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once-in-a-lifetime project."