Aussies bid final farewell to Jackson

Fans have bid a final farewell to the King of Pop at the Australian premiere of This
Is It.

Four months after Michael Jackson's death, red carpets were rolled out around the
world on Wednesday (Australian time) for 18 screenings on five continents of the
highly anticipated film charting his final months.
The film's Australian premiere was held in Sydney.
This Is It is a documentary featuring never-before-seen footage recorded during
rehearsals for Jackson's comeback concerts.
Jackson was putting the final touches on the show when he died on June 25, aged 50.
He had been in rehearsals for four months for the series of 50 concerts to be held
at London's 02 Arena from July of this year.
Local and international celebrities, including Teddy Riley who produced Jackson's
Dangerous album, walked the red carpet at the Sydney premiere on George Street.
"We have to celebrate his life, celebrate his legacy and that's what this
documentary is all about," Riley told reporters.
Fans dressed in their favourite Michael Jackson gear lined up excitedly to see the
film.
Many paid tribute to their idol.
Lorin Reid, 19, from Thirroul near Wollongong, wore an ensemble inspired by
Jackson's outfit in his Smooth Criminal video that she bought from an op-shop for
$60.
"I came just to see Michael for the last time doing what he loved best and where he
felt at home - on the stage."
Directed by Kenny Ortega (High School Musical), who choreographed the extravagant
stage show, the film was pieced together from more than 100 hours of material.
The first public screening of This Is It was scheduled directly following the premiere.
The film has broken advance ticket sale records in Australia, exceeding demand for
blockbusters such as Transformers, Twilight and The Dark Knight.
This Is It opens in 99 countries on Tuesday and Wednesday, expanding to 110
territories by the weekend, for a limited two-week release worldwide.