Michael Jackson in the company of his zombies in the clip for “Thriller”
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For the 40th anniversary of “Thriller” there will be a new, as yet untitled documentary. The making-of project got loud „Deadline“ already commissioned by Sony Music. It is directed by music historian and director Nelson George.
The film is intended to depict Michael Jackson’s still breathtaking rise from a great musical talent to the biggest pop star in the world and, as much is already known, will show never-before-seen footage and interviews of the musician, who died in 2009. The film also focuses on the creation of the then spectacular and epoch-making music videos for the famous singles “Thriller”, “Billie Jean” and “Beat It”.
How Michael Jackson became a superstar
In a press release, filmmaker Nelson George is quoted as saying that Michael Jackson “reinvented himself” with “Thriller” and it propelled him “from teen star to adult superstar.” The album’s visuals, including the music clips in particular, created a fruitful connection between music and image that was hardly thought possible at the time.
“Thriller” was released on November 30, 1982. The record won a total of eight Grammys and is still the most popular album of all time with almost 50 million copies sold.
As with other LP anniversaries, there will be a deluxe edition accompanying the making-of documentary. “Thriller 40” contains demos and rarities along with a remastered version of the original. Highlights are the previously unreleased songs “She’s Trouble” and “The Toy”.