Michael Jackson: The Life of An Icon DVD Review

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Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon now available on Blu-ray and DVD provides an in-depth look at Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before. This feature-length tribute not only show the beginning of his life and career but shows why this powerhouse performancer was known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts.

This unprecedented look into the King of Pop’s fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, family, friends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and many more.

Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by David Gest and featuring David Gest, Katherine Jackson, Tito Jackson, Rebbie Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and others it spans from his childhood, rise to fame.

What makes this DVD unique from others is the depth of material not only from his later years but his early childhood and Motown days.  His roots and those who participated in grooming and influencing the King of Pop talk about how unique Michael was even as a child.

Watching this DVD, one can appreciate the past, how Motown influenced the artists under its label and how disciplined the environment was for those being groomed by those in the business.

Much of the beginning of this DVD explores the past to such a degree that we wondered if Michael’s later life would be covered. The entire depth of his life, the many changes, the difficulties facing this artist and the legacy he left are equally explored.

For those fans who want a thorough look at what help make Michael the greatest entertainer, you won’t be disappointed.

Never Can Say Goodbye Archives

Never Can Say Goodbye Archives from Katherine Jackson is the coffee table style book that has been advertised as being filled with many never before seen photos of Michael Jackson, family, fans and friends.

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Although this book is the official book from the King of Pop’s mother, much controversy has surrounded its release, the promotional tour on Oprah and other shows promoting it, the website that sells it and most recently the bizarre actions of the owner of the company releasing songs without authorization and claiming they are something they are not.

We were sent a copy of this book prior to any of this controversy last week so we are going to try now to review the book on the merits of it without being swayed by any of the other issues.

The first impression we got about the book was that we were impressed with the size and paper of the book. Many pictures, however, are not great quality but we were not sure if this was due to them being personal pictures or old technology.

The coloring on skin tones in particular are not good on some of the pictures (e.g. page 109) where MJ wears a white coat and his face has many different colors in it. Some have suggested it looks like a copy of a picture but we are not sure. Other pictures are blurry so we wonder about the selection of pictures but again it may be they were trying to get a ‘home taken’ look to some of them.

It did seem, however, that the period in which this book captures is childhood, Jackson 5 and Thriller time period. There seems to be no later pictures of Michael at all. We found that very disappointing. It seems to stop around the time he left home. There were years after this whereby personal pictures could have been gathered but they have not been included in this book.

Because the quality of the pictures selected are not to the standards usually adhered to for a coffee book style book, the price tag and the limited period captured in this book, we feel we can only rate it 3.

For fans, however, the words provided by Katherine Jackson may be enough to persuade them to purchase the book. It does appear to be a more personal look at Michael unlike most other books sold today.

Let us know what you think.

Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson

Neverland Lost: A Portrait of Michael Jackson by Henry Leutwyler is a deeply personal look at the King of Pop through the eyes of an internationally acclaimed photographer.

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“It seems that an individual’s belongings rarely become available without some tragedy as a backdrop.” This quote provides an understanding as to how such still photos envoke such deep emotion when reviewing them. This book is an extremely personal, sad yet reflective opportunity for anyone wanting to understand Michael Jackson’s life, fall from grace and ultimate isolation.

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Michael Jackson In Search of Neverland – Book Review

Michael Jackson: In Search of Neverland, written by real estate broker Gloria Rhoads Berlin, offers a peak into the world of MJ. While searching for 3 years for a home fit for a King, Gloria saw a side of Michael that few witnessed. Read more

Ian Halperin’s “Gone Too Soon” movie offers balanced look at Michael Jackson

On June 25th, 2010, one year to the day from Jackson’s shocking passing, Ian Halperin‘s documentary, entitled Gone Too Soon will be released. The film is expected to be based largely on the book released last year by Halperin on Jackson titled “Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson“. Halperin says it is a fair and objective look at MJ.
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Michael Jackson: Unmasked The Final Years – Book Review

Unmasked The Final Years of Michael Jackson by Ian Halperin was the first book to rush to the shelves following Michael Jackson’s death. Although criticized for cashing in on the singer’s death, Halperin had, in fact, been working on the book for many years and was set to go to print when Michael Jackson died. Because of this, the book was held back and amended before finally being rushed to the printing presses.
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Devotion: An Unauthorized Tribute to Michael Jackson – DVD Review

Devotion: An Unauthorized Tribute to Michael Jackson is a DVD that claims to be a document about Michael Jackson‘s life but falls very short at being a complete look at his life. It contains mostly information and footage already seen and has glaring omissions. Read more

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk – Book Review

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk book is back in stores after years out of circulation. Following his death, the estate obtained permission to put his autobiography again in print.

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Michael Jackson The Document – DVD Review

Michael Jackson The Document is a 2-disc containing a DVD and audio CD.  It contains images of the singer but mostly contains interviews with people who have worked with the King of Pop. This British documentary is unauthorized and is a bit amateurish in its production. Read more

Michael Jackson: Thank You for the Music The Final Word – DVD Review

Michael Jackson: Thank You for the Music The Final Word is a 2-disc set that contains video and audio recordings. As noted on the disc, though there is little left unsaid about Michael Jackson, it is his music and memories that we are now left with. Read more

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