At MJVibe / Iconic Magazine, we always share with you what we think is worth watching or doing! On Thursday 18th February, we had the chance to go to see the premiere of Spike Lee’s new documentary on Michael Jackson, the lengthy titled ‘Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall.’
After the success of the ‘BAD25 Documentary’, the expectations to deliver another historical insight were high as Spike had done such a well-rounded job on sharing an intimate look at Michael’s way of working through archive footage, personal accounts and critical opinion. With the blueprint set, anticipation for the 2nd in what will no doubt be a trilogy has caught universal attention and finally after a U.S TV airing, the documentary landed on British shores on a cold, February evening.
The event took place at BAFTA’s headquarters in London. On arrival, the lucky competition winners who had won the Sony Music UK competition were invited to have a relaxing drink and socialise whilst naturally the ‘Off The Wall’ album and visuals provided the back drop. The surrounding were classy and well deserving of a Michael Jackson release. Interestingly some of the invited guests were made up of “Anti-Sony” fans, who clearly left their alternative opinion at the door in favour of a free drink and a smile on their face. Thankfully there was no drama, and pleasingly everybody settle in for a great evening.
At 7pm, we were instructed to make our way to the screen room where popcorn was waiting (sweet or salted). A big red curtain with the title of the documentary projected on it was concealing the screen where Michael would soon be emblazoned across. It was so nice to see Michael’s name on the big screen again!
After a brief introduction and welcome from Kevin Hughes of Heart FM – where we were informed that Michael Jackson was on this specific stage for a press event for ‘Moonwalker’ back in 1988, we were all ready to start the main event and watch ‘Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off The Wall’.
Here we go! The curtains open! Now, we won’t spoilt the surprises by detailing the full documentary as it will ruined your experience when you are going to watch it but, Spike Lee has done an amazing job despite being limited with dated and sometimes grainy footage with the flow of the documentary working perfectly. You will not get bored watching it as it presents a fresh angle with which to explore those much discussed early years! You will laugh, you will cry, you will be surprised! You will learn new things about Michael’s thought process and uniqueness (just when you thought you already knew everything!)
For those who were worried about having people who did not work directly with Michael talking on this documentary as was expressed with elements of Bad 25, we can tell you that this time, individuals appear to have been selected to discuss the cultural impact of the Jackson 5 and Michael in particular on the lives of ordinary people, something which makes sense and works in tying the documentary together in a perfect way! One thing that Spike re-affirmed is that ‘Off The Wall’ is still relevant and fresh today. He’ll show you how Off the Wall set the standard for its time and has matured like a piece of art and that it is still a part of society’s musical history. This was the first album that did not have colour!
Through the documentary, you will learn a lot of facts about how Michael learn everything from the greatest; from his time with Berry Gordy at Motown to the Jackson 5 moving to Epic record to becoming “The Jacksons”. You will learn how Michael wanted to be a multiple talented artist and went to film “The Wiz”.
The documentary is largely focused on how Michael became a solo artist and how he managed to find his place and stand out in an ever evolving industry. If you are a Motown fan, be aware that the section on this part is quickly covered, with the use of some quality tour footage of course – As if no one know that story anyway!
One of my favourite moment in the revelation of a note written by Michael telling how he wanted to be the greatest entertainer of all time! And oh god he did it!
The documentary is finishes openly on a Thriller note which is effectively confirming what Spike has been telling the press for the last few weeks that he would like to do “Thriller” next! By watching the ending of the movie, you will expect just that to happen!
Despite a few pictures of the “Thriller” era and a magazine cover from 2001, the documentary is precise, fun to watch, instructive and is a masterpiece on Michael Jackson first solo album! Any music lover will enjoy watching this documentary.
The revamped album including the documentary is out on February 26 in all music retailers! The new packaging looks pretty cool and we were given a first-hand preview of it at the event: A bit larger than a CD format in a cardboard sleeve including a chalk which was Michael’s idea back in 1979 (back in the day, it was not possible to do it and it is nice that after so many years, this idea has been realised). So don’t forget to pick it up on your way home, prepare the popcorn and relax watching the genius Michael Jackson!
Footnote: Nobody was paid or asked to write this review – Sometimes, people do actually enjoy things for what they are and want to share that with others who they think might enjoy it. As a Michael Jackson fan club established in 2006, that’s exactly what we’ve done here.
HMV:
Pre-Order ‘Off The Wall’ CD/DVD
Pre-Order ‘Off The Wall’ CD/Bluray
AMAZON:
Great review. As a MJ fan fortunate enough to have witnessed his magic at the Bro0klyn ,NY screening, I have to agree with your review l00%.it was a wonderful , fun experience. However, you were more fortunate than we were in that you got a free drink and popcorn.We had to buy ours!!! LOL.
Thank you very much! It’s great! (from Brazil)
I won tckts for the London Screening at BAFTA travelled all the way from Wolverhampton film was fab but Sony are cheap we too had to buy our own drink. 1 complementary drink wouldn’t break the bank but hey that’s Sony.
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