Sony Pictures and the IMAX corporation announced today that Michael Jackson: This Is It is going to be released in digital IMAX theaters starting October 2nd for a special limited run. Here is the official press release, which ticket information:

IMAX Corporation (Nasdaq:IMAX) (TSX:IMX) and Sony Pictures Releasing today announced that the highly-anticipated motion picture Michael Jackson: This Is It will be released for a special run in select digital IMAX(R) theatres worldwide during the film's limited two-week engagement in thousands of theatres globally starting on October 28, 2009. The film's domestic run at select digital IMAX theatres will be for evening showtimes starting at approximately 9 PM Pacific Standard Time, beginning Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Tickets for the worldwide release go on sale for most locations this Sunday, September 27th at 12:01 AM. To find out which IMAX locations have the film, visit imax.com.

Michael Jackson: This Is It will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

"The combination of the never seen before rehearsal footage of Michael Jackson preparing for his sold-out London concerts, more than 25 world premieres and special IMAX engagements makes this a once-in-a-lifetime event for moviegoers, music lovers and Michael Jackson fans," said Rory Bruer, President, Worldwide Distribution for Sony Pictures Releasing.

"The rollout of our new digital IMAX locations is expanding the range and frequency of IMAX content available to moviegoers worldwide," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "Our partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment is growing with our theatre network, and we're looking forward to continued success with them as we open more theatres and release more films."

"We're very excited to participate in this special event, where IMAX audiences and fans of Michael Jackson will feel the energy of his talents," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Sony Pictures Entertainment knows how to create an event on a global scale, and their use of our new digital IMAX locations internationally demonstrates how major studios can take advantage of our network in new and exciting ways."

Michael Jackson: This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson, as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson: This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing. For more information about the film please visit www.thisisit-movie.com.

Michael Jackson's This Is It was released October 28th, 2009 and stars Michael Jackson, Alex Al, Alexandra Apjarova, Nick Bass, Michael Bearden, Irina Brecher, Daniel Celebre, Mekia Cox. The film is directed by Kenny Ortega.