Spike’s ‘Bad25’ Documentary

Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee’s documentary ‘Bad25’ traces Michael ‘s vision during the making of ‘Bad,’ the follow-up to his groundbreaking ‘Thriller.’ ABC has acquired the television rights to Spike Lee’s upcoming Michael Jackson documentary, the network announced Tuesday.

The acclaimed filmmaker, who had previously collaborated with Michael, has been prepping ‘Bad25,’ a documentary tracing the king of pop’s creative vision during the making of ‘Bad,’ the follow-up to his groundbreaking ‘Thriller.’ It is one of two major projects pegged to the 25th anniversary of the 1987 hit-filled album.

“This will be a very special Thanksgiving for all families to enjoy the genius of Michael Jackson,” Lee said in a statement. “Big thanks to ABC for allowing people to witness the making of Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ album.”

Lee teamed with Michael’s estate and Legacy/Epic Records to search their archives for never-before-seen footage, including some shot by Michael himself. The director also conducted interviews with some of Michael’s confidants, choreographers, musicians and collaborators, including Martin Scorsese, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, L.A. Reid and Kanye West.

Before Spike’s documentary ‘Bad25’ airs on Thanksgiving, the film will premiere in September at the Toronto International Film Festival. ‘Bad,’ the third and final album collaboration between Michael and Quincy Jones, made history with five consecutive No. 1 singles.

To commemorate the anniversary, his estate, in collaboration with Epic/Legacy Recordings, will reissue the disc — the first re-release of an album from Michael’s catalog since his 2009 death. Dubbed ‘Bad 25’ (like his 2008 ‘Thriller’ reissue), the deluxe package will feature three CDs, two collectible booklets and the first-ever authorized DVD release of a concert from his record-breaking Bad tour. Of the three CDs, one is a re-mastered version of ‘Bad,’ another features demos and songs recorded in Michael’s studio that didn’t make the cut, as well as remixes, and the third will feature audio from the soundtrack recordings of the accompanying DVD, making it Michael’s first live album. The album is available on Sept. 18th.

Source: LA Times & MJWN