Since premiering on October 28th, the Michael Jackson This Is It Film has grossed $101 million over five days including over the busy Halloween weekend. Domestically it took in $32.5 million while international sales were $68.5 million. ”This Is It” already looks to make history as the highest grossing concert film and is mainly due to the extent of Michael Jackson’s popularity around the world.  Because of the huge success of the film, it is now extended an extra two weeks in North America, where in the US will be in theaters until  Thanksgiving. Other parts of the world will extend from 1 to 3 weeks depending on each location.

Since the well-reviewed This Is It film held on over the Halloween weekend without any significant decline between Friday and Saturday, Sony decided to extend the run believing it would fade slowly. Another reason is Sony could not come to an agreement with theater owners for releasing a DVD of the movie before Christmas.

“This Is It” is expected to gross over $200 million in theaters worldwide, plus sales from the DVD release, which should be profitable for Sony and generate considerable  returns both to the Jackson estate and AEG Live. The DVD of the movie will be released in January or February.

Sony Pictures and Sony Music, in a news release, stated that the Michael Jackson “This Is It” documentary will be released two days earlier than previously stated and will have a limited two-week run. The film will open in movie theaters on October 28 and tickets go on sale Sept. 27 in most areas.

The documentary draws from more than 100 hours of  behind the scenes and rehearsal footage, taken between April and June, as Michael Jackson prepared for his concerts in London. Kenny Ortega,  the choreographer and director who was working with Michael Jackson on the planned “This Is It” concert tour, will be directing the movie.