Michael Jackson - Live in Japan
by Hudson
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DVD details
Actor: Michael JacksonDirector: Hudson
Brand: Allegro
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 60 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2009-06-23
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: HUDSON STREET
DVD Reviews of Michael Jackson - Live in Japan
DVD Review: Michael Jackson's Bad World Tour on DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
In 1987 Michael Jackson released his third studio album on Epic records, "Bad" which would go on to sell 32 million copies worldwide. He had previously toured with his brothers (as The Jacksons) in 1984 and was planning a world tour in support of his newest album, which would be his very first tour as a solo act. The Bad World Tour began in Japan in September 1987 and would continue into early 1989.
This DVD features the very first date of the tour, which includes many of the songs performed at The Jacksons' 1984 Victory Tour, as well as the first two single releases from "Bad." Songs span Jackson's entire career up until that point beginning with the Jackson Five's 1969 debut "I Want You Back," then onto The Jacksons' 1978 hit "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" and Michael's solo singles like 1980's "Rock With You" and 1983's "Billie Jean." Its an excellent performance and this DVD is definitely worth its relatively low asking price.
I read in other reviews of this product that this DVD doesn't have the best picture quality. This may be true, but I wouldn't say that the quality is poor, but average to above average. When it comes down to the music, this DVD is top-notch. Seeing that the film was recorded 22 years ago this month, I would say that it is a pretty good bargain at $8.00. I have seen other Michael Jackson concerts with much better picture quality, but this one is truly one of my favorites, since it offers a far superior track listing to that of "The Dangerous Tour in Bucharest (1992)" and some of Michael's other commercially released DVDs and VHS tapes.
As for the songs/performances, here is a quick overview of each track:
1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'- The opening track to the Bad tour, as well as
the 1984 Victory tour with The Jacksons is the perfect introduction to a stellar show. It is also the opening to Jackson's biggest album "Thriller" which also gets four more of its songs represented in the concert.
2. Things I Do for You- An album track from The Jackson's "Destiny" album which is really nothing special, but it stands as one of the most familiar tracks from the later incarnation of The Jacksons/The Jackson Five (circa-1976-1984).
3. Off the Wall- The title track to Michael's first adult-solo record is a highlight. He also performed this number on The Jacksons' 1981 Live album, as well as the Victory tour three years earlier.
4. Human Nature- One of Michael's best known ballads/singles from "Thriller" is one of my all-time favorite songs ever. He performs it in a much different manner than he did in 1984, which gives the song a much more intimate quality as his vocal range really shines. This is also one of the only songs he would perform live in concert (without the aid of lip-singing) during the 1990's.
5. This Place Hotel- The best track on The Jacksons' "Triumph" album of 1980 is Michael's first real super hit of the '80's, which paved way for "Billie Jean" and "Dirty Diana." If it were included on either the "Off the Wall"
or "Thriller" albums I am sure that it would have gone to Number One on the charts. His vocal performance of this track (minus his brothers) is much more aggressive this time around and his dancing has definitely progressed over the last couple of years since "Thriller."
6. She's Out of My Life- Another ballad. One of his best adult-vocal performances besides "Human Nature" and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You." This was always a true highlight of his concerts in the eighties and beyond.
7. Jackson 5 Medley- A great showcase of his early days with his brothers during the 70's Motown era. The real highlight is "I'll Be There."
8. Rock with You- This song went to #1 in 1979 while Michael's "Off the Wall" and "Destiny" albums were both in heavy rotation in disco clubs and skating rinks everywhere. A sign of things to come.
9. Lovely One- Another track/single from The Jackson's 1980 LP "Triumph." Written by Michael and his younger brother, Randy Jackson, this track is a great example of Michael's singing ability and vocal progression into the eighties. The performance here isn't much different from the Victory tour version.
10. Workin' Day and Night- Another album track from "Off the Wall," which calls for a costume change. This funky-R&B number is very much in the same vein as "Things I Do for You" and "Lovely One." Its a great example of the late 1970's Jackson sound.
11. Beat It- The first hard-rockin' track of the concert. Michael's vocal and dancing ability is in full swing as he shows off his red-buckle jacket, black loafers and white socks. There is also a blistering guitar solo by touring guitarist, Jennifer Batten.
12. Billie Jean- The true highlight of the night (DVD). The sequined glove ... the hat ... the moonwalk, the rest is history. Jackson's best known song is also his best performance on DVD and in this concert. Overall, his performance is much more electrifying than during the Victory and Dangerous tours, due to the new arrangement of the tune. His moonwalking at the end is really great.
13. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)- A great way to end his "Billie Jean" performance and one of The Jacksons' greatest hits of the 1970's. He also add-libs a few lines from "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" towards the end of this extended jam between the King of Pop and his touring band, which includes Sheryl Crow.
14. Thriller- The live debut of his last single from "Thriller," which was surprisingly left out of the Victory tour's set list in 1984. As with "Human Nature," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" this is a real highlight of Michael's abilities as a performer.
15. I Just Can't Stop Loving You- The first of only two songs from "Bad" to appear in the concert. It is a duet between the then-unknown, Sheryl Crow and Michael. It was also the first single pulled from the "Bad" album in 1987. Like "She's Out of My Life," this ballad is a true highlight of Michael's soulful singing.
16. Bad- Mike shows off his new "Badder" look. Jackson wears the black leather buckled jacket/pants he wore in the short film while he belts out the now iconic lines, "Your Butt is Mine!" Its a great way to close the concert and a hint of things to come. He would follow-up "Bad" with 1991's "Dangerous," another aggressive album. This concert marks the ending/beginning of an a new era for Michael Jackson, as his solo career would eclipse that of his career with The Jackson Five.
Description of Michael Jackson - Live in Japan
Studio: Allegro Media Group Release Date: 07/14/2009 Run time: 60 minutesPop Music CDs
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