By Tracy Bratten - Clear Channel Radio Digital

CLICK HERE to listen to MJ's Greatest Hits album!

Michael Jackson's planned 50-date London concert series never came to fruition, but 120 hours of rehearsal footage from the show - owned by AEG Live and sold to Sony for a reported $60 million - were whittled down to a 111 minute mosaic montage by would-be concert director Kenny Ortega. Early acclaim for the movie has created an even bigger buzz for the film, out tonight, with some critics going so far as to say it has Oscar potential.

Doors opened at 6 for a 9pm advance screening of 'This Is It' at Regal Cinemas in New York's Time Square. One of, if not the most anticipated films of the year drew an anxious crowd, some dressed for the occasion with MJ paraphernalia as they waited in line on 42nd street. Inside, Regal employees clad in silver sparking gloves (just one) and sequined fedoras checked tickets almost 3 hours before the movie was to begin.

The theater streamed footage from the premiere's red carpet outside the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, complete with bejeweled dancers performing aerial artistry - which would have been a part of the show - and a band. A red carpet that almost puts shame to the Oscars and the Emmys, the eclectic list of celebrity attendants included Mickey Rooney, who called the event 'extra special,' Will Smith, Paula Abdul, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Michael's brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon Jackson, as well as young talent such as Ashley Tisdale, American Idol winners Adam Lambert and David Cook, and Finn from the hit series Glee. Of the film, Jermaine said, "He's a messenger from God through his music and his words... This is what it is." The red carpet also included lesser-known celebrities as the dancers who never got to dance on tour, Michael's personal stylist, his musical director, his back-up singers, choreographer, who called it 'bittersweet,' and his band members, who called him 'a man on a mission who had a message to deliver,' which seemed to be a theme of the night.

VIDEO: Fans worldwide see 'This Is It'

Director Kenny Ortega introduced the world premiere, being simulcast in 17 places around the world, from Deutchsland to Espana, Amsterdam to London to Capetown and of course, New York City.

The film opened with dancers telling Michael on camera what their participation meant to them, and their anticipation for the tour and emotion at having been given the opportunity to work with Michael overflowed. It was the perfect introduction to a film that, above all, showed that at what he did, Michael did best, and he left a lifetime impression on everyone he touched through his creative genius.

Subtle moments of MJ smiling during rehearsals were interspersed with footage of pre-produced video content that would have been played during the shows, such as a particularly impressive medley of "Bad" and "They Don't Care About Us" where dancers performed in front of a green screen that multiplied the 11 male dancers into 1100. Perhaps most moving, though, was the juxtaposition of concert-ready rehearsals with more intimate moments when Michael went over choreography with his dancers, or critiqued the musical director on his timing, or encouraged his 24-year-old Australian guitar prodigy, Orianthi, to really shred during her guitar solo because, after all, it was her time "to shine." Orianthi is at least one of the would-be tour stars to have propelled her experience into something beyond; she released her debut album Tuesday and has been promoting herself by riffing anthemic Michael Jackson songs, such as "Beat It," on electric guitar. Her stint with MJ, albeit short, speaks volumes in street cred, and there's no doubt that the timely release of her album in conjunction with the film will gain her instant notoriety.

The film also had it's share of comedy, leaving the audience incredulous as MJ rehearsed the intro to "Smooth Criminal," in which Michael appeared onstage after a produced piece of video content that showed him as part of an old black and white gangster movie as a segway into the song. "Michael, that's your cue," Ortega coaxed when Michael didn't begin the song immediately. "I wanna turn first and have them start on my cue," Michael responded. "Okay, but how will you know when the screen changes from the marquee to the city?" Ortega asked politely, considering the fact that Michael was facing the audience and would have no view of the screen behind him. Dead serious, as a poised professional, Michael didn't miss a beat. "I'll feel it," he quipped.

If nothing else, fans will see Michael's incessant perfectionism, his expert critiques, and his unparalleled talent stripped down and made real behind the scenes. "I gotta cue that. That shouldn't trigger on its own. Watch me for that growl," Michael instructed the band as they rehearsed the intro to "The Way You Make Me Feel," adding, "That's why we rehearse." The consummate professional, Michael exhibited his level of expectation in his commitment to be fully rehearsed and fully prepared for what was to be the concert event of the decade. But he gave instructions with love, or as he liked to say, "L.O.V.E."

The film served to humanize Michael, but it also reinforced his extraordinary talent. During a rehearsal for "Billie Jean," the dancers and crew watched him like adoring fans, paying reverence to the King of Pop and truly, truly enjoying him and learning from him and being inspired by him. And all the while, Michael told them "God bless you, I love you, we are family."

Michael's death in June came prematurely - he was 50 - and the circumstances surrounding it are shrouded in controversy. He leaves behind children, a family, unanswered questions, unpaid debts, countless headlines and alleged scandals, and a mystery that may never be solved. But in this tragedy there can be triumph in the fact that what he did, he did best, and this movie proved that while to the outside world he was a troubled and afflicted man, inside his heart, he was indeed a man. One who had a perfectionist's passion, an indefatigable spirit, an unbelievable talent, and, most of all, one who loved.

Above all, and perhaps most heartbreaking, "This Is It" is the most amazing preview for a show that will never happen. A concert that would have given fans everything they wanted - all his biggest hits, all his signature moves, with old favorites reinvented, the documentary is a testament to the fact that as a performer and brilliant musician, he has no peers. Tragically, Michael took his final bow before he could even cue the opening night's first song. But the King of Pop reigns.

"This Is It" is in theaters now.

Photo Copyright Getty Images