娱乐英语新闻:Jackson movie proves box-office draw

BEIJING, Oct. 31 -- "This Is It," the documentary about Michael Jackson's final concert rehearsals, has wowed audiences in Shanghai since its midnight premiere on Tuesday.

    Shanghai United Cinema Line said the film took about 1 million yuan (146,490 U.S. dollars) in two days.

    Wu Hehu, vice director of the city's largest cinema chain, said it was the No 1. box-office film on the first day of its screening, taking almost five times more than the second-ranked movie.

    "This Is it" was taken from more than 100 hours of footage of Jackson rehearsing for his ill-fated London series of concerts.

    Shanghai's cinemas have been granted permission for a long-term session extension of the film.

    It was initially scheduled for just a two-week engagement by distributor Sony Pictures.

    A memorial Jackson concert is headed for Shanghai.

    The concert, on January 8 next year, will be performed by Edward Moss, an American actor widely regarded as the World No.1 impersonator of the king of pop. Moss was even hired by Jackson to stand in for him.

    He will perform at the Shanghai Grand Stage. Along with Moss, noted impersonators of Britney Spears and the late Karen Carpenter will also perform that night.

    Bookings are open to the public, according to China Ticket Online. Tickets will be soon be on general sale.