Michael Jackson's Vision

Description

It might have been fate that MTV was born at the same time people began to notice the rare talent and artistic ingenuity of Michael Jackson. It proved to be a perfect match between the new television network and the young rising icon. Early on, Michael saw MTV’s potential as a force of its own and understood that it offered him the chance to pioneer a whole new visual style through which people could see music, not just listen to it. For the first time, artists had the opportunity to truly shape a vision of a story around their songs. For Michael, this meant treating the song as a “script” and creating a stand-alone film to tell that story. In fact, Michael referred to each of these productions as a "short film" and not a “music video.” No other artist contributed more to the development of this art form than Michael Jackson. Just look at the impact of Thriller, which was recently named the first (and only) music video ever to be inducted by the Library of Congress into the National Film Registry - an elite collection of only a few hundred films. In addition to this, Michael’s vision had immense cultural impact . The enormous popularity of his short films proved to MTV Executives that they were wrong about what their audience wanted; it was Michael who broke through that initial barrier and created opportunity for future African American artists. Here, for the first time, is the complete collection of all 35 of the short films produced by Michael during his career as a solo artist - 10 of which are appearing on DVD for the first time. All of the short films have been meticulously restored and remastered for the ultimate audio and visual experience and a bonus DVD includes 7 additional videos including “Enjoy Yourself” with The Jacksons, “Say Say Say” with Paul McCartney and the Previously Unreleased video for “One More Chance”. This is a true representation of Michael Jackson’s Vision. Review: Overly pleased, not disappointed - I've read multiple complaints here about people being upset over not including certain videos, but here's my take on it. Human Nature was not an official video, nor did he, his record label, studio, estate or anyone with connections to him whatsoever make, approve or consent to the video. I won't go as far as say it was a "fan video", but it's in the same category. I don't care if MTV or VH1 has shown it... they show a lot of things. Therefore, while I think it's not only his best song on Thriller, but one of the best 3 songs he's ever recorded; I'm not in the least bit sad or upset that it wasn't included here. Also, We are the World wasn't an official Michael Jackson video, it was a side project. So I can understand why that's not included either. If they were to include it, it should also be included in DVD sets of videos from every other artist in the video (yes, even Dan Aykroyd). When it comes to Smooth Criminal, which is one of the to 3 songs I mentioned above, I love the version they included. I think they wanted to include the most complete version that's considered an "official" video, and not that actual official video (plus, I HATE that the dance is sped up in the "actual" version, because I can't enjoy it). But I'm also one that thinks the full second verse included in the Moonwalker is the best verse/part of the song, so I'm happy that it's there no matter what the rest of the video looks like (I'd even deal with the nasty blur effect as long as the full verse is there). I had something else to say here but forgot what it was... I think my point is made though. I'm a little upset that the full version of Ghosts isn't included, but I realize DVD's can only have a certain number of GB on it, and/or only be a certain length of time. They probably got really close to that with the second DVD so I can completely understand why the 40 minute movie isn't on there. However, there was room on the third disc for at least the 9 minute video version of the song with the intro and outro. I mean, I know they wanted to do them in order, but Ghosts isn't exactly an "official album track" of his, is it? It could and should have been on the 3rd disc if they wanted to do it right. Including the full 18 minute movie version of Bad plus the 11 minute version of Black or White (with the banned 6-7 minute dancing outro) but not the full Ghosts is just unacceptable. However, I don't really care for Ghosts anyway (the song is mediocre at best, and the video is a disappointment to everything he's ever done... it's so unlike him). I don't really have any other complaints... everything is as it should be. The boxy format doesn't bother me, because when his videos were shot they didn't have big screen or wide screen, so in order to blow them up to be formatted to fit our televisions, they'd have to sacrifice some quality. And I know that's what remastering is for, but I'd rather see the videos in their original untouched format/quality (which I've learned is not how some of his early ones are in this set). Overall, as a lifetime fan of Michael Jackson (for 22 years now) and never having owned any of his sets, except for albums (no DVD's, no concerts, tours, behind the scenes, collections, etc.), I have to say I'm very pleased, impressed and excited at this over-the-top collection that I can sit and watch together, as a whole, for the very first time. Some videos (4 or 5 to be exact) I didn't even know existed... but some shouldn't have, and I can understand why I'd never seen them before (in the case of Speed Demon and Liberian Girl, for example). So, all-in-all, this set amazes me, and I'm glad I bought it. Because I now own one of the greatest, if not the greatest, collection of music videos ever filmed and compiled. I just wish they would have waited a month and then included the Hold My Hand video. Review: Gets my "Fan Stamp Of Aproval" - Happy! Surprise! is what I felt when I finally, finally decided to open and watch MJ's Vision. I think this set is very nicely done and though it may not be comprehensive enough for some, it proves more than satisfactory. I'd say that if you can't own anything else, but you've got this, then you're good because it provides you with the many facets of Michael Jackson. I love that they threw in the bonus CD and we get to see pumped up, excited Mike in Blame It On The Boogie and the Enjoy Yourself piece is both classic and priceless! Such a good job was done in putting this together. I'm impressed with what all you get for the price. How good of them to include She's Out Of My Life. I like how MJ is just sitting on a stool, no bells and whistles, dressed in everyday clothing, singing that song so beautifully and what appears effortlessly, yet you see and feel his emotion. That, too, is priceless. Many of my favorite short films are the ones that every MJ fan adores, so I'll skip those, and tell you about one of my favorites that I don't consider a short. That woud be the Blood On The Dance Floor video. I think of this one as a true music video. What I really like about this one is that it almost seems as if Michael is at a real club, and though he is telling a story with his song, he's rocking a french braid and eyelashes and managing to look androngynous and sexy masculine all at the same time, while working it out on the floor with Suzie in a very un-choreographed way. This video has been extended and I like that I get to see Mike dancing in this natural form. I want to add, that it also seems that the song was remixed; it didn't need that but like I said it extends the length of the video and therefore, Michael's dancing with a partner is also extended. I won't go on and on, but you will if you get this. The 3 discs provide tons of entertainment and I will be watching over and over again. Of course, it's a great gift for any MJ fan, that really goes without saying, but the packaging is attractive and these discs are well worth more than $29.99. And, yes, there will be more MJ stuff available in time, but this is what is happening right now. Oh, and this far out matches Michael Jackson Number Ones.