THIS is it – the cinematic event Michael Jackson fans have been waiting for, particularly those who had booked tickets to see him perform before his untimely death.

Pieced together from rehearsal footage from the three months leading up to his death, this documentary highlights the painstaking preparation that went into readying his first live shows in a decade.

And it displays the immense effort from everyone – dancers, musicians, lighting crew, costume designers and most of all, Michael himself – that went into what was expected to be his final bow.

Reports suggesting this was filmed with an actor, instead of Michael – or MJ as he is known – are wide of the mark. This is, quite clearly, the disheveled, achingly thin genius who set the world alight, selling over 350 million albums in the process.

Much has been written since his death. Was he killed? Was he pushed too hard by his promoters? Would he be in the right physical shape to perform 50 sell-out shows at London's O2 Arena, which he was due to start eight days before his demise?

While This Is It cannot answer all, it goes a long way to showing that MJ, far from being the bizarre circus freak he had been portrayed as, was as energetic and talented as ever.

From Wanna Be Starting Something, to the closing strains of Man in the Mirror – and through all the classics in between – watching a legend at work makes for fascinating viewing.

His presence on stage, among his crew, is masterful. He could still sing, dance and easily command a crowd.

There are plenty of highlights: an extended dance scene to go with Billie Jean; undead costumes for a Thriller routine; dancers popping up from under the stage in giant human toasters; it's fantastic, foot-tapping, crotch-grabbing fun.

It's not all sunshine and light though. MJ's strive for perfection sometimes goes a little too far, and the pressure he was under is clearly visible on his face, which looks every one of his 52 years.

His appearance would suggest not everything was quite right in the Jacko camp – he can't weigh much more than seven stone, and at one stage, he looks uncannily like Ozzy Osbourne.

But even if you're not an MJ fan – if you are then take tissues – this makes compulsive viewing, watching the death throes of a 20th century icon.

What a show it would have been. In the words of MJ: "It's an adventure. It's a great adventure."

THIS IS IT

CERTIFICATE: PG

RUNNING TIME: 112 mins

STARTS: Today at the Showcase, Odeon and Cinema De Lux in Derby; Cineworld in Burton; Cinebowl in Uttoxeter.

RATING: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■