Michael Jackson's 'This is It' has shattered pre-sales records as fans scramble to get tickets for the two-week, limited engagement of the highly-anticipated motion picture.

With reports still coming in from nations around the world, it is believed no movie in history has generated so many ticket sales so far in advance of its release.

In North America, online ticket sellers report that there is extraordinary demand for the film with hundreds of showtimes already sold out after one day of pre-sales. Some 80% of all online ticketing service transactions were for the film.

In London, Vue Entertainment's Film Buying Director Stuart Boreman said Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' sold more than 30,000 tickets in its first 24-hours, setting the biggest ever one-day sales record in the UK, eclipsing advance buying for films including 'Harry Potter' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. "I've never seen anything like it in the 25 years I have been film buying," Boreman said. "It's a true phenomenon and sales show no sign of slowing down."

In South Africa, the pre-bookings have been overwhelming with the fastest take-up of tickets since the Michael Jackson 'History' tour in South Africa in 1997. Over 2,000 tickets were sold in the first 3 hours with the total sales to date just below 4,000 tickets. Exhibitors encourage fans to book now to secure their seats for the two week limited run on circuit. Tickets can be booked at www.thisisitmovie.co.za or at cinemas.

Commenting on the extraordinary results, Rory Bruer, President of Worldwide Theatrical Distribution for Sony Picture Releasing said, "Michael Jackson's fans all over the globe have enormous interest in this film and we can assure they will not be disappointed. This film delivers on everything they hope and expect to see. I think the initial sales activity we are seeing in the United States and United Kingdom to countries such as Australia and Thailand underscores the unique nature of this film, which is a special celebration of Michael and his music."

'Michael Jackson's This Is It' will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena.

Chronicling the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

The film is directed by Kenny Ortega.