The Making of 'Thriller'

My review was written in February 1984 after watching the program on a Vestron video cassette.

Yet another promotional piece to spur the unending sales of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" LP and singles on the Epic label, this documentary provides an entertaining view of film director John Landis at work. Displaying an enviable rapport with actors and technical personnel, Landis, currently embroiled in the "Twilight Zone" hearing, comes off as a funny personality given to frequent horseplay during off moments as he monitors all phases of production.

Especially rewarding here is an in-depth look at Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker preparing Jackson's cat-monster makeup for the film. The 14-minute Landid-helmed "Thriller" short film is shown in its entirety, followed by candid footage of dance and acting rehearsals and the actual filming of key scenes.

Beyond the "Thriller" film are clips from Jackson's Bob Giraldi-helmed "Beat It" music short and a psychedelic-styled Jackson 5 music short "Can You Feel It", of which Jackson is quite proud. Highlight is a videotape of Jackson's show-stopping onstage performance of "Billie Jean" for the "Motown 35th Anniversary" tv special, a dance routine he reports even impressed Fred Astaire, and understandably so.

Iconic, classic. Unbelievable. The best. Nothing can top this masterpiece and thats 100% a fact. This making of Thriller shows the amazing work behind Thriller. Wow. Ten out of Ten.

This documentary actually tells you a lot more than just about the making of an exceptional music video. The video also captures a point in time where the world of music basically revolved around one man-Michael Jackson. One part of the documentary shows a crowd of fans gathered behind a barrier at 3 AM in the morning just to catch a glimpse of Michael Jackson (who eventually waves to them from far away). The amount of effort put into making the music video itself is astounding. This video is an interesting insight into the process of making a music video, an evolving art form when this was made. Certainly, however, if you hate Michael Jackson, you'll definitely get nothing out of this. But if you can at least tolerate him or moderately like his music, you'll appreciate the unique perspective into music that it presents.

This movie is simply amazing. It really grabs your attention, the stunning choreography, brilliant effects. I absolutely love this film. I don't know what to say it is just pure EXCELLENT. If you have not seen this then you are missing something good.

I have seen the video Thriller a million times and heard it a million times, I'm still not sick of it! I knew the dances since I could crawl. And let's face it, Michael maybe weird, but he his the KING OF POP!!! And probaly the KING OF DANCE!!! He is so awesome. And this music video was a big break through that would define the way we look at music videos. To John Landis, YOU RULE!!! And Michael, you are the best!

10/10

P.S. GET THIS VIDEO! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!