Paramount+ - Thriller 40 Documentary: A Journey Into the Making of Michael Jackson's Iconic Album

By Mulder, 31 october 2023

Paramount+ has announced the upcoming release of Thriller 40, a mesmerizing documentary that takes music enthusiasts and Michael Jackson fans on a captivating journey through the creation of the legendary Thriller album. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nelson George, Thriller 40 offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes, shedding light on the birth of a musical masterpiece and the revolutionary short films that reshaped the music video landscape. The documentary will be available for streaming in France on Sunday, December 3, and will also premiere in the UK, Australia, Canada, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Latin America, and South Korea.

Thriller 40 commemorates the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking release of Michael Jackson's Thriller, an album that transcended musical boundaries and left an indelible mark on the world of music. Director Nelson George's vision allows viewers to step back in time and witness the creation of this record-breaking album. Never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews unveil the magic that turned Thriller into a pre-internet global phenomenon of unprecedented magnitude. Michael Jackson's Thriller catapulted the King of Pop to stardom and continues to shape culture and entertainment in all artistic domains, from music to dance and fashion.

Featuring in-depth insights from renowned music and entertainment personalities such as Usher, Mary J. Blige, Will.I.Am, Mark Ronson, Misty Copeland, Maxwell, and John Landis, Thriller 40 promises a captivating and enlightening experience for fans and connoisseurs alike.

Thriller 40 is proudly produced by Optimum Productions and Company Name, with a production team that includes Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart, John Branca, and John McClain. The collaboration between Michael Jackson and visionary producer Quincy Jones is explored in the documentary, highlighting the creative synergy that elevated the album to legendary status. Jackson's multifaceted talents shine as he not only lent his unparalleled vocal prowess but also co-wrote four of the album's tracks. Notably, the iconic duet The Girl Is Mine with Paul McCartney added an extra layer of musical brilliance to the album.

Thriller is not just an album; it is a cultural phenomenon. Released on November 30, 1982, it became a defining moment in music history. The album's unprecedented success includes being recognized as the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold in the United States alone and an estimated global sales range of 66 to 70 million copies. The album received critical acclaim, winning a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, a testament to its artistic and musical merit.

The album's cultural impact is immeasurable. The groundbreaking music video for the titular track, Thriller, set new standards for music videos, incorporating innovative special effects and choreography. This solidified Michael Jackson's status as the King of Pop. The red leather jacket from the Beat It music video became an iconic fashion symbol of the era, and Billie Jean broke racial barriers by being one of the first videos by a black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of Thriller, Thriller 40 serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson and his unparalleled ability to create music that resonates with people across the globe. This documentary is a must-watch for music aficionados, fans of Michael Jackson, and anyone interested in the cultural impact of an album that continues to transcend time and musical genres.

Prepare to be enthralled as Thriller 40 arrives on Paramount+ in France and multiple countries on December 3, 2023. For more information, please visit Paramount+ Thriller 40.

(Source : press release)