‘Michael Jackson: This Is It’ opens worldwide

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson fans around the world readied for the singer’s last bow Tuesday in a film that captures rehearsals for his aborted concert stand last summer.

From early evening in Los Angeles to late night in New York City, from the predawn hours in Europe to business hours in Asia and elsewhere, “Michael Jackson: This Is It” arrived simultaneously in the biggest cinematic blowout ever for a music film.

Opening in 99 countries Tuesday and today, the film expands to 110 territories by this weekend, with distributor Sony putting 15,000 prints of “This Is It” into circulation.

The simultaneous showings around the globe will be anchored by a star-studded premiere at the Nokia Theatre, a concert venue across the street from Staples Center, where many of Jackson’s rehearsals — and his high-profile public memorial — were held.

Longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega, who directed and produced “This Is It,” were expected to attend, as were members of Jackson’s band and the executors of his will. Entertainers including Snoop Dogg, Smokey Robinson and Zac Efron also were on the 5,500-member guest list.

The plaza in front of the Nokia Theatre was transformed into an elegant red-carpet arrivals area, with a dozen crystal chandeliers, displays of Jackson’s past costumes and “This Is It” spelled out in giant letters.

A few lucky fans won seats along the red carpet, while others filled the surrounding area, cameras in hand.

Many fans waited in line for days to buy tickets for advance screenings of “This Is It” at the new Regal Cinemas on site, which showed the film to sold-out audiences at its grand opening Tuesday on all 14 of its screens.

The film, culled from more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage, shows an enthusiastic King of Pop meticulously crafting his moves and performing some of his most beloved hits.