Best Bets: Jackson Fans Will Flock to “This Is It”

Movies
Michael Jackson’s This Is It” doesn't even open until Oct. 28, yet thanks to pre-sale sell-outs, it's already being called the best-selling concert film of all time. Director Kenny Ortega told Entertainment Weekly that the film celebrates the late singer's life rather than mourning his death. It contains rehearsal footage, backstage interviews and even 3-D. Will Jackson’s fans find the experience to be a “Thriller”? Time will tell. (Opens Oct. 28)

From the director of “Napoleon Dynamite” comes “Gentlemen Broncos,” the story of a teenage writer (Michael Angarano) who attends a sci-fi convention only to have his idea stolen by an established novelist (Jemaine Clement). The film contains versions of the boy’s fantastic story from both his point of view and that of the novelist, so expect some wild visuals. (Opens Oct. 30)

TV
It's football season, and "Friday Night Lights" is back on the field. The critically acclaimed sports drama returns on DirecTV's The 101 Network, where it will air commercial-free every Wednesday. Look for four pivotal additions to the cast. The season premiere will be directed by executive producer Peter Berg, who hasn't directed an episode since the 2006 pilot. (Premieres Oct. 28, 9 p.m., DirecTV's 101 Network.)

DVD
Charles Kuralt explored America for years in his series, "On the Road," meeting everyone from  shoe salesmen to champion cheerleaders to bullfighters. Now that picture of Americana has been released on DVD, with 77 "On the Road" pieces featured in the collection. The New York Times said of the show, “It is hard to imagine a better traveling companion than Mr. Kuralt.” (Out on DVD Oct. 27.)

Music
According to Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, actor Rainn Wilson came up with the title of the band’s latest album, “Raditude.” Cuomo told Pitchfork.com, “The sound of ‘Raditude’ is fun, high-energy pop rock. ‘I'm Your Daddy’' has an up vibe with the same heavy Weezer guitar riff but with a little electro influence. And ‘The Girl Got Hot’ — that's kind of a witty party jam.” (On sale Oct. 27.)

Indie rocking twins Tegan and Sara return this week with their latest album, “Sainthood.” Spin magazine awarded the disc four out of five stars and wrote, “Grown-up is a good look for the sisters, who write about romantic obsession much more compellingly than the majority of their peers; the tougher textures here lend weight to their descriptions of searching and not finding.” (On sale Oct. 27.)

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