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'Michael Jackson's This Is It' Could Break More Box-Office Records

The film could be on its way to becoming the highest-grossing music-themed documentary of all time.

LOS ANGELES -- In life, [artist id="330"]Michael Jackson[/artist] set records, sold out shows and entertained millions. Now he may be gone, but judging by the latest numbers from the smash documentary [movie id="434956"]"Michael Jackson's This Is It,"[/movie] the iconic entertainer is continuing to astound.

Following on the heels of Tuesday night's [article id="1625065"]$2.2 million haul at a series of midnight showings[/article], "This Is It" took in another $7.4 million in its first full day of release -- and another $12.7 million overseas. Overall, it gives the film a worldwide total of $20.1 million -- impressive numbers for a midweek release, not to mention a documentary.

According to distributor Sony, Wednesday's total is the best daily gross for a film on a Wednesday in October. Placing nearly $1.5 million ahead of last weekend's box-office champ [movie id="369646"]"Paranormal Activity,"[/movie] the movie about the King of Pop now seems poised to reign supreme at movie theaters nationwide on Halloween weekend. It will also almost definitely Moonwalk past such successful music-themed docs as [movie id="36455"]"Madonna: Truth or Dare"[/movie] ($15 million) and [movie id="390709"]"Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience"[/movie] ($19.2 million), setting its sights on the all-time champ [movie id="375195"]"Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert,"[/movie] which tops the list with $65.3 million.

The result of a massive bidding war that ensued in the weeks after [article id="1614744"]Michael Jackson's June 25 death[/article], "This Is It" was culled from more than 100 hours of the pop singer's rehearsal for a sold-out 50-date comeback tour in London. Filmed at the Forum and the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Sony paid $60 million for the rights to the footage, which was then compiled by Jackson collaborator and "High School Musical" director Kenny Ortega.

Featuring such memorable Michael Jackson hits as "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller," the film debuted in 99 countries Wednesday and expands to 10 more on Thursday.

Check out everything we've got on "Michael Jackson's This Is It."

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