Spike Lee-Directed Michael Jackson Documentary Nearing Completion

Epic/Legacy RecordingsAcclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee is directing a Michael Jackson documentary that focuses on the late King of Pop's Bad album. The in-depth project, which is now in the post-production phase, comes as Jackson's fans celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bad, and the record-breaking world tour of the same name. For the flick, Lee conducted interviews with more than 40 people, including such pop stars as Sheryl Crow, Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Cee Lo Green.

"I'm more than just a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and having the chance to actually know him and work with him, I deeply care about his legacy," Spike says in a statement about the documentary. In addition to chatting with those influenced by Michael, the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker spoke with a host of Jackson's confidants and collaborators.

They shared their stories of what went on behind the scenes of Michael's landmark album, and Lee says that allowed him to "uncover just what made this such a huge, important coming of age in [Jackson's] career and unearth compelling stories surrounding the making of the album... the short films and the tour that may have never seen the light of day."

Made in conjunction with the Estate of Michael Jackson and Sony Music, Lee's film is just one of several projects created to celebrate the Bad album's legacy. On September 18, fans can expect the release of BAD 25, a deluxe package featuring three CDs, two booklets and a DVD chronicling a Bad tour concert at London's Wembley Stadium on July 16, 1988, which was attended by Princess Diana, Prince Charles and 72,000 fans.

A Bad 25 two-disc standard set, featuring the original album and a disk of demos and new remixes, also will be released. More details and more projects will be announced soon.