Michael Jackson & Wesley Willis on DVD!

The mind just boggles at the marketing possibilities... Rock over Gary, Indiana!

By Blurt Staff

Okay, okay, we're whupping that intern who wrote the headline - we don't mean to imply that Jacko and Wes are on the same DVD. But hey, if it caught your attention...

The good culture-vultures over at MVD Visual have announced the impending release of DVDs from both deceased entertainers. The first, Wesley Willis' Joy Rides, arrives on Dec. 8 and is described as following "the life of the prolific and controversial artist on his journey from obscurity to fame. [It] won the Gold Hugo for the Chicago Award at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival [and premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2008 and has since been shown at various other festivals, including Noise Pop and SXSW.

"A Chicago native, Wesley Willis became an underground rock icon, revered artist and hero to many before his untimely death in 2003. Termed by some as an "outsider artist" due to his schizophrenia, the film examines Wesley's ability to draw people in despite his intimidating facade. Through his force of personality and his artistic talents, Wesley's music and art attracted people from all walks of life. Greeting people with a headbutt and a request to say "rah" and "roh", Wesley quickly stood out in a crowd. Through interviews with friends and footage from the last four years of Wesley's life, a portrait emerges of a man whose day-to-day existence was wrought with pain and joy. Although his life was troubled, Wesley never stopped creating. He continued to draw pictures and write songs up until his death."

There will be a series of free screenings for the DVD too; view the trailer below.

PHILADELPHIA - Monday Nov 30
 Midnight Screening of Wesley Willis's Joy Rides
 National Mechanics Bar & Restaurant Old City Philadelphia
22 S 3rd St - Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.nationalmechanics.com
 
(With music by Bobo, Personae Joe Melchiorre, Technophobes, and more!)
 
 
CHICAGO - Sunday, December 6th at 7pm
 The Empty Bottle
1035 N Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
www.emptybottle.com
 
(With music following the screening.)
 
 
BROOKLYN - Monday, December 7th at 8pm
 Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
www.glasslands.com
 
(With music by Teenage Prayers and Eric Lindley)

Meanwhile, lso arriving Dec. 8 is Michael Jackson - Life & Times Of The King Of Pop 1958-2009. Jackson's last days and Memorial Service are captured in this 79-minute film. Wilson Ebiye, President and CEO of Rock City Entertainment (who teamed with MVD for the project), said in a statement, "The Life and Times of the King of Pop 1958-2009 is a great companion piece to This Is It. The film is a concerted effort to preserve and protect Michael's legacy of humanitarianism, peace and love."

 
Life & Times Of The King Of Pop 1958-2009 features appearances at the Memorial Service by a wide-ranging cast of celebrities and entertainers such as Usher, Janet Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, The Jacksons, Berry Gordy, Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie.

Uh-huh. Well, we're putting our money on the Wesley Willis flick for entertainment and archival value... rock over Gary, Indiana, Wes!