Video of Michael Jackson concert movie "This Is It"

Final Box Office Tally Rises, LOS ANGELES Nov 3, Michael Jackson concert movie "This Is It" saw opening weekend ticket sales in the US and Canada rise by 9 percent from initial estimates to a total $23.2 million, according to final studio figures on Monday.

The movie has made another $69.5 million internationally since its Wednesday opening, up from an original box office estimate of $68.5 million, film studio Columbia Pictures said.

In total, the movie has made $103.9 million at worldwide box offices, said Columbia Pictures, the Sony Corp division that paid $60 million for the video used in the film.

"This Is It" follows Jackson during his final weeks of rehearsal for a planned series of 50 shows in London.

The concerts were canceled when the "Thriller" singer died on June 25 from an overdose of powerful medication in Los Angeles, and investigators are probing his death.

Steve Martin performence of Fun Balloon Animals

Steve Martin performing at the LA Universal Amphitheatre.
Apparently this was recorded in 1979.
This excerpt is taken from the VHS video Steve Martin Live!
1980. The concert segment of which is titled 'Homage to Steve'. Directed by Gary Weis.

Steve Martin Magic Show

Steve Martin's magic act, the Great Flydini.
PS Also to all of you that think it's easy to figure out...it's not supposed to be a mind-numbing conundrum, the main purpose is that it's funny video.........

Academy Awards Comedian Steve Martin

Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin to host Oscars
Oscar organizers on Tuesday named an unlikely pair of hosts for March's Academy Awards, comedian Steve Martin and "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin, a past loser at the world's top film awards.

The choice of Martin and Baldwin comes as a mild surprise on the heels of last February's Oscar telecast hosted by song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman. It earned some favorable reviews and higher viewership than the previous year.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Oscars, had previously hired "Hairspray" director Adam Shankman to co-produce and, based on Jackman's success and Shankman's history making musicals, the betting had been that organizers might aim for another music-oriented telecast.

But Martin is known as a stand-up comedian and comic actor, while Baldwin's reputation was built in theater and film dramas like 2003's "The Cooler," which earned him a best supporting actor nomination. He lost to Tim Robbins for "Mystic River."

Baldwin also has a history of political activism, and Hollywood tends to shun politics. Still, he has shown a flare for comedy by playing the straight man in shows like "30 Rock," and has hosted "Saturday Night Live," a comedy show that has featured Martin on many occasions.

"I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin," Martin said in a statement.

"I don't play the banjo but I'm thrilled to be hosting the Oscars -- it's the opportunity of a lifetime," said Baldwin.

The Oscars, where best film, acting, directing, writing and other movie awards are given out annually, is among the most-watched U.S. television shows. But viewership has declined in recent years as Oscar voters favored low-budget dramas over major blockbusters.

The February 2008 Oscar telecast, which saw the dark drama "No Country for Old Men" win best film, was a recent low with about 32 million US viewers. The 2004 ceremony in which smash hit "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" won best movie lured just over 43 million viewers. Tens of millions more watch Oscar telecasts in some 200 countries worldwide.

As a result, organizers try new ideas to spice up the show each year. That was one reason Broadway star Jackman was hired to host the 2009 ceremony over a comedian, which had been the practice for nearly two decades.

The 2010 ceremony will not be the first with co-hosts or even multiple emcees. In 1987, Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn and Paul Hogan hosted. For several years in the 1970s, the show featured several emcees.

Martin has hosted the Oscar telecast twice before, in 2001 and 2003, but 2010 will be a first Baldwin.

The Oscars will be held on March 7, 2010, in Los Angeles and air on ABC in the United States.

Celebrity of Steve Martin Alec Baldwin to host Oscars Award

Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin to host Oscars LOS ANGELES, Nov 4 Oscar organizers on Tuesday named an unlikely pair of hosts for March's Academy Awards, comedian Steve Martin and "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin, a past loser at the world's top film awards.

The choice of Martin and Baldwin comes as a mild surprise on the heels of last February's Oscar telecast hosted by song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman. It earned some favorable reviews and higher viewership than the previous year.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which gives out the Oscars, had previously hired "Hairspray" director Adam Shankman to co-produce and, based on Jackman's success and Shankman's history making musicals, the betting had been that organizers might aim for another music-oriented telecast.
But Martin is known as a stand-up comedian and comic actor, while Baldwin's reputation was built in theater and film dramas like 2003's "The Cooler," which earned him a best supporting actor nomination. He lost to Tim Robbins for "Mystic River."
Baldwin also has a history of political activism, and Hollywood tends to shun politics. Still, he has shown a flare for comedy by playing the straight man in shows like "30 Rock," and has hosted "Saturday Night Live," a comedy show that has featured Martin on many occasions.
"I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin," Martin said in a statement.
"I don't play the banjo but I'm thrilled to be hosting the Oscars -- it's the opportunity of a lifetime," said Baldwin.
The Oscars, where best film, acting, directing, writing and other movie awards are given out annually, is among the most-watched U.S. television shows. But viewership has declined in recent years as Oscar voters favored low-budget dramas over major blockbusters.

The February 2008 Oscar telecast, which saw the dark drama "No Country for Old Men" win best film, was a recent low with about 32 million US viewers. The 2004 ceremony in which smash hit "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" won best movie lured just over 43 million viewers. Tens of millions more watch Oscar telecasts in some 200 countries worldwide.
As a result, organizers try new ideas to spice up the show each year. That was one reason Broadway star Jackman was hired to host the 2009 ceremony over a comedian, which had been the practice for nearly two decades.
The 2010 ceremony will not be the first with co-hosts or even multiple emcees. In 1987, Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn and Paul Hogan hosted. For several years in the 1970s, the show featured several emcees.
Martin has hosted the Oscar telecast twice before, in 2001 and 2003, but 2010 will be a first Baldwin.
The Oscars will be held on March 7, 2010, in Los Angeles and air on ABC in the United States.