The lurid weirdness that clouded Michael Jackson’s life tended to distract from his artistry. “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” remedies that situation.

Before his death on June 25, Jackson had planned a come-back tour of 50 concerts in London. All tickets sold out immediately.

This documentary is composed of rehearsal footage shot in Los Angeles months before Jackson’s death. Kenny Ortega (of the “High School Musical” series) directed the concert project as well as the movie. He patched together footage in a way that lets you get the sense of full production numbers. Jackson may be wearing several outfits during the course of a single song but each performance seems complete.

You also get the benefit of the special effects that go into the show. Several videos on a giant screen accompany the musical numbers. In “Smooth Criminal” Jackson interacts with Humphrey Bogart, Rita Hayworth and Edward G.Robinson.

“Thriller” gets a new set of ghouls along with 3-D treatment. The lovely “Earth Song” shows a little girl surrounded by butterflies before her forest is devastated by man. A bulldozer crawls on stage behind Jackson.

Jackson Five numbers are backgrounded by video showing a round-faced little star in his childhood years.

No matter how steep the ticket price, fans undoubtedly would have gotten their money’s worth had the concerts occurred. They would have been dazzling and not just because of the special effects.

Jackson was the complete performer and a gifted songwriter. He could compose sweet ballads as well as catchy dance numbers, all headed to the top of the charts. His ability to create melodies and unforgettable hooks was uncanny. His dance moves were innovative.

Though these are rehearsals, they demonstrate that Jackson was in fine stage form at age 50. He shows no signs of the problems that would lead to his death. He’s energetic, graceful and in control. Though Ortega is director, Jackson is the general in charge of his troops.

Here, he coaxes his dancers and musicians — all top flight — to fulfill his vision of his own material. He does it quietly and gently but unequivocally. Meanwhile, the crew speaks of him affectionately and calls him “The Man” or M.J.

Jackson frequently responds with “God bless you.”

Though there are brief interview asides and scenes devoted to technical issues, this could stand alone as a concert film. Had the real concerts gone on, they would have been astonishing.

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It”

3-1/2 stars

Showing at Carmike 10 at Tanglewood, Salem Valley 8 and Valley View Grande 16. Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images. One hour, 40 minutes.