LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Michael Jackson's This Is It" has debuted to enthusiastic applause from fans attending the premiere of the film chronicling the concerts that might have been.

"This Is It" played like a concert at Tuesday evening's Los Angeles premiere, the celebrity audience applauding after each number. The film shows Jackson confidently keeping pace with dancers half his age, doing his moonwalk and other signature moves on such hits as "Thriller," ''Billie Jean" and "Beat It."

Director and longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega introduced the film to the Nokia Theatre audience, calling it the "last sacred documentation of our leader and our friend."

Showings of "This Is It" began simultaneously in 99 territories around the world Tuesday and Wednesday.