Jackson movie passes 200 million dollar mark

Michael Jackson's posthumous movie farewell "This Is It" has surged past the 200-million-dollar mark in worldwide earnings since its release two weeks ago, Sony Pictures said Thursday.

The film, a behind-the-scenes look at Jackson's preparations for his doomed concert comeback, has grossed more than 61 million dollars in North America and 140 million dollars internationally, the studio said.

"Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music," Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said in a statement.

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in Japan where it has earned 27.2 million dollars, followed by Britain (14.3 million), Germany (12.1 million), France (12.1 million) and Australia (7.2 million).

Jackson, 50, died in Los Angeles on June 25 from an accidental overdose of powerful prescription drugs.