This Is It, the documentary about Michael Jackson's ill-fated comeback, is on course to become one of the biggest hits in box office history, pre-sale figures show.

In the US, the movie accounted for 80% of all online ticketing service transactions after going on sale on Sunday.

The figure eclipsed demand for other major upcoming cinemas releases, including The Twilight Saga: New Moon, which stars Robert Pattinson.

Movie theatres across America have already sold out of their ticket allocation for the film, which is released on October 28.

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures said the “epic demand” had also been experienced across the world.

In the UK, Vue Cinemas said they had sold more than 30,000 tickets in the first 24 hours and that figures showed no sign of slowing down.

Directed by choreographer Kenny Ortega, This Is It has been created from over 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson as he rehearsed for his planned London comeback shows.

Jackson died on June 25 - just two weeks before his comeback was due to begin.

The movie is due to go on general release for two weeks.

(by Jason Gregory)