This is Thriller: Reliving the Magic of a Historic Night
History Was Made
This past Saturday, October 26, 2024, marked a historic moment for Heal LA. For the first time in 40 years, the iconic Palace Theatre welcomed an event dedicated to Thriller. The venue, which served as the backdrop for Michael Jackson’s legendary short film in 1983, reopened its doors for This is Thriller, Heal LA’s newest celebration.
The marquee of the Palace Theatre was illuminated with “This is Thriller” proudly displayed, with “The Heal Los Angeles Foundation” beneath it. The sides of the marquee paid homage to both Michael Jackson and Vincent Price, stirring nostalgia among attendees. The sight of Thriller and Michael Jackson’s name on the marquee once again evoked strong emotions among fans, bringing back cherished memories.
Inside the theatre, the main entrance lobby was adorned with iconic Thriller imagery. Visitors were greeted by the legendary distressed leather Thriller jacket and the Hugo Boss white suit from the album cover. With each step through the venue, guests were transported back to the magic of 1983—a hallmark of Heal LA’s events, which strive to capture the essence of such timeless moments.
Rick Baker
The evening began with a screening of the documentary Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller, followed by a special Q&A session featuring the legendary Rick Baker, who shared behind-the-scenes stories from his time working on Thriller. The session was moderated by Prince Jackson and Liam McEwan.
Behind the scenes, Rick shared two personal remarks with Prince and Liam. He revealed that this was the first time he’d watched the documentary since its original release, making the moment particularly meaningful as he viewed it with his family. He also mentioned that it would be his first time experiencing the short film Thriller in 4K, a version released in 2022 that adds a new level of detail to the iconic masterpiece.
The Heal Los Angeles Foundation sincerely thanks Rick Baker for his presence and support, which contributed greatly to the success of the event!
Thrill the World Los Angeles
The night concluded with a screening of the iconic short film Thriller on the big screen, featuring a special live performance by the team from Thrill the World Los Angeles. Just as Michael Jackson transformed into a zombie on screen, the dancers made their entrance, moving through the aisles to recreate the film’s eerie atmosphere. Their unexpected presence startled and delighted the audience, bringing the original Thriller experience to life.
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the addition of the dancers as a perfect way to end the night. A big thank you to the team at Thrill the World Los Angeles for making the evening even scarier—and even more memorable!
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors
The success of This is Thriller wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors. Their dedication and generosity played a vital role in bringing this unforgettable event to life. Thank you to each of these partners for helping make the magic of This is Thriller a reality!
Upcoming Event: King of Popcorn Movie Night Series
Heal LA is wrapping up the year with its final event—the King of Popcorn Movie Night Series, presented by Julien’s Auctions. This special event will be held at Hayvenhurst in Encino, California, the historic home where the Jackson family first settled after moving from Gary, Indiana.
Join us on December 7, 2024, for a night of fun, nostalgia, and community. For tickets and more information, click here.