There were tears, but no sadness. Everyone in the theater was screaming "Michael, Michael!" and clapping and waving their hands, while singing along to all the songs.

As in other countries, China's media has also been widely covering Jackson as a controversial figure in his later years. After his death in June, however, the singer has been viewed by Chinese fans as a idol again.

The premieres were held Tuesday at midnight in 10 cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Wuhan and Kunming.

The official premiere in Beijing was held in Saga Cinema, at Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park. The cinema devoted all of its eight screens to the film.

According to the cinema's ticket office, the 1,100 tickets sold out within two days, at a record price of 200 yuan ($29) each. Premiere tickets usually cost less than 100 yuan.

Before the showing of the film, there were celebrity appearances and speeches by organizers and fans. People were wearing Michael Jackson shirts or holding signs, while many impromptu dances took place.

Shi Cici, of Jackson's official Chinese fan club website, www.mjjcn.com, authorized by Jackson himself in 2005, described her feelings after watching the film as "complicated."

"I thought I was going to cry watching the film, but I kept smiling instead. I'm so happy to see him revived on the screen. It feels like he's never left our side."

"The film is strong proof against earlier rumors that he was not capable of his upcoming concerts," she said, insisting that his vocal performance and dance moves were no less than that of his heyday.

"And this is just random rehearsals. Who can imagine how exciting and splendid the real concert would have been?" With Jackson having been her idol for a dozen years, she booked a ticket to one of the London concerts that were supposed to take place last summer. "But I guess God did not allow us the chance," she sighed.

Also present at the premiere was renowned director Jia Zhangke. He said Jackson not only influenced his understanding of music and life, but also his works. He recalled trying to include Heal the World in his feature film debut Xiao Wu (1997) but failed due to the high copyright fees.

"As compensation, I made my characters imitate his dance moves in the last part of my second film, Platform."

From a director's point of view, Jia said THIS IS IT is hardly a real film, with no actual plot nor film techniques. However, as a fan of the King of Pop, he rewarded full marks to the film, which is "a hearty gift devoted to his fans worldwide, and a relief in the face of their loss."

Still in his second year of elementary school, 7-year-old Ma Yongze was the youngest person at the premiere. Dressed in Jackson's signature black suit and glittering gloves, he told reporters that he had been a fan for a year under his mother's influence, who thinks Jackson's passion toward music and love toward the world were "a positive influence on the next generation."

"In the film, he is so happy and confident. Will he ever come back?" Ma also shyly admitted that the "Thriller" video newly made for the concert is a little bit scary.

Songwriter and producer Zhang Yadong expressed his grief after the premiere. "It is hard to imagine that someone so talented is gone." He also denied earlier rumors that he would be involved in the tribute concert by mainland musicians and performers.

"I believe the best way to pay tribute to Jackson is to remember and learn from his love, love toward people around you, love toward life and love toward the earth."

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT presents rare, behind-the-scenes footage as he developed and rehearsed his series of concerts in London. Chronicling the months from April to June, 2009, the 111-minute film is drawn from more than 100 hours of backstage footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the concert, including Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and Man in the Mirror.

The singer, dancer, songwriter, producer and filmmaker died of a heart attack June 25, 2009.

The film will be screened globally for two weeks starting Wednesday, but Chinese cinemas are not bound by the time.