Celebrating 35 Years Of The ‘Thriller’ Video
It was the autumn of 1983. Michael Jackson’s Thriller album had been out for a year. It had already produced six hits, including “Billie Jean” and “Beat It.” But no one was prepared for what came next.
The seventh single to be released from Thriller was the title track. Like the previous six singles, “Thriller” was a top-10 hit on the U.S. Billboard chart, and has been a Halloween radio staple ever since. However, it was the music video for “Thriller” that would truly make history.
The album version of the song is 5:57 in length. The video for “Thriller” debuted on MTV at a whopping 13:43, which was unheard of at the time. Only a star of Michael Jackson’s caliber could have gotten away with that.
It was worth every second.
Michael Jackson vision for the video was inspired by the schlocky horror movies of the 1950s and ’60s. He enlisted the services of filmmaker John Landis, who had directed An American Werewolf in London in 1981, to create more than a music video. Michael wanted his song to be framed within a short narrative film. Not only was Landis the perfect choice to direct something like that, but he was also able to bring in other talented Hollywood pros.
John Landis’ wife, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, designed the video’s costumes, including the iconic red jacket, which later sold at auction for $1.8 million. Renowned special makeup effects artist Rick Baker, who worked on An American Werewolf in London for Landis, was responsible for transforming the King of Pop into his spooky alter egos. And who could ever forget Vincent Price’s haunting narration and diabolical laugh?
The result of that team effort is still considered by many; including MTV, VH1, and the Library of Congress; to be the most significant music video of all time. Given the nature of media and the music business now, it’s doubtful that we’ll ever see another video have the cultural impact and lasting legacy of “Thriller.” Enjoy!
