Promoters of Michael Jackson's comeback shows, AEG Live, and Columbia Pictures have reached an arrangement to release rehearsal footage of the late singer's 02 Arena shows.

The deal, however, needs to be approved by an American judge before any release can take place.

A price of £35 million was reportedly paid for the rights with profits set to be split between the promoters and Jackson's estate who will see 90% of the profits.

Those behind the release are hoping for the DVD to be in shops by Christmas with the contract stipulating that the film will not be able to exceed 150 minutes in length, must have a PG rating and not show Jackson in a negative light.

A short clip of the rehearsals, in which Jackson seems fit and healthy, has already been released by promoters AEG Live, although over 100 hundred hours of rehearsal footage where recorded in total.

(by Andrew Almond)