Sony seeks to block access to Jackson outtakes

[June 16, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Attorneys for Michael Jackson's doctor want access to raw footage that was used for the star's posthumous concert film, "This is It." But Sony Pictures is fighting the request.

Lawyers for Dr. Conrad Murray and Sony attorneys are due in court Thursday to argue whether material should be turned over. The Sony team has filed hundreds of pages of documents arguing against the release.

Prosecutors plan to use clips from "This is It" to show Jackson was in good health just before he died. The defense wants to show otherwise. They want to see over 100 hours of raw footage of Jackson's concert rehearsals.

Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death from an overdose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives. His trial is set for September.

[Associated Press; By LINDA DEUTSCH]

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