MUMBAI: Thousands of fans turned out to Cinedigm Digital Cinema theatres around the US to view the Michael Jackson Memorial Service via live feed direct from the Staples Center on 7 July. A total of 47 Cinedigm-certified theatres carried the broadcast with ten of those coming online within hours of its commencement due to the last minute nature of the event.

"Without the permission of AEG Network Live and the Jackson family we could not have brought this historic event to fans to share in a supportive and comforting atmosphere almost as if they were in the Staples Center. We thank them for allowing us to provide this beautiful tribute in a way we hope properly honored the King of Pop. I am especially proud of both the tech and entertainment teams at Cinedigm as well as our exhibitor partners for making this possible in literally 24 hours," said Cinedigm chairman and CEO Bud Mayo.

"The beauty of digital cinema is that it allows for creative use like this. Certainly events like today’s are few and far between, but the future of theatres as a venue for bringing other live and unique events is bright. Cinedigm looks forward to bringing more of them to and increasing number of locations around the country through our CineLive network," said Cinedigm Entertainment Group president Jonathan Dern.

Rave Motion Pictures CEO Tom Stephenson said, "We were thrilled that asCinedigm was able to react quickly to the opportunity for us to bring this to Rave theatres. Attendance was strong and the audience was very appreciative. Some audience members indicated that it made them feel like they were right in the Staples Center."