QUICK TAKES - Sept. 19, 2009

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has approved a deal with Sony Music Entertainment to allow the soundtrack for the Michael Jackson movie “This Is It” to be released at the same time as the theatrical roll-out of the film.

The move enables Sony and the superstar’s estate to cash in on some synergistic marketing at a time when demand for Jackson-related properties remains high.

In court documents, special administrators for Jackson’s estate John Branca and John McClain had argued the deal would provide the estate with “an immediate and substantial cash advance from Sony.”

“In order for the album to be completed in time to be released simultaneously with the film, Sony must begin work on the album immediately,” they said.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved the deal Thursday afternoon.

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Harriet Ryan

and Chris Lee