It has been decades since Michael Jackson leaned at a gravity-defying 45 degrees, and yet, the Smooth Criminal music video remains the gold standard for short films.
Whether you are a long-time fan archiving his work or a new listener who just discovered the bass line of "Annie, are you okay?", watching this video in pixelated 240p should be considered a crime.
If you want to experience the slick suits, the flashing lights, and the legendary "Anti-Gravity Lean" in High Quality (1080p or 4K) , here is the guide you need. It has been decades since Michael Jackson leaned
You can rent or buy the Moonwalker film (where the full Smooth Criminal segment originates) on Amazon. This gives you the full cinematic context of the video’s story.
A: Not yet officially. The original 35mm negative could produce a true 4K scan, but as of 2026, the estate has only released upscaled 4K versions on some streaming platforms. You can rent or buy the Moonwalker film
If you have purchased the DVD/Blu-ray of Moonwalker or the Video Greatest Hits – HIStory and want to rip a digital backup for your personal server:
"Smooth Criminal" was shot on 35mm film, giving it a depth and texture that early digital uploads often lost. When you watch a low-resolution version, you miss the details: The original 35mm negative could produce a true
Some music documentary services include Moonwalker. Check if your local library offers free access to Qello via Kanopy.