Jeffrey Daniel of the soul music group Shalamar choreographed the "Smooth Criminal" video. It was directed by special effects coordinator Colin Chilvers. Currently there are four different versions of the video for "Smooth Criminal":
The Original Moonwalker Version - This is the version included in the Moonwalker film - while technically the whole short film is 39 minutes, the actual "Smooth Criminal" song chapter on the DVD is 9 minutes 21 seconds. It is generally the most complete version of the video and includes the unedited middle section of interpretive dance with the dancers but does not include the last six seconds where a flapper fans herself after the door is shut behind Michael.
The "Moonwalker Version" - This version is included on History on Film, Volume II and is an edited song section of the "Smooth Criminal" segment from the film Moonwalker. It is essentially the same, however it has some minor changes including: different opening music and no dialogue, the middle section with the dancers chanting has been truncated (some of the chanting has been shortened) and ends at the point in the original where Michael exits the club with an added shot of the lead flapper fanning herself. This version is approximately the same length as the original Moonwalker segment, despite having over a minute cut out from the middle section. Being a PAL to NTSC transfer (the Moonwalker DVD has only been released in PAL regions), this version suffers from blurred colors and other artifacts, and the speed of audio has been altered to accommodate for the edited section.
The Sped Up/Moonwalker Credits Version - This is commonly shown on music video stations, appears during the end credits for Moonwalker and was included on the "Visionary" single. It is essentially the "Smooth Criminal" video sped up, with an added blur effect, and some alternate angles. This version is also the version being sold in the iTunes Music Store
The Album Version - Also shown on some music video stations - it is the regular version of the video edited to be in sync with the original album version of the song. It excludes the added lyric, the middle section along with various other moments. However, commonly the Sped Up/Moonwalker Credits version is used rather than this version.
The video won Best Music Video at the 1989 Brit Awards.
In the Alvin and the Chipmunks video special Rockin' with the Chipmunks, part of the music video is shown, but with Alvin inserted.
Anti-gravity lean
"Smooth Criminal" music video. Shows an anti-gravity lean performed by Jackson.
An image of U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452 filed by Jackson describing the anti-gravity lean.The effect in the video when Jackson and the dancers lean forward a seemingly impossible distance was achieved using special harnesses with wires and magnets. It was desired to replicate this effect for Jackson's stage show, but it would have been more obvious and cumbersome to use wire harnesses in a live performance. Jackson and his team devised an alternative way to achieve the effect on stage. The props needed for their technique were patented in the United States by Jackson in 1993, and consist of pegs that rise from the stage at the appropriate moment, and special shoes with ankle supports and cutouts in the heels which can slide over the pegs and be thereby attached to the stage temporarily. These allow the performers to lean without needing to keep their centers of gravity directly over their feet. This patent expired on December 20th, 2005 due to failure to pay its maintenance fee.
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