Sony Computer Entertainment Japan has announced that it will be releasing a new bundle including the PlayStation 3 home gaming console and the Blu-ray version of This Is It, the new movie that documents the rehearsals of Michael Jackson and his team as he was preparing for the comeback concerts that never happened.

The official price of the bundle is 33,500 Yen, which is the equivalent of 366 dollars and the console included is the 120 GB hard drive one in the black charcoal color version. Stores will begin selling the package on January 27, on the same date that This Is It goes on sale.

Those who are interested in picking up the PlayStation 3 and documentary package should also be aware that the Blu-ray version includes special material related to the videos for Thriller and Smooth Criminal, as well as a Michael Jackson-themed PlayStation 3 wallpaper.

The move might seem like an exploitative one to some, relying on the image of a dead pop star to sell more gaming consoles. But Michael Jackson has always been a big celebrity to the Japanese who appear to be fascinated by the dance routines he used. And Sony has always said that its home gaming console should be seen as a complete entertainment center, so the bundling with a Blu-ray actually makes sense and might attract some non-gamer customers to the device.

Since the release of the Slim version, which consumes less power, has a smaller profile and dissipates less heat, Sony has sold more PS3 consoles than ever. The company has even managed to top the Xbox 360 in several NPD Group sales reports and has sold record numbers of the gaming gadget in Japan. 2010 will see the release of a motion tracking wand for the PS3 and the maker might also introduce some 3D gaming technology later in the year.