‘Thriller’ anniversary box planned

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of “Thriller,” Michael Jackson and his record label, Epic/Legacy Recordings, are preparing a newly expanded edition of the mega-selling R&B-pop; classic.

The CD and DVD package will hit stores Feb. 12 and include music videos, Jackson’s landmark 1983 performance on the NBC special “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever” and rare and unreleased material from the “Thriller” era.

The collection will also feature remixes by Kanye West (“Billie Jean”) and will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas (“P.Y.T.” and “The Girl Is Mine”), while Akon and will.i.am are featured on a new recording of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Jackson has also gone back and remastered the track “For All Time,” which was recorded during the “Thriller” sessions but left off that album.

“Thriller” is the second-bestselling album in U.S. history; its 27 million copies shipped to stores trails only a greatest hits compilation by the Eagles, according to the Recording Industry Assn. of America. The album held the No. 1 spot on the U.S. sales chart for more than nine months.

-- Chris Lee