Jaws [Blu-ray]

"Buy thIs for the new documentary alone!" I suppose that my blurb is kinda old-school, and perhaps even contrived, but after watching the "Jaws @ 50" definitive documentary, created by Laurent Bouzereau, the undisputed king of feature-length movie 'making of' supplements that have graced so many physical media releases of classic and iconic films through the years, I think I just experienced one of his very best pieces, if not 'the' absolute best work of his career. Understand, that already owning and collecting numerous versions of this film on every type and size of disc imaginable in every conceivable resolution offering, I was hesitant to purchase this, but then I learned that the third disc would be a brand new documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary of the film, and being a collector in every sense of the word, it was a no-brainer; I was absolutely getting this, and when I saw Mr. Bouzereau's name super-imposed at the very beginning of this, I got very excited, and knew without a doubt, that I had made the right decision.However, I was not prepared for just 'how' good this would be! There are other documentaries about the making of "Jaws," and I really appreciate them all, but here's what was missing in them, that is a 'huge' part of "Jaws @50," and that is the brutal realities and hardships of making a film, by a young Director, within an industry that can be very unforgiving, and the emotionally draining experience that this was for Steven Spielberg, simply because the odds were so against him in actually completing this film, especially when a powerful studio appears to be just one more day away from shutting your movie down.Other writings and documentaries have alluded to this fact, but "Jaws @ 50" puts the viewer through the spirit-crushing reality of this seemingly inevitable conclusion for Spielberg, but then we get to feel the powerful triumph that he experienced, when the film became a phenomenon, simply because he put aside his fears of the looming end of his career, and stayed not just aboard what appeared to be a sinking ship, but commanded it as well, either to its doom, or in this case, sailed it right into movie history, as one of the most successful and beloved films of all time. What a vindication and finally, in this documentary we get to experience this, as if we have been right there with Spielberg all along!"Faith is believing when common-sense tells you not to" - "Miracle on 34th Street" - 1947 (May I add, the year of the 'Roswell' crash)What I really loved about "Jaws @ 50" was hearing the words, demonstrating without a doubt, the immense pride and mutual respect and admiration that so many associated with "Jaws" had and have for one another, and Spielberg says it best and in the most heart-felt way imaginable, as this documentary comes to a close, in so many words, that he sincerely hoped that everyone involved in the film, especially in it's 50th iconic year, can feel his deep respect for this movie, suggesting to me anyway, that it wasn't 'him' that made "Jaws" such a great movie, but 'all' of them, made it 'great' together. Those were not his exact words, but that's what I got from what he said, which I think is the very definition of humility. I can honestly say that I got choked up, as if I had just experienced "Schindler's List" all over again. That may be a weird analogy, but I'm just being real.Putting aside all of that, "Jaws @ 50" also contains countless statements from numerous a-list filmmakers and actors, and a "Jaws" aficionado's early-Christmas present of an extensive collection, scattered throughout, of never-before-seen pre-production, production, post-production and home-movie footage. People that appreciate the Shark itself are not left out either, as this film includes interviews and footage of the efforts of many to bring back the often-misunderstood Shark population.I could go on and on about this, but I'll stop and just say for the record: Do not hesitate for one second to purchase what is admittedly, basically the same fantastic special feature-loaded Blu-Ray / 4K package release from five years ago, but the third disc, which is this new documentary, makes it worth every cent to buy it all over again! The original gorgeous one-sheet artwork that graces the slip-cover and the actual keep-case, seals the deal! Bottom-line, I loved it!

I watched JAWS as a child in 1975, read the book the year before (it was my first adult book and my divorced parents had to discuss whether or not to even let me), and I've owned the movie in every modern format (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray). Still I bought this set. Why? For the extras, the documentaries. And I am not a film nerd. I would never buy a set just for the extras - except this one at this time. This is the 50th Anniversary, and they threw everything at this: the original, matchless,1995, Laurent Bouzereau "The Making of JAWS"; the very good 2007 follow-on "The Shark is Still Working"; and the just-released (2025), Laurent Bouzereau retelling, "JAWS @ 50". This is stupendous. Such a rich compendium, a trove, of insights, details, candid and warm and genuine anecdotes - if you love JAWS, or even just great movies, you must get this set even if only for the extras. There is no way you'll ever regret it.

The direction and cinematography sell the plotting supremely well, with visual and audio quality to match.The plot is simple and relies on atmosphere and character to pull it through (which it does with aplomb, especially for 1975 when this was a cut above): great shark is moving into an area where its species rarely thrives in and uses everyone has buffet samples. Why the shark is moving in is never quite told, but imagination can go in plenty of directions and the story relies on "the moment".Humorous at times, not entirely over the top as well, the use of jump cuts, tight shots, and suspense creates a well-rounded event.

Jaws and I go way back. I first saw it when the film came outs in the ‘70s and I’ve always enjoyed its epic-ness. Now, the 50th anniversary dvd (can I really be that old?) has come out and it’s like seeing it for the first time - only better. This restored version has incredible sound and the visuals are stunning! The picture clarity is so crisp and the colors are vibrant. Listen for the bubble gurgling sounds at the beginning of the film. Never knew it was there. Can’t wait to see all the included docs and making of features. Truly the best big fish story ever filmed! Oh, and for the unknowing, Bruce was what they named the mechanical shark.

This has been an absolute treat! So many things I never knew about Jaws, with great interviews. I haven’t had time to go through everything but this is a great purchase for anyone who loves this film!

A classic movie everyone should have in their library. It’s still thrills after 50 years! Highly recommend, especially at this wonderful price

This was a very good Blu-ray. There is not a huge difference between this and a DVD copy, but there definitely is a difference. You won’t see it in all parts, but you do see it in many. I think it is worth the upgrade.

Bought as a gift for someone who was wanting this version.