This summer, Universal Studios Home Entertainment will bring Jaws to Blu-ray. Director Steven Spielberg's classic adventure stars Roy Scheider (The French Connection) as Martin Brody, a police chief who has to team up with a marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss, American Graffiti) and a crazed shark hunter (Robert Shaw, The Deep) in order to defeat a man-eating great white shark plaguing Brody's New England beach community.
Along with the first Star Wars, Jaws helped usher in the now-pervasive style of contemporary blockbuster filmmaking; it broke box office records, grossing over $470 million worldwide, and won three Academy Awards at the 1976 Oscar Ceremony - Best Film Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Sound.
Universal's Blu-ray/DVD/UltraViolet Digital Copy combo pack presents the film in its 2.39:1 original aspect ratio alongside a newly remastered 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. The following short video provides further information on the restoration work Universal commissioned for this Blu-ray.
In addition to Universal's standard BD-Live, pocket BLU, Advanced Remote Control, Video Timeline, Mobile-To-Go, and Keyboard functionalities, the set also contains a number of bonus supplements, such as:
All-new The Shark is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of Jaws feature-length documentary
Two-hour The Making of Jaws documentary
Behind-the-scenes featurettes:
- Jaws: The Restoration
- From the Set
Jaws Archives that features "storyboards, production photos, and marketing materials, as well as a special segment on the Jaws phenomenon"
Deleted scenes
Outtakes
Original theatrical trailer
Jaws is expected to street on August 14th.
Update: Below are clips from the film showcasing Universal's extensive restoration work in action.
Quint: Cage goes in the water, you go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our shark.
[sings]
Quint: Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Boston. And so nevermore shall we see you again.
This is a must have, one of the all time best as far as I'm concerned. And I'm sure I'm in a super-minority, but I'd snatch up Jaws The Revenge in a heartbeat as well. It's one of my favorite "so bad it's good" movies, along with Troll 2 and Silent Night Deadly Night Part 2. Hilarious movie.
This just made my day. Hope we get a similar date here in UK. Also hope they restore the original "kaboom" at the end when the oxygen tank explodes. I know the newer DVD version may be more realistic but it doesn't cut the mustard like the original did. Roll on 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm glad to see Spielberg is finally starting to get his just desserts on the Blu-Ray format. This will be a day one buy. Hopefully Jaws 2 will be included as a bonus feature (the other sequels are trash), but if nothing else, I hope we at least get the bonuses from the past DVDs.
great. but please please please don't try and make it look like a 2011 release with DNR and edge enhancement. Just leave it the f*ck alone. You want an example of how it should be done, look at Ridley Scott's Alien.
More terrific news. Obviously, legions of people have been waiting patiently -- or not so patiently -- for years for the release of Jaws on blu. Here's hoping for a top-notch a.v. presentation and loads of quality supplements. An ultimate edition, like the studio is doing for To Kill a Mockingbird would be welcome.
That ominous theme music should sound even moreso in uncompressed sound. I'll preorder it as soon as possible.
2012 will be a great year for Spielberg enthusiasts.
With War Horse and The Adventures of Tintin coming out, now Jaws and hopefully a 30th anniversary edition of E.T. (Are you listening, Mr. Spielberg?) and possibly an Indiana Jones-trilogy (this is for you, Mr. Lucas) it could be a real celebration of the great Maestro of modern american cinema.
THIS is why I upgraded to BD. To see my personal all-time favorites in the best audio/video quality available on home video. I would love for a nice 2-disc set in a steelbook case. Please Universal, go all out with this gem.
Great news JOSH!!!!
I think 2012 is going to be a huge year for catalog titles from the studios. This is excellent news! I was just reading in Twice (electronics trade magazine) that it's been a record year for sales of both discs and players. Player sales were up since Thanksgiving almost 200% over last year. Over 900,000 new players were sold so far as of last week. That's another million disc buyers in a month, and an entire new audience is building for pre-1980 films. Yahoooo!!!!
Hooper: *singing* "Show me the way to go home... I'm tired and I wanna go to bed." Hooper & Quint: "I had a little drink about an hour ago, and it's got right to my head. Wherever I may roam ... by land, or sea or foam. You will always hear me singing this song ... show me the way to go home."
Quint: "Boom, boom, boom." Hooper, Quint and Brody: "Show me the way to go home--boom, boom, boom--I'm tired and I wanna go to bed! I had a drink about an hour ago and it's got right to my head! Wherever I may roam, on land or sea or foam..." *pounding* "...You can always hear me singing..." *sudden pause* *everything shakes* *The boat rumbles*
Quint: "Start the engines."
I hope Universal keeps this one without the DNR and EE. I've seen this one threatrically so I have a rough idea of how it should look (minus the print damage on what I saw). Also, hope they keep that boxart showed above, that art/image is iconic.
Now this is what I'm talking about, But I can't help but to be worried. Universal is the worst studio for releasing it's classic calolog titles on blu. This film is the ultimate blockbuster classic so DON'T MESS THIS UP....
So psyched to be getting Jaws on blu FINALLY! Saw this back in the Summer of '75 at the Jersey Shore when I was 8 years old. I took my 2 nephews to a special midnight showing of Jaws on retro night this past summer in Ocean City. What's surprising is that the line for Jaws was twice the size of the line for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!! Can't wait til August 14th and PLEASE Universal no DNR, EE and include the original Mono track as well as the classic artwork. The modified 25th and 30th art for the DVD's was hideous.
"However, the studio has suggested that one or more of the film's sequels may also get a Blu-ray upgrade on the same day Jaws streets."
Well, I guess I'd better be prepared to buy all four Jaws "films" ("Jaws Quadrilogy," "Jaws Anthology," etc.) then, if I want the first (correct me if mistaken, but this will be a Universal release, right?)...eh...on second thought...
I'm thinking this will get the 100th Anniversary treatment. (Hope to see less grain than the DVD). Now bring on E.T. , Indiana Jones, The Sting.. Too many to name.
...of course, you know I'm just kidding, since no one in their right mind could rationalize buying three horrendous films to own one good one (though many did rationalize their way into the "Jurassic Park 'Trilogy'")...
Looking forward to Jaws...now where the heck is Indiana Jones (sans "Crystal Skull," of course)?
It's about time.. but geez.. August? Why announce it this early. That's a long wait.
Hopefully 2012 sees the blu-ray release of the Indiana Jones trilogy and E.T.
I also wouldn't mind Duel getting a good blu-ray release but I doubt it will since it's a lesser known early Spielberg film.
@CacaPooPoo, dnt be surprised if we get a BD release of Duel. After all, no one thought Disney would put out the Rocketeer so soon on Blu. I know iam hoping for the entire Spielberg catalog to reach Blu sooner than later.
And in the chance someone at Universal that can make it happen see's this. I vote for a Digibook version of Jaws. 2-disc, packed with as many featurette's as you can find!!
good there here, really respect Steven for this~~~!
George should really learn from his friend...
Quint from AICN recently had an interview with Steven Spielberg where the subject of Blu Ray releases was raised.
"Spielberg says he will no longer alter old films, and expresses regret for having digitally spruced up E.T., following Lucas' Star Wars Special Editions. "I always tell people to go back to the '82 version," he says. "At this point right now I think letting movies exist in the era, with all the flaws and all of the flourishes, is a wonderful way to mark time and mark history."
Quint: Is there a Jaws Blu-Ray in the works?
Steven Spielberg: Yes, there is. Yes, there is. Ive already seen some of it. I dont have a date yet, but theres a Blu-Ray absolutely in the works.
Quint: I cant wait, man. I love that the last DVD release actually had the original mono soundtrack on it as well. I wasnt a fan of the remixed 5.1 sound the splashing sounded canned
Steven Spielberg: Oh, I know. I totally understand that. (In the future) theres going to be "no more digital enhancements" or "digital additions" to anything based on any film I direct. Im not going to do any corrections digitally to even wires that show.
If 1941 comes on Blu-Ray Im not going to go back and take the wires out because the Blu-Ray will bring the wires out that are guiding the airplane down Hollywood Blvd. At this point right now I think letting movies exist in the era, with all the flaws and all of the flourishes, is a wonderful way to mark time and mark history.
It's about time! This will be awesome along with Lawrence of Arabia! My two most aniticpated Blu's finally coming out in the same year!! Excellent news indeed!!!
Well, it IS about time for sure. Should look fantastic if they do it right. Universal has had some bad released on BD. I am sure Spielberg will make sure this looks stunning!
I told my friend that "If you don't own this classic when it comes out on BD, You don't know me" Kidding aside, this is a classic that shoulda been released along time ago. Universal's lazy ass better go all out on this release....They can keep the other 3 craptastic sequels. Maybe Echo Bridge can release those movies...
Looks like they timed this release with JAWSFEST in Martha's Vineyard in 2012. That event is the week prior to this Blu Ray release. I will buy all the JAWS films on Blu Ray. I only hope they have a video of the JAWS ride in Orlando on the disc, that would be nice since the ride is closing next week. I also want JAWS 3 in 3D and the original theatrical release of JAWS: The Revenge!
Blu-ray goes in the player. You watch the Blu-ray. Shark's on the Blu-ray. Our shark.
Farewell and adieu to you, Jaws DVDs
Farewell and adieu to you, discs of low-res
For we've all placed orders for the Blu-rays of Jaws
And so nevermore will we watch you again
Endless kudos would go to Universal if they included an "official" recording of the Jaws Ride at Universal Studios, set to close this coming January 2. I planned a last minute, "emergency" vacation once I heard the all to sudden news of the big hit Universal Studios Orlando would soon be taking, so that I was financially capable to make it down there for one last ride, I'd really love to have the memory cemented in history by including an official recording of the Jaws Ride experience. A little off topic, however with that being said, day 1 pick up for me!
If Lucas was involved with this in any way, shape, or form, he'd definitely redo the Shark with modern CGI, therefore rendering another classic movie series heartless.
I'm glad JAWS will get the Blu-Ray deal. It's one of the scariest movies EVER made. I would now like to see Spielberg release one of the greatest movies he has ever done: SCHINDLER'S LIST. That was the second film he directed using the DTS 5.1 system. (The first was JURASSIC PARK).
Universal should also release Jean Claude Van Damme's HARD TARGET on Blu-Ray.
Anyone find it funny that directors like Spielberg who vow never to do audio commentaries would often be glad to do interviews on their films? And they do it quite loquaciously too, such as the 90min interview Spielberg did for TCM's "Spielberg on Spielberg". What is the difference between talking about your films on a DVD/BD and talking about them in interviews? Wait a minute, wait a minute... did you hear that? *cha-ching* *cha-ching* ... Maybe that's the reason.
Hope this WONT be a grainy dust-fest like the release of "Jurassic Park" was. Though it wasn't the worst I've ever seen on blu-ray I certainly expected a cleaner look. And no, I'm not rooting for massive DNR which can destroy the integrity of the look, but just look at "Alien" and "Blade Runner" for example, these are also older films that were given an incredible treatment without excessive grain or dust. I keep my fingers crossed "Jaws" will get the treatment it deserves! I want to enjoy the visuals......not be distracted. Thanks!
"Jaws" is right up there among my favorite movies...I owned it Day 1 when it was released on DVD in 2000 and I'll own it Day 1 when it's released on Blu-ray
I also love "Jaws 2" because I remember seeing it at the movie theater back in 1978. I was in elementary school and there was a community movie theater that made rounds to all the local town hall's showing the movie one night in one town and the next night in another so people got to see new movies without going into the city (the closest actual movie theater was over an hours drive) and he didn't care too much about the age of ticket-paying people. Apparently my uncle came away from the experience convinced my friends and I were deranged because we loved the gory parts
Glad to see THE SHARK IS STILL WORKING is included with this......been wait for 4 years for this doc! Strange that "The Revenge" is not being released with the other sequels? I hate to admit it but I quite enjoy it and would love to see the original ending included in widescreen.
I saw Jaws in the theater when it was released.... scared the hell out of me. One of the all time great films. This is wonderful news. Yes, Yes, Hell Yes.
Cant wait to see how badass the 7.1 Audio is, The movie was fantastic but the soundtrack really jumped it up a huge notch. Day 1 for me combined with a day off work.
This has been one of my most eagerly awaited films since I started getting into the Blu-ray thing. I hope they include the sequel Jaws 2 as a bonus feature on the disc, but I'm not getting too optimistic there.
Im getting this for sure. Too bad it does not have the commemorative photo journal like the special edition has - but it could be something I can do without - Im sure the transfer will be even better than the SD edition.
I am so excited that "The Shark Is Still Working" is going to be on the Blu-Ray. I got a little emotional as I know how hard the filmmakers have been working to get it released.
Day 1. Sharks scare the s#it out of me and Spielberg nailed this film. Probably his all-time best for me personally. I remember watching this when I was little and while my parents still lived in the country. There was a well under our house and I was scared that Jaws would come through my bedroom floor from out well and eat me. Hahaha... good memories.
YES! So glad to read that it will be released in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1. All other home video versions were released 2.35:1 which resulted in a slight loss of picture image. August 14 can't get here fast enough!
Crow, 2.35:1 is actually the 'correct' aspect ratio, although it probably played in many theatres trimmed a little, to something close to 2.39:1. The difference between the two is utterly negligible and, in all likelihood, previous video editions have probably never been quite accurate to either ratio.
Absolutely incredible video about the restoration! This is absolutely going to be a fantastic release! I am sure the same thing is being done with E.T.
Doctorossi, you are mistaken. The original theatrical aspect ratio of Jaws, when it was released in 1975 was 2.39:1. That was the official aspect ratio on its initial release. You are also mistaken to state that the difference between 2.39:1 and 2.35:1 is "utterly negligible". The difference between the two aspect ratios is a slight cropping of the image with an end result of picture loss.
I can't wait! Looks like a fantastic release. Jaws was a big part of my childhood. I love Universal's dedication to celebrating the 100 year milestone. Too bad Paramount did not do the same.
Excellent! I guarantee, Universal has utilized original sound source elements from the original negative after seeing this, meaning there will be no modification to the original soundtrack other than 7.1 enhancement. Can't wait!!!
Awesome news finally. I would love Jaws 2, Jaws 3D and yes, Jaws: The Revenge. I wish we would hear about 'The Birds', 'Psycho II', 'Psycho III' and 'Psycho IV: The Beginning', 'Rear Window' and 'Vertigo', etc. I know the latter 2 were originally Paramount but, Universal has had them forever now.
@Stratton-Actually, the scene in this video when Quint shoots the harpoon into the shark still sounds like the re-recorded effect from the old 5.1 track, as does the splashing sound the shark makes when he first emerges and takes Brody by surprise. Makes me wonder if they really are using the original effects for the new 7.1, or if they're just merely expanding the sucky 5.1 track which had all the lame re-recorded effects.
I love how Universal is making such a big thing about preserving their back catalogue. Universal has probably done the LEAST to fix up their films for blu-ray. Well at least Jaws is going to get the treatment it deserves!
Just please tell me it will be AVC, and not VC-1. With how well the audio was handled for the Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy, and knowing that Jaws won the Oscar for Best Sound that year, I have no doubt that the 7.1 audio will be nothing short of bombastic. But Jurassic Park also had a fair amount of video problems, due to compression issues with the VC-1 codec. So please, Universal, step up your game. At least give us this on AVC, preferably a 4K scan as well...
I just ordered the U.K. Steelbook. I was hoping we would see a digi book release from universal for this,but since that's apparently not the case going with the UK Steelbook.
Cant wait to own this movie finally on bluray! some great special features, though I am sad they are not paying tribute to our now closed forever Captain Jakes Amity Boat tours.
Anymore word on JAWS 3D that was also rumored to come out that day?
Seriously, how hard is it to include a lossless original audio track these days. I'll probably grab one of the steelbooks. The fewer the banners/logos the better.
Lino, how the hell could this be a rip off when Jaws came out in 1975! Do the bloody math. And for the record, Jaws is the superior film if you are having trouble with that too .
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