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by Raul Burriel Published: June 20, 2005
 "You're gonna need a bigger boat." It's one of those infinitely quotable lines from a big time Hollywood summer blockbuster. But this isn't just any big time Hollywood summer blockbuster. This is "Jaws", the movie that originated the concept of big time Hollywood summer blockbusters. It's appropriate then that 30 years later as the summer box office slumps and home video earnings rise that we're reviewing this movie on DVD, a DVD loaded with extras and special features.Something's stalking swimmers off the sleepy New England village of Amity Island. It's big and white and has a whole lot of teeth. Cue ominous chello music composed by John Williams. If you don't know the story, you've probably been living under a rock your whole life. "Jaws" is one of the highest grossing films. In the summer of 1975 - before studios ever thought that releasing all their big budget action films when kids our out of school was a good idea - MCA (now Universal) decided to take a chance with a movie by a relative unknown filmmaker by the name of Steven Spielberg. Their gamble paid off in spades. "Jaws" went on to invade people's nightmares and do its best to keep people off the beach. I've only seen this movie once before, back when I was much too young. Still, with the movie edited for TV, I spent most of the time watching between my fingers. This is one hell of a scary movie. It kept me off the beach for more than 20 years, and after seeing the full theatrical version, I'm banking on keeping dry for another 20 years. On its 30th anniversary, "Jaws" still packs a punch, even after years of watching slasher movies and suspense thrillers. It's a timeless classic. We all know "Jaws" is a good movie. But it's the features that really sell this collection. Bonus Material The highlight of this collection is "The Making of Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws'", a 125-minute feature length documentary that covers every aspect of making the movie. It's the same documentary that was found on the 25th anniversary edition of the collection, but edited to be about twice as long. It's an excellent documentary which would probably stand on its own on video store shelves. Having it bundled with the movie makes this collection a must-have. But if that doesn't convince you, then you should know that you also get a 60-page photo booklet with pictures from the production of the movie. The second disc in the collection - which includes the documentary - also includes several still images in what they call the "Jaws Archives". It sports production photos, storyboards and posters. Finally we have the obligatory deleted scenes and outtakes, as well as an interview with Steven Spielberg filmed on the set. What this collection doesn't have is a commentary of any kind. It may be asking too much to have Spielberg do the commentary, but having seen the documentary, we know the cast and crew had plenty to say. Also missing are the "Shark World" shark documentary, trailers, and interactive trivia game that you can find on the 25th anniversary edition. But unlike the 25th anniversary edition - and because the "Making of..." documentary has been expanded and moved to its own separate disc - you now get both the Dolby Digital and DTS tracks in the same collection. "Jaws" stands the test of time. If you've never seen it - or haven't seen it in a while - then it's time to crack open this DVD collection. Just be aware: You'll never go back in the water. Film Rating: A+ Bonus Material: B+ |
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