Jaws 50th Anniversary Edition (UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Universal
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Rating: PG
Film: 4.5/5

Plot
When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town's chief of police, a young marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again. Featuring an unforgettable score that evokes pure terror, Jaws remains one of the most influential and gripping adventures in motion picture history.

My Thoughts
The last time I watched this was five years ago when it was first released on UHD. Before that, it had been decades since watching it in theaters back in 1975 at the ripe old age of 6 and to this day, I can’t help but think of this movie whenever I go into the ocean. You can’t say that many movies have that sort of impact on you for virtually your entire life.

When the film was released back in 1975, it became the first of scores of summer blockbuster tentpole titles to but some butts in the theaters. What I can say is after 45 years, the film still has enough meat on the bones to satisfy everyone. The younger generation may not have the patience for the slow burn, but the third act is well worth the wait and there are some great one liners throughout the film that break the tension and provide some much-needed laughs given the weighty subject matter. It’s hard to believe that this was Spielberg’s second film of what would become one of the best careers in Hollywood history.

This is the exact same transfer from five years ago and the detail is off the charts and the natural film grain is preserved to perfection along with colors that are pinpoint accurate and mesmerizing—particularly the rich blue hues of the sky during the beach scenes. Minute details such as flesh tones and fabric have lifelike textures making you want to reach into the screen and touch. The slight black crush that was on the Blu-ray is gone and this is by far the best it’s ever looked—maybe even better than in the theaters 45 years ago.

Remixing an original stereo source up to Atmos couldn’t have been easy, but the sound engineers worked a minor miracle here. The soundtrack is very active—particularly the overheads—and John Williams’ Oscar-winning score has never sounded better. It’s extremely immersive and the pans are seamless from front to back and side to side that you’ll swear a shark is about to snatch you off your couch.

Video 9.5/10

Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)


Special Features:

• Jaws @ 50 – The Definitive Inside Story
• The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws
• Jaws: The Restoration
• The Making of Jaws
• From the Set
• Deleted Scenes and Outtakes
• Jaws Archives
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Movies Anywhere + Blu-ray

 


Conclusion
The only thing new about this release is the “Jaws @50 – The Definitive Inside Story” documentary, which is quite good. That being said, it is going to show up on Disney+ next month so I’ll leave it up to you to decide if that’s something you want to own or not. If you only have the old Blu-ray, the UHD is worth the upgrade and why not get the latest release to add to your collection. Better yet, pick up the Steelbook packaging (not sent for review) that has some pretty good looking artwork.

Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

[Barry]

David,

a few years ago. I got the original 4K release of Jaws. I absolutely agree with you. Honestly, too, it looked much better at my home theater than it ever did in the movies.

I also found the acting of the three male leads to be terrific. 

I just looked to see what other movies were nominated for Academy Awards that year and look at the outstanding list. We don’t get that anymore. (I loved Barry Lyndon. it will be out on 4K in about a month and I can’t wait to review it. The blue ray was beautiful)

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST
Saul Zaentz and Michael Douglas, Producers
NOMINEES
BARRY LYNDON
Stanley Kubrick, Producer
DOG DAY AFTERNOON
Martin Bregman and Martin Elfand, Producers
JAWS
Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown, Producers
NASHVILLE
Robert Altman, Producer

[bmoney]

I used to watch special features all the time. Haven’t watched on in years.