Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Turns 50, Spawning Telecast, Tourism Surge and Conservation Push
Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Turns 50, Spawning Telecast, Tourism Surge and Conservation Push
Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” released on 20 June 1975, turns 50 today. The US$7–8 million thriller opened on 464 screens, powered by a then-unprecedented US$700,000 national TV blitz, and went on to earn US$260.7 million in its initial run—becoming the first movie to cross the US$100 million mark and establishing the template for the modern summer blockbuster. Universal and its partners are marking the milestone with a wave of commercial and cultural events. NBC airs a three-hour anniversary telecast at 8 p.m. ET/PT tonight, introduced by Spielberg, while a 4K “Jaws 50th Anniversary Edition” arrives in stores and on digital platforms. The Nantucket Film Festival has programmed a dedicated retrospective, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures plans an autumn exhibition, and Universal theme parks and brands from Mondo to the New York Yankees are rolling out anniversary merchandise—down to a shark-themed milkshake at Yankee Stadium. The celebration is fueling tourism on Martha’s Vineyard—the real-life stand-in for Amity Island—where local officials expect visitor numbers to run tens of thousands above a normal summer. A Gallup survey cited by the New York Post shows the film’s generational reach remains uneven: 53 percent of Americans aged 18–29 say they have seen “Jaws,” compared with 88 percent of people over 65 and 78 percent of adults overall. Scientists and conservation groups are using the spotlight to shift attention from fear of sharks to concern for their survival. The Washington Post notes that global shark populations are collapsing, with more than one-third of species and their relatives at risk of extinction. Researchers at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy say some Atlantic great-white populations fell by as much as 70 percent before protections were introduced and are only now rebounding.
TThe Economist
1 month
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Marks 50th Anniversary as First Summer Blockbuster; Universal Unveils Theater, Releases Anniversary Edition
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Marks 50th Anniversary as First Summer Blockbuster; Universal Unveils Theater, Releases Anniversary Edition
On June 20, 2025, Steven Spielberg's film "Jaws" celebrated its 50th anniversary since its original release in 1975. Widely regarded as the first summer blockbuster, "Jaws" transformed the film industry and popular culture by setting a new standard for Hollywood releases. The movie, which tells the story of three men confronting a great white shark, not only instilled fear in beachgoers but also altered public perception of sharks, shifting concern toward their declining populations in recent decades. To mark the milestone, Universal Pictures unveiled the Steven Spielberg Theater on its backlot, honoring the director who began his career with the film and who stated he has no plans to retire from moviemaking. The anniversary also saw the release of a 50th Anniversary Edition of "Jaws" in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital formats, featuring over five hours of bonus content. The film’s iconic score by John Williams earned numerous awards and contributed to its lasting impact. Celebrations and retrospectives have highlighted the film’s influence on shark movies, its cultural legacy, and Spielberg’s enduring career.
CCNN en Español
1 month
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Marks 50th Anniversary With 97% Rating, 4K Release and Universal Theater Dedication
Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ Marks 50th Anniversary With 97% Rating, 4K Release and Universal Theater Dedication
Steven Spielberg's landmark film "Jaws" celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 20, 2025. Released in 1975, "Jaws" is widely recognized as the original summer blockbuster that transformed the film industry and popular culture. The movie, which holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, revolutionized shark movies and influenced public perception of sharks, shifting fear from humans to concern for declining shark populations. Universal Pictures marked the anniversary by unveiling the Spielberg Theater on its backlot, honoring the director who began his career with the studio. At the theater's dedication, Spielberg affirmed that he has no plans to retire from filmmaking. The anniversary has been commemorated with special editions of the film available in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital formats, including over five hours of bonus features, exclusive merchandise, and the return of all four "Jaws" movies to Netflix for the summer. The film's iconic score by John Williams also received recognition for its impact. "Jaws" continues to be celebrated as a cinematic milestone and remains one of the most beloved and rewatched movies of all time.
CCNN en Español
1 month
Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' Celebrates 50th Anniversary With August 29 IMAX Re-Release and New Documentary
Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' Celebrates 50th Anniversary With August 29 IMAX Re-Release and New Documentary
On June 20, 2025, Steven Spielberg's iconic film "Jaws" celebrated its 50th anniversary since its original release in 1975. Widely regarded as the first summer blockbuster, "Jaws" transformed Hollywood and popular culture by creating a lasting impact on the portrayal of sharks, turning them into feared underwater villains. The film, which holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, remains one of the most beloved and frequently rewatched movies of all time. To commemorate the milestone, Universal Pictures announced a special theatrical re-release of "Jaws" on August 29, 2025, including screenings in IMAX and 4DX formats. Additionally, a 50th Anniversary Edition is available in 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and digital formats, featuring over five hours of bonus content. A documentary titled "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story" has been released, exploring the making of the film, its impact on director Spielberg, and how it changed public perceptions of sharks. The documentary also delves into behind-the-scenes challenges such as the mechanical shark's difficulties, casting, and production struggles. The film's connection to Martha's Vineyard, the real-life inspiration for Amity Island, has been highlighted in various retrospectives. Interviews with cast members Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, and screenwriter Carl Gottlieb have revisited the film's legacy. "Jaws" continues to influence the horror genre and remains a cultural touchstone after five decades.
RReuters
1 month
Lewis Pugh Completes 62-Mile Swim Around Martha’s Vineyard in 12 Days at 47-Degree Water for 'Jaws' 50th Anniversary Shark Campaign
Lewis Pugh Completes 62-Mile Swim Around Martha’s Vineyard in 12 Days at 47-Degree Water for 'Jaws' 50th Anniversary Shark Campaign
To mark the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's film "Jaws," British-South African endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh completed the first-ever circumnavigation swim around Martha's Vineyard. The 62-mile swim took 12 days in water temperatures around 47 degrees Fahrenheit, coinciding with the start of the white shark migration season. Pugh undertook the swim not only to break a rare endurance record but also to raise awareness about the ecological threats facing sharks, advocating for their protection. The event has drawn renewed attention to shark activity in the New England region, with recent sightings of large sharks near Block Island and Rhode Island evoking comparisons to scenes from the movie. Additionally, Martha's Vineyard Museum is hosting an exhibit celebrating the film's 50-year legacy.
BBBC News (UK)
2 months
20-Foot Shark Spotted in Great Salt Pond Near Block Island Over Memorial Day Weekend Ahead of Jaws @ 50 Documentary Release
20-Foot Shark Spotted in Great Salt Pond Near Block Island Over Memorial Day Weekend Ahead of Jaws @ 50 Documentary Release
A 20-foot basking shark was spotted swimming in Great Salt Pond near Block Island, Rhode Island, over the Memorial Day weekend, drawing comparisons to the iconic 1975 film "Jaws." The sighting, confirmed by the Atlantic Shark Institute and captured on video, showed the large shark trailing close to a small boat and was witnessed by diners at a nearby restaurant. Experts noted that the presence of such sharks in the area is normal, attributing it to warmer water temperatures attracting these species. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of "Jaws," prompting renewed public interest in sharks. To mark this milestone, a documentary titled "Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story" will be released on July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu. The documentary features exclusive footage, interviews with the original cast and crew, and contributions from filmmakers Jordan Peele, Guillermo Del Toro, and George Lucas. Additionally, a 55-year-old swimmer involved in a related campaign aims to change public perception of sharks, emphasizing their vulnerability rather than portraying them as cold-blooded killers as depicted in the film.
BBBC News (UK)
2 months
Lewis Pugh, 55, Begins First 62-Mile Swim Around Martha’s Vineyard to Highlight Sharks on 'Jaws' 50th Anniversary
Lewis Pugh, 55, Begins First 62-Mile Swim Around Martha’s Vineyard to Highlight Sharks on 'Jaws' 50th Anniversary
Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh, 55, has begun an attempt to become the first person to swim around Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the film 'Jaws.' The 62-mile (100-kilometer) swim, expected to take about 12 days, is being undertaken in 47-degree (8-degree Celsius) water, with Pugh wearing only trunks, a cap, and goggles. Pugh, a British-South African and United Nations Patron of the Oceans, is using the challenge to raise awareness about the plight of sharks and to change public perceptions shaped by the film 'Jaws,' which was filmed on the island. He has stated that sharks have been unfairly maligned as 'villains' and is calling for greater protection for the species, which are now at risk due to overfishing and negative stereotypes. Both Steven Spielberg and Peter Benchley have expressed regret over the film's impact on shark perception. The swim began at Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse just after the season's first confirmed great white shark sighting off Nantucket, in a region considered a great white shark hotspot. Pugh is accompanied by safety personnel in a boat and kayak and uses a 'Shark Shield' device that deters sharks with an electric field without harming them. He spends several hours swimming each day and the remainder of his time educating the public about the importance of sharks to ocean ecosystems. Pugh has highlighted that around 100 million sharks are killed globally each year, or approximately 274,000 per day, largely due to commercial fishing. He stresses that sharks are essential for healthy oceans and supports international efforts to protect marine environments, including the upcoming UN ocean conference in June. Pugh's previous swims include the Hudson River and under Antarctic ice to raise awareness for environmental causes.
BBBC News (World)
2 months
Steven Spielberg, Creator of Jaws and Schindler's List, Names Crime Epic as Greatest American Film
Steven Spielberg, the acclaimed filmmaker known for classics such as "Jaws," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and "Schindler's List," has publicly named his choice for the greatest American film ever made. Spielberg, who was born in Cincinnati and is often regarded as one of Arizona's greatest filmmakers, described a crime epic as the best American film of all time. While the specific title of the film was not mentioned, Spielberg's endorsement highlights the film's standing in American cinema.
YYahoo Entertainment
3 months
Jeannot Szwarc, Director of 'Jaws 2' and 'Supergirl,' Dies at 85 of Respiratory Failure
Jeannot Szwarc, Director of 'Jaws 2' and 'Supergirl,' Dies at 85 of Respiratory Failure
Jeannot Szwarc, the French-American director known for his work in film and television, has passed away at the age of 85. Szwarc died on January 15, 2025, due to respiratory failure at Central Hospital in Loches, France, as confirmed by his son, Sacha Szwarc. Born in Paris on November 21, 1939, he was raised in Argentina and later graduated from Harvard University. Szwarc directed notable films such as 'Jaws 2,' 'Somewhere in Time,' 'Supergirl,' and 'Santa Claus: The Movie.' He also had a prolific career in television, directing episodes of popular series like 'Grey’s Anatomy,' 'Smallville,' 'The Practice,' and 'JAG.' His work on 'Somewhere in Time' earned a cult following, with actress Jane Seymour describing him as a "brilliant director and a kind and generous soul." Szwarc is survived by his wife, Cara Szwarc, and two sons, Sacha and Stefan Szwarc.
TTIMES NOW
6 months
Surfer Ty Simpson-Kane Swept Away by Eight-Meter Wave Known as 'Jaws' at Peahi, Hawaii, Emerges Uninjured with Lifeguard Assistance
Surfer Ty Simpson-Kane Swept Away by Eight-Meter Wave Known as 'Jaws' at Peahi, Hawaii, Emerges Uninjured with Lifeguard Assistance
A surfer was swept away by a giant wave exceeding eight meters while practicing at Peahi, Hawaii, known for its challenging surf conditions. The incident occurred during an attempt to ride a wave referred to as 'Jaws.' Fortunately, the surfer, identified as Ty Simpson-Kane, emerged uninjured thanks to the prompt assistance of lifeguards. Simpson-Kane later described the experience as one of the most intense wipeouts he has ever encountered.
RRT en Español
7 months