Jaws is one of the most enduring films of the 20th century, and to mark its 50th anniversary, the film is ready to make another major splash at Cineworld from August 29th.
We’ll be honest, the fact that Jaws is now 50-years old has us a bit more terrified of the mirror than the film’s titular shark, but if there’s one thing that hasn’t aged in all that time, it’s the potency of the film’s scares and atmosphere which just begs to be enjoyed when you’re amidst a cinema-full of moviegoers.
BOOK JAWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TICKETS
When the film first hit cinemas back in 1975, it took the world by storm, and no doubt led to a decent chunk of people abandoning swimming lessons for good. If you were lucky enough to see Jaws during its initial run then you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about, but thanks to the innovations in entertainment available at Cineworld, the 50th anniversary screenings will feel like you’re watching the film for the very first time, yet again.
With options to see the film in IMAX, IMAX 3D, 3D, Superscreen and 4DX, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice in terms of how you’d like to experience Steven Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster once more. 4DX in particular can take the film to new heights as you feel every splash of water, the swaying of the boat and the terrifying shark attacks as if you’re right there alongside the main characters.
Of course, if you’ve never seen the film before then you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. In which case, it’s time to run through exactly what has made Jaws such an enduring classic and why a 50th anniversary screening (or two) needs to be added to your calendar this August.
The first true blockbuster
Between big-budget Marvel movies and tentpole franchises like the James Bond series, the term ‘blockbuster’ gets thrown about a lot these days, but Jaws is widely considered to be the first genuine blockbuster, not just in how it captured audiences like nothing else, but also for the fact that it was the first film to earn over $100 million at the box office.
While the film has some great acting within it, alongside some of the most quoted lines of any Hollywood flick, the true allure (as you might have gathered) is the shark itself. Just like the Xenomorph in Alien or the Thing in, well… The Thing, sightings of the shark are kept to a minimum in order to build up the tension, but when it does appear, it makes the shark's presence feel all the more terrifying.
Unlike a murder mystery, the being that’s causing all the chaos is known to the characters and the audience early on, but the issue is that the shark is almost like an otherworldly entity. It’s too strong to simply fight head-on, and requires a lot of cunning to draw it out, which only amps up the stakes.
Even if you haven’t yet seen Jaws, you will doubt be acquainted with the soundtrack as it's been referenced and parodied countless times over the years.
Dun-dun
Not only did Jaws make a star out of Steven Spielberg, but it also put composer John Williams on the map for his brilliantly simple yet effective main theme which starts out with a single instrument to signify that the shark is nearby, before gradually swelling into a full-blown orchestra of terror as the shark gets ever closer to its prey.
Again, it’s the type of sound that works best when heard at the cinema with surround sound as it cuts through the noise and ramps up the tension like nothing else. If ever there was a film that showcases just how potent entertainment as part of an audience can be, it’s Jaws.
With all that in mind, the 50th anniversary screenings are the perfect opportunity for you to experience this cinematic great with the same furor as when it first launched. Just make sure to book your tickets before they’re snapped up.
BOOK JAWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY TICKETS
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