Just When You Thought It Was Safe… “Jaws” Returns! 50th Anniversary Doc Dives Deep with Unseen Spielberg Secrets on Hulu & Disney+
Get ready to go back in the water, film fans! This summer, prepare for an unprecedented deep dive into cinematic history as a brand-new documentary, “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story,” surfaces to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s iconic blockbuster. Premiering on Hulu and Disney Plus, this is the Jaws story you’ve never seen before!
Directed by the acclaimed Laurent Bouzereau, the documentary promises an “unfiltered look at the chaos and creativity” that swirled behind the making of the legendary shark thriller. Viewers will be treated to a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage straight from director Spielberg’s and shark activist Wendy Benchley’s personal archives. Imagine: home videos from the set and “rare outtakes” that bring the making of a masterpiece vividly to life!
Even more exciting, Spielberg himself candidly reflects on the monumental challenges faced during production. From the infamous “battling a malfunctioning mechanical shark” (affectionately nicknamed Bruce) and “relentless weather delays,” to his own “post-production PTSD and fears the film would end his career,” no stone is left unturned. It’s a testament to how true movie magic was made despite the odds – as the tagline teases, “It broke down. It malfunctioned. It made history.”
But “Jaws @ 50” isn’t just about the on-set drama. It also thoughtfully explores the significant, and at times unfortunate, “ripple effect” the film had on public perception of sharks, leading to widespread fear and hunting. The documentary counters this by featuring fresh, insightful interviews with original cast and crew members, alongside contemporary filmmakers, shark advocates, and activists, offering a well-rounded perspective on the film’s complex legacy.
Remember, “Jaws,” based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel (he also co-wrote the screenplay!), first terrified audiences in 1975. It didn’t just make a splash; it took the world by storm, grossing a staggering $476 million against a modest $9 million budget, and forever changed summer blockbusters.
Mark your calendars! “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” is set to premiere on Thursday, July 10, at 9/8c on National Geographic. Can’t wait? The good news continues as the documentary will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney Plus starting the very next day, July 11th.
This is fantastic news for film buffs and Jaws fanatics alike, offering a chance to rediscover the story of cinema’s most famous shark and the groundbreaking film that made us all afraid to go in the water!
