Review of Jaws REALD 3-D (2022 Re-Release)
See the Original JAWS in A Brand-New Dimension of Terror BEFORE You Go Swimming.
One of the greatest things about cinema is that it can make something traditionally two-dimensional come to life. The perfect marriage of sight and sound that transcends the screen. When JAWS was first released on June 20, 1975, it did just that. Its tension was made excruciatingly palpable by the incredible music written by legendary maestro John Williams. The taut touch, patience, and vision brought to life by 27 year old up-and-comer Steven Spielberg’s direction. Then came the absolutely invaluable precision and feel for the pulse of the audience made possible by Verna Fields’ editing, coupled with a myriad of great performances by the film’s key players, and perfectly punctuated by a whip-sharp script. That indelible blend of riches made JAWS not only the original and first true Hollywood blockbuster, but a cinematic masterpiece.
47 years later, all the perfectly seasoned ingredients that made JAWS a sensation, has added a new spice. That spice being a third dimension of terror - as Universal Pictures releases the original JAWS in 3D for the very first time. And I am stunned by the results. Having Spielberg (my film hero and unquestionably one of the greatest directors of all-time) supervise the 3D conversion, I had no doubt it would be good. But what I witnessed on opening day (coincidentally, my birthday on September 2) left my jaw on the floor. No pun intended. JAWS in 3D is simply, a spectacular triumph!
I am usually skeptical of 3D conversions. And a film that is nearly 50 years-old doesn’t scream for a 3D makeover. Yet, any skeptics out there will not only see their skepticism put to rest, but will have their minds blown at the thought of the countless opportunities for other classics that can be brought back to life in fresh, new, and exciting ways. Make no mistake, this new 3D version is no gimmick or cash grab. This is a conversion that was lovingly and meticulously done by SDFX Studios (formerly known as Stereo D). And one that makes this version of JAWS feel like not only a welcome addition to cinema and JAWS history, but could very well serve as a blueprint for what is ultimately possible with bringing classic films back to life, and might inspire a resurgence of the 3D format done right.
Director of Photography Bill Butler didn’t shoot this film with 3D in mind when cameras rolled in 1974. But what he did do was a paint a beautiful canvas that not only brought amazing compositions to life, he also lensed masterful layers of depth of field - utilizing them as an invaluable tool. A tool used to create space and tension. And it’s that depth, and sense of space that makes JAWS such a beautiful sight to behold in 3D.
Right from the start we see the underwater POV of Bruce (the film’s 25 foot Great White shark), and the added depth brings the excitement to new heights. Now the terrifying final late night swim of Chrissie Watkins brings with it a new dimension of terror - as the film’s 3D puts you right in the middle of the ocean with her. When she calmly and unsuspectingly wades at the surface, you can practically feel the shark slowly glide towards her, just inches from her limbs. Evoking a feeling of being submerged in that gigantic ocean with her, as a monster patiently lurks just below the surface. It makes the scene feel real, immersive, and tense in ways it never had before.
Every moment in, on, or around the water bursts through the screen, giving the perfect sense of depth, and making you feel like the shark is just below the surface - patiently, hungrily waiting. Never before had I had the urgent feeling of how close the mighty Great White is to its victims. Now you can see the limbs of bathers, and the ocean waters itself, envelop and surround you like never before. Not to mention the shots on land - like the beautiful kaleidoscope-like dolly zoom shot of Brody just as he witnesses the horrific aftermath of the Kintner boy’s dramatic demise. The effects are striking. Even what might be expected to be more visually mundane moments come to life in new and exciting ways as they tangibly pop off the screen.
The added depth and scale makes the final hour at sea all that more terrifying and exhilarating. And illuminates the stakes Brody, Quint and Hooper (brought to life by the incredible power trio of Scheider, Shaw and Dreyfuss) are up against so much more vividly and urgently. I loved seeing the ORCA come to life. Especially whenever Quint finds himself on the bow of the boat with his Greener Light harpoon gun, waiting to put a barrel (or three) on Bruce. You see just how gigantic our shark is - and he holds up wonderfully in 3D, coming to life like never before. All this adds up to a sense of dread and added tension as you gain a new appreciation for how close our three heroes are to almost certain death. It is an impressive sight to behold. If you’re like me, even after watching the original film countless times, your adrenaline will pump more than you might expect, and you’ll love every moment of it.
Not to give away any major spoilers for those new to JAWS, but a certain moment in an underwater cage, a pulse pounding, eye-popping, exploration into the wreckage of a certain local’s fishing boat, and the film’s final, triumphantly chaotic showdown will leave your collective jaws squarely on the floor - begging for more! The added depth is that intense, enveloping, and masterfully done. I never imagined there would come a day that I’d be watching JAWS and feel a sense akin to actually being in the water or aboard the ORCA. Then I went to the first showing of JAWS in 3D and experienced just that. And it was not only a thrill ride, but a dream come true.
Spielberg knocked it out of the park when he re-released Jurassic Park in 3D for its 20th anniversary in 2013. I was pretty impressed with that conversion, but there’s no way a movie nearly 20 years older than even JP (with a fraction of the budget and technology at its disposal) could top that feat, right? Wrong. JAWS not only surpasses those soaring heights, but doubles down on the terror and suspense. It feels like a new film. And any time a 47 year old film can feel truly new again - you know you’ve done something beautifully right. Seeing JAWS in 3D is simply, “JAWSOME!” I can’t recommend it enough.
See the original JAWS in a brand-new dimension of terror BEFORE you go swimming.
Words and images by Bradley Bjornstad
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