JAWS in IMAX Review: The Head, The Tail, The Whole Damn Screen
Forget about needing a bigger boat. To see JAWS in all it’s glory, you’re gonna need a bigger screen, and an earth-shattering, state-of-the-art sound system.
Luckily, for movie fans, Universal Pictures has made that a reality by releasing the ORIGINAL Summer blockbuster (that started it all)… in IMAX, for the very first time. Witness every searing thrill, and hear every fear-inducing chill, led by John Williams’ Academy Award winning score - like NEVER before.
I was dazzled by seeing JAWS in its brand-new third dimension of terror - which I wrote about in my RealD 3D review “JAWS RealD 3D Review” and I was almost equally dazzled with this incredible rendition in the IMAX format. But, I must admit: as a fan, I was most excited about seeing the 3D version - since it is a truly NEW version, and one I never expected to see. I never dreamt a 47 year old classic like JAWS would be re-released in 3D after all this time. So I thought that particular version would be the most thoughtful and special - a true reimagining of a classic in a new and unforgettable way. Having said that, I was incredibly excited (and waited with bated breath) to see JAWS in all its IMAX glory.
Experiencing it in IMAX allowed me to see my absolute favorite film in the highest quality picture and sound available today. Not only was my excitement founded, but my expectations were shattered - in the best way possible. JAWS simply has never looked or sounded this good. To be honest, I’m not sure how it could ever top what I just experienced. And before anyone thinks my opinion may be biased based on my affinity for this film, it should be noted it’s the exact opposite - I am even that much harder to impress.
Jaws showed in IMAX in theatres across the world
And that’s where the presentation comes in. I first saw JAWS on both VHS and TV the first few times I watched it. Then on Betamax and laserdisc. Every time was enchanting, but those formats couldn’t hold a candle to what I just experienced. The picture is simply flawless given the source material. The beautiful clarity, and the refinement of the image on such a gigantic, enveloping screen makes JAWS come alive like never before. The fact you can see subtle things like the blinking lights from the tracker strobe light Hooper attaches to the first barrel shot into Bruce, and the yellowish-green shimmering glow it produces (in the dead of night) is both beautiful and surprising. Even Spielberg’s trademark shooting stars come alive so vividly and brilliantly. You can see the abundance of love, skill and precision that was put into the well worn and sea battered ORCA (a real fishing boat completely overhauled by Joe Alves and crew - made to look so rustic and sea worn).
Every scar, barnacle and texture on Bruce is seen with such wonderfully exhaustive detail (which shows and makes me appreciate even more just how much love and expert craftsmanship was needed to pull off making people believe a mechanical shark could both look and feel so menacing). It is the abundance of little things, and the many micro touches that made JAWS so great. And I am thrilled to report there’s a multitude of these moments that can now be seen in very subtle, and gorgeously intricate ways - some of which I had never noticed before. For instance: there is a lone darting fish, and subtle underwater bubbles (perhaps produced by the underwater scuba divers from the film crew themselves) that I had never observed before in Bruce’s underwater POV shot during Chrissie’s last late night swim. These sorts of details will be an absolute treat for fans. Even more than that, this video presentation made me feel a protuberant sense of unadulterated appreciation for what my filmmaking heroes gifted all of us JAWS fans 47 years ago. That immense joy and appreciation continues to burn ever more brightly in me to this very day.
With all that said about the perfection of the visuals, for me, it’s the audio that stands out. And it’s the audio that makes the film that much more special and immersive (in a different way than the 3D version). Not to deride the visual aspects, which are fantastic, but it will always be Verna Fields’ (Oscar-winning) editing and John Williams’ epic score that make the final product as powerful as it is. And in IMAX - the score is pulse pounding and adrenaline-inducing like never before. And I can promise you, when you get to the finale, you’ll be smiling like a son of a b*tch!
The audio remaster made me excited from the beginning. John Williams’ iconic and mesmerizing score is now heard in a way I’ve never been so fortunate to hear. The main riff and the rest of the score brings a sense of tension and presence that will impress even the most casual of fans. Maybe it’s the fact that the original audio track was originally mono, and in a time that isn’t quite the audio oasis that we live in today - but the new IMAX mix is next level when compared to any other release. Nowadays, Dolby Atmos and DTS X are the default, but in 1975, mono reigned supreme.
It’s not just the score that sounds so incredible. I had never heard the films’ sound effects sound and become so alive, nor so exciting! And by comparison to the original mono track (which I still appreciate, and was an Oscar winner itself for best sound mixing) this new mix has been cranked up to an 11. In contrast with the original track - this IMAX mix is an absolute sonic boom. When I heard Quint’s fingernails scrape the chalkboard in his introductory scene, a chill literally went down my spine. It may be a horrific sound, but it is was exhilarating to hear it in such horrendous detail and clarity. Likewise, the piercing sound of the lifeguard’s whistle during the “fake” shark spotting (before the very real estuary attack) not only felt like it cut right through me, but launched directly into my soul, and also my eardrums. And a certain climactic scene featuring rifle shots, ultimately culminating with a certain (and most thrilling) explosion, practically had the entire theater shaking - leaving a noticeable smile on my face. It’s these such moments, and the countless little things this audio mix achieves, that makes this presentation so remarkable.
As a kid, my weakness was the sound. A good sound mix means I enjoy it, and I’m not overcome or sensory overloaded by it. But when you have a great score, and bombastic (yet refined) bass, especially, it relaxes me and resonates deep into my core. If I’m not careful, it can even lull me to sleep. Not out of boredom, but because it’s truly soothing - like a warm blanket of sound. I can’t really explain it. There are many such moments in the IMAX version that did just that. Like I said, it’s not a knock on the film. On the contrary - it is a badge of honor. Audio has always had a huge affect on me. And this audio presentation was one of the greatest I’ve experienced in a theater or anywhere else. And from a 47 year old film, I don’t think anything else needs to be said about the audio presentation other than it is simply stellar! Bravo!
Some may wonder which version of JAWS I liked better between the IMAX and 3D versions. In all honesty, I was blown away by both. The 3D making me feel like a kid again, and let me experience JAWS in a truly new, (and for me) revolutionary way. I think I loved it so much because it was pure, unabashed fun to see a film that I’ve seen countless times come to life with a dramatically new spin. If I had to pick a favorite, or more exciting version, I would easily choose the 3D, because it made a new way of watching the film possible - without being a gimmick. Yet, the IMAX release made me feel something equally, or perhaps even more important in the grand scheme of things.
The IMAX release, with its sterling picture and immaculate soundscape, made me feel endlessly grateful such a game-changing and culturally significant film was treated with such reverence, dignity and respect 47 years later. The restoration of the film is the most important aspect to me. To not only restore, but keep films in the greatest shape possible for future preservation is of paramount importance. Not only to me, and film history, but for the future generations of film fans and film lovers to come. But to be honest, I wouldn’t care if I saw JAWS in IMAX, 3D, Betamax, or the worst quality bootleg VHS imaginable. JAWS is and will always be: JAWS - no matter the format. Though, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic film in the most beautiful way possible?
In the end, I hope we don’t lose sight of the big picture, and realize that both the incredible 3D rendition, and the picture (and sonically) perfect IMAX release is truly a gift. A gift that not many saw coming, and for me, was a JAWS fan’s dream come true. But in the end, the only thing that matters is that the film continues to live on. Not only in our lives today, but hopefully (and undoubtedly) the many generations of film fans and JAWS fans that follow. This is a perfect presentation of a perfect film. My suggestion to you is to see it as soon as you can, before it leaves theaters. You may never get a theatrical experience watching JAWS like this again in this lifetime. Hopefully we will, (I’m looking at you 50th anniversary in 2025) but I’m certainly not taking this opportunity for granted. You shouldn’t either.
JAWS is as good today, in 2022, as it was in 1975. I am so grateful the film has been restored and preserved in such a startlingly beautiful way - making sure that over the next 47 years, both new and old JAWS fans alike can cherish what is one of the greatest films to ever grace the silver screen. That’s not only a rare and significant feat, it’s absolutely priceless.
Reviewer Bradley Bjornstad in the mouth of Jaws
Words by Bradley Bjornstad
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