There’s no denying the impact ofSteven Spielberg’s landmark blockbusterJaws. The film set the standard for what a massive summer film should be all while creating memorable characters like Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), iconic moments and quotes that have transcended the film itself, anda killer score fromJohn Williams. It didn’t need a sequel, but, considering the boatload of cash it dragged in, that was an inevitability. Easily the best of the three follow-ups was Universal’s first attempt at a sequel -Jaws 2. Now, just when everyone thought it was safe to go back in the water, the film is resurfacing with a new 4K Ultra HD release coming on July 4.
Jaws 2, like its predecessor, wasa massively troubled production. Right off the bat, the film would be without its captain, Spielberg, who steered the first film to glory. Instead, it would beJeannot Szwarcwho would helm the project with a script penned byCarl Gottlieb. One person the film would get back, however, was Scheider who returned out of contractual obligation to Universal even if he wasn’t the least bit happy about the arrangement. Williams also returned to deliver another strong score. Despite all the troubles of filming on the water once again, it all came together to makea sequel that was better than it had any right to beconsidering the circumstances, earning $208 million at the box office in the process.
The film itself follows Brody as he once againtangles with a great white sharkoff the shore of Amity Island. Initially, the town and the mayor are reluctant to believe another shark roams the waters and chalk Brody’s claims up to post-traumatic stress from fighting the first shark with Quint (Robert Shaw) and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss). As more people go missing, it becomes clear that something still lurks in the water. It all becomes a race against time when Brody’s own sons become endangered as the shark attacks while they’re out sailing with their friends. Scheider is joined inJaws 2by fellowJawsveteransLorraine Gary,Murray Hamilton, andJeffrey Kramerwho return as Ellen Brody, Mayor Larry Vaughn, and Deputy Hendricks respectively.
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What Special Features Come WithJaws 2’s 4K Release?
Of course, the 4K release will come packed with plenty of special features that shine a light on the creation of this troubled yet still solid sequel. One such featurette comes from actorKeith Gordonwho reminisces on his first feature film role as a teenager while another dives intoWilliams’s score for the sequel. The big draw, of course, is the 45-minute documentary that explores the troubled production in-depth. Beyond that, the 4K release comes with all the typical goodies one can expect from a home release. See the full list of features below:
RevisitJaws 2in 4K to celebrate Independence Day on July 4. Check out the trailer below.
