Steven Spielberg’s seminal blockbuster Jaws undeniably changed the landscape of summer cinema, introducing unforgettable characters such as Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), timeless quotes, and a legendary John Williams score. While it wasn’t calling for a sequel, its overwhelming success made a follow-up almost inevitable. Out of all the sequels, the crown goes to Universal’s first try, Jaws 2. This summer, the film is poised to make another splash, resurfacing with a new 4K Ultra HD release on July 4.
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Jaws 2, much like the original, had a production journey filled with trials and tribulations. Spielberg, the helmsman of the first film, was missing from this voyage. Instead, the reins were handed over to Jeannot Szwarc, directing a script crafted by Carl Gottlieb. A welcome returnee, however, was Scheider, who came back due to a contractual obligation to Universal, despite not being thrilled about the deal. John Williams also made a triumphant return, adding another power-packed score to the mix. Despite the hurdles of filming on water again, the film managed to overcome the odds and create a sequel that surpassed expectations, raking in a cool $208 million at the box office.
The plot focuses on Brody, who once again grapples with a great white shark in the waters off Amity Island. Initially, the town’s authorities and mayor dismiss Brody’s claims, attributing it to PTSD from his first shark encounter alongside Quint (Robert Shaw) and Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss). As more people start disappearing, it becomes apparent that a new terror lurks beneath the waves. The stakes escalate when Brody’s own sons are in peril from the shark during a sailing outing with friends. Joining Scheider in Jaws 2 are returning Jaws stars Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, and Jeffrey Kramer, reprising their roles as Ellen Brody, Mayor Larry Vaughn, and Deputy Hendricks respectively.
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What Extra Goodies Accompany Jaws 2’s 4K Release?
The 4K edition of Jaws 2 promises a raft of exciting special features that offer insights into the making of this challenging yet rewarding sequel. For instance, one featurette includes actor Keith Gordon reflecting on his debut feature film role as a teenager, while another delves into the nuances of Williams’s score for the sequel. A key highlight is the 45-minute documentary that dives deep into the troubled production. Additionally, the 4K edition brings all the standard extras expected from a home release. See the complete list of features below:
The Making of Jaws 2
Jaws 2: A Portrait by Actor Keith Gordon
John Williams: The Music of Jaws 2
The “French” Joke
Deleted scenes
Storyboards
Theatrical trailers
Revel in the thrill of Jaws 2 in 4K as part of your Independence Day celebrations on July 4. Find the trailer below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jaws 2 4K Ultra HD Release
When will the 4K Ultra HD release of ‘Jaws 2’ be available?
The 4K Ultra HD release of ‘Jaws 2’ will be available on July 4.
Who directed the sequel ‘Jaws 2’?
Jeannot Szwarc took over the directorial reins from Steven Spielberg for ‘Jaws 2’.
Does Roy Scheider return in ‘Jaws 2’?
Yes, Roy Scheider reprised his role as Chief Martin Brody in ‘Jaws 2’, returning due to a contractual obligation to Universal.
Does the 4K Ultra HD release of ‘Jaws 2’ have special features?
Yes, the 4K Ultra HD release of ‘Jaws 2’ includes a range of special features such as ‘The Making of Jaws 2’, a portrait by actor Keith Gordon, a deep dive into John Williams’s score, deleted scenes, storyboards, theatrical trailers, and a 45-minute documentary that explores the film’s troubled production.
Who else from the original cast returns in ‘Jaws 2’?
Along with Roy Scheider, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, and Jeffrey Kramer also return in ‘Jaws 2’, reprising their roles as Ellen Brody, Mayor Larry Vaughn, and Deputy Hendricks respectively.
