Jaws (DVD)

Jaws is an essential purchase for anyone who loves classic cinema. This double disc edition released to commemorate the film's 30th anniversary is packed with extras.

As well a remastered copy of the film, the second disc has the usual interviews with the director, writer and producer, but there are also deleted scenes, storyboards, and a documentary on the making of the film. There is also an in depth interview with John Williams, who wrote the classic score for the film. I'd been waiting for a decent DVD release of this film and I got it!

I first saw Jaws in 1975 at the tender age of 12 and had nightmares for a fortnight! Thirty one years later, the nightmares are gone, I have a fascination for sharks and Jaws is my all-time favourite film. Why?

Well, for a start, just watch the characterization between the three male leads. These are extremely strong characters in their own right and, in any other film, would be fighting each other for dominance of the screen. Yet Spielberg makes these characters work together beautifully and the result is a joy to behold. Catch the interplay between Quint and Hooper on the Orca - Quint crushes his beer can and Hooper, not to be outdone, crushes his plastic cup!

For those of you who have not seen Jaws (where have you been?!) the basic plot is simple. A large great white shark stakes a claim off the local Amity Island beach and begins to snack on the tourists. The police chief, Brody, is the only one who suspects its existence but his pleas to hire a fisherman to kill the shark fall on deaf ears - it's the beginning of the summer season and the locals are scared they will lose their income if he closes the beaches. In desperation, Brody calls in a shark expert to help and the pair set out to prove that the town has a shark problem, a scene which is brought about spectacularly when the shark enters the boating pond, capsizes Brody's son's boat, kills a rower and then escapes back out to sea. Brody is vindicated, Quint is hired to kill the shark and the hunt is on!

Jaws is almost a movie in two parts. The first half sets up the plot and characters, introduces the unseen menace of the shark and plays like a basic horror movie. Once Quint enters the fray and the trio set out to trap the shark, the mood moves up a notch, with some scenes playing almost as though from a comedy and the whole thing feeling like a jolly jaunt at sea! Even the appearance of the shark doesn't darken the tone, but adds to the adventure. Once the strange nature of the shark becomes apparent, however, the menace returns and the movie turns once more into horror mode, with our hunters becoming the hunted in a fight for survival.

Each scene is set up with the utmost eye for detail in this movie. Several are my favourites and are worth watching out for - the now famous reverse dolly shot as Brody sees a shark attack from the beach - Brody's son Shaun mirroring his father's movements as he ponders what to do - the stunning shot of the ocean seen through the bridge archway which seems to echo the shape of the shark's jaws - and Quint's USS Indianapolis speech. And complimenting every scene is John Williams' outstanding score. Never, in the history of movies, have two notes sounded so threatening!

I could talk about Jaws all day, but I'm beginning to run out of space! I love this movie and I would like everyone to love it too! It's the ultimate man-against-nature movie and a rollicking adventure to boot! Absolutely well worth a viewing! And don't be afraid to go in the water!

I bought this DVD as I am an English teacher and for my Yr10's coursework next year I am going to look at cinematic techniques in Jaws. The DVD was much cheaper here on e-bay than it was in the shops and it was in excellent condition.

New DVD - excellent brings back childhood memories - now to be passed on to my children, the music, the atmosphere the anticipation that even though you know what is going to happen it still scares you or makes you jump

Excellent dvd for a start, such a great movie. seller had very good feedback which gave my every intention on buying this item. great condition item and awesome price, 10/10 seller and 10/10 dvd.