COMMENTARY: Bring ‘Jaws’ to the big screen!

As part of Universal’s 100th anniversary, Jaws will be released this summer on Blu-ray for the very first time. The Steven Spielberg blockbuster is digitally remastered and fully restored, promising to wow audiences again on Aug. 14. But one logical question remains: Why can’t we receive a limited theatrical release of arguably the best summer movie of all time? The Blu-ray, with many great features, will make home viewing of the movie quite exceptional, but revisiting the classic in a packed movie theater would be a memorable experience.

The movie, starring Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw, has entered the collective consciousness of the American public. Once an audience member experiences it for the first time, it’s difficult to enjoy any body of water again. I, for one, can’t stop looking over my shoulder in the ocean, half-expecting to see a shark fin headed my way.

Jaws is simply one of those movies that causes an instant memory for audience members. That is cause enough to release the blockbuster on Blu-ray, but the studio should go the next step and release the original film in movie theaters. There’s definitely a market for re-releases — just look at George Lucas and the Star Wars saga.

The window on this re-release is slowly closing. The movie is not a fall or winter flick. It needs to be experienced during the height of summer, when everyone is heading out on the weekend to take in some rays on the nearest beach.

There is some solace for fans who are disappointed Jaws won’t appear in movie theaters: This summer, Martha’s Vineyard will host JawsFest, a four-day convention that features talks, screenings and special events surrounding Spielberg’s movie. For more information, click here.

If you want to see Jaws in movie theaters, leave your thoughts in the comment field below. Maybe there’s still time to see the big shark on the big screen.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com