50 years ago, “Jaws” transformed the film industry. On July 10th on National Geographic and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu July 11th,, will present “JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story”
Jaws at 50: The Blockbuster That Changed Everything Gets the Definitive Doc Treatment
By James Guttman, Cord Cutters News - May 30, 2025
https://cordcuttersnews.com/jaws-at-50-the-blockbuster-that-changed-everything-gets-the-definitive-doc-treatment/
In 1975, Jaws transformed the film industry…and our relationship with the ocean. Directed by a young Steven Spielberg, the thriller about a man-eating great white terrorizing the beaches of fictional Amity Island was more than just a hit. It was a watershed moment: the first true summer blockbuster, a masterclass in suspense, and a movie that sent beachgoers scrambling out of the water for years. Adapted from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel, Jaws grossed over $476 million worldwide on a modest $9 million budget and earned a place in history with its iconic score, legendary lines, and lasting cultural footprint. It won three Academy Awards and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. But behind the scenes? A mechanical shark that barely worked, chaotic ocean filming, and the kind of production nightmares that threatened to sink Spielberg’s career before it even began.
Now, five decades later, the full story surfaces.
A Deep Dive Into History, Legacy, and Legends
Premiering July 10 on National Geographic and streaming July 11, JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story is a must-watch for both cinephiles and shark junkies. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), this authorized feature was made in partnership with Amblin Documentaries, Nedland Films, and Wendy Benchley, offering unprecedented access to the filmmakers, cast, and Spielberg himself. ….
