Overview

• National Geographic will premiere Jaws @50: The Definitive Inside Story on July 10, featuring archival footage and interviews with Spielberg, cast and ocean experts.
• Universal and NBCUniversal have scheduled a theatrical re-release of the original Jaws for August 29 and will stream all four films on Peacock with a special NBC airing on June 20.
• The documentary highlights how the frequent breakdowns of the mechanical shark “Bruce” forced Spielberg to master suggestion and tension over direct creature shots.
• Jaws pioneered modern blockbuster marketing by deploying saturation TV advertising and a wide 464-screen launch, setting the template for today’s summer tentpoles.
• Beyond its box-office success, Jaws transformed public views of sharks—feeding both fear and fascination—and helped spark early ocean conservation efforts.