National Geographic Unveils JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

National Geographic Unveils JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic film Jaws, National Geographic has announced an exciting new documentary titled JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. This 90-minute film promises to deliver the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes exploration of the landmark movie ever created. Scheduled to premiere on July 10 on National Geographic, the documentary will also be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu starting July 11.

Directed by the accomplished Laurent Bouzereau, known for his work on Faye and compositions by John Williams, JAWS @ 50 stands as the only authorized documentary marking the anniversary of this classic film. With the full support and involvement of Steven Spielberg, the documentary is produced by his own Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, along with contributions from Wendy Benchley, the wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley, and Laura Bowling.

One of the highlights of this documentary is its inclusion of newly recorded reflections from Spielberg himself. He offers candid insights into the challenges he faced during the notoriously troubled production, which included encountering malfunctioning mechanical sharks, extreme weather conditions, and the emotional toll that led to post-production PTSD. Additionally, audiences will be treated to never-before-seen footage sourced from the personal archives of both Spielberg and Benchley, featuring rare outtakes and home videos that add a personal touch to the story of Jaws.

The film also features exclusive interviews with an array of significant contributors to the film, including the original cast and crew. Moreover, it brings together a diverse group of contemporary filmmakers and artists, ranging from J.J. Abrams and Emily Blunt to James Cameron and Jordan Peele, all of whom share their perspectives on how Jaws has influenced their own work and the broader cinematic landscape.

Importantly, JAWS @ 50 is not merely a nostalgic revisitation for fans of cinema. The documentary also delves into the complex issue of the "Jaws effect"—the widespread fear of sharks that was incited by the film—and seeks to reframe this discussion within a context of conservation and respect for marine life. Through interviews with Peter Benchley’s family and insights from leading marine scientists such as Philippe Cousteau and Dr. Greg Skomal, the documentary examines how the cultural impact of Jaws has evolved into a platform for advocating shark conservation efforts.

This mission is deeply aligned with National Geographic's educational objectives, specifically through their enduring SharkFest programming, celebrated for its focus on oceanic research and wildlife conservation.

The premiere of JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story will take place on Wednesday, July 10 at 9 PM ET on National Geographic and will feature prominently in this summer’s anticipated SharkFest lineup, which aims to celebrate the ocean’s apex predators.