Amazingly, this is the second time Jaws: The Revenge has made its way onto DVD. The first disc, from Goodtimes, included extra footage, a decent (though unspectacular) transfer, and occasionally scratchy audio. This new disc from Universal themselves is a large improvement, though the extra footage has not been included. This new 2.35:1 transfer is beautiful, bursting with bright colors that really bring out the islands natural beauty. Indoor sequences suffer from some extremely heavy grain, which does bring the overall package down a notch, but the vast majority of the film takes place in broad daylight anyway. Nearly all specks and scratches have been cleaned up as well. (****)
The audio package here is presented in Dolby Pro-Logic. A few instances of rear speaker usage are evident, but these are few and far between. Most of the audio is centered with some minor bass. The hissing of the old Goodtimes disc has been cleaned up and all the dialogue comes through clear. (***)
Sadly, even with the extra ending and alternate scenes, this disc is barren. None of the extra footage has been included here. All viewers get is a ghastly full frame trailer and some recommendations (which include Jaws 1, 2, and 3 as if people couldn't figure this out on their own). Not that the film actually deserves a full-blown special edition, but if the footage is out there, why NOT include it? (*)
This is a film for completists only. It's not the worst in the series nor is it the worst shark movie ever made (See Shark Attack 3 or Red Water and you'll see my point), but it is still a disgrace to the classic original. Hopefully the series will die a peaceful death with this rotten entry, but rumors are abound that a fifth film may still surface.
Originally posted at Breaking Windows.
Article comments
1 - jadester
strangely, when ths was on uk tv a few years ago, the ending was the original one you describe; the shark was impaled (although the roar was there)
the film was more amusing than scary, which is a shame but it's the Law Of Sequels (sorry, Diminishing Returns) in full effect: you just *know* that from the third film on, any film series will be crap.
Terminator 3
Robocop 3
Lethal Weapon 3
...
2 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Hey, jadester, Nightmare On Elm Street 3 was a masterpiece, is what. And Bride Of Chucky also.
Jaws - The Revenge holds a special place in my blood-pump. It's so stunningly awful that i can't help but love it. Ridiculous it may be, but it's never boring, and great fun to be around.
Great article, man.
3 - Chris Kent
Great work Matt. Isn't this the film where Lorraine Gary stands on the bow of the boat, stares the shark down, and says something like, "Come and get me you son of a bitch!"
Lines just don't get any better than that!
Anyway, believe I once read that Roger Ebert stood up after the end of this film and yelled, "Worse movie I've ever seen!" To me, that at the very least, makes it worth a look.
4 - Matt Paprocki
Yeah, this is the one Chris. After she says it, the shark lets out the first roar which puts almost anyone into an uncontrollable laughing fit.
I'll have to check on the Ebert thing. I'll try to dig up his review.
5 - Matt Paprocki
URL
There's Ebert's review. I'd say he makes a pretty strong case by giving it no stars at all. =:)
6 - Chris Kent
Terrific link Matt. Thanks!
7 - D. Gordon
Yes, this JAWS THE REVENGE movie is a turkey. Lorrain Gary acknowledges how bad it really was and she's upset over it. She's usually a pretty lady but she looks scary in this film as she's too thin here and has a bad 1980's hairstyle.
8 - D. Gordon
Yes, this JAWS THE REVENGE movie is a turkey. Lorrain Gary acknowledges how bad it really was and she's upset over it. She's usually a pretty lady but she looks scary in this film as she's too thin here and has a bad 1980's hairstyle.
9 - Alice Keymer
Better than Jaws 3-D eh? At least that had a few scary abnd suspensful scenes, especially in 3-D. Jaws the Revenge was crap, pure and simple.