Five decades after its initial release, Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is still making waves in New York City.
The first true summer blockbuster, Jaws debuted in theaters in 1975, captivating millions of people with the thrilling story of a small New England beach town being terrorized by a killer shark and the desperate effort to stop the beast. Starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, and Lorraine Gary, the movie spawned a series of sequels and gained a loyal following among generations of people who have seen it on videotape, cable, DVD, streaming, and other media through the years.
The decades-old summer classic has brought film lovers and casual viewers together in awe of iconic one-liners and groundbreaking visual effects. You can always watch Spielberg’s hit thriller at home, but if you’re looking to get the full Jaws experience in NYC this summer, you’re going to need a bigger screen.
New Yorkers are gearing up to celebrate the fan favorite summer thriller at anniversary events and screenings in and around the city, as June 20 will mark 50 years since the film first hit theaters. Here is a roundup of local events celebrating the seminal classic for Jaws lovers in New York.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Staten Island
Staten Island’s Alamo Drafthouse will be ringing in the Jaws summer celebrations Wednesday evening for a 7 p.m. showing, the latest installment of the cinema’s Movie Party series. Unlike a regular Alamo screening, the theater’s Movie Parties offer audiences props, themed drinks, and an immersion into the world of Jaws. With Wednesday’s screening, Alamo is kicking off a longer summer JAWS celebration featuring anniversary merchandise and a special Jaws-themed menu.
For those wishing to get out of the city and to Martha’s Vineyard, the setting for the fictional Amity Island, Alamo is teaming up with the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce for JAWS in Concert on June 21.
317 Main Street’s Sunday Night at the Movies
The annual Sunday Night at the Movies lineup at 317 Main Street will feature Jaws on July 6 in Farmingdale, LI. The series offers free admission and a full dinner and drink menu for moviegoers, screening nine fan favorite films throughout the spring and summer. Whether it’s your first time seeing Jaws or your 50th, 317 Main Street offers an experience you’ll be sure to remember.
St. George Theatre
The St. George Theatre’s annual “Better on the Big Screen” Movie Series on Staten Island will be featuring Jaws on July 18. Though the film won’t start until 8:15 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m. for a performance by classic rock cover band Johnny Fish & The Fins, followed at 8:00 p.m. by a costume contest. Admission is $25 for general public and $20 for the theatre’s members. If you’re a fan of Spielberg and 80s rock, this showing is for you.
Jaws Entirely From Memory
In the latest installment of Ten Bones Theatre Company’s “Entirely From Memory” theatrical series, performers will act out Jaws entirely from memory on June 12—no scripts, no rehearsals, and no knowledge of what role they’re been assigned until they step on stage.
Lovers of experimental theatrical comedy won’t want to miss this show, which features plenty of audience participation and tests everyone’s knowledge of the Spielberg classic. Showing at Littlefield performance space in Gowanus, Brooklyn, the show charges $15 for admission. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with curtains at 8:00 p.m.
Theatrical re-release
In addition to individual anniversary celebrations across the city, the 1975 film will enjoy a theatrical re-release on Labor Day weekend.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 4, Jaws will be returning to select theaters for a limited run to close out the summer and celebrate its 50th with Jaws fans across the city.
As part of the re-release, Universal Pictures is introducing 50th anniversary digital and Blu-ray versions of the film, with editions going on sale June 17 for at-home viewing. The new version will feature behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, and will include National Geographic’s documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story ahead of its June 20 premiere at Martha’s Vineyard.
