Image courtesy of Universal Studios
The film "Jaws" is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer.
The year 1974 was a time when the nation saw Richard Nixon resign from the White House, drivers pay 53 cents a gallon for gas and movie-goers head to theaters to see the original summer blockbuster, "Jaws," directed by a little-known 26-year old director, Steven Spielberg.
In case you haven't seen it, the film begins in the summer resort town of Amity Island, where a series of fatal shark attacks leads the new police chief Martin Brody to try and close the beaches, but he is met with resistance from the mayor who fears economic ruin. As the attacks continue, Brody enlists the help of a marine biologist, Matt Hooper, and a grizzled shark hunter, Quint, to track down and kill the massive great white shark terrorizing the community, resulting in a dangerous and iconic battle at sea.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, the film will be re-released this summer in theaters, including a kick-off celebration on Memorial Day, May 26 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City, at 1660 Crystal Dr. in Arlington.
The movie party will likely include a host, giveaways and more before the film begins during two showings, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to a theater spokesperson. Purchase tickets here. (At press time, few seats were available, but keep an eye out for more dates to be announced during the entire summer.)
Fifty years later, the film remains a highly influential motion picture. To celebrate this milestone, "Jaws" will be brought to life through a nearly year-long celebration, a theatrical re-release, an anniversary edition on Digital and Blu-ray, and summer streaming on Peacock of the film, all-new merchandise in various categories, and much more — including the upcoming Jaws: The Exhibition at the Academy Museum. Discover how Jaws became the first "summer blockbuster" and continues to shape culture today.
