Jaws 2 [DVD]

At long last, then, Jaws 2 gets a Blu Ray release. I’ve always had a soft spot for this film: partly because I think it’s great, but also because it had the unenviable task of following the first, iconic, utterly wonderful first film. How do you follow that…?? Apparently it was one of the very first sequels made – in those days, such things were rare – and paved the way for the mega-franchises we see (or endure) to this day.Without spoiling it, the plot basically involves another shark wreaking havoc on some of the inhabitants of Amity Island. However, this film is perhaps slightly more expansive (geographically speaking), eventually following a group of kids sailing out to sea, where our fishy friend can do his/her worst. Some themes from the first film are still in evidence, e.g. tourist dollars versus public safety, business versus authority, family tensions, personal demons and, of course, the notion of “be careful out there”….The Blu-Ray quality is terrific, considering this is nearly 40 years old. The film is strong on action shots, the director really made these work; they are pretty spectacular (e.g. following the fish from above/POV, the water-skiing, helicopter etc.), and Blu Ray enhances them considerably. I also think there are a couple of genuinely terrifying, proper “horror” moments – possibly even better than any such scenes in the first film (or at least on a par with Quint’s bloody departure). The special effects, and the ways in which they were created, still impress, again when you consider the film is from 1978.The acting is, once again, first-rate. Roy Scheider, despite his initial reluctance to play Chief Brody again, is great: haunted by the events of the first film and wary of what’s to come, whilst having to tolerate small-minded islanders and money-men – the latter personified superbly by Joseph Mascolo, playing the sleazy Len Peterson. Lorraine Gary provides strong support, as does Murray Hamilton as the Mayor (who tries to be more supportive of Brody this time round). It’s also nice to see Jeffrey Kramer’s nice character, Hendricks, get more screen time here. I also find the kids’ performances impressive – they’ve all got quite distinctive, endearing personalities rather than being just a bunch of bland “screamers”. Indeed, unlike with other horror films, you don’t find yourself rooting for the bad guy after a while!John Williams is also on hand again to provide a similar, but even grander-sounding, score. It’s wonderful; the opening scene in particular is perfection. I just can’t imagine Jaws without Williams. The only disappointment with this release is that the soundtrack is in 2.0 rather than 5.1; listening through headphones is fine but surround sound would’ve been the icing on the cake.There are some nice extras on the disc:- a couple of “making of” features with some interesting stories from the director, producers etc. (the story about Murray Hamilton and his wife is heartbreaking); and some deleted scenes, the most interesting being an extra few shots from the “helicopter” scene.All in all, regardless of the first film, Jaws 2 is a fine film which can even be enjoyed as a stand-alone effort – yes, it continues an over-arching storyline but familiarity with the original isn’t essential (though I doubt you’d actually watch this before the first one, obviously….). Anyway, as I’ve tried to outline above, the interesting plot, terrific action sequences, moments of terror and fine acting all go to make Jaws 2 a solid sequel but, on its own, a highly absorbing and entertaining film.

Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Go Back Into The Water The Adds And Movie Poster Proclaimed For Jaws 2. Back In 1978 Universal Pictures released Jaws 2 A sequel To The Hugely popular Jaws which was still Thrilling movie audiences and Gave birth To The summer blockbuster. Roy Scheider returned as The ever popular Chief Brody along with Murray Hamilton as The Town's insufrable Mayor and Lorraine Gary as Brody's wife. The premise was still The same yet another Great White Shark stalks The Town of Amity. The Movie's opening evokes The original film with a Diver stumbling upon The wreck of The Orca only To well you know The rest. This Time The movie's producers of Zanuk & Brown showcased The Teenagers of Amity Island placing Them in Danger from The shark along with Brody's Two sons. A little mention should go To Anne Dusenberry of all The actors playing The Teenagers stands out my favourite scene in The movie with Anne as her running along The beach stumbling across The remains of a Dead whale a victim of The shark. what strikes you with Jaws 2 is some impressive shots They managed To get of The shark The History of The original Jaws is well Documented with problems They had with Their mechanical shark. They seem To have over come all That in This movie. Jaws 2 comes with an impressive set of extras Deleted scenes and when you view Them you wonder why They ended up on The cutting room floor. Two Trailers for The film and a making of Documentary I have To say This is one of The best Documentary's on The making of a movie you will ever see. The HD Transfer and sound as you would expect are really excellent a big improvement over The DVD release. Jaws 2 proved That a sequel could be as Good if not better Than The original if Handled properly. of course we should and would not Take anything away from The original. After Jaws 2 The producers would give us Two more movies but These Quickly sank at The box office faster Than The shark. for The moment with Jaws 2 We are in safe hands as we return To Amity Island.

I don't care what anyone says, this is a damn good sequel to Jaws. Scheider is back in his role of Brody, but the kids are a bit older and have retained their love of messing about in boats..... you can see where this is going, can't you?Jaws II has some great scenes, and while the story might not be quite as strong as the original, it certainly should not be lumped together with b-movies like Pirrana (shame on you, Amazon!). Being a sequel, there is also room for some great lines: "....and I know what a shark looks like, because I've seen one up-close!". Ahhh, we love Chief Brody!I strongly suggest you buy Jaws, Jaws II and Jaws: The Revenge - anything with Michael Caine is worth going overdrawn for - and skip Jaws III. It's worth just to note that this family of shark is the only one to have eaten a boat, a helicopter and a plane - now, there's movie trivia for you.

You only need to own Jaws 1 & 2 as the other films are not that good.This blu ray release is good, however when you would think the picture quality wouldn't be great it's actually the other way round. The picture is nice and vibrant and the 1080P works well on format.The sound from the DVD was Mono 2.0 and this blu ray release is Mono 2.0 master. You'd think they would of gone to town on this and done 7.1 or 5.1 at least but I guess beggars can't be choosers.Overall a good film, good picture, good sound just wish it had been mastered more.

as a sequel its not at all bad, its watchable and has some great sequences, notably the sharks eye view of a water skier speeding through the water. Its not a patch on the original of course but its entertaining enough, Roy Schneider always brings something to a movie and I guess this is no exception. Its worth watching.