Jaws @ 50, on Hulu

This Blockbuster hasn’t aged day in the fifty years since it first released. That’s because the shark doesn’t care what kind of smart phone you carry or whether you drive an EV. You’ll still taste the same once you get into the water. It inspired one under-appreciated sequel and two truly terrible bombs, but the original will always be the greatest shark movie of all time. For the golden anniversary, cast, crew, fans, and the Benchley family look back on the film’s production and sensational reception in Laurent Bouzereau’s Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, which premieres tomorrow on Hulu.

Surely, everyone has seen the film, or at least knows the music (duly discussed by John Williams). Unfortunately, primary cast-members Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, and Murry Hamilton (the sleazebag mayor) are no longer with us, while Richard Dreyfuss was either unavailable or considered too canceled. However, viewers hear extensively from Steven Spielberg and author Peter Benchley’s surviving family.

Fittingly, Bouzereau starts with the book, which was a hit even before the film released. In fact, the studio adapted the publisher’s jacket art for the movie poster” the iconic giant shark ominously rising beneath an oblivious swimmer paddling above the waterline. Believe me, that never happens for publishing houses.

Frankly, despite the documentary’s suggestions otherwise, Benchley’s novel was not particularly well reviewed at the time and has not critically appreciated over time. Nevertheless, Spielberg offered his services after reading a galley and accepted the job when the first director pulled out. Unfortunately, when the book became such a runaway bestseller in mass market, the studio moved up production, leaving little time for the construction of the notorious mechanical shark. According to the surviving crew, that is why “Bruce” constantly broke down.

Jaws @ 50 is considerably more fun than most behind-the-scenes docs or DVD extras (which Bouzereau is no stranger to), in large part because of the sharks, real and animatronic. It also chronicles an incredibly stressful shoot that Spielberg feared might end his career. Mind-blowingly, Bouzereau documents the set visits from his famous filmmaker friends, like George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and John Milius, who came to offer encouragement.

The reminiscences also take on a family vibe from the Benchleys, who later became active shark conservationists, and Martha’s Vineyard locals, who played many roles on both sides of the camera. In fact, only eight cast-members came from outside the island. One of whom was Susan Backlinie, who sadly passed away last year, but fortunately Bouzereau incorporates footage of her discussing her role of Chrissie Watkins, the shark’s first victim during the memorable prologue.

Bouzereau also scored interviews with many famous fans, perhaps most notably including make-up effects artist and director Greg Nicotero, who spearheaded the restoration of the artificial shark. There are also real deal oceanographers and marine biologists, like Philippe Cousteau, who diplomatically analyze what the film gets right or wrong, while also discussing the Benchley family’s contributions to shark preservation.

There is a reason why you can still see Jaws programmed at drive-ins and outdoor summer screenings. Sure, there is some nostalgia, but it delivers the same thrills for audiences today as it did on the day it opened. Highly recommended for fans and as a time-capsule snapshot of 1970s filmmaking, Jaws @ 50 airs tonight (7/10) on Nat Geo and starts streaming tomorrow (7/11) on Hulu.