As “Jaws” nears 50, TV starts celebrating

“Jaws” — the film that changed beach-going (a little) and movie-going (a lot) is about to turn 50.
And yes, TV will celebrate. The movie (shown here) debuted on June 20, 1975; now:
— On June 7, the AMC network will show “Jaws” and its sequel (1978) at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., repeating them at 7 and 10. The less-regarded “Jaws 3” (1983) will be at 12:30 a.m., with “Jaws the Revenge” (1987) at 2:45.
— At 9 p.m. July 10, the National Geographic Channel debuts “Jaws@50: The Definitive Insider Story.” It’s produced by Amblin, the company run by “Jaws” director Steven Spielberg. He’s in the film; so are actor-screenwriter Carl Gottlieb. composer John Williams and the family of novelist Peter Benchley. Also included are other filmmakers (George Lucas, James Cameron, J.J. Abrams, etc.), plus maritime experts.
— That will be part of “Shark Fest” on National Geographic. “Fest” competes with “Shark Week,” which starts its 37th year on June 20.
— And the “Jaws” films continue to stream on Peacock.
There will be other “Jaws” events, ranging from Universal theme parks to a one-week return to movie theaters, Aug. 29 to Sept. 4.
This fuss involves a movie that instantly dominated pop culture. “Jaws” was No. 1 at the box office for 14 straight weeks and was the first film to top $100 million in the U.S. and Canada.
The bad news was that it frightened the seaside world. Benchley (who died in 2006 at 65) tried to convince people that sharks really aren’t that bad.
And the good was that it remade Hollywood.
Movies once seemed split between well-made films about serious subjects and flimsy films about fanciful ones. Then gifted directors (Spielberg, Lucas, Cameron, etc.) showed that pop subjects could be made with skill.
Along the way, Hollywood changed its habits, focusing on summertime blockbusters that could simultaneously reach theaters everywhere.
Many movie critics initially grumbled about “Jaws.” Still, it drew an Academy Award nomination for best picture and won Oscars for its editing, its sound and Williams’ score.
That was Williams first best-score win. In all, he’s had 40 nominations in that category, also winning for “Star Wars,” “E.T.” and “Schindler’s List.”
And now, at 93, he’s still being asked about his triumph a half-century ago.