On Aug. 29, “Jaws” was rereleased in theaters for the film's 50th anniversary in Regal Winrock 16’s new 4DX theater. As a fan of horror, the ocean and new ways to experience film, I thoroughly believe that this is a thrilling way to watch the movie.
A 4DX theater contains features such as moving chairs, water features, wind simulated by large fans, as well as mist, fog and on the occasion, bolts of light and confetti. Audiences are given a pair of 3D glasses to enjoy the film as if they were in it. This seems like a lot for a film, but the features fully immerses the viewer and allows them to notice the finer details.
“Jaws” is a film based on the 1974 novel of the same title written by Peter Benchley and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film is about an island getting ready to open their gates for a busy summer of tourists when a large great white shark strikes down swimmers. It is up to the town sheriff, Martin Brody, who is not too fond of water either, to save his family and town or watch as they get fed on one by one.
When “Jaws” was originally released in theaters in 1975, it changed film as we knew it. Filming in the ocean on boats and working with an animatronic shark named “Bruce” was not a common occurrence. Though the shark is not seen many times throughout the film, the anticipation and anxiety-inducing screenplay was enough to frighten a generation of kids. Today, “Jaws” has a cult following and one of the most iconic theme songs, still referenced in pop culture media today.
What made this experience top notch is the film’s reformatting for the movie screen. With the rerelease of the film, it has not only been reintroduced to a new generation, but also gave us the chance to experience it like never before for new and old fans.
Without spoilers, “Jaws” has multiple scenes that utilize the features of the 4DX theater. With the anticipation building, the movements of the theater correspond perfectly and also connect you to everyone else in the theater that is experiencing it as well. There are so many things that take you fully inside the film, and I think it should be experienced at least once.
The theater chairs showcased features including puffs of air shooting past your ears as if bullets were to swing by and an abrupt jab in the back. A straight piece of plastic was also present between the calves of the foot rest, to imitate a swift, uncomfortable tail whack. I understand moving chairs are not everyone's cup of tea; I would take them with caution for those who have varying back pain.
“Jaws: 50th Anniversary" special was a great experience. I am a fan of films that set the building blocks for any genre of film and I find that “Jaws” did that perfectly. This film is a timeless classic and gets better with every watch. The characters are well written and understand the consequences to their actions. For all horror fans, if you have not watched “Jaws,” I strongly recommend it as a stepping stone for inspiration and creating new possibilities.
The 4DX theater is a wild ride no matter what film is being presented. I find myself constantly looking for films being shown in that specific theater as it truly is an experience within itself. “Jaws” being the cult classic it is, brought the theater to life and allowed new and old fans to experience it like never before.
Eve Padilla-Salazar is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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