JAWS - 50th Anniversary Special
In this special edition of Born to Watch, the team dives back into the deep blue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's iconic 1975 thriller, Jaws. But this isn't just a rewatch, it’s a cinematic pilgrimage. Hosts Whitey and Dan welcome special guest Paul Glasby to revisit the film not just in spirit, but in spectacle, attending a screening at Hoyts Tweed City, experiencing this Jaws 50th Anniversary Review on the big screen with recliners, giant Pepsi Maxes, and a crew of unsuspecting newcomers.
This episode is more than just a review; it's a tribute. For Whitey, who's marking his own 50th birthday, Jaws isn't just a classic; it's a defining piece of his movie-loving DNA, neck-and-neck with Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back as his all-time favourite. The team reminisces about the first time they saw the film, how it scarred them from surfing, and the strange magic that Jaws still holds over an audience, even half a century later.
Dan, making his debut on a Jaws episode, brings the perspective of a cinema recluse, someone more used to fields and chickens than Dolby sound and John Williams scores. But even he's swept up by the grandeur of the theatrical experience. Paul, a returning guest and self-proclaimed booster-seat podcaster, shares a British kid's perspective on Jaws' TV legacy, recalling its 3D TV gimmicks and how the film once ruled Saturday night telly. But seeing it on the big screen? That's another beast entirely.
Throughout the episode, the guys reflect on Spielberg's breakout masterpiece, how a 27-year-old director, working with malfunctioning mechanical sharks and intense studio pressure, managed to craft a film that changed cinema forever. There's plenty of love for the gritty film stock, practical effects, and Spielberg's decision to show less rather than more. The now-famous story about the shark not working—leading to a suspenseful masterclass in implication over gore—gets its well-deserved praise.
They also unpack the movie's unforgettable score, with Paul comparing John Williams' two-note theme to the Rocky IV training montage, so iconic that it shapes the entire experience. For Dan, the real terror lies in the opening scene, all shadows and suggestion. For Whitey, it's the rich character work, Quint’s haunted Indianapolis speech, Hooper's dry wit, and Brody's quiet resolve that keep the film swimming in the top tier of cinema history.
The episode isn't just nostalgia-heavy; it's a call to arms. Why don't we watch classic films in the cinema more often? Why isn’t there a chain of retro movie houses showing Jaws, Alien, The Exorcist, and Boogie Nights on the regular? Dan offers a deeper look into the decline of cinema attendance, post-COVID challenges, and how theatres now survive on mega-drinks and bar-style concessions. But the gang also sees an opportunity: could Born to Watch host monthly screenings of classics? Would audiences come?
There's also plenty of fun tangents, dodgy car park stories, oversized soft drinks, generational lines drawn by Paddington in Peru, and roasting fellow podcasters for their Marvel movie hot takes. Expect talk of Spielberg's filmography, the state of modern blockbusters, and whether Top Gun: Maverick or Avengers: Endgame can hold a candle to the cultural typhoon that Jaws was in 1975.
In true Born to Watch style, the episode blends deep cinematic appreciation with pub-style banter, bringing in kids' reactions, audience dynamics, and even some surprising praise for Richard Dreyfuss's underrated turn as Hooper. For a film that's been endlessly dissected, this conversation feels fresh, personal, and anchored by genuine love for cinema.
Whether you're a longtime fan or a landlocked Gen Z who's never felt the terror of a dorsal fin rising from the surf, this episode is a reminder of why we watch, why we return, and why, 50 years later, Jaws still bites.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
- Is Jaws still the scariest movie ever made—or did the rubber shark finally lose its bite?
- Should Mayor Vaughn have been eaten first?
- Would YOU get in the water with Hooper, Brody, and a barrel full of bad ideas?
Drop us a voicemail at https://www.borntowatch.com.au and share your Jaws hot takes.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods. Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and yell “You’re gonna need a bigger boat!” at strangers to promote the show.
Tonight we had Paul Glazby of the When I Grow Up Podcast - You can check out his podcast on YouTube or all good podcast platforms.
https://www.youtube.com/@WhenIGrowUpPodcast-r8y
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