Forty years ago, the summer blockbuster was born when Steven Spielberg unleashed Jaws on unsuspecting moviegoers. Based on Peter Benchley’s New York Times best-seller, the film improved on the novel in many ways—Spielberg made the characters infinitely more likable, for one—and is probably the only reason any collection of drunks can sing Irving King’s “Show Me The Way To Go Home” at closing time.
Now, in honor of Jaws’ 40th anniversary, everyone’s favorite carcharodon carcharias, Bruce, is coming back to the big screen. Fathom Events will screen Jaws on Sunday, June 21st and Wednesday, June 24th at 2 P.M. and 7 P.M. local time in theaters around the country. It’s not the ultimate Jaws viewing experience—that would be watching the movie from an inner tube floating on a lake—but it is a fun way for audiences around the country to take a dip with Chrissie Watkins for the umpteenth time. 35mm prints probably won’t be shipped to every theater, but this will more than likely be a screening of the print that was masterfully restored for the 2012 Blu-ray release, and TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz will provide a special introduction. Yes, IFC will be running Jaws marathons all summer long, but get out and see it with a crowd—and you won’t even have to sit through Jaws: The Revenge.
Tickets for the event can be purchased starting tomorrow, May 29, on the Fathom Events website.