It’s easy to forget that Spielberg’s original film first scared audiences in 1975. Now, five decades later, it continues to excite audiences just as much as it did then. This year, we marked the 50th anniversary of another water-bound adventure—Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller, Jaws. Empire magazine is celebrating this anniversary by releasing a very limited special commemorative issue! This edition, artfully designed by hand, is our small tribute to the film that many believe is the greatest shark movie of all time. It also deserves credit for inventing the summer blockbuster genre.
Empire ’s special issue features a beautiful one-per-subscriber cover. It has this striking rendering of Bruce, the original great white shark, menacingly approaching the Orca. Artist Shipper developed this art piece with the goal of embodying the film’s nail-biting suspense and terror. It galvanizes us to reflect on the ocean-spawned horror that has kept countless generations scared to go in the water.
The anniversary issue in particular pays a killer homage to “Jaws.” It’s a heartwarming look at the impact one film has had on everything that has touched popular culture ever since. The film’s legendary poster art, quotable dialogue, and indelible characters—including an incredible performance by Gene Hackman—have made the picture a lasting masterpiece of American directing talent. Robert Shaw’s grizzled portrayal of Quint, along with the dynamic performances of Roy Scheider as Brody and Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper, contributed to the film’s enduring legacy.
Legendary composer John Williams wrote the memorable score for “Jaws.” His scores produce a deeply unsettling sonic experience smattered with tension and terror. His instantly recognizable theme has since become an indispensable backbone of horror cinema, supporting the film’s story and ramping up its tragic scenes with visceral sonic impact. The score itself serves as an enduring testament—with the possible exception of Spielberg’s own artistry—to Spielberg’s masterful direction and storytelling.
Set against the backdrop of Amity Island, “Jaws” draws viewers into a fictional seaside community plagued by a terrifying predator. The film’s location adds to its effectiveness, while Jaws’ New England location combines idyllic coastal beauty with deadly terror hidden under the waves. This contrast serves to heighten the film’s tension and to drive home the film’s themes of fear and survival.