Jaws: The Revenge 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Jaws: The Revenge" boasts a rather impressive 2160p HDR10 transfer. Comparatively, this transfer vastly outperforms the previous 1080p Blu-ray version. The film’s fine lines are clearer, and details are better managed, enhancing the viewing experience. A notable improvement is the cement-like textures of the infamous animatronic shark, which are more apparent and appreciable than ever, adding to the enjoyment of this cult classic. Furthermore, mismatched reshoot inserts are now more discernible, bringing an additional layer of "so bad it’s good" charm.

The HDR10 grade contributes significantly to the film’s overall presentation by enhancing colors, black levels, and contrast. Viewers will find the Caribbean blues, bright yellows, and crimson blood reds exceptionally vivid and engaging. Skin tones are rendered naturally without any artificial tinting. The film’s black levels and shadows provide a greater sense of depth and dimension, particularly noticeable in scenes where the enormous shark is in action, such as during the pursuit of Brody through the sunken ship. Additionally, the restoration of the alternate ending in 4K HDR is a noteworthy bonus, despite its availability only as an extra feature rather than through seamless integration within the main feature.

The Dolby Atmos audio track on the 4K UHD Blu-ray edition of "Jaws: The Revenge" exhibits an impressive blend of auditory elements, albeit without the inclusion of legacy audio options. The Atmos mix notably enhances Michael Small’s score, rendering rumbling bass notes impeccably. From Michael Caine’s airplane to the shark's pulse-quickening heartbeat, the soundscape is immersive and rewarding. The mix smartly utilizes the Front/Center track and side channels for the substantial portion of the action, while height channels contribute significantly, especially during scenes such as underwater harbor bells and drifting scuba tank bubbles. Notably, there are no superfluous new sound effects that disrupt the original feel of the film.

Dialog clarity remains consistently high throughout the presentation, even though certain ADR lines still retain their slightly unnatural timbre. However, they integrate into the overall mix more seamlessly than before. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are robust, albeit bordering on absurdity with the shark’s so-called “roar.” Overall, this Dolby Atmos mix stands out distinctly from previous iterations, providing a rich and dynamic auditory experience for "Jaws: The Revenge".

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Jaws: The Revenge" boasts a meticulously designed SteelBook that aligns aesthetically with preceding films in the series. While the extras on this disc are minimal, they do offer some value to collectors and fans. Importantly, the alternate original ending has been upgraded to 4K UHD HDR, providing a visually enhanced viewing experience. Although the extra features could be more comprehensive, the existing ones do deliver on quality.

Extras included in this disc:

Alternate Original Ending: A slightly less optimistic and humorous ending than the final cut. Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer presented in standard definition.

"Jaws: The Revenge," the third sequel to the iconic 1975 film, returns in a 4K UHD SteelBook edition from Universal. This 1987 installment is divisive, earning it titles ranging from one of the worst films ever made to a cherished cult classic. The film follows a hastily conceived plot driven by studio demands for a quick summer release. Director Joseph Sargent had minimal time to refine the script, resulting in a narrative featuring a preposterous "vengeance-seeking" shark. The movie opens strongly with the death of Sean Brody, but plummets into absurdity as it moves to the Caribbean, showcasing a poorly executed, unrealistic predator. Despite these flaws, the film retains an entertainment value that some fans appreciate for its unintentional humor.

Technically, this edition presents "Jaws: The Revenge" in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on a BD-66 disc, accompanied by a previously released BD-50 Blu-ray disc. The main menu features a static image with John Williams' iconic score, providing basic navigation options. The SteelBook's artwork attempts thematic consistency with previous releases but falls short in execution; nonetheless, it appeals to franchise collectors seeking uniformity. Although the film's narrative and production quality are lacking, the disc's presentation and packaging meet modern standards, offering fans a visually enhanced version of this contentious movie.

In conclusion, while "Jaws: The Revenge" may not stand out for its cinematic merit, this 4K UHD SteelBook edition offers a polished version for collectors and enthusiasts. Despite a convoluted plot and rushed execution, the film maintains a niche appeal, augmented by amusing revisits and nostalgic ties to previous entries. Disc-wise, the release is functional and thoughtfully designed for its target audience."

"Jaws: The Revenge" hits the 4K UHD market bringing renewed vibrancy to a film notorious for its flaws. While the movie itself is often panned for its rushed production and lack of narrative coherence, the 4K Limited Edition SteelBook offers a technical upgrade that fans will appreciate. The HDR10 transfer significantly enhances the visual presentation, delivering stunning clarity and improved color depth. Complementing this is a robust Dolby Atmos audio mix, which imbues the soundscape with a dynamic quality that was hitherto unseen in previous releases.

Though Joseph Sargent’s directorial effort is frequently criticized for its hastily assembled script and lackluster execution, the 4K treatment breathes new life into this much-maligned entry of the "Jaws" franchise. The visual upgrade, coupled with a rousing Atmos track, adds a layer of polish that makes revisiting the film a more palatable experience. Special features, however, remain sparse. The inability to incorporate the original ending seamlessly within the main feature is disappointing, though fans will appreciate its inclusion in full 4K HDR within the bonus content.

In conclusion, fans of the film will enjoy the "Jaws: The Revenge" 4K Limited Edition SteelBook and will no doubt be pleased with the 4K transfer and Dolby Atmos track of the strangest chapter of the "Jaws" franchise. The special features remain as anemic as ever. Recommended.