Jaws came out on June 20, 1975, and we’ve all been scared of great white sharks ever since. It’s one of my favorite movies ever, especially because of Robert Shaw’s Quint. It’s also the summer movie for me, way above American Graffiti and Roman Holiday. Jaws and its shark have impacted popular culture so much that collectibles were inevitable.
PAPERBACK PREDATOR
Not everybody knows this, but Jaws is based on the novel by the same name, released one year prior. I learned about it because when I was in fifth grade, my teacher—who knew I liked to read—gifted me her copy. Giving a ten-year-old a book about a man-eating shark probably wasn’t the best idea, but I’ve kept it ever since.
Do I think it’s a good book, though? No, it’s not my cup of tea. I didn’t like it back then, and I still don’t like it now—it’s just one of those books whose movie adaptation is better. But I really like the book cover art. The film poster design is obviously iconic, but there’s just something haunting about the minimalist design of the original jacket. I think I just find the shark scarier with its maw closed.
The first edition of the Jaws novel is one of those items you can flip if you sell it to a connoisseur. For example, in 2019, a copy of the novel’s first edition—with its dust jacket included—sold for only $2.30 in MaxSold. A very similar copy of the same first edition sold for $1,199.00 in an online marketplace in 2023. The main difference is that the seller in 2023 included more details that showed the book was a first print, which made it more valuable for a Jaws fan.
HOOKED ON THE BIG SCREEN
One of the most significant differences between Jaws, the movie, and Jaws, the book, is the simplicity of the movie adaptation. The book had a lot of plotlines, but Steven Spielberg decided to stick with New England, the shark, and the boat. Even John Williams’s suspenseful score is minimal. And it worked. These elements have become iconic through countless parodies, references, and merchandise—from pinball machines to diecast models.
Jaws remains one of Universal Pictures’ biggest intellectual properties, and there is no shortage of Jaws-licensed items. If you plan on buying anything related to Jaws, make sure there’s a copyright symbol with the words “Universal Studios” or “Universal Pictures” in the item. You’ll know it’s the real deal.
Universal Studios used to have a Jaws-themed ride. A version of the ride is still available in Universal Studios Japan. I love ride memorabilia because all those little items help sell the entire atmosphere of the ride. In the case of Jaws, it’s very straightforward because the movie provides most of the context. However, there’s no shortage of Amity Island memorabilia. Items like these are my favorite because they’re subtle, like Twin Pines Mall references for Back to the Future fans.
JUMPING THE SHARK
I don’t think the Jaws sequels are any good. The original movie worked on its own and had a unique pacing that is hard to replicate. And while for some, Jaws 2 has some redeeming qualities, to me it’s just plain bad. However, I understand why the sequels would have a place in the heart of a die-hard Jaws fan. They’re just more shark action. If you’re already invested in the world of Jaws, I think it might be worth checking them out. Just beware of Jaws: The Revenge. I think that movie is very hard to justify watching.
As usual with some big movies, the Jaws sequels have tie-in novels. Unlike the original book, which was written before a movie was even considered, these sequel novels were written explicitly with the movies in mind. They include more details and, at times, introduce different elements than those seen in the films. Their primary purpose is to expand the lore. Again, these are a great option if you’re deeply into Jaws already.
I very much dislike Jaws 3-D, but I think the movie spawned the best memorabilia. 3D is a fading concept nowadays, but it was really cool back in the day. The main selling point this time was that you could have the shark’s maw right in your face. There are some items like this wall hanging or this diorama. Details like this really crank up the horror factor of the franchise.
JAWS STILL HAS BITE
For me, Jaws is lightning in a bottle. It’s one of those movies where all the elements fit together perfectly. It’s also very intriguing and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. As I mentioned, I think most of this is due to the stellar cast. However, the suspenseful story and iconic direction also play a huge part. You could argue that, as the first modern blockbuster, Jaws began the trend towards a shallower Hollywood with even bigger budgets. Yet Jaws still has immense artistic merit and is my favorite Spielberg film.
David Espino-Lozada is a writer and editor with a passion for literature and poetry. He has published numerous articles and is also involved in writing sci-fi for video games. An avid collector, David has an extensive collection of books, music, and vintage male clothing. When he’s not writing, he enjoys diving into the depths of the internet and libraries, indulging his fascination with the world of collectibles and heirlooms.
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