The Two Masterpieces E.T. and JAWS are Coming to IMAX
The Two Masterpieces E.T. and JAWS are Coming to IMAX

The Two Masterpieces E.T. and JAWS are Coming to IMAX

2022-06-17
3 mins read

Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment announced new IMAX theatrical releases of the Steven Spielberg classics E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and JAWS. For the first time, audiences will be able to see these two marvels on the huge canvas and with all its glory. Are you excited? We are!

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Picture: Universal Pictures
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Picture: Universal Pictures

Revive two big old guns

Ok, no one needs to revive E.T and JAWS. Both will be defined as masterpieces for eternity. But it will be ultra-fun to watch those with your kids on a huge canvas (IMAX theater). “Universal is honored to have been a part of so many extraordinary, unforgettable Steven Spielberg films over the past 47 years, including Jaws in 1975, E.T. in 1982, and Jurassic Park in 1993,” said Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures. “No filmmaker, it’s fair to say, has had a greater or more enduring impact on American cinema or has created more indelible cinematic memories for tens of billions of people worldwide. We couldn’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of E.T. and the first Universal-Spielberg summer blockbuster, Jaws, than to allow audiences to experience these films in a way they’ve never been able to before.” 

Shooing JAWS. Picture: Universal Pictures.
Shooing JAWS. Picture: Universal Pictures.

IMAX partners with Universal

“IMAX is thrilled to partner with Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment to offer audiences the opportunity to experience these two iconic films in IMAX for the very first time,” said Megan Colligan, President of IMAX Entertainment.  “Steven Spielberg redefined modern cinema and ushered in a new era of bold, swing-for-the-fences filmmaking, and the IMAX Experience has expanded around the world because of the trail blazed by films like E.T. and Jaws.”

Steven Spielberg on the set of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Picture: Universal Pictures
Steven Spielberg on the set of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. Picture: Universal Pictures

JAWS: Shot by Bill Butler

JAWS was shot by the legendary Wilmer C. “Bill” Butler ASC (age 101 years) who is an American former cinematographer. He is known for his work on The Conversation (1974), three Rocky sequels, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Butler had heard that Spielberg was preparing to shoot JAWS — “I said, ‘I hear you’re making a movie about a fish,'” Butler recalls. After they joked for a few minutes, Spielberg asked Butler if he was interested, and the rest is history. Most of the ocean shots on JAWS were shot handheld on the Panavision Panaflex. BTW, the shark model cost $250,000 to build. Back then, the foundations for underwater cinematography were yet to be well established. Hence, most of the shots were truly revolutionary and improvised by using an adapted ‘water box’ and especially made waterproof housing. “JAWS redefined what it means to be a summer-event blockbuster and now for the first time ever audiences can experience Steven Spielberg’s motion picture classic in 3D,” said Travis Reid, CEO & President, Cinema, RealD. “Everything that made JAWS a sensation and a fan favorite for nearly 50 years will be enhanced in RealD 3D, allowing fans a completely new opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the greatest summer suspense thrillers of all time.” JAWS what shot on ARRIFLEX 35-III and Panavision Panaflex, paired with Panavision C-Series Lenses.

Cinematographer Bill Butler on the set of JAWS. Picture: Universal Pictures
Cinematographer Bill Butler on the set of JAWS. Picture: Universal Pictures

E.T.: Shot by Allen Daviau

Cinematographer Allen Daviau has passed away two years ago due to COVID-19-related complications. Daviau was a multiple Oscar nominee and BAFTA winner. He was a long-time collaborator of Steven Spielberg and served as cinematographer for The Color Purple, and Empire of the Sun. While doing a lawnmower commercial in Arizona, Daviau discovered that Spielberg was looking for a cinematographer for E.T. and sent the director a tape of The Boy Who Drank Too Much, a 1980 telefilm that he shot. Spielberg stated that he didn’t think twice, and contacted Daviau for the job. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, originally released in the summer of 1982, not only soared to become the highest-grossing film of the year, capturing four Academy Awards and nine Oscars nominations including Best Picture, but it also captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. Four decades later, it still ignites the joy, wonder, discovery, magic, and heartbreak of childhood. E.T was shot on the Panavision Panaflex Gold, paired with the Panavision Super Speed lenses.

Cinematographer Allen Daviau. Picture: Frank Masi
Cinematographer Allen Daviau. Picture: Frank Masi

E.T. The extra-terrestrial will be released exclusively on IMAX screens nationwide beginning August 12, to celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary. JAWS will be released on IMAX screens and also in real 3d beginning September 2. We can’t wait!

Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

1 Comment

  1. Hello. I have been researching the specifications of “DCI HDR” and Barco “Light steering” projectors for some time. I think this new standard can bring cinema into a new era. But at the same time there is a lot of ambiguity about how to implement it. I ask you to publish a series of posts about this new standard and the technical achievements that can make this dream come true.

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