Jaws 3-D (1983)

Jaws 3-D (also released as Jaws III) is the third installment in the legendary Jaws franchise, directed by Joe Alves. This time, the terror of the shark moves into the confines of a high-tech theme park, bringing 80s spectacle and an infamous 3D gimmick into play. Let’s dive into the details of this aquatic horror-adventure.

Detailed Summary

The New Setting: SeaWorld Florida

The story shifts from Amity Island to SeaWorld, a massive water theme park. Michael Brody (Dennis Quaid), son of Chief Martin Brody from the original films, works as the park’s chief engineer. His girlfriend, Dr. Kathryn Morgan (Bess Armstrong), is the park’s senior marine biologist. The park is preparing for a grand opening that will feature a huge underwater tunnel system and lagoon attractions.

A Shark Arrives

Workers notice strange disturbances in the lagoon, but the signs are ignored. Eventually, it’s revealed that a young great white shark has found its way into the park. Kathryn convinces the team to keep it alive for scientific study, but despite their efforts, the juvenile shark dies in captivity, shocking visitors.

The Real Threat

The supposed victory is short-lived. Soon after, it’s revealed that the dead shark was just a baby—and its giant mother is still inside the park. This 35-foot predator wreaks havoc in the lagoon and quickly becomes the true threat to the park and everyone inside.

Chaos in the Park

The shark attacks workers, invades the underwater tunnels, and eventually causes the park’s advanced systems to malfunction, trapping staff and tourists in dangerous situations. The tension escalates as Michael, Kathryn, and their team must figure out how to stop the monstrous great white before it kills again.

Movie Ending

In the final act, the shark smashes into SeaWorld’s underwater control room in a spectacular (though dated) 3D sequence. The massive predator pins itself against the glass, creating panic inside the sealed chamber.

Inside the shark’s mouth, Phillip FitzRoyce (Simon MacCorkindale), a thrill-seeking adventurer who earlier tried to kill the shark, is discovered dead—still clutching a grenade. Realizing the opportunity, Michael and Kathryn use a hook to pull the grenade’s pin while the shark thrashes.

The explosion rips the shark apart in gruesome fashion, splattering blood and debris in the water. The survivors—including Michael, Kathryn, and Calvin Bouchard (Louis Gossett Jr.), the park’s manager—escape the destroyed control room. The film ends with Michael and Kathryn surfacing in the lagoon, safe at last, as dolphins jump triumphantly in the background.

The closing image is meant to be a celebratory one, contrasting the destruction of the shark with the survival of intelligent marine life.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Jaws 3-D does not feature any post-credits scenes. The movie ends directly after the dolphins’ jump.

Type of Movie

This is a horror-adventure creature feature with heavy elements of thriller and disaster film spectacle. It also leans into 80s camp, especially with its heavy-handed 3D effects.

Cast

• Dennis Quaid as Michael Brody
• Bess Armstrong as Dr. Kathryn Morgan
• Louis Gossett Jr. as Calvin Bouchard
• Simon MacCorkindale as Phillip FitzRoyce
• John Putch as Sean Brody
• Lea Thompson as Kelly Ann Bukowski

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Alan Parker, with John Williams’ original Jaws theme returning in places. The music maintains suspense while also reflecting the lighter, theme-park atmosphere.

Filming Locations

• SeaWorld Orlando, Florida served as the primary filming location. This gave the movie a unique setting compared to the ocean-based predecessors.
• Underwater sequences were shot in both Florida and California, with controlled tanks used for shark effects.

The use of SeaWorld was crucial to the plot, providing a “man-made” environment to contrast with the natural terror of the shark.

Awards and Nominations

Jaws 3-D did not win major awards, but it was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award (Razzie) for Worst Picture and Worst Supporting Actor (Louis Gossett Jr.). It has since become something of a cult film for its cheesy effects and campy execution.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The 3D technology was rushed, leading to some of the most criticized effects of the era.
• Joe Alves, the director, was previously the production designer for the original Jaws. This was his only directorial effort.
• The mechanical shark frequently malfunctioned, echoing production troubles from Spielberg’s original.
• Dennis Quaid later admitted he was heavily addicted to cocaine during filming, which affected his performance.

Inspirations and References

The film continues the legacy of Peter Benchley’s novel Jaws, but diverges heavily from the source material by leaning into spectacle rather than realism. It was also inspired by the growing popularity of 3D films in the early 1980s.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• An extended version of Phillip FitzRoyce’s death existed in early cuts, showing him being chewed inside the shark’s mouth.
• Some test screenings included more graphic gore, but these were trimmed down to secure a PG rating.

Book Adaptations and Differences

A novelization of Jaws 3-D was released, written by Richard Matheson (based on his screenplay draft). The book contains more detail about character motivations, a darker tone, and additional descriptions of the shark attacks that the movie’s budget couldn’t properly depict.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The death of the baby shark in captivity.
• The shark’s sudden appearance in the underwater tunnel.
• The final explosive death of the mother shark.

Iconic Quotes

• Calvin Bouchard: “We are dealing with a shark here, a killing machine. And it will do what it was designed to do. It will swim. It will kill. It will eat.”
• Kathryn Morgan: “That wasn’t the shark.” (referring to the dead baby shark)

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The Brody family legacy continues, tying back to the first two films through Michael and Sean.
• SeaWorld branding is heavily featured, effectively doubling as product placement.
• The dolphins’ final jump mirrors the triumphant ending of the original Jaws, symbolizing survival against nature’s terror.

Trivia

• The shark was nicknamed “Bruce III” by the crew, continuing the tradition from Spielberg’s original.
• Lea Thompson made her film debut here, two years before Back to the Future.
• The film was released during the early 80s 3D craze, alongside titles like Friday the 13th Part III.

Why Watch?

If you’re a Jaws completionist, this is worth seeing for its place in the franchise history. It’s campy, unintentionally funny at times, and filled with 80s charm. The 3D effects haven’t aged well, but they add to the film’s cult status.

Director’s Other Movies

Joe Alves did not direct any other films, making Jaws 3-D his only directorial credit. However, he worked as a production designer on:

• Jaws (1975)
• Jaws 2 (1978)
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Jaws 2 (1978)
• Deep Blue Sea (1999)
• Piranha 3D (2010)
• The Meg (2018)
• Orca (1977)