Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		2.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

'Jaws 3 4K + 3D' arrives on 4K UHD courtesy of Universal. This 1983 film is the second sequel to the 1975 classic. With a cast that includes Dennis Quaid, Bess Armstrong, Lea Thompson, and Lou Gossiett, Jr., 'Jaws 3' boasts a surprising amount of star power. This edition includes a 4K UHD disc with the 2D presentation of the film and a Blu-ray disc that features both the 2D and 3D presentations. Additionally, the 4K UHD disc also sports a new Dolby Atmos audio track. A slipcover and a Digital Code redeemable through Movies Anywhere are also included.

Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The 2160P presentation has some challenges. The root of those issues may be partly assigned to old technology - how the film was originally lensed for 3D, and new technology - AI. The ArriVision 3D process, or the over/under technique, can often result in a softer and grainier image. Watching the previous 2D version on the 2016 Blu-ray release certainly bears that out. To bring that older 2D presentation of Jaws 3 to 4K an AI algorithm was evidently used and the collision of these two technologies results in very troubled final product, which isn't good news for the film's fans. The 2160p image could best be summarized and characterized by the words "inconsistent" and "frustrating". Grain is all over the map, sometimes its very fine and resolves nicely, other times it is chunky, blotchy, or swarming. Fine detail also varies from scene to scene, with some shots affording almost pin-point precision and accuracy with a surprisingly lifelike and realistic image, and in other shots an unbelievable softness abounds and fine detail evaporates. Skin tones are likewise inconsistent and problematic. They're spot on and healthy one moment, pasty, beige, too red, or waxy the next. In fact, by way of reference, there are moments when skin tones resemble the off-putting results achieved in early efforts to colorize black and white films. Colors are generally stable within shots but vary widely in saturation levels across the film. Primaries, like the reds, blues, and yellows on wet suits can appear nicely saturated and pop when those wearing them are above the water line, but in other instances can appear washed out. There is virtually no pattern to the issues found here as they occur without discrimination on interior and exterior, and close-up, mid-, and long-shots alike. Each of these has good and bad moments on display. Effects shots for this film have always been a little suspect due to the 3D filming process, but here they look a bit worse when rendered in 4k such as when Quaid and Armstrong take the submersible to look for a missing friend. White specks occasionally pop up but are the least of the transfer's issues, overshadowed as they are by occasional flickering which is much more distracting when it arises. Blacks are deeper and inkier but can occasionally absorb detail. While there are other issues to discuss as well, it seems unnecessary to do so. Suffice it to say it's a frustratingly inconsistent and ultimately disappointing video presentation.

For an discussion of Jaws 3's 2D and 3D Blu-ray presentation, please follow the link here. My suspicion is that those with the appropriate equipment will prefer to continue to view the film's 3D presentation when the urge to watch this film arises, as it remains the most satisfying experience.

Please note that all screenshots are sourced from the included 1080p disc's 2D presentation.

Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Considering that there wasn't an updated audio track on the Jaws 2 4K release, finding one here was a pleasant surprise. The Dolby Atmos track for Jaws 3 4K + 3D is functional, not flashy. A rather front-focused presentation, the dialogue is handled well and is always clean and intelligible. Directionality, when it arises is solid and accurate, and sounds move smoothly through the sound field. Bass adds needed bite to the sharks' presence and attacks, and a menacing and realistic atmosphere to the numerous underwater scenes. Surrounds are used judiciously to add environmental sounds like seagulls and the crowds of frantic tourists running through the tunnels of the "Undersea Kingdom" attraction, but such usage is relatively rare. Music is crisp and rendered with precision. While not as busy as more modern Dolby Atmos tracks, it's a welcome improvement that fits the era of the film.

Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The on-disc supplemental material for the 4K UHD disc consists solely of the Theatrical Trailer (1.23). On the 1080p disc, viewers will find the same Theatrical Trailer and the 3D version of the feature film.

Jaws 3 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As a solid sequel, Jaws 3 4K + 3D deserved better than what it received here in its 4K debut. As entertaining as it is to see Quaid, Armstrong, and Thompson, not to mention Lou Gossett, Jr. deal with shark-induced mayhem, viewers will quickly become bothered and distracted by the results achieved here. While the cast is engaging and the Dolby Atmos track is a nice upgrade, neither can make up for the video deficiencies. This release is only recommended to those who have yet to add the film to their collections, although the previous Blu-ray release is a much less expensive option as the 3D presentation remains the best way to enjoy this film. Those simply looking for a 4K upgrade should either wait for a sale or hope for a better 4K release in the future and skip it.