Stern Pinball just launched a new pinball machine based on Steven Spielberg's classic thriller Jaws. It's the latest in a long line of licensed film-based games from Stern, who has released Jurassic Park-, James Bond-, Godzilla-, Star Wars- and Ghostbusters-inspired tables over the past decade.
Jaws — based purely on photos of Stern's new table; I haven't played it yet – illustrates what can be great about customizing properties for pinball. The table, designed by Keith Elwin, features themes such as the startling appearance of a great white shark, the thrill of harpooning said shark, and using a friend bucket to get old Jaws' attention. Naturally, it features samples from John Williams' memorable score, and Stern even got Richard Dreyfuss back to record some vocal lines for Jaws (e.g. “Shoot again!”).
Here are some of the nicer things about Stern's new pinball machine.
The Bloody Chum Bucket
One of the unique sculptures for Jaws is a friend bucket attached to a Newton ball assembly that, when struck, shakes the bucket to 'friend the water'. Stern illustrates this cozy effect with red LED lighting under the main playing field; they light up in a pattern that makes it look like blood is flowing through the water.
Photo: Stern Pinball, Inc.
The shark fin
When the water is sufficiently massaged, the shark will make its presence known with a fin target moving from left to right that the players must hit. That's one thing I like about pinball: everything is dissolved with the bang of a pinball machine.
Photo: Stern Pinball, Inc.
The killer whale
On the limited edition and premium versions of Jaws – but not on the “pro” entry-level version – there is a raised platform that is supposed to represent the Orka, Quint's fishing boat. It has its own mini flipper and steering wheel spinner. As a nice design touch, a large shark jaw-shaped bite has also been taken from the signage at the back of the boat.
Photo: Stern Pinball, Inc.
The Wavescope
One way to launch your ball at the Orca is this plunging, wave-shaped paddle ramp that buzzes the ball onto the ship's deck. (Also appreciate the fishing reel-inspired horizontal spinner to the right of the boat.)
Photo: Stern Pinball, Inc.
There are a lot of other details, as highlighted by Stern's George Gomez and Keith Elwin in the video below. Warning: It may inspire you to drop a few thousand dollars on a pinball machine. The Jaws Pro Edition starts at $6,999, while the Premium Edition costs $9,699; the Limited Edition goes for a whopping $12,999.