Key Takeaways:
– Jaws 3D and Jaws: The Revenge set for release on 4K UHD, but fans express dismay over the aggressive use of AI in remastering the film.
– Background characters appear distorted and terrifying due to the AI-upscaling mishap.
– Fans' concerns about the AI processing stem from various observations, including frame grabs shared on social media platforms.
– The controversial use of AI remastering is not new in the film industry, with recent uproar over its application in James Cameron's 4K re-release of True Lies.
– Dennis Quaid stars in Jaws 3D as Mike Brody, set in SeaWorld Orlando, the movie becomes a fight for survival against a giant Great White Shark.
Dedicated fans of the Jaws series might feel like a Great White Shark just took a bite out of their beloved classic. The upcoming 4K re-release of Jaws 3D and its sequel, Jaws: The Revenge, appears to have used a highly aggressive AI for the remastering process. Unfortunately, the effect was more horrifying than even a giant killer shark.
Stepping Back into the 80s, But Not as Expected
Jaws 3D, despite its name, never had a great reputation for being visually stunning. Vernacular among fans is that it might as well be defined as a 16mm film when seen in 2D. The reason lies in the technologically-challenged days it was filmed in where a single 35mm film frame was split in two to create the 3D effect. This technique resulted in significant grain and frame distortions right from the get-go.
Sadly, the AI's attempt to provide a smooth touch to the remastering appears to have gone overboard. Evidence? Background characters looking like creatures straight from a horror movie.
Twitter Evidence Raises Eyebrows
Fans voicing their criticism on social platforms such as Twitter have provided highly concerning examples of the troubling AI upgrades. Screen grabs from various platforms like Vudu, MoviesAnywhere, and Peacock indicate a clear disparity, only fueling the discontent among fans.
It seems the AI, while intended to enrich the viewing experience, did a great deal to strip away the realness of the film. This includes a loss of grain, over-smoothed faces, and distorted aesthetics.
Jaws 3D AI Remastering Controversy is Not an Isolated Event
The backlash against AI remastering is not newbie news. Fans had a similar reaction when the 4K re-release of James Cameron's True Lies displayed similar issues. As AI continues to take part in the remastering of classic films, it's apparent we are still dealing with early-stage issues.
AI remastering undoubtedly holds the potential to enhance classic films, but it seems the journey towards perfection is off to a rough start.
Should You Still Buy the Jaws 3D 4K?
While some die-hard Jaws addicts may be able to ignore the aggressive AI remastering, it could very well be a deal-breaker for the majority. The original Jaws 3D starrer, Dennis Quaid, even with his high reputation (certainly heightened by his self-admitted cocaine habit at the time), might not be enough to pull audiences in.
So, if you are considering grabbing a copy of Jaws 3D or Jaws: The Revenge on 4K next week, you might want to give it a second thought.
Conclusion
While technology and AI promise an array of possibilities, the tech's application in remastering old movies has faced some road bumps. The core appeal of many classic films lies in their authenticity – grain, character details, and all. When overly aggressive AI remastering obscures these features instead of enhancing them, audiences are, understandably, left less than impressed.
And for now, it seems that Jaws 3D 4K release has been hooked by these AI woes. Still, the controversy surrounding the AI remastering acts as a crucial learning experience for future enhancements in the industry.
