As a hardcore gamer and avid movie collector with a deep appreciation for the classics, I can’t help but be dismayed by Universal Pictures’ decision to allow AI upscaling in their forthcoming 4K releases of “Jaws 3” and “Jaws: The Revenge.” I still remember the first time I watched the original “Jaws” on VHS as a kid, my heart pounding in fear as the iconic theme played and the ominous fin sliced through the water. That experience was part of what made that movie an all-time great for me.
Most movie lovers and regular people alike have very few criticisms for Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws.” The most common complaint is that the shark appears fake. However, it’s important to remember that “Jaws” was made on a modest budget, and the mechanical shark from 1975 still looks quite menacing today. In contrast, the sharks in the three sequels have become progressively more comical in appearance.
I’ve been thrilled with the exceptional 4K remastering job on the original ’70s film, making it look better than ever. However, the release of “Jaws 2” was just average, nothing extraordinary. The movie itself could also be described as fine, but not a standout. It seems that the less-than-stellar reception for “Jaws 3” and “Jaws: The Revenge” will continue with their upcoming 4K releases. Why, you ask? Universal Pictures has opted for AI upscaling in the production process of these films. In simpler terms, things are only going to get worse for two movies that have already been criticized heavily – one as a 90-minute unintentional comedy and the other a confusing revenge tale featuring an apparently telepathic toothy fish.
Just When You Thought Jaws 3 & Jaws: The Revenge Couldn’t Be Any Worse
A few movies have received AI upscaling for their 4K releases by this point. The most notable examples are the recent home media editions of James Cameron’s classics Aliens, True Lies, and The Abyss. For those who were, understandably, quite excited about those releases and knew what to look for, they were a disappointment.
As a longtime film enthusiast and collector of physical media, I cannot help but be deeply concerned about the potential consequences of relying too heavily on artificial intelligence for movie restoration and preservation. Having grown up watching classics like “The Abyss” and “True Lies” on VHS tapes and later upgrading to DVDs and Blu-rays, I have witnessed firsthand the significant improvements in video and audio quality over the decades.
As a die-hard Jaws fan, I can understand if some collectors might still be excited about getting their hands on the 4K versions of Jaws 3 and Jaws: The Revenge on July 23, despite recent news about AI tweaking. While some fans might hold off due to this revelation, others who are willing to spend $30 on a classic yet critically panned film may still want these editions for their collection. After all, there’s always the original Jaws 4K release and Ridley Scott’s Alien with its impressive Ultra HD home video edition as alternative options.
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2024-07-17 22:31