The Super Mario Bros. cartoon is back, but looks really weird and AI might be to blame

Editor's take

Recent reports suggest that the visual anomalies present in the re-released *Super Mario Bros. Super Show* may stem from AI-driven remastering processes. This development raises concerns about the potential for AI to inadvertently degrade or alter classic media, impacting the fidelity of beloved cultural artifacts.

The implications extend beyond nostalgia; as AI tools become more accessible for content restoration, their uncritical application could lead to the widespread distortion of historical video and animation. This poses a challenge for archivists and consumers alike, who expect such projects to preserve rather than fundamentally change the source material.

Future attention should focus on the specific AI models and techniques employed in this remastering, and whether safeguards exist to prevent similar visual artifacts in future restorations. Understanding the precise nature of the AI's intervention will be crucial in determining whether this is an isolated incident or a foreshadowing of broader issues in AI-assisted media preservation.