AI Upscaling Controversy Surrounds The Super Mario Bros. Super Show Re-Airings

MeTV Toons has begun airing episodes of *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show*, a cartoon that originally aired in 1989, coinciding with the anticipation surrounding the release of *The Super Mario Galaxy Movie*. However, the re-airings have sparked controversy due to the use of an AI upscaling algorithm that has altered the original footage in a manner deemed unsatisfactory by viewers.

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*The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* was a significant part of 1980s pop culture, featuring 65 episodes that included live-action segments with professional wrestler "Captain" Lou Albano as Mario. The show also incorporated a *Legend of Zelda* cartoon segment, contributing to its nostalgic value among adults who grew up during that era.

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Reports indicate that the AI upscaling process applied to the original episodes has resulted in a "sloppified" appearance. Critics have noted that the characters look markedly different from their original designs, and the overall visual quality has been compromised. The title card has even been altered to read "The Suele Mario Bros. Super Show," showcasing the limitations of the AI technology used. Viewers have expressed disappointment, noting that the original series was not visually impressive to begin with, but the AI enhancements have made it worse.

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Engadget has reached out to MeTV for clarification regarding the AI upscaling process and its outcomes. As of now, no official response has been provided, leaving viewers questioning the decision-making behind the re-airings.

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Viewer reactions have been largely negative, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the altered visuals. Critics argue that the use of AI upscaling detracts from the nostalgic experience of watching the classic show. The consensus among fans is that the original charm of the series has been lost due to the poor execution of the upscaling technology.

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While many viewers have voiced their concerns about the AI upscaling, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the specific technology used and the decision-making process at MeTV. Additionally, comparisons to the original footage are readily available on platforms like YouTube, but official commentary from MeTV is still pending.

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• “ These AI tools have never been great with visual representations of written text, but you'd think someone at the station would have given things a look over.” — Engadget

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The controversy surrounding the re-airing of *The Super Mario Bros. Super Show* highlights the challenges and pitfalls of using AI technology in media, particularly when it comes to preserving the integrity of beloved classics.

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