The Mark Cuban Podcast: Reviving Forgotten Films with AI Technology
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Introduction: The Renaissance of Classic Films through AI
In the August 8, 2025 episode of The Mark Cuban Podcast, renowned entrepreneur Mark Cuban delves into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revitalizing classic films. This episode, titled "Reviving Forgotten Films with AI Technology," explores how AI is not only enhancing the quality of beloved classics but also redefining the cinematic experience for modern audiences.
AI-Powered Remastering: Breathing New Life into Old Classics
Mark Cuban opens the discussion by highlighting the burgeoning trend of using AI to remaster old films, images, and videos. He notes the stark contrast between vintage formats like VHS and today's high-definition standards:
"You know, we've all seen an old VHS tape and I feel like recently I've seen somewhere on an old TV and I'm just like, blown away by how, like, it sounds terrible, but, like, how low quality it feels compared to what we're so used to now."
(02:15)
Cuban emphasizes that while the retro charm of old films remains appealing, AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance their visual and auditory quality without losing their original essence.
The Wizard of Oz Project: A Case Study in AI Remastering
A significant portion of the episode focuses on a monumental project underway to remaster "The Wizard of Oz," which the Library of Congress cites as the most-watched film of all time. Cuban provides intriguing insights into this endeavor:
"They are using AI to both increase the resolution of the existing film and also using it to expand the footage beyond the frame that was actually shot."
(15:42)
This project goes beyond mere enhancement; it's about creating an entirely new immersive experience. The remastered film is set to premiere at the Las Vegas Sphere, a colossal venue featuring 160,000 square feet of LCD screens that envelop viewers in a 360-degree environment.
Innovative Techniques: Outpainting and Frame Expansion
Cuban delves into the technical aspects of the remastering process, particularly the use of AI-driven outpainting. This technique extends the original film frames, allowing for a seamless 360-degree viewing experience without unnatural edges or abrupt cuts.
"A grainy close-up of Dorothy becomes richly detailed. And then through a process called outpainting, though it seems like magic, we see the rest of the Scarecrow, the Yellow Brick Road, and the mountains of Oz."
– Ben Makuski, Sphere CEO
(22:30)
Additionally, expanding the frame sometimes necessitates the creation of new performances for existing characters to maintain continuity within the immersive environment.
Creating Immersive Experiences: Beyond Traditional Cinema
The episode underscores the broader implications of AI in creating immersive cinematic experiences. Cuban draws parallels between the Sphere project and future applications in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):
"The exact same concept and strategy that they're applying here is also going to be needed for VR, for Apple's headsets, for Meta's headset, or for anything else like that."
(19:10)
This suggests a future where viewers can step inside their favorite films, experiencing stories from a first-person perspective enhanced by AI-driven technologies.
Balancing Modern Enhancements with Artistic Integrity
A critical discussion revolves around maintaining historical accuracy and artistic integrity while utilizing AI to enhance films. Cuban acknowledges the tension between upgrading old footage and preserving the original artistic vision:
"Some people argue because they just love the artistic, authentic, old quality of something."
(24:05)
He argues that AI can serve as a tool to complement, rather than compromise, the original art, allowing for both preservation and modernization.
Personal Insights: AI in Video Editing
Cuban shares his personal experiences with AI in video editing, highlighting the efficiency and creative possibilities it unlocks:
"I was recently editing a video over on Adobe Premiere, and they have a very interesting similar tool. Basically, I had a clip that needed to be synced up to something in particular, and the video was shorter than the audio I was syncing it to."
(27:50)
By leveraging AI tools, he was able to seamlessly extend video clips to match audio tracks, illustrating the practical benefits of AI in content creation.
Future Prospects: AI’s Expanding Role in the Film Industry
Concluding the episode, Cuban speculates on the future trajectory of AI in cinema. He anticipates that as AI technology advances, more studios will adopt similar remastering techniques, leading to a renaissance of classic films available in enhanced formats.
"This is going to be starting on August 28th that this movie is going to be premiered. I think we'll see a lot of other studio companies do this… so I'll be really curious to see how the Wizard of Oz plays out in the future and what other experiences we'll see next."
(29:00)
He envisions a landscape where AI not only preserves cinematic history but also enriches it, offering audiences deeper and more engaging viewing experiences.
Conclusion: Embracing AI for a Cinematic Future
Mark Cuban wraps up the episode by affirming his excitement about the intersection of AI and film. He underscores the potential for AI to unlock new creative horizons and preserve the legacy of classic cinema for future generations.
"It's going to unlock a lot inside of film. … thanks to AI and what we're basically able to do with this."
(28:45)
Listeners are encouraged to embrace these technological advancements, recognizing the profound impact AI can have on the arts and entertainment industries.
Final Thoughts
"Reviving Forgotten Films with AI Technology" serves as a compelling exploration of how AI is poised to revolutionize the film industry. Through detailed discussions and insightful quotes, Mark Cuban paints a picture of a future where technology and artistry coexist to preserve and enhance cinematic treasures. This episode is a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to understand the evolving landscape of business, technology, and entertainment.