A new AI tool hosted on Discord that alters submitted videos to make them resemble the style of the beloved Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli has become the center of intense debate online.
The software, called Domo Video 2.0 and created by the startup DomoAI, was recently showcased on the social media platform X.
Introducing DomoAI Video to Video 2.0!🧐
Get a first look at our enchanting Ghibli-style transformation.– Enhanced Algorithm: Experience smoother, more stable videos.
– Clearer Backgrounds: Enjoy crisp and vivid scenery in your creations.
– Improved Character Sync: Witness… pic.twitter.com/RmoZhxs7hs— DomoAI official (@DomoAI_) February 18, 2024
DomoAI shared a promotional video displaying several video clips of real people who had been digitally transformed by their AI to evoke Ghibli’s unique aesthetic.
The post quickly went viral and provoked strong backlash, especially from devoted Ghibli fans. Although the original post’s replies were limited by the creator, many angry users on X quoted the content to express their staunch opposition to associating AI-generated animation with Studio Ghibli.
They cited past comments by the legendary Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki conveying his deep distaste for AI art.
How Fans Have Reacted To This Advancement
Studio Ghibli’s emotionally resonant and visually dazzling films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro are intrinsically tied to the creative vision of the legendary animation director Hayao Miyazaki.
He is known for fiercely safeguarding Ghibli’s exclusively hand-drawn aesthetic and artistry.
In the 2016 documentary The Never-Ending Man, Miyazaki expressed vehement disapproval when shown AI-generated animation, stating “I am utterly disgusted.
If you want to make creepy things, fine, but I would never incorporate this technology.” His clip has resurfaced across social media, used by critics of DomoAI’s project as proof of the offense Miyazaki would feel seeing his style mimicked by AI.
Miyazaki storyboards each Ghibli film with meticulous personal detail and supervision over the hand-drawn animation process. This has led to some of cinema’s most acclaimed animated works.
Multiple angry social media users have argued DomoAI’s synthetic videos simply cannot compare due to lacking the human artistry and emotion intrinsic part of Ghibli’s filmmaking essence.
They insist Miyazaki would be appalled at his protected animation realm being imitated using tech he finds revolting.
In addition to attacking the lack of human artistry, many critics have condemned how DomoAI’s digitally altered videos diverge greatly from Studio Ghibli’s signature aesthetic style.
For example, one angry fan highlighted how the AI-generated characters’ hands have an incongruous 3D look completely absent from Ghibli’s elegant 2D worlds.
Others called out jarring differences in how elements like wind and foliage are animated in the AI preview clip, as well as disorienting shifts in orientation angles also never seen in Miyazaki’s frames.
These stylistic discrepancies reinforce followers’ arguments that the tech cannot truly emulate Ghibli’s delicate flair.
DomoAI did subsequently apologize and rebranded its discord server to “Japanese Anime 2.0” rather than claiming a Ghibli association.
However, its original viral post still drew some positive feedback amidst the culture clash backlash.
One user suggested Miyazaki should actually welcome the AI tool for reducing animator workloads and speeds.
But this perspective faced resistance, with most reaffirming that AI might have a place, just not imitating the cherished Ghibli realm Miyazaki has protected.
More About Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli is an acclaimed Japanese animation studio renowned globally for its emotionally resonant films brimming with imaginative worlds and endearing characters.
Based in Tokyo and founded in 1985 by the visionary director Hayao Miyazaki, producer Toshio Suzuki, and director Isao Takahata, Ghibli has become a formidable force in animation.
Their diverse works spanning short films to features have won consistent praise and awards. Ghibli projects bear the studio’s signature hand-drawn aesthetic with fluid, engaging animation.
Their breakout hit My Neighbor Totoro introduced the studio’s famous logo of a bewitching, cat-like spirit.
Other landmark Ghibli films include the ecological epic Princess Mononoke, the fantastical coming-of-age tale Spirited Away, the steampunk fantasy Howl’s Moving Castle, and the aquatic adventure Ponyo.
Shepherded by the protective Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli has retained its boutique, artist-driven approach even amidst growing mainstream success.
Its lovingly crafted films continue to resonate across generations. So reactions have been particularly intense against what fans see as AI technology hijacking Ghibli’s delicate, custom-made art form—violating Miyazaki’s anti-AI stance.
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