Exploring Minimax: The Next-Gen Video AI Platform
What Makes Minimax Different?
Minimax is making waves in the video AI platform space, offering an impressive alternative to established names like Runway and Luma. While its interface and instructions are primarily in Chinese, it holds some unique advantages over its competitors. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Minimax stand out and how it performs in comparison.
What Makes Minimax Different?
The initial discovery of Minimax came through a link to its site: https://hailuoai.com/video. Unlike other platforms, Minimax offers a fast and free option, though it has limitations such as producing videos capped at 5 seconds and lacking photo import capabilities. Despite these restrictions, it competes directly with Runway
- Exploring RunwayML’s Ability to Mimic Iconic Movie and TV Scenes: Matrix, Winnie the Pooh and Game of Thrones
- RunwayML Gen-3: A Significant Upgrade Over Gen-2?
- AI Video Generation Showdown: Luma AI vs. RunwayML
Comparing MiniMax to Runway and Luma
Prompt: A field of flowers swaying in the breeze under a vibrant sunset.
RUNWAY (Above)
LUMA (Above)
MinMax (Above)
- Runway: Detailed and vivid.
- Luma: Realistic but less detailed.
- MiniMax: Not as sharp and they added a spiritual-looking woman unless maybe I’m the only one seeing her.
Winner: Runway
Prompt: Create a video of a drone flying through an abandoned mall during mid-morning or late afternoon to capture optimal sunlight angles. The scene should be eerie and haunting, with decayed storefronts, broken glass, and scattered debris. The drone should smoothly glide down the main hallway, showcasing wide shots.
Runway (Above)
Luma (Above)
MiniMax (Above)
- Runway: Misinterpreted the prompt.
- Luma: Accurate and eerie.
- MiniMax: Even more accurate than Luma. I think this is my favorite.
Winner: Minimax
Prompt: Dragon-toucan walking through the Serengeti.
Runway (Above)
LUMA (Above)
MiniMax (Above)
- Runway: Realistic but static.
- Luma: Creative interpretation but basically an animation.
- MiniMax: Less real than Runway. More accurate setting.
Winner: Runway
Prompt: 1970s Cinematic Feel. Grimy Street in London. Taxi cab driver stands in front of his car waiting for his passenger. He is an older man with a weather-beaten face.
Runway (Above)
Luma (Above)
MiniMax (Above)
- Runway: Accurate car but inconsistent details.
- Luma: Cinematic feel with better character consistency.
- Minimax: Clearly the best. Even has Taxi spelled correctly.
Winner: Minimax
The Matrix: Neon Nights and Silhouetted Figures
Prompt:
A wide-angle view reveals a sprawling cityscape at night. Neon lights flicker in the distance as the camera slowly pulls back. Two silhouetted figures stand on a rooftop edge, their coats rippling in the wind. The silhouetted figures wear flowing trench coats over sleek, form-fitting attire, with heavy boots and possibly sunglasses, their outfits blending stylishly. The scene fades to black as haunting electronic music swells, leaving the audience with a sense of both resolution and impending conflict.
RunwayML’s Output:
I’m impressed with Minimax’s output. The faces look natural where as in the Runway Output I’m not seeing much of a face at all.
Game of Thrones: Clockwork Wonders
Prompt:
An intricate clockwork map springs to life, gears turning. The camera sweeps across miniature kingdoms rising from the terrain. Iconic locations emerge: King’s Landing’s spires, Winterfell’s stone walls, The Wall’s icy expanse. Golden rings orbit a fiery sun, casting shadows. Banners of great houses unfurl as the stirring theme swells. The mechanical marvels assemble and disassemble, revealing the complex world of Westeros in constant motion.
RunwayML’s Output:
Minimax (Above)
Runway nailed it while Minimax missed the mark completely.
Winnie the Pooh: A Stroll in the Garden
Prompt:
A 2D Winnie the Pooh ambles into his quaint garden, golden fur glowing in soft sunlight. A gentle tracking shot follows as he waddles past colorful flower beds and buzzing beehives. His red shirt stands out against the lush greenery. The camera pans to reveal a worn “Mr. Sanders” sign, honey pots scattered about, and a cozy treehouse nestled in the background. Butterflies flit by as Pooh approaches his favorite thinking spot.
RunwayML’s Output:
Minimax Output: No matter what combination I tried Minimax would not allow me to create a pooh bear. I didn’t even name it bear and it still would not allow. I’m wondering, since this is a Chinese company they worked extra hard to ensure that Pooh couldn’t be created in any fashion due to their leader’s unlawful nickname.
Prompt: 1776 Philadelphia, designed as drone shots to capture the historical ambiance from above. Independence Hall Description: The drone starts high above Independence Hall, slowly descending to reveal the bustling activity below. The streets are filled with horses, carriages, and people dressed in 18th-century attire. Angle: Wide aerial shot of Independence Hall and its surroundings. Action: The drone slowly descends, capturing the historic architecture and the cobblestone streets
Runway (Above)
Minimax (Above)
I think it’s pretty clear that Minimax is the winner. While it’s not architecturally accurate it’s at least least and has the time right whereas Runway can’t help put vehicles in there.
Prompt: 1776 The Philadelphia Riverfront Description: The drone captures the busy Delaware Riverfront, where tall ships are docked, and workers load and unload goods. No modernity Wide aerial shot of the riverfront, showing ships and docks. Action: The drone descends, getting closer to the activity on the docks. Workers carry barrels and crates, sailors prepare ships for departure, and merchants inspect goods being unloaded.
Runway (Above)
Minimax
Minimax wins again. Runway’s output looks like something you’d see in an old museum display without accuracy. Minimax gets it mostly right however if you look closely the buildings in the distance are modern.
With major players like Runway securing partnerships with well-known studios, it’s uncertain how long Minimax can continue to leverage the content it provides or least just steal what it needs. Nonetheless, its current state offers an intriguing alternative, and it’s worth exploring for those eager to push the boundaries of video AI.
Christopher lives in Vermont with his wife, twin boys, border collie and corgi. He has owned a film production company, sold slot machines, and worked for Tony Robbins. He writes in his magical tiny house and sometimes writes in his blog at chrisrodgers.blog
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