In this episode, we finally get hands-on with Runway’s newly released Gen-4 video generation model and put it through our standard dynamic motion test. Using our consistent snowboarding benchmark, we compare Gen-4 against previous Runway models (Gen-3 Alpha and Gen-3 Alpha Turbo) to measure improvements in motion handling, physics simulation, and overall realism. Through multiple tests with varying image types and prompting strategies, we discover that Gen-4 represents a significant advancement, particularly in handling natural movement and environmental interaction. While still showing some limitations with complex motions and longer sequences, the results are impressive enough to crown Runway Gen-4 as the new leader in AI video generation, especially when using high-quality source imagery and conservative prompting approaches.
Keywords
- Runway Gen-4
- AI Video Generation
- Motion Physics
- Dynamic Movement
- Snowboarding Test
- Runway Gen-3 Alpha
- Runway Gen-3 Alpha Turbo
- Reference Feature
- Image-to-Video
- Natural Movement
- Environmental Interaction
- Prompt Adherence
- Stock Imagery
- Action Sequences
- Physics Simulation
- Video Consistency
- Model Comparison
- AI Marketing
- Content Creation
- Visual Effects
Key Takeaways
Runway Gen-4 Performance
- Significantly improved physics handling compared to previous models
- Better consistency throughout generated sequences
- More natural environmental interaction (snow displacement, carving)
- Maintains subject integrity for longer periods (solid 10-second clips)
- Struggles less with the geometric challenges of half-pipe structures
- Clear progression from Gen-3 Alpha through Gen-3 Alpha Turbo to Gen-4
Our Best Practices for Gen-4
- Stock photography outperforms AI-generated imagery as input
- Conservative prompting yields more convincing results
- Shorter clips (5-7 seconds) maintain higher quality throughout
- Simpler motion scenarios work better than complex tricks or movements
- Source images with existing environmental interaction cues improve results
- Realistic source imagery yields almost photorealistic outputs
Feature Highlights
- New “reference” feature available on unlimited tier ($95/month)
- Allows combining multiple reference images in generations
- Part of a “series” of Gen-4 models (suggesting more variants to come)
- Improved fidelity, dynamic motion, and controllability
Practical Applications
- Marketing videos requiring natural human movement
- Social media content with realistic action sequences
- Product demonstrations with environmental interaction
- B-roll footage replacement
- Best for shorter clips with straightforward motion
Links
https://x.com/runwayml/status/1906718935778545964
