why does everyone seem to hate dubs?

[Undertow]

Well, i live in holland, and sometimes i encounter dutch dubs, and those are simply horrible, dutch voice actors are the worst of the bunch.
The main reason why i prefer the original voice actors is because i think they sound better, better in emotions and have a more fitting voice. And the japanese language is better in my opinion (trying to learn and with dubs i can't practice).

And to prove the point again about changing the dialog, just watch Kare Kano. There is a point where miyazawa talks to Maho (after the scene Maho created) and the japanese and english dialog are polar opposites of each other

[Mroni]

sub vs dub wars should have stopped when dvds hit the shelves.



Mr Oni

[MAS PRODUCTIONS]

My biggest problem is translation. There are tons of words and usages that in Japanese are perfectly fine but don't translate to English well or at all. Some dubbing companies try to keep true to translation but others either try to get the closest translation or make up an equivilant. A good example would be the name suffix system.

In Japan -san, -kun, -chan, -sama, -dono are often used. Each one has it's own meaning and tone. Many dubbers usually just leave off the suffix but some try to translate it to Mr. or Ms. or Lord. Since this is the closest system in English it would make sense but the end product doesn't seem right. A good example would Naruto. Say we take Sakura's use of Lee's name of "Lee-san" now imagine if the dubbing was made into "Mr. Lee" doesn't sound right does it. The truth is we don't have the equivalents to these suffix's. Now in many cases the suffix's are just left off but it can kill a personal touch or meaning to a character from another character's perspective. Take for example once again Naruto, Naruto uses the suffix of chan for Sakura. This a term of affection and gives off a different feel than if he just said Sakura.

There are also other translation issues that get to me. One of the biggest is the complete re scripting of translations at times. I'm not a fool and understand that they can't sync everything so muct change things. But some Dubbers take it upon themselves to completely change the meaning of conversations due to this. One of the biggest infringers that I have noticed is FUNimation. They even took it upon themselves to have Ryo-oki speak in Tenchi GXP.

Some people might being saying "oh well so they change a few things", the problem is that even the slightest combo of words can make or break something. Translating something to something else that is "close" just doesn't cut it.

In the end I think the best solution is the stuff that doesn't translate to english should stay in Japanese and a note placed somewhere on the screen or the DVD.

My only other pet peeve about dubbing is usually when they get VA's who don't match the character at all. Having a woman who has a deep adult voice is completely wrong for a character who looks to be childish or who is extremely young. I know that they don't have a large pool of VA's like the Japanese do but I know that if they look harder and spend more effort I know they can find more compatible voice actors.

In the end the debate of Dub/Sub is a futile one. Those who want to watch subs will watch subs and those who want to watch dubs will watch dubs. I usually give dubs a chance but most the time I'm disappointed in the end.

[x_rex30]

sub vs dub wars should have stopped when dvds hit the shelves.



Mr Oni

Heh, yep! Discussions like these seem pointless and pathetic if you look at it that way. *waits for more to argue*

[GMM2005]

It seems that sometimes the voice actors they choose to play a character, his voice doesnt really match the character and it looks wierd. Also, sometimes when you hear what they say, and you read it, its completely different. Dont get me wrong, I dont mind most dubs but i like subs better.

[Vegeta_ssj4]

true u rather watch it in sub them dub

[Jnzk]

For me, I suppose it's cultural. People here grow up and learn to read watching subtitled (mostly American) movies and TV programs. Only shows meant for small children are dubbed. And until very recently, there were virtually no domestic anime DVDs released. Everyone I know found anime through fansubs. So preferring subs is natural.

[Pyle]

Evanelion dubs DO suck...

[Bulghod]

if anything i think it's the uncertainty of it not being the original. that it's been changed, even slightly. therefore ppl will have to judge the dub and see if it's fit for the anime.
but then the question is, what if the original Japanese voice actor/actress sucked, and the dub is good? do ppl notice?

[Evangelion Unit 01]

Evanelion dubs DO suck...

I liked their dub a lot. But once again its all preferences!