Dubbed or Subbed

[lucky4life]

Another classic thread.
Which do you prefer?
I personally prefer the English dubbing to most of the Studio Ghibli movies because the English was what I saw them in first. Whisper of the Heart is the exception, I prefer that in the Japanese with the subtitles because again, that's how I first saw it.
I would also like to note that I really do like how Disney has dubbed these movies. They have chosen voice actors well and most importantly of all...Pixar was heading it and I have yet to see Pixar go wrong with anything they have created.

[Levon]

I only watch them dubbed. Never watched a Ghibli film subbed.

[Lunay]

Subbed for me, especially, for Nausicaa since one of my favorite seiyuu played the role for Nausicaa herself. Her name is Sumi Shimamoto, she was the voice for Kyoko Otonashi (Maison Ikkoku), and she also has a small role in other Ghibli films such as Mononoke, Totoro, and Umi ga Kikoeru. Her voice is very charming and nurturing, it's very motherly, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't comment on the dub but I hear good things about it. ^^v

P.S. - Let's all be mature and let's respect each others language preference. ^^;

[Midoriko87]

I prefer Totoro and Mononoke dubbed; Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Howl's Moving Castle subbed.

Then again, I really enjoy both the English and Japanese tracks for most Ghibli stuff, so I'm cool either way.

[SDAnimeFan]

I prefer them in English dub.

[Lemina]

The only Ghibili films I've seen are Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle, and so far I've enjoyed watching them dubbed. These VA's may not be as known as the VA's we hear in other anime series, but they are very talented, and many of them have a background in opera like other VA's in Disney animated films. The subtitled versions have been very well translated, but I've really like the dubs here.

[lmc87]

I think Disneys dub of Kiki's Delivery Service was bloody fantastic, one of my favourite dubs. For me it mixed the Disney voice magic with the beautiful Ghibli animation. The perfect mix.

[Levon]

I think Disneys dub of Kiki's Delivery Service was bloody fantastic, one of my favourite dubs. For me it mixed the Disney voice magic with the beautiful Ghibli animation. The perfect mix.

Phil Hartman:thumbsup:

[lmc87]

Phil Hartman:thumbsup:

Hollywood legend right there. His voice on The Simpsons is sorely missed and he was absolutley perfect for the voice of Jiji(sp?)

[Shadow Raven.]

Dubbed .

[Mikadzuki Tatsu]

I prefer them subbed simply because it feels more natural to me to watch a film in its native language (with subtitles, of course), and because most of Studio Ghibli's films I watched subbed first. But I also like the dubs of Ghibli's films. Disney, for example, has so far done an excellent job dubbing Hayao Miyazaki's films.

[Magami No ER]

I think all of the dubs are excellent, save for Mononoke Hime, which I can only watch subbed.

[Levon]

I think all of the dubs are excellent, save for Mononoke Hime, which I can only watch subbed.

I thought the Mononoke was one of the best dubs. But I'm kinda bias towards it since it was the first Ghibli film I saw & my favorite Ghibli film so I love everything about it.

[Jon]

Dubbed, as all the dubs are fantastic.

[Franksta]

Ive seen most dubbed and usually the quality is good. Im especially impartial to the Kiki dub since I am a big Kirstin Dunst fan. I have yet to see Howl's but I anticipate greatness from Patrick Stewart.

Im actually surprised at how many fans watch Ghibli works dubbed since so many people are hardcore about subs. It's good when fans of subs can agree on quality dubbing work.

[Lunay]

Im actually surprised at how many fans watch Ghibli works dubbed since so many people are hardcore about subs. It's good when fans of subs can agree on quality dubbing work.

I am surprised as well! I feel emabarrassed for not checking out the dub. ^^; Since many people are talking great things about Ghibli's dub, I will certainly check out one of my R1 Ghibli titles in dub within the next few days. One problem for me is that more than half of my Ghibli titles are R2, so, even if I wanted to check out the dub, I can't. ><; I am wondering if Omoide Poroporo and Umi ga Kikoeru will ever get the R1 treatment.

Speaking of Patrick Stewart, he must be in several different Ghibli titles. Can you recognize his voice pretty well or does he disguise it?

[Franksta]

I actually goofed on Patrick Stewart. He is a voice actor in Nausicaa (and also Steam Boy) but not Howl's. I don't know if his voice is disguised since I've only seen Nausicaa off an ancient VHS tape subbed. Id imagine his voice would be very discerable.

wiki article on Patrick Stewarts VA career (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Stewart#Voice_acting)

[boomsnapclap]

All of the dubs were great.

[Dr. Ezra]

The dubs worked for me.

[Delta-Pheonix]

Dubbed as with most things, but yeah Ghibli Dubbing rocks ^_^

[Caster13]

the question here is WHICH dub. ever hear of Warriors of the Wind, the first dub of Nausicaa? you could not pay me to watch that.

[Levon]

I don't think Warriors of the Wind should even count as a Studio Ghibli film:P

[Lord Lolipop]

99% of the time I prefer subtitled, but in the case of Mononoke Hime, I prefer the dub, mainly because I found that Billy Crudup's voice was perfectly suited to Ashitaka's temperment, Minnie Driver's smoothness triumphed over a thick and discernable accent, Claire Danes delivered a surprisingly robust performance, and even Billy Bob Thornton and Gillian Anderson were commendable. Good voice acting all the way around.

[lucky4life]

I thought it might turn out like this when I made this thread. The majority seem to really like the dubbing...which is really good.
Usually when I watch anime I prefer it subtitled. A lot of the times when I hear the English dub of an anime I cringe in pain. There are a handful of exceptions of course (namely any anime with Crispin Freeman as a voice actor) and Ghibli films are at the top of that handful.

[Delta-Pheonix]

Lol if you want wacked out dubbing watch detonator orgun the voice actors are so bad it's funny.

[drgenestarwind]

I've seen most of them in both languages and I prefer subtitles on all of them (save the added hilarity of Phil Hartman). Miyazaki-san chose his seiiyus for a reason.

[Animexcel]

I usually watch them subtitled, but when I'm watching it with people then dub.

[animegurl]

I like them subbed better, usualy, the voices fit better with the characters.

[Caster13]

the japanese voice of Nausicaa kicks the crap out of the english one. less whiny.

[Vaikyuko]

Like the dubs, prefer the subs.

[BrikHaus81]

For "Spirited Away" I prefer the Japanese. For "Howl's Moving Castle" I really liked the dub better.

[Nomnomnom]

I'm going to go Dubbed with Subtitles.

[Sora Sol]

The only dub I didn't like was the new Disney dub for Totoro. The FOX one was waaay better.

[drgenestarwind]

I always watched them subbed, I dont like their choices for VA's for english dubs

[Levon]

The only dub I didn't like was the new Disney dub for Totoro. The FOX one was waaay better.

I thought the Disney dub was better. Dakota Fanning & her little sister FTW!:P

[Sora Sol]

I thought the Disney dub was better. Dakota Fanning & her little sister FTW!:P

Well, the Fox version was the first anime I ever saw, and I grew up with it and have been watching only it for almost two decades. So when I heard the new one I was like >_<

[zenith]

Depends who is producing either.

[CitizenGeek]

Studio Ghibli dubs are generally of a very high standard - Nausicaa and Spirited Away stick out as particularly great examples. I enjoyed the Grave of the Fireflies dub (something I saw recently) but it didn't strike me as being of the standard that Spirited Away was.

[Skylark]

Speaking of Patrick Stewart, he must be in several different Ghibli titles. Can you recognize his voice pretty well or does he disguise it?

Patrick Stewart is marvelous as Yuppa in an excellent cast for the Nausicaa dub. I have always loved the original Japanese voice actors for years, but the fine quality dub of the Disney release made me buy extra copies to send out as gifts.

***

[Meganly-chan]

Kiki's Delivery Service and Spirited Away I prefer to watch dubbed. The rest, I am fine with either.

[Skylark]

This was originally posted elsewhere but It was meant to be posted here where it belongs.

Speaking of dubs . . .

A couple of things on the Kiki dub:

1. About a month ago I was watching a national football game on TV. While I was flipping the channels from the game during a commercial break, I was surprised to come across a telecast of Kiki's Delivery Service at that time Sunday morning locally in the Los Angeles area. It made me remember the times back in 1990 when the only way I could get to see the film was by either importing the actual Japanese video, or by searching around for any fansub.

The times have certainly changed.

2. I always knew about the additional music alterations for the Kiki's Delivery Service English dubbed version, but I was surprised to see in the credits that Isao Takahata (Ghibli's other director and producer) was responsible for supervising the film's additional music direction. (Just so there isn't any confusion: I'm referring to how the music tracks of the film are rearranged and edited in the English dub, I'm not referring to how the additional music is performed or recreated by it's original composer, Joe Hisaishi.) I found the situation interesting and it also made some sense to me because, originally, Miyazaki and Takahata were both interested in developing and directing Kiki, but eventually Miyazaki took over the project. After Disney asked for additional music, I wonder if Miyazaki was either too busy or was not interested to go back over the project, so he decided to suggest Takahata to work with Disney on the film's additional music direction?

Anyway, I just thought it interesting and surprising seeing Takahata's additional involvement with the Kiki dub. Btw, I like the music in both the original Japanese version and the American dubbed version.




***

[yasly]

For "Spirited Away" I prefer the Japanese. For "Howl's Moving Castle" I really liked the dub better.

Now that you mention it,Howl's moving castle was indeed better in dubs,I thought the jokes were funnier than in Japanese.
Rather exceptional that I preferred dud over sub.

[ladyshiro]

Dubbed and subbed. I love disney's voices. I also like to watch them in subs to compare the two. But I'll usaully watch Dubbed over subbed.

[Blue Thunder]

I like all the dubs. I listen to Mononoke Hime subbed sometimes, but overall, besides Mononoke (which I still like the dub also), I prefer the dubs.

[birdcat]

Dubbed is the way to go in my home. Loved Phil in KDS, shame it was the last thing he was ever able to do.

[DuffChick58]

Like lucky4life, I find that depending on how I saw the movie first is how I would prefer that movie to be seen over and over again.
However, I put faith into the dubbing for the Studio Ghibli movies because -- and im sure if any of you have seen the extras for their movies -- the Disney workers here in America do their best to work out their similarities in their language and make it as closely related as possible. If something does not sound right to the dubbers (is that a word?), or the workers of Studio Ghibli find something doesnt seem right with their dubbing, they converse and work it out so they are both happy.
So yeah.. I'm not worried about watching the dubbed version for the Miyazaki movies.

[Levon]

lol unlike any series dubbed by CLAMP who basically alter the whole story of any anime they attempt to dub. Cardcaptors? Totally ruined by 'em. lol


Huh? CCS is the only dub from a CLAMP show that was messed up & altered.

I think CLAMP anime are dubbed great most of the time, besides CCS & the X movie(X TV dub is amazing).

[Scandiadream]

I prefer them dubbed. Just like with all anime I watch.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Another classic thread.
Which do you prefer?
I personally prefer the English dubbing to most of the Studio Ghibli movies because the English was what I saw them in first. Whisper of the Heart is the exception, I prefer that in the Japanese with the subtitles because again, that's how I first saw it.
I would also like to note that I really do like how Disney has dubbed these movies. They have chosen voice actors well and most importantly of all...Pixar was heading it and I have yet to see Pixar go wrong with anything they have created.

I watch most of my anime subtitled. It helps me practice and reinforce my Japanese grammar and is a good test. Sometimes I'll turn on Spanish subs to get some simultaneous review (cuando espanol es disponible)

Regarding Ghibli films: compared to other dubbed anime, Miyazaki makes sure everything is as accurate as possible. He oversees pretty much all the dubbing for his stuff which maintains the integrity of his work. When his movies are released in theatres, it is usually in dubbed format. I think I was lucky enough to catch Howl's Moving Castle subbed but I had no gripes about watching his stuff dubbed. All of his movies get the big Hollywood star treatment and they do a pretty good job.

Of course, when the dvd is released, the Japanese track is the one that is primarily picked. It is just my personal preference.

[Pink Kitten]

Disney has done such a half-assed job of subbing the movies one is almost tempted to try and watch them in English.

[Anime Gee]

I must have all of them subbed. Can't stand the dubbed versions. ( >o<)/

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Disney has done such a half-assed job of subbing the movies one is almost tempted to try and watch them in English.

I've never heard such criticism about Miyazki's stuff before. I wonder if there are a lot of people who feel the same way.

In either case, I still prefer subbed (except for Miyazaki's work). For Miyazki's stuff, his movies are very watchable without subtitles because the dialogue is easy to follow, as compared with other anime.

After you get to know some of the people here, you may want to change that signature of yours :P But some of us may take you up on your invitation.

Laters.

[BeyonderZ]

all ways watch your anime with original music and original voice acting. Try to get the closest translation you possibly can with subtitles.

Also in my opinion all of Miyazki's films were ruined in the english dubbs. Bad voice acting, terrible scripting.. just one alone is enough to ruin a film. One single line changed kills it.

[Levon]

Geez, your harsh-_-;

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

all ways watch your anime with original music and original voice acting. Try to get the closest translation you possibly can with subtitles.

Also in my opinion all of Miyazki's films were ruined in the english dubbs. Bad voice acting, terrible scripting.. just one alone is enough to ruin a film. One single line changed kills it.

I know that he took great care in supervising the dubs. I spot check them once in a while or if the release it in the theatre, then I have no choice in the matter. But yes, I generally agree with your sentiments about anime with original music and language...actually not just limited to Japanese works. If a movie comes out from HK, you can bet I will watch it in either Mandarin or Cantonese (whichever was the intended original language) with subs.

If one single line change ruins an anime, then think of all the anime was had their integrity demolished...Wow, that is a lot of anime that got ruined.

[bobcomer]

Dubbed, as I like to watch all Anime. I only watch subbed if there is no dub available.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Dubs for me ruin anime. Unless I am just flipping through some cable channels and have no choice, I will always pick subs or just Japanese.

But to each their own. Not everyone can appreciate the intended language of anime.

[Levon]

<_<

Just because people love the English dubs doesn't mean they don't appreciate the Japanese.

[bobcomer]

<_<

Just because people love the English dubs doesn't mean they don't appreciate the Japanese.

Well put! I wouldn't be watching it if I didn't, I just like not having to read subs. I'm learning a little Japanese at a time, but I envision the day that I'll watch it raw and make fun of you sub readers. :smokin:

(Just kidding about making fun of sub readers)

[Delta-Pheonix]

I have a standing tradition to watch it dubbed the first time then once i've watched the movie (or series) the next time I watch it with subtitles.

When it comes to Miyazaki films Subbed and Dubbed are on the flip of a virtual coin, always has good voice acting, don't mind reading the subs either doesn't bother me either way.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

<_<

Just because people love the English dubs doesn't mean they don't appreciate the Japanese [sic] language.


Well, kind of a one sided statement. (Fixed it for ya). On the other side, it doesn't really make a case that they DO appreciate the Japanese language either. Dubs are strictly a marketing tool in order for something foreign to be seamlessly (ideally I guess) introduced into another market. The general feeling is that it will gain acceptance if it is in the current market's language, irrespective of whatever country it originated in. That's making a statement in itself. :naughty:

But seriously, watch it any way that makes you feel comfortable. People will do so regardless of how many points can be made in favor of subs because of certain common reasons.

At this point, subtitles I use to assist. Depending on the subject matter, I see how much I can get out of it before I read it (it is difficult and you need to be quick). I'm actually trying to train my ears better after studying the language. Watching anime has a double purpose for me; Entertainment and a learning tool. What better way to immerse yourself (aside from being in Japan) in a language than by watching something that interests you?

But highly technical things, scientific terms dealing with mecha or similar subject matter is just difficult to follow and that is when the subs come into play. Btw, I'm still always learning just like those of you who take the time to learn the language even though my formal education has been completed.

Before, people didn't have a choice. Then even with the introduction of bilingual dvds (over 10 years now) and even the few subbed vhs releases way back when, there is still an overwhelmingly amount of people who, for whatever reason, still choose dubs. I've heard mostly the same reasons and arguments. Most people simply just don't want to bother with reading or they have no interest in learning Japanese.

Like I wrote before about Miyazaki, he oversees just about every level of the dub process...making sure each line is delivered the way he intended it in his original version. That is why his dubs are of better quality than most.

If ever it comes to the point where I become fluent and attain a good ear for the language, which is my goal at this point, then that will be awesome. I think that for now, subs are as close as I will get to the original dialogue. That is how i personally feel.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

Dubbed, as I like to watch all Anime. I only watch subbed if there is no dub available.

Well put! I wouldn't be watching it if I didn't, I just like not having to read subs. I'm learning a little Japanese at a time, but I envision the day that I'll watch it raw and make fun of you sub readers. :smokin:

(Just kidding about making fun of sub readers)

Seems like almost two contradicting statements that you make Sir. Have you had a sudden change of heart :P

I respect that you are taking the time to learn. Thank you for being honest and welcome to the forums.

Take care.

[Gitaru~chan]

I actually really like the dubs, but I'm not against reading subs either. I've done both for several Ghibli films. I guess it just depends on where and when I watch it.

[Chidori Raikiri]

I tend to lean towards dubbed, though subs aren't too far off. Usually I watch anime when I'm lazy, and would rather not have to read it. If I were to read it, I'd rather just go read manga.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

I actually really like the dubs, but I'm not against reading subs either. I've done both for several Ghibli films. I guess it just depends on where and when I watch it.

When we weren't given an option, dubs were the only way. Usually, on most of the cable channels I have, they will show anime dubbed. I have essentially stopped watching anime on cable precisely for that reason.

I tend to lean towards dubbed, though subs aren't too far off. Usually I watch anime when I'm lazy, and would rather not have to read it. If I were to read it, I'd rather just go read manga.

Echoes a common sentiment among anime viewers. At least by their own admission, we have truthful people who tell us the real reason they like dubs. I remember participating in an Anime Festival one time, where I was in charge of a room (among many rooms) showing some type of anime (I forget the title). But the point is that when I changed the format to subtitle, there were some objections. This was mostly from the younger crowd, which probably says something about the viewership and mentality of SOME anime fans.

Most often we hear that "I don't like reading anime" but I feel that to be an inaccurate perspective. Not just limited to reading, there is the LISTENING portion for the Japanese dialogue, where all the dialects, inflections, intonations, etc can be HEARD by those that can appreciate them. Unless people prefer watching silent movies or anime with the volume turned low, there is much more to the subtitle experience than just mere 'reading.'

Manga contains no sound effects, CGI enhanced frames or mise-en-scene to captivate the viewer. Not taking anything away from it but it does not sound right to compare reading manga to to reading subtitles; for those are two completely different experiences reserved for different times AND does not accurately depict the purpose of subtitles, in my opinion.

There are those who take away different things (or fewer than others) from the same experience. Even though it shows a type of mentality or frame of mind, people will watch anime how they please. Finding fault or folly in people's personal preferences is one way of addressing the issue but one can gather a lot about a person who prefers one over the other.

[DukeMaze]

Subs FTW

Dubs for SG movies are quite good compared to other studios

[Caster13]

Subs FTW

Dubs for SG movies are quite good compared to other studios

You obviously don't know about Warriors of the Wind, the first dub of Nausicaa. It is famous simply for it's hideousness. Most copies have been thrown away long ago, and a lot have been thrown right into a fireplace. Even if you find a copy for like 1 dollar, don't waste your money.

[KabukiSaMuRaI]

You obviously don't know about Warriors of the Wind, the first dub of Nausicaa. It is famous simply for it's hideousness. Most copies have been thrown away long ago, and a lot have been thrown right into a fireplace. Even if you find a copy for like 1 dollar, don't waste your money.

Miyazaki has been involved in the dubbing process for his movies...that's why they are of such upstanding quality. Add to that the all star Hollywood cast that is used and the dubs are better than the usual Anime release.

Warriors of the Wind was created neither with the supervision of Miyazaki nor has any relation with Studio Ghibli. Compared with the original Nausicaa anime, the first dub is considered a disgrace, to say the least. You used a better word to describe it.

It is safe to say that Miyazaki has most-likely distanced himself from that first dub and it would not be fair to lump it in with all the other authentic Ghibli releases and copyrighted works.

Just for general interest, I wouldn't mind viewing that rendition just once. I saw it at a local video store years back but bothered to rent it.

[superplough]

I always watch the dubs.

[Caster13]

I will NEVER watch Warriors of the Wind. I've heard of some stuff that's in it, and it sounds like the 2 girls 1 cup of dubs.

[Surge200982]

I like both.

[Maka Albarn]

I've only seen the movies dubbed.
I'm curious as to what they may be like subbed..

[Arch-Defender]

Any anime, any time I say dubbed.

[DrewM1990]

depends on the dub

only good dubs I've seen are Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon ball and Yu Yu hakusho

[lilredphoenix]

I have seen most of the Miyazaki movies in sub format I live hearing the Japanese VA's. I have also heard several of the movies in Dub version the studio using a lot of well known actors/actresses doing the character voices which makes it enjoyable to listen to.

[OrangeAfterglow]

I prefer them dubbed. I got a copy of 'Castle in the sky' when it was releaced a few years ago in the uk and the subbs were only to the english scrip which had been dramatically changed. So watching it subbed was a bit annoying when there were words on the screen but no one speaking.

Then it was re-releaced by another company so I got that copy and sold the old one. the new one has subs to the japanese script aswell. Though I do always switch to the japanese track for Pazu's trumpet solo.... it terns into some sort of orchestral thing on the english track.....

Plus casting Billy Bob Thornton in Mononoke is excellent!

[animefan88]

From my experiencec Ghibli dubs are quite good :)

[fearthebeard85]

well if their is a dubbed version of something I prefer the dubs because I like to understand what they're saying plus I don't like having to read. However, if the english dub is just awful like for Bleach and the Yu Yu Hakusho movies, then I will watch the subbed version, or if a show hasn't been dubbed in english I will watch the subbed but it is just easier for me to watch something not having to worry about reading what they're saying and whether I missed something or not.

I doubt this has anything to do with the question but I just wanted to express how I feel with all dubbed and subbed anime :)

[animefan88]

well if their is a dubbed version of something I prefer the dubs because I like to understand what they're saying plus I don't like having to read. However, if the english dub is just awful like for Bleach and the Yu Yu Hakusho movies, then I will watch the subbed version, or if a show hasn't been dubbed in english I will watch the subbed but it is just easier for me to watch something not having to worry about reading what they're saying and whether I missed something or not.

I doubt this has anything to do with the question but I just wanted to express how I feel with all dubbed and subbed anime :)

Dude, thats just like I am! If I wanted to read, I'd read manga. :thumbsup:

The Hakusho movies suck btw

[fearthebeard85]

Dude, thats just like I am! If I wanted to read, I'd read manga. :thumbsup:

Yes! Haha the main thing that bothers me is that alot of times they don't give you enough time to read it (or I'm just slow at reading while trying to pay attention to what's going on) but still I hate fumbling over the words and having to go back if I missed the words or to have to pause it to read

and I know the movies are terrible, I didn't think Poltergeist Report would've been bad if it wasn't for the horrible dubbing, it had an okay plot

[Amorok]

I think Ghibli has enough money and is high-profile enough to manage damn good dubs. So yeah, I prefer dubbed Ghibli films.

[Gatomon]

Depending upon the anime you end up getting it whatever its sold as. I prefer subbed. I'm over 50 and dislike having to read my anime.

[Lemina]

I prefer subbed for Ghibli films in general, but I actually really liked Dreamworks English dub of Princess Mononoke. It was different voice acting from the usual actors and actresses who dub other anime and they really made the dub sound natural and believable.