Discotek Poll - Would you be willing to pay for an English dub?

[Naiera]

Originally Posted by professorwho

If you're not used to reading subtitles, that's okay! Just keep trying, and you'll get there eventually!

The only instance I can understand people only (enthesis on only) going for dubs are those who have a cognitive issue with reading. In that case, it's perfectly fine and makes total sense. I don't want to sound offensive, but by watching dub only, viewers are missing out on how the work was intended to be seen by the director. Even if the acting was 100% equally good, it still wouldn't be the exact same.

The percentage of dubs on-par with Japanese is less than 10% if we count everything ever made, and with how things are now (using the same voice actors all over in everything) it's less than 5%.

I don't just limit it to anime, it's film/television in general. I think we are doing the creators a disservice if we don't watch with the original language and subtitles. It might not be the most fun for some people, but it's more accurate.

This. This so very much.

I’m not a native speaker of English and I do have the advantage of having had to get used to subs at a young age, but I think that anyone can get used to it. Only if you’re severely dyslexic do I understand if getting used to subs is too much of a challenge. The only anime that sometimes challenges me with sub-readin’ is Monogatari, and I’m not the smartest person around, so if I can do it, anyone can

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by professorwho

If you're not used to reading subtitles, that's okay! Just keep trying, and you'll get there eventually!

The only instance I can understand people only (enthesis on only) going for dubs are those who have a cognitive issue with reading. In that case, it's perfectly fine and makes total sense. I don't want to sound offensive, but by watching dub only, viewers are missing out on how the work was intended to be seen by the director. Even if the acting was 100% equally good, it still wouldn't be the exact same.

The percentage of dubs on-par with Japanese is less than 10% if we count everything ever made, and with how things are now (using the same voice actors all over in everything) it's less than 5%.

I don't just limit it to anime, it's film/television in general. I think we are doing the creators a disservice if we don't watch with the original language and subtitles. It might not be the most fun for some people, but it's more accurate.

No director intended for their audience to have their eyes fixed on the bottom of the screen instead of actually watching the visuals.

I own lots of subtitle only releases, so I don't have a problem with them, but your perspective is inaccurate.

[gundamcero]

Originally Posted by 78deluxe

No director intended for their audience to have their eyes fixed on the bottom of the screen instead of actually watching the visuals.

I own lots of subtitle only releases, so I don't have a problem with them, but your perspective is inaccurate.

It does if you consider the directer is not making the series for anyone outside of Japan. The directer cares about the animation and voice work. We are the ones that provide the subs. In that sense he is accurate.

[Magikor]

Originally Posted by professorwho

If you're not used to reading subtitles, that's okay! Just keep trying, and you'll get there eventually!

The only instance I can understand people only (enthesis on only) going for dubs are those who have a cognitive issue with reading. In that case, it's perfectly fine and makes total sense. I don't want to sound offensive, but by watching dub only, viewers are missing out on how the work was intended to be seen by the director. Even if the acting was 100% equally good, it still wouldn't be the exact same.

The percentage of dubs on-par with Japanese is less than 10% if we count everything ever made, and with how things are now (using the same voice actors all over in everything) it's less than 5%.

I don't just limit it to anime, it's film/television in general. I think we are doing the creators a disservice if we don't watch with the original language and subtitles. It might not be the most fun for some people, but it's more accurate.

I find reasoning like this to be problematic. I know you're not intending to offend anyone with it, and you didn't offend me, but to suggest that it's only okay to prefer dubs if you have issues with reading comes off a tad elitist and exclusionary.

I can appreciate your desire to experience the art form in the original "intended" way, but it's excluding the simple idea that some people simply PREFER to enjoy it the way that they prefer to enjoy it. I prefer dubs myself, as it's how I was initially introduced to anime, and I only watch subtitles if there is no dub available for a show that I want to watch, or if half of a show is dubbed and the other half is not (When They Cry/When They Cry: Kai is a good example). I have no issue with watching subtitles, but if I have the choice, I prefer to watch dubs, as that's how I enjoy it the most, and the idea that I should "keep trying" against my own personal preference isn't something I'm willing to do. Whether or not it's more accurate doesn't really affect me. If I'm going to sit down and indulge myself in one of my hobbies, I wanna do it on my own terms that makes it most enjoyable for me.

Whether or not the quality of the voice acting is on par with the Japanese counterparts is, again, preference. There are plenty of modern (and some older) dubs that I think are pretty great, and as I've watched more, there are lots of American voice actors that I'm now just an outright fan of, and I get excited when they pop up in a new show I'm checking out. It's the same type of reasoning that I used when sitting through I, Frankenstein for Yvonne Strahovski.

Again, I know you meant no offense with your post, and again, I took none. I just wanted to throw my own defense out there.

[juss100]

Originally Posted by Magikor

I find reasoning like this to be problematic. I know you're not intending to offend anyone with it, and you didn't offend me, but to suggest that it's only okay to prefer dubs if you have issues with reading comes off a tad elitist and exclusionary.

I can appreciate your desire to experience the art form in the original "intended" way, but it's excluding the simple idea that some people simply PREFER to enjoy it the way that they prefer to enjoy it. I prefer dubs myself, as it's how I was initially introduced to anime, and I only watch subtitles if there is no dub available for a show that I want to watch, or if half of a show is dubbed and the other half is not (When They Cry/When They Cry: Kai is a good example). I have no issue with watching subtitles, but if I have the choice, I prefer to watch dubs, as that's how I enjoy it the most, and the idea that I should "keep trying" against my own personal preference isn't something I'm willing to do. Whether or not it's more accurate doesn't really affect me. If I'm going to sit down and indulge myself in one of my hobbies, I wanna do it on my own terms that makes it most enjoyable for me.

Whether or not the quality of the voice acting is on par with the Japanese counterparts is, again, preference. There are plenty of modern (and some older) dubs that I think are pretty great, and as I've watched more, there are lots of American voice actors that I'm now just an outright fan of, and I get excited when they pop up in a new show I'm checking out. It's the same type of reasoning that I used when sitting through I, Frankenstein for Yvonne Strahovski.

Again, I know you meant no offense with your post, and again, I took none. I just wanted to throw my own defense out there.

I agree inasmuch there are reasons to watch dubs that don't make you an idiot, though personally I strongly prefer not to. I have a friend who does a lot of art in her free time and we watch anime together occasionally. We used to argue a lot because she wanted to watch the dub so that she could watch and art at the same time, making the most of her time. It's annoying to me because I loathe watching the dub but from her perspective perfectly reasonable since she'd only end up watching something without subtitles otherwise.

You could - and I do - argue that you should set aside a time to watch things properly ... but time is precious and not every anime series is Citizen Kane. At the end of the day whatever gets people watching is a good thing. Still, I'd hate to pay more for a dub!

[Magikor]

Originally Posted by professorwho

You made a very good counter-argument that raised some good points, and it’s really good. Thanks!

What I’ve quoted is something I think you may have mis-understood. What I meant was that I thought the reading issue only applied to people who only watch dubs. As in, “if you have a dislexic reading issue, it’s okay to be dub only”, as people who don’t have major reading issues can learn to get used to subs. It doesn’t take away from your argument, but I felt like clarifying a mistake you might have made.

I did in fact misinterpret your intent with that comment so I apologize. No worries. In this particular case, I can see why sub only viewers would not be okay with the idea of paying extra for something they won't ever get use out of, but... I guess there's no answer to DT's current proposition

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by Magikor

but to suggest that it's only okay to prefer dubs if you have issues with reading comes off a tad elitist and exclusionary.

You made a very good counter-argument that raised some good points, and it’s really good. Thanks!

What I’ve quoted is something I think you may have mis-understood. What I meant was that I thought the reading issue only applied to people who only watch dubs. As in, “if you have a dislexic reading issue, it’s okay to be dub only”, as people who don’t have major reading issues can learn to get used to subs. It doesn’t take away from your argument, but I felt like clarifying a mistake you might have made.

[NLScavenger]

I would only want to pay for a dub if it's done in the Manga Entertainment style of ye olden days. Love the excessive swearing.

Cyber City Oedo 808 - Sengoku's Finest Moments - YouTube

[Dailyan]

Originally Posted by NLScavenger

I would only want to pay for a dub if it's done in the Manga Entertainment style of ye olden days. Love the excessive swearing.

Cyber City Oedo 808 - Sengoku's Finest Moments - YouTube

Streamline and older Manga Entertainment dubs are the best.

Let’s not forget this iconic line.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Q6AwrGUkQ

[IdeaOfEvil]

I voted no. Older anime's sound weird with new dubs (look at Vampire Hunter D's new dub), and I don't really want to pay near double the cost just to have a new voice track for the older stuff I'm interested in.

And it's not that I'm anti-dub. If there's an older dub track that's campy and a good example of the time, cool put that on the disc.

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by IdeaOfEvil

I voted no. Older anime's sound weird with new dubs (look at Vampire Hunter D's new dub), and I don't really want to pay near double the cost just to have a new voice track for the older stuff I'm interested in.

And it's not that I'm anti-dub. If there's an older dub track that's campy and a good example of the time, cool put that on the disc.

Think it’s more talking about giving a dub to a series that has none at all. Discotek is usually pretty good about getting old Dubs on disc. But they also didn’t bother providing a Dub to many titles they released that didn’t have one. This is basically saying should they give a damn of putting a Dub on those shows now or continue to not give a damn.

[gundamcero]

I think this option could work. At least better than paying twice as much:

"Discotek Media: Dub only sets would be another potential option. Dubbed BD set for people that want dub, and a Japanese with English subtitled BD set for people who don't need dub."

[MOONPHASE]

Originally Posted by gundamcero

I think this option could work. At least better than paying twice as much:

"Discotek Media: Dub only sets would be another potential option. Dubbed BD set for people that want dub, and a Japanese with English subtitled BD set for people who don't need dub."

I like to listen to both languages. I am no purist to either language. I just need them together.

[bsend]

I voted no, as I usually watch anime subtitled. I appreciate when Discotek includes older dubs that already exist. I enjoy some of the older Streamline Picture, Manga Video etc dubs more as a curiosity piece rather than my primary mode of watching unless that was how I originally had seen the show.

Back in the days of VHS, my primary format of watching would be based off what the rental store had or what was available in the used section of the comic book store where I purchased anime. For example, I originally saw Project A Ko via English dub rental VHS, so that is how I usually watch the movie and subsequent OVAs.

I don't think English dubs for anime are a bad thing (there are several that I watch), but for all classic anime, I would prefer the English subtitled version. If they double the price, it means that I am paying more for a product that I don't use. Though it looks like the votes are going "Yes", so if means some newer shows will be pricier due to an English dub, there won't be much I can do. If it means I need to pay for an English dub of Miyuki, Aim for the Ace, or Tokimeki Tonight to get the series, I will pay to have an English friendly version.

It's funny that there are suggestions of English dubbed only and English subtitled only releases. This takes me back to the VHS days when you had to make a decision on which version you were buying. Many of us celebrated when DVD hit the market and we didn't need to choose. If both existed, we had both versions.

[pikagreg]

God forbid someone actually wants to hear anime in English without having reading issues. I like subs as much as the next guy but I still prefer to have both when possible.

None of this even matters unless we know what exactly they want to dub anyways.

[professorwho]

Originally Posted by pikagreg

None of this even matters unless we know what exactly they want to dub anyways.

You're right. if it's just movies, then no problem. If it's a TV series, then the price thing may be an issue depending on what the overall decision turns out to be.

[pikagreg]

Originally Posted by professorwho

You're right. if it's just movies, then no problem. If it's a TV series, then the price thing may be an issue depending on what the overall decision turns out to be.

I like dubs but some of these early 00's stuff Discotek licenses don't have much appeal to me. If they were to land something big like Ippo or redub something cool like Gunbuster/Diebuster (never gonna happen) I would be all for it.

[pikagreg]

I would hate them if they split sets like that lol

Edit: Didn't notice this



I would LOVE Lovely Complex on BD with a new dub.

[Marcus Carr]

Originally Posted by pikagreg

I would hate them if they split sets like that lol

Edit: Didn't notice this



I would LOVE Lovely Complex on BD with a new dub.

I would probably get Lupin since I always watch it dubbed.

[different]

It seems people here have a pre-conceived notion that dubs are still the same low quality crap they put out back in the 90s and early 2000s.

I can understand it if you dislike dubs because English is not your native language but it seems even those who are from English speaking countries don't even bother to try the dubs before they declare that it's inadequate.

I'm not saying you should watch dubs over subs, everyone has their own preference, I'm saying you should not immediately assume all dubs are terrible and try to impose your subjective standards on other people just because their preferences differ from yours.