The Ultamate Anime Question...Sub or Dub?

Question

Is it wrong to like the english dubbing of Japanese anime, should it be left pure like a piece of art? Or is it better to watch the show and pay attention to the art itself?

Answer 1

First of all, No. It is never wrong to like something, even if other people agree with you or not.

Now there are the pros and cons to each Sub and Dub.

SUB
The pros for sub are: You get to hear the original japanese voice over for the anime, you get to hear the real emotion of the characters, and you also get a clear translation in the subtitles of the anime. Also, the music is in japanese.
The cons would be: Sometimes the subtitles are not accurate enough (amateur subbers might have done the episode, for example), the audio is in japanese, so it might not appeal to a new-found anime fan.

DUB
The pros for dub would be: The audio is in english (or other language), an english-speaking (or for other language) person can clearly understand the dub. No subtitles required.
The cons would be: A lot of scenes are usually censored or taken out from the anime, you don't get to hear the true voice that the creator wanted for the character, you do not get the "authentic" japanese anime feeling (especially if the dub uses broken-up japanese in its sentences. That just gets annoying)

So there you have it, the pros and cons. Now for MY opinion...

I choose: SUB

I chose SUB because, I for one, am used to using subtitles. When I was younger, I used to watch Bollywood movies with SUBS, so when I have a choice of using SUBS for anime or watching the dub, I will without fail go for the SUB.

In the beginning, it was a lot of work. Reading and watching the rest of the screen at the same time was difficult. But as time went on my eyes adjusted to the screen and the subtitles became a snap.

What I like so much about SUBS is that it keep the true japanese culture in the anime. In subs, there is nothing censored or cut out. The music is kept the way it was (japanese audio) and you can really hear the emotion in the Japanese voice overs. The actors are almost ALWAYS chosen right for their role, and of course the creator is usually helping out. So you really get a feel on what the creator wants his/her readers to see, hear, and feel in the anime.

Going back to the culture, in SUBS the translators almost always have explanations on the side for unusual things. So people who are not familiar with japanese customs will get insight on what it going on. So no one should get confused.

Another thing, sometimes in dubs, the lips do not move with the dub actors voice (because japanese is spoken pretty fast it is hard to keep up), so most of the time the dubbers change the lines and sometimes even the storylines.

For a fan like myself, that just pisses me off! I HATE it when the storyline is changed, that is another reason why I like subs.

All in all, I prefer subs because:
- you get the "authentic" japanse audio
- translations on subtitles are almost always top notch
- music is in japanese, which almost always is better for the anime. Did I mention that Japanese people KICK BUTT when it comes to music?
- japanese voice actors usually have sexier voices (especially the "strong-silent-type" guys! XD)
- japanese voice actresses are not as annoying in the original than in the dub.

You really do get more understanding when watching SUB versions of anime. I really hope you try it out because trust me, if you haven't already, you're missing out!

Answer 2

I LOVE the subbed versions of anime. The voice actors are great, and even if I hardly understand what they're saying, they have subtitles so you can follow along

Although you kinda have to give the dubbed versions credit too. People work hard on dubbing anime, and they have to synchronize what they're saying with the characters lip movements.
SO it can be tricky.
People who don't like reading, want to focus on the show, or like watching anime in english generally like dubbed versions better.

People who don't mind reading and prefer the original versions like the subbed versions better.

Me? I ABSOLUTELY love the subbed versions of anime. Some animes though, like Beyblade, or FMA sound much better in the dubbed versions though (Fma sounds good in both versions, in my opinion.)

I don't think it's wrong to like the dubbed versions of anime, they're ok *sometimes*. And it's great to pay attention to the animation and art and how it looks.

^_^

Answer 3

Sub! The inflection and intensity of the original voices often gets lost in dubbing. It can completely change your perception of the characters.

Although I will admit.. I loved the dubbed version of Cowboy Bebop. I mean, hearing Ed is an experience like no other!!!

Answer 4

I hate to admit it, but I prefer dub. - the emotion in the voices isn't the same when I hear it in japanese versus english. Overall I just have a much more enjoyable experience - at least listening I can enjoy the art and not worry about reading.

Answer 5

Subs defo! Small kids cant keep up wid subs but 4 adults, subs r easy 2 follow and you still can see da picture perfectly! The Japanese speech adds to the authenticity of the story aswell, English people jst make it corny.

Answer 6

I am all for the original version of it all, but sometimes, you get bogged down READING all through the episode and miss some of the action.

Yet, people have a point, the SUB is sub-par as far as the translation.

To each his own! Me: Depends on the anime, so make sure the DVD has both.

The Dude, cannot decide...

Answer 7

Sub. Usually the subtitles are more accurate than the dubbed version.

Answer 8

Subtitles. All the way.

English dubbing doesn't have the same quality to it. And english female voices don't have any of that childlike innocence to them, they're just not as cute to me. And subtitles let you experience it the way it was meant to be, originally.

Answer 9

i like the the japanese with english sub titles. way better in some anime that others.

Answer 10

idon't think it' s wrong to watch dubbed anime. it's a matter of personal choice.
i personally like to watch subbed anime as you get to watch the anime and hear the voices the way they were meant to be.
and to be honest with you once you get used to subbed anime you won't realize that you are reading subtitles and you would prefer watching them subtitled.