View Full Version : The Dubbing of AIR TV
CrowKenobi
2007-07-28, 02:01
This thread is for the discussion of English Voice Actors in the R1 release of AIR TV
Please remember these simple rules when critiquing a VA's performance or reading another forum member's critique:
Don't take it personally.
In other words, you’re free to disagree with another person’s opinion, but don’t flame them if they offer a well written and well thought out analysis that differs from your own opinion. Keep it civil.
Voice Actors are humans.
Yes, it’s true. They’re human. Therefore, don’t just indiscriminately rip them and their work apart as if they’re inorganic objects. You don’t have to flame praise them non-stop, but be thoughtful in your criticism.Thanks, xris! :D
I haven't seen the dub really and can only base how I feel on the trailer and the clip that was posted about the three Kanon girls. I honestly do not blame the voice actress for pulling off a lackluster job as Ayu, Makoto, and Nayuku -- they're such minor characters in AIR to the point of just being nearly background objects. Plus, their stories and personalities are not taken into account when given such unfitting voices. So I can't say that it would bother me in the least to hear them whilst watching the show, though I certainly would not like hearing them in an English version of Kanon. Overall, I'm very eager to watch the English version of my favorite anime.
nuaythebest
2007-07-28, 21:30
Rofl, yeah well those voices were totally crap for the Kanon-ladies. On the other hand, I don't really care since I would never watch the DVD:s in english. But for those of you who DO watch the dub... I feel sorry for you if those VA:s gets back in business for the Kanon-dub. ^^
Anyhow, it was nice to see that the subtitles looked a bit better than what I'm used to by now. Not the same pixelstained yellow crap they usually go for. ;)
Can't really wait to get my hands on this one. I'm from Sweden and I'm ordering the DVD from a local store. The problem is that the release-date here is 2007-08-14. I think I'll survive the wait though.
I wonder why those who are never going to watch dub always complain about dub. If I hate KFC , should I go to tell someone who love to eat KFC that"KFC taste like shit"??
But for those of you who DO watch the dub... I feel sorry for you if those VA:s gets back in business for the Kanon-dub. ^^
No I don't feel sorry because I was satified with this dub from what I've listen so far. But I do feel sorry for some ignorance who think others were inferior because they just don't like what you like. One last thing , your garbage doesn't has to be others's garbage.
PS. By the way I watch sub more than dub since I collect most of my anime in fansub form but I do buy some anime in DVD if I like that serie.
I wonder why those who are never going to watch dub always complain about dub. If I hate KFC , should I go to tell someone who love to eat KFC that"KFC taste like shit"??
Bad example, because if you liked your friend you'd try to get them to stop eating so much KFC and waddling.
Some dub critics would *like* to see improvements in scripting and dubbing talent. Dubs *can* be good ("My Friend Totoro" is an example. There are others).
Also, many of our friends may be interested in the story but aren't used to watching subs... or they have astigmatism. Many "professional" subtitles are pretty awful for people with sensitivities to the viewing requirements. Some subtitles make my wife nauseated with headaches.
There are excellent and relatively cheap voice actors out there ... they just aren't being used. The directors are comfortable with returning repeatedly to the existing pool of actors they know and they have more of an eye at the budget than of the quality.
This is changing a bit. Recent anime (e.g. Haruhi) -- they went the extra mile for dubbing. Its not *great* but it is definitely listenable. Same for Kamichu! But there are still too many english VAs who really can't act their way out of a paper bag -- and there's no reason for the consumer to suffer it when there's so much unused talent out there.
No I don't feel sorry because I was satified with this dub from what I've listen so far. But I do feel sorry for some ignorance who think others were inferior because they just don't like what you like. One last thing , your garbage doesn't has to be others's garbage.
Frankly, I'm surprised AIR was dubbed at all.... it is intrinsically japanese (shinto/buddhist/historical/supernatural references). In a couple of weeks, I'll give the dub a chance like I give every dub a chance. Hopefully, we won't have to suffer with off-pitch whiny voices with poor acting skills. Then the audience who might appreciate this will be wider.
nuaythebest
2007-07-28, 23:29
Bad example, because if you liked your friend you'd try to get them to stop eating so much KFC and waddling.
Some dub critics would *like* to see improvements in scripting and dubbing talent.
OK it may be a bad example but my point is "Should we tell someone that they are inferior because they have different taste?". There is no scientific number that can judge how good or bad the dub is , it's all depend on your taste. I don't give any f***ing care about how you hate or like dub but it doesn't mean you can come and say "I am feel sorry for you because you watch XXXX with dub"
Leo_Otaku
2007-07-29, 00:44
hmm.. don't think i'm breaking any rules =/
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/6789/air6ct3.jpg
26 sec. voice sample from this scene... blah, blah, blah, copyright stuff... I'm not owner/creator of this anime, nor do i claim it to be mine. All materials belong to their rightful owners. More blah, blah, blah, this this voice sample is just being use to give us, hopefully not an idea of what the dub for kanon girls will sound line <.<'
http://www.freewebtown.com/hoshi_kawa/AIR_Voice_Sample.mp3
Yukito: "Do you ladies think you can answer a question for me?"
Girl that looks like Nayuki: "Ok"
Yukito"I'm here to deliver Kano Kirishima lunch, but I don't know where to find her, any idea where she might be?
Girl that looks like Ayu Tsukimiya: "Kano huh? I think she might still be in the nurse's office"
Yukito: "Ah nurse's office?"
Girl that almost looks like Makoto Sawatari: "No no, she said she wanted to get some air, so she was going up to the roof"
Can't tell who said it: "She was mumbling something earlier and then she sort of callapsed, I think she maybe got alittle light-headed ya know."
dear jesus...they sounded like snobby prep girls 0_0 I hope they do not >.>
For the small clip of off the network site it was alright nothing too bad, but I should hear more.
nekokaburi
2007-07-29, 03:50
i just watched episode 1 of air off my newtype USA preview disc... dubbed of course (^_^~<3....)... so lets critique...
first off... for "silver haired male main character who's name i can't remember, actually i don't remember any of their names right now, apart from the dog's":- we get vic mignogna... sounding very much like an older version of edward elric from FMA... i almost didn't recognise him, but as usual, he does great work...
second, for... ... '~agow-girl' we get monica rial... who sounds like she always does... cute as a bunny sitting on a kitten. she sounds very much like hazuki from moon phase, only not so grumpy... she still says 'agow' or what ever that noise is too...
third one of note, was luci christian as '~agow-girl's mum'... again, i couldn't fault it, she sounds exactly like i'd imagine her to sound... (like a boisterous piss-head :p)
in fact, pretty much all the cast voices seemed to fit their characters well, with one exception... "that little girl that 'silver haired dude' keeps smacking in the head" near the end of episode 1... her voice was the only one i heard that kinda clashed with her character... but i guess she's comic relief and not their to add to the gaggle of cute girls already in this show...
p.s. i'm guessing the dog is sposed to just say "piko piko piko"...? very odd...
OK it may be a bad example but my point is "Should we tell someone that they are inferior because they have different taste?". There is no scientific number that can judge how good or bad the dub is , it's all depend on your taste. I don't give any f***ing care about how you hate or like dub but it doesn't mean you can come and say "I am feel sorry for you because you watch XXXX with dub"
Actually, people *can* just come out and say that --- but you're free to ignore them :)
And usually, its not someone being told "they are inferior" but perhaps they're being far more forgiving of the VAs than they probably should. Also people may be saying something to the effect of "You haven't experienced Shakespeare properly unless you've seen it performed in the Original Klingon" :)
Actors judge actors all the time. An audience with experience in appreciating acting can tell if acting is on the mark or not. No, its not terribly scientific but most people can tell the quality difference between, o say, Clooney mugging his way through a movie versus Peter O'Toole or Richard Burton ... or if you prefer more recent: Anthony Hopkins or Ian McKellen.
Dubs are almost, by definition, never quite as spot on as the original language. It doesn't matter whether its English->Icelandic, Chinese->Farsi, or whatever. But there's no reason not to give a production company grief when they don't appear to be trying very hard. One might suspect they are the ones who really don't *respect* the audience.
Dubs *can* be good, "My Friend Totoro" is an example. A neighbour moreso than a friend.
FatPianoBoy
2007-07-29, 22:31
There are excellent and relatively cheap voice actors out there ... they just aren't being used. The directors are comfortable with returning repeatedly to the existing pool of actors they know and they have more of an eye at the budget than of the quality.
I don't think the problem lies in the actors themselves as much as the casting and the director. Wendee Lee is a wonderful actress, but her rendition of Haruhi is less than accurate. Nagato's voice actress isn't bad, but her overly robotic tone could be the fault of the director's misinterpretation of the tone of the Japanese. Also, the notorious lack of chemistry between most dub actors is probably because if the recording method used over here. I remember one actress (forgot her name; she was Ashe in FFXII) remarked that she'd worked on three projects with another actor and hadn't met him until recently. I realize that getting all the talent in one place like that is no small feat, but I for one would be willing to wait a few more months if it meant a better end product.
Hoshi_Kawa
2007-07-30, 07:37
Rofl, yeah well those voices were totally crap for the Kanon-ladies. On the other hand, I don't really care since I would never watch the DVD:s in english. But for those of you who DO watch the dub... I feel sorry for you if those VA:s gets back in business for the Kanon-dub. ^^
Anyhow, it was nice to see that the subtitles looked a bit better than what I'm used to by now. Not the same pixelstained yellow crap they usually go for. ;)
Can't really wait to get my hands on this one. I'm from Sweden and I'm ordering the DVD from a local store. The problem is that the release-date here is 2007-08-14. I think I'll survive the wait though.
I watch both the dub version and the regular for my animes, I paided good money for them so I might as well listen to both lol. As for the Kanon characters I expected high pitched voices at the time... but who knows, its still to early to determine their VA's.
you think thats bad to wait till 08/14/2007 for the relrease... I gotta wait till 09/25/2007 for the 2nd dvd... thats like... forever T.T
Flare_Dragon
2007-07-30, 23:20
dear jesus...they sounded like snobby prep girls 0_0 I hope they do not >.>
For the small clip of off the network site it was alright nothing too bad, but I should hear more.
*nod* x1000
Looking at the VA profiles, they seem to have little or no experience...
Meh I hat ethe fact the first volume didnt have an artbox... I have more time during the summers to actually get the damn thing before it runs out...
Meh I guess i have to bust a tazer again :D
CrowKenobi
2007-07-30, 23:48
Meh I hat ethe fact the first volume didnt have an artbox... I have more time during the summers to actually get the damn thing before it runs out...
Meh I guess i have to bust a tazer again :DActually, ADV now ships the artbox with volume 2 releases so that if people don't like the series, they're not stuck with the empty artbox and volume 1. :D
:cool:
Sesshys Sazzy Angel
2007-07-31, 06:50
i would like to see how it turns out to be
I don't think the problem lies in the actors themselves as much as the casting and the director. Wendee Lee is a wonderful actress, but her rendition of Haruhi is less than accurate. Nagato's voice actress isn't bad, but her overly robotic tone could be the fault of the director's misinterpretation of the tone of the Japanese. Also, the notorious lack of chemistry between most dub actors is probably because if the recording method used over here. I remember one actress (forgot her name; she was Ashe in FFXII) remarked that she'd worked on three projects with another actor and hadn't met him until recently. I realize that getting all the talent in one place like that is no small feat, but I for one would be willing to wait a few more months if it meant a better end product.
Aye... the American method of isolating the actors for budget and schedule efficiencies really hurts the results (no teamwork or the needs for actors synergizing). I'd like to say I had a better opinion of Wendee Lee's acting but she has always just sounded like someone reading lines in a studio to me. Obviously, YMMV.
As far as the boxes go.... I completely sympathize with the idea that releasing the box in the middle or end is a good way to get more consumers to try the series without getting stuck with a box or missing the box. In my case, if I start a series - I'm committed to buying the whole series. That way even if I later decide I'm not happy with it, I can ebay the whole set.
darkchibi07
2007-07-31, 15:34
I don't think the problem lies in the actors themselves as much as the casting and the director. Wendee Lee is a wonderful actress, but her rendition of Haruhi is less than accurate. Nagato's voice actress isn't bad, but her overly robotic tone could be the fault of the director's misinterpretation of the tone of the Japanese. Also, the notorious lack of chemistry between most dub actors is probably because if the recording method used over here. I remember one actress (forgot her name; she was Ashe in FFXII) remarked that she'd worked on three projects with another actor and hadn't met him until recently. I realize that getting all the talent in one place like that is no small feat, but I for one would be willing to wait a few more months if it meant a better end product.
Don't forget unions! There's a reason we don't see some peeps like Tara Strong or Phil Lamar in lots of anime dubs. And not to mention that voice acting is not really the most cash-in career to be in; VAs do have to juggle a few other odd jobs in order to food on the table. And unlike the small country like Japan, we're pretty much have to use what's available in a certain region (though some recent dubs from New Generation Pictures and FUNimation or even Headline Sound Studios started to mix in VAs from other regions; I wonder how many people know that tidbit :rolleyes:).
Flare_Dragon
2007-07-31, 20:08
Actually, ADV now ships the artbox with volume 2 releases so that if people don't like the series, they're not stuck with the empty artbox and volume 1. :D
:cool:
*nod* *nod*
I noticed, but still, I am gonna have to fightto~~! to get a box at the best buy I have... only one for around 50~ miles. T_T
Leo_Otaku
2007-07-31, 20:50
i just watched episode 1 of air off my newtype USA preview disc... dubbed of course (^_^~<3....)... so lets critique...
first off... for "silver haired male main character who's name i can't remember, actually i don't remember any of their names right now, apart from the dog's":- we get vic mignogna... sounding very much like an older version of edward elric from FMA... i almost didn't recognise him, but as usual, he does great work...
second, for... ... '~agow-girl' we get monica rial... who sounds like she always does... cute as a bunny sitting on a kitten. she sounds very much like hazuki from moon phase, only not so grumpy... she still says 'agow' or what ever that noise is too...
third one of note, was luci christian as '~agow-girl's mum'... again, i couldn't fault it, she sounds exactly like i'd imagine her to sound... (like a boisterous piss-head :p)
in fact, pretty much all the cast voices seemed to fit their characters well, with one exception... "that little girl that 'silver haired dude' keeps smacking in the head" near the end of episode 1... her voice was the only one i heard that kinda clashed with her character... but i guess she's comic relief and not their to add to the gaggle of cute girls already in this show...
p.s. i'm guessing the dog is sposed to just say "piko piko piko"...? very odd...
Sort of helpful....you should really know a bit more about the show before you post..or at least look up names and spell gao properly >.> Can't understand ending paragraph.....
FatPianoBoy
2007-07-31, 21:22
"that little that 'silver haired dude' keeps smacking in the head" near the end of episode 1... her voice was the only one i heard that kinda clashed with her character... but i guess she's comic relief and not their to add to the gaggle of cute s already in this show...
... *Dies laughing*
Can we revisit this statement when you finish watching the show? Please? :P
Flare_Dragon
2007-07-31, 23:16
"that little girl that 'silver haired dude' keeps smacking in the head" near the end of episode 1... her voice was the only one i heard that kinda clashed with her character... but i guess she's comic relief and not their to add to the gaggle of cute girls already in this show...
o.o *Kyon head tap*
Dude... I honestly feel I need to buy and send the game for you, with an Authentic Japanese translate/narrator, as well as my Air Bluray disc set...
That statement hurt me... And I hurt back... (jk)
as Fatpianoboy said, lets reflect on that tadbit after air is done :D
chrno_the_sinner
2007-07-31, 23:17
I was talking to Vic this weekend at a con, and he said he really likes working on this show. He's also walked in on some of Monica's sessions and said that she's doing REALLY good in the later scenes.
And the box for AIR is Gorgeous.
@ nekokaburi
For future reference -
Yukito Kunisaki - 'that silver haired dude'
Misuzu Kamio - 'the agow girl' - incidentally, it's gao ;)
Haruko Kamio - 'the agow girl's mum'.
Michiru - the little girl referenced at the end as comic relief.
It will be interesting to see people's impressions after, oh, say... five more episodes, as to their impressions of initial characters such as Michiru. :)
-Andiyar
Eyeah..... I was trying to figure out the "comic relief" part, then it was ... oh.
FireChick
2007-08-02, 10:47
Episode 2 of Air is on Anime Network. I saw it this morning and it was good! I didn't mind Nayuki, Ayu or Makoto's voices at all. Although my voice suggestion for Nayuki came true, her voice should be a little higher. Maybe like Misaki from Angelic Layer. Oh! I'm not trying to be mean or anything to you all. I like their english voices. True, their japanese voices are great, but sometimes teenagers need some teenage-like voices instead of childish, squeaky ones. I'm not trying to be mean or anything like that. Besides, Makoto and Ayu didn't sound too bad to me.:heh:
The DVD 1 is out? well, if it is I want it. Newtype USA always have a Free DVD, this month was of AIR and other two don't have anything to do in this forum :heh:
Yukito and Misuzu's voices were great, but Minagi's voice :(...
But well, its better than other dubs...
nekokaburi
2007-08-04, 05:46
@ everyone's "ZOMG! U R AN AIR-N00B" aimed at me... :(
oh come on... this thread is about the dub... not the show itself... i already said i haven't seen it... only the first episode which just happened to be a workable sample of the dub... i was giving my initial impressions...
you all don't need to jump on me on how i miss spelled "gao" or what ever... or how i don't know the names of the characters yet... or how i don't know what which ever character does what by the end of the series...
i haven't reached "arch-fanboy status" on this show yet... so wait till i catch up with the rest of you before you correct me to death huh... :D
EDIT: the only impression of Michiru (see, i'm learning) from all of the '65 seconds' and like '4 lines' she has in episode one is that out of all the characters who were in this episode, her english voice seemed to clash the most with her character... in that, her voice sounded odd coming from a little girl, compare dub to sub, you'll probably agree..., also she didn't sound "cute, sweet and/or innocent" like the rest of the girls in the episode... she sounded bratty and annoying... and seeing as she cops two thwacks in the head from Yukito, something quite out of character for where this show seems to be heading... says to me, she's there to add to the humour a little... if they develop her character later on, which, by the sounds of the 'public outcry' they do... that'd be great... but there aint a whole lot of that in episode 1... :D
FatPianoBoy
2007-08-04, 13:06
I was laughing at what you said, not you yourself. If that makes any sense.
nekokaburi
2007-08-04, 22:26
lol, it's all good... i wasn't too fussed... just bewildered... :heh:
harukamae
2007-08-05, 02:04
but sometimes teenagers need some teenage-like voices instead of childish, squeaky ones. I'm not trying to be mean or anything like that. Besides, Makoto and Ayu didn't sound too bad to me.:heh:
Agreed. I prefer the English dub to Japanese at this point for that reason. (I've seen the whole series in Japanese.) Yukito is OK both in Japanese and English, but I found some of the females to be more likable with their dub voices. Japanese Misuzu sounds like she's trying harder to get that cutesy moe voice down rather than act, and while the English voice suffers from a similar attempt at cute, I find the English VA more believable.
I was wondering how they would handle the Kanon ladies, because it seems like a Kanon license would hinge on Air's success, but for people who didn't like the voices, I wouldn't worry too much.
What's interesting to me is that this series airs on Anime Network VOD as a Girl Power (shoujo?) title.
darkchibi07
2007-08-06, 17:39
Agreed. I prefer the English dub to Japanese at this point for that reason. (I've seen the whole series in Japanese.) Yukito is OK both in Japanese and English, but I found some of the females to be more likable with their dub voices. Japanese Misuzu sounds like she's trying harder to get that cutesy moe voice down rather than act, and while the English voice suffers from a similar attempt at cute, I find the English VA more believable.
I was wondering how they would handle the Kanon ladies, because it seems like a Kanon license would hinge on Air's success, but for people who didn't like the voices, I wouldn't worry too much.
What's interesting to me is that this series airs on Anime Network VOD as a Girl Power (shoujo?) title.
Get rid of the notion that it is aimed towards guys (Japanese male otaku specifically), and it might actually appeal to some casual female anime fans. Well, that's what I think.
Flare_Dragon
2007-08-06, 21:37
Agreed. I prefer the English dub to Japanese at this point for that reason. (I've seen the whole series in Japanese.) Yukito is OK both in Japanese and English, but I found some of the females to be more likable with their dub voices. Japanese Misuzu sounds like she's trying harder to get that cutesy moe voice down rather than act, and while the English voice suffers from a similar attempt at cute, I find the English VA more believable.
really? I find the dub to be more of poor imatation of the voice acting set in the japanese version. Not only that, the characters ARE japanese, and a good amount of japanese girls I know are squeaky. (American born, and girls in japan.)
I think I said it before, bur I'd prefer if the dubbed version should just allow the VAs to pick how thye feel their character should sound. This would make the VA much better, as well as much more original to the dubbed version.
I just didn't really feel an "innocent" tone off of the dubbed version for Misuzu. It seemed, from the way the dubber sounded, she was just a normal girl with no friends. The way I think the Voice actor should sound it childish to a certain extent, to follow with Misuzu's actions, but thats just me. :D
Over all, I didn't really mind the dubbing much. (Of course, I'm still not gonna watch Air dubbed >.>) I just hate the "Miss Uzu" pronunciation... Be nice if they actaully allowed voice actors to watch the damn show their gonna dub first >.>
Vic as Yukito was pretty alright, he gave off the impression of a wanderer who cared for less, but reveled at times thats not his only face. (I did feel he seemed depressed over rash during the dub.)
Haruko fits ok. Young 20~30 person's voice worked well in the sake scenes, but it was pretty bad when she was serious.
Kano... fits in the Haruko category. Her voice actress seemed to lose her hold on her voice at certain points.
Minagi was ok, I just seemed to think it was a poor imitation. I felt Michiru was kinda wrong... You'd give a "younger" character a high pitched voice. Michiru seemed alot older.
(Damn, this a long ass post o.o;;; sorry)
crazyhorse
2007-08-07, 05:09
I've been wanting to watch this series since I heard that it is pretty depressing (I'm in the mood for some depressing anime) and when I found out they had started showing a few episodes on On Demand, I checked it out immediately. I watched the two episodes they had and well from what I've heard, it's not a bad dub at all. Of course this is coming from someone who hasn't watched the original Japanese voices so I can't compare which one is better.
The acting is good, there weren't many flat lines from what I've heard so far and the voices seem to match the characters although Misuzu's voice is kinda too high at times, but that's Monica Rial's voice for ya. I'm loving Vic Mignogna's performance. He is using a slightly different voice than usual; it's a little deeper, but I couldn't even recognize his voice until I saw it in the credits. Then I proceeded to slap myself for not knowing it was him since it was so familiar to me :heh:. I also like Luci Christian's performance. She always does do good drunk scenes but I also felt she hit the serious parts right too. Kano's voice actress was also good, but there were times where she sounded awkward, especially in episode 1. As for everyone else, I thought they were good and they were certainly listenable, but so far I don't think I have heard enough to judge their acting yet.
So far, I'm pretty impressed with the dub and I'll continue following the dub. If ADV keeps this up, I think that consumers will continue buying it anyway since I think most of them are like me and have just started watching Air TV on a clean slate.
really? I find the dub to be more of poor imatation of the voice acting set in the japanese version. Not only that, the characters ARE japanese, and a good amount of japanese girls I know are squeaky. (American born, and girls in japan.)
I think I said it before, bur I'd prefer if the dubbed version should just allow the VAs to pick how thye feel their character should sound. This would make the VA much better, as well as much more original to the dubbed version.
I just didn't really feel an "innocent" tone off of the dubbed version for Misuzu. It seemed, from the way the dubber sounded, she was just a normal girl with no friends. The way I think the Voice actor should sound it childish to a certain extent, to follow with Misuzu's actions, but thats just me.
Over all, I didn't really mind the dubbing much. (Of course, I'm still not gonna watch Air dubbed >.>) I just hate the "Miss Uzu" pronunciation... Be nice if they actaully allowed voice actors to watch the damn show their gonna dub first >.>
Vic as Yukito was pretty alright, he gave off the impression of a wanderer who cared for less, but reveled at times thats not his only face. (I did feel he seemed depressed over rash during the dub.)
Haruko fits ok. Young 20~30 person's voice worked well in the sake scenes, but it was pretty bad when she was serious.
Kano... fits in the Haruko category. Her voice actress seemed to lose her hold on her voice at certain points.
Minagi was ok, I just seemed to think it was a poor imitation. I felt Michiru was kinda wrong... You'd give a "younger" character a high pitched voice. Michiru seemed alot older.
(Damn, this a long ass post o.o;;; sorry)
Kano and Minagi definitely had a lower voice than I would've thought would be suitable for the age of the actual character. Minagi actually sounded like a slightly less Yuki-like Nagato o_o" Michiru had a very odd sounding voice though. Still kept the not-so-girl feel on it, but it sounded a bit raspy to me.
Dub-hater review:
Just browsed volume 1 ... I have to say the dub *does not* massively suck.
At least for the characters I've reviewed so far, they're actually not bad. Misuzu starts off a bit fluttery but she improves a bit .... her VA actually gives me the most trouble of any of them because that affected voice just doesn't sound very authentic.... more like someone reading a story and doing a voice for the dialog than someone actually in the scene. Her pitch and tone just don't work for me much of the time. That said, she does settle in as the episodes progress a bit. To me it is one of her better efforts.
Haruko's VA is actually pretty good at it. Yukito's VA has a bit of trouble with the rants but mutters and normal speaking voice are fine.
And I'm not normally a fan of localization but what I've heard so far is pleasing... when Misuzu referred to the puppet as that "thingie" that was a winning moment for me.
Granted, the story is thoroughly japanese and it loses some of the atmosphere and intent in english --- but so far I'd rule this as a win for people who have trouble reading subtitles (astigmatism, motion nausea, etc).
harukamae
2007-08-09, 04:35
Get rid of the notion that it is aimed towards guys (Japanese male otaku specifically), and it might actually appeal to some casual female anime fans. Well, that's what I think.
Yeah, I agree it's better for people to go into Air without preconceived notions on how it's gonna be based on where it came from. And I kinda regret that the whole moe/eroge business got thrust upon me halfway through watching it.
On the topic of the Kanon VA cameo, ADV has released a Kanon trailer. ANN is saying the VAs for the Air cameo were cast on purpose so...sorry for the folks who didn't like the voices they heard in that short time.
Some things are just meant to be watched or heard in the original Klingon ...... :)
chrno_the_sinner
2007-08-15, 03:16
As for the Kanon voices, each person got only ONE OR TWO lines, so once Kanon gets dubbed, the actors will be given more to go on than ONE line. They'll be able to actually know the characters.
I am glad it is turning out tolerable.
I am hoping to get it all in one big package after all volumes are released...
hate waiting for the others to come out
xD
btw. chrno
that anime con you went to where you got to spoke to vic, which anime con was it and where?
My copy arrived today -- I watched the subbed versions of all four episodes to see how they did, and was fairly impressed. Most of the bits that seemed awkward to me in the fansubs were handled nicely, and there were only a few choices of words or phrasing that seemed strange to me, so I definitely give them a thumbs-up.
Then I repeated the experiment with the dubbed versions -- my ears were bleeding for the first five minutes or so, but once I got used to the different voices, they really weren't bad. I think Yukito's street-punk accent is a bit much, but from what I remember of the partial translation of the game text that I read a while back, he was a much more cynical and sarcastic character to begin with, so I suppose it's really not all that inappropriate. Misuzu sounds rather forced / affected, but she does get better as time goes on. Haruko seems quite appropriate, and I thought Kano was good too...maybe just a little old for the character, but I find that I'm more tolerant of that than I am of a voice actor / actress trying to force it: a more casual, normal-sounding older voice just works better for me than a fake younger voice (Michiru, I'm looking at you.)
Interestingly, the Kanon girls didn't bother me that much, for that same reason...they may not have been spot-on for those characters, but at least they didn't give me that "group of adults sitting around a table doing a DRAMATIC reading" feel either.
I do have some nits to pick with the pronunciation of names (Missuzu? Huhrooko? Come on!) and the lack of nihaha's and V's, but in the end, I thought the dubs did a very creditable job of conveying the heart of the story so far, even if they don't have quite the same atmosphere as the subs. So -- I'm glad that I bought it, even if this is the third time, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and to the new fans that it should bring.
NibelungTaisa
2007-08-16, 01:07
im surprised that we sold this at frys on tuesday, for only $22.99 base price too...actually got my hands on it...after the first 2 episodes i actually liked haruka's and kano's VA...didnt like yukito's VA, but the rest are "i have no complaints about"...overall i liked the 1st 2 episodes
FireChick
2007-08-17, 09:44
I wish I could buy the DVD now but I can't. Guess I'll have to wait another two months til Image Anime (store in New York).
Kantarou
2007-08-17, 18:53
Mizuru's voice really suits her, so does Haruka's. I just wish they could've found a voice for Yukito that was similar to his original one in the Japanese version.
I have to say, I'm both impressed and disappointed by this release.
The box art is beautiful (despite the cover being a familiar piece of art to AIR fans, it looks great; the screenshots on the back are also very fitting), and the disc itself looks especially nice (compared to the grainy disc art of shows "back in the day" like Super Gals! or even DNAngel). Also, the menu screens of the DVD are very nice. I love the little feather logo.
However, the dubbing itself.... I'm actually going to come back and edit this post for each of the characters after watching for a second time, and give them each a detailed critique. I'm quite a dub fan (especially of ADV), but honestly, this one made me afraid of the fate of Kanon.
Alexandrite
2007-08-19, 03:34
Like many other things, the DVD was not for sale anywhere in my town, but with a bit of travelling, I now own it. Glee.
I was horrified at the news of it being licensed because of the quality of some of the dubs I've seen lately, so I'm quite relieved that Air is listenable. The pronounciation of names is one of the nitpicks I have, but it's a part of most dubs that I've just come to accept and don't let it bother me too much.
I was expecting Yukito's voice to be a little deeper, but I think Vic Mignogna does a pretty good job with Yukito's personality, so the rest kind of falls into place.
Really I didn't have any huge problems with the voice actors, though Haruko and Kano's voices did seem a little off in some places, but they seemed to get better over the next couple of episodes. And I didn't think Potato needed a voice-over, but ah well.
I'll agree with a number of people here - I didn't care much for Michiru's voice; she sounded just a bit too old, and the same goes for the flashback when Kano was a child - Kano's voice didn't change enough to be convincing.
And finally... the Kanon girls. Reeeeally did not care for their dub voices, though Nayuki's bothered me the most - she sounded the most... I dunno, preppy? Ayu and Makoto weren't as bad, but still not what I would like to hear. (...Serena Varghese - Michiru's voice actress - as Makoto if they dub Kanon? Might work...).
So given that my ears have yet to bleed, I think I'll continue to re-watch Air with the dub. I haven't watched the subs on the DVD yet, but I hope they're pretty spot on.
Oh yes - and they kept "gao". Gooood, good. Even if it sounds cuter in Japanese, goooood. :D
ellifeedn
2007-08-20, 22:47
I heard of this anime just recently and got interested. I'll wait until all the episodes are available before deciding whether or not they're worth getting.
Well I finally got around to listening to some of the dub track for episode one. I'm not highly impressed, but then I didn't expect to be. Was most impressed by Misuzu's VA, least by Yukito's actually - I disliked the 'let's have attitude!' style that the dub script seems to have given him. That said, the substream was very good, and was highly enjoyable, and the dub itself wasn't terrible in any aspect. ADV have done a thoroughly decent job for both tracks, as far as I can tell. Well done, evil licensing company. ;)
-Andiyar
I've recently heard from the guy at Madman Entertainment heading up anime acquisitions for Australia, that Air TV is currently not scheduled to be released in Australia. T_T
@ boggart
That's why we love cheap online retailers and region free DVD players :)
-Andiyar
LOL... I'm lazy... but if it means Air goodness, I'm willing to become unlazy... =]
I guess it'd be too early and presumptuous to ask for a hi-def BD version anytime soon... :p
I guess it'd be too early and presumptuous to ask for a hi-def BD version anytime soon... :p
Not necessarily, as there are certain "libraries" in "Tokyo" that have this available.
I guess it'd be too early and presumptuous to ask for a hi-def BD version anytime soon... :p
Actually, you'll probably get better results from the DVD version and any decent upsampling player. AIR was not created in HD to begin with, so the Blu-ray version is just an upsampled version of the SD video, and it turned out rather blocky and jagged looking. They mentioned using a special line-enhancing algorithm in the processing, but I think the results would have been better without it.
The true-HD extended opening, though, is jaw-droppingly gorgeous -- now if only they'd do an expanded 26-episode version of the series at that level of quality... :D
Actually, you'll probably get better results from the DVD version and any decent upsampling player. AIR was not created in HD to begin with, so the Blu-ray version is just an upsampled version of the SD video, and it turned out rather blocky and jagged looking. They mentioned using a special line-enhancing algorithm in the processing, but I think the results would have been better without it.
The true-HD extended opening, though, is jaw-droppingly gorgeous -- now if only they'd do an expanded 26-episode version of the series at that level of quality... :D
Ah... then if that's the case, yeah I'll probably get the DVD version... for now... haha...
I really wanna see KyoAni's signature animation and art in true HD... that would definitely be an experience!
FatPianoBoy
2007-08-25, 00:34
I remember hearing tell that only the extra material is in HD... not the show itself.
Royal_Devil
2007-08-30, 17:32
First episode available via stream (http://www.advfilms.com/download.aspx)
Woo! It's not available in Australia... :(
Leo_Otaku
2007-08-31, 21:45
Well let's see from viewing episode one...
Putting minor script changes aside (which were not too bad)
Yukito- Now I am not a fan of Vic, ever since FMA was destroyed here in North America. Then hearing the worst match up for Ed ever (cereal box mascot voice for Kellogs) as the voice was wasn't enough. He had to come and do Yukito's voice (not to mention come to my city's anime convention). Now first he wasn't horrible and he isn't amazing not terrible and not great. It is some weird grade of voice. It sort of works and then it doesn't. It sounds stuffy a bit at times and then his pronunciation just gets to me...like he says like every name wrong what the hell man!?
Misuzu- Is she supposed to sound cute 0_o I'm sorry she sounds like a complete moron blond ditz. Her voice is not appealing to hear at all it is nor cute or innocent. It seems off....her "gao" is forced and not delivered properly... I think she needs a bit of pronunciation lessons too >.> Hell i bet everyone does. But a certain tone in her voice that could work but she doesn't seem to use it. She may improve as she goes but i dunno.
Haruko- Can anyone notice her accent? Anyway she was alright a decent match I found. She needs to be a bit deeper at times. Not sure how her pronunciation is, but she can use a good range of vocals from serious to drunken Haruko
Kano- Umm this just sounds weird. I can't describe it. It sounds odd....
Potato- A first he sounds bad like some sort of...first thing that came to mind was some flintstones dinosaur 0-O It was completely unnesessary to even replace the voice. But as they go along with saying piko I realize I can do a better job but they improve as well.
Minagi- Her voice is alright actually I don't see much wrong other than she could learn to pronounce her own name >.> But asides from that, she seems alright.
Michiru- Is alright as well. Of course no one can be as good as her Yukari, but pretty good. Can't pronounce either >.>
Bad
Most of the voice match ups
Need to learn to pronounce their words.
Potato replaced, not needed
Good
Cheaper than Japanese release
Some voices are alright
orginal music and minor script changes
FireChick
2007-09-21, 10:14
I wanna see episode 4 that's on demand now but I can't cuz I need to see episode 3 dubbed! Man! I wish I had the DVD!
I finally got the 2nd vol. together with the box. Hm, why oh why did Cynthia Martinez voiced Kanna? I was hoping it would be someone else like Brittney Karbowski or Jessica Boone. Aaanyway, Ryuya and Uraha's dub voices are O.K for me.
--> Btw I was just wondering, 1st vol. has 4 episodes and the same as the 2nd volume. AIR TV only has 13 eps. right? And if I recall the box set can fit 4 DVDs in it. So that means there were 2 more vols. were not out yet. I wonder if the 3rd one will only have 3 eps. and the last one only 2. Or are they going to put the Summer OVA at the 4th vol? But seeing as what ADV did to UFO Ultramaiden Vakyrie, I doubt that. They're probably gonna separate the OVA to another DVD.
--> Btw I was just wondering, 1st vol. has 4 episodes and the same as the 2nd volume. AIR TV only has 13 eps. right? And if I recall the box set can fit 4 DVDs in it. So that means there were 2 more vols. were not out yet. I wonder if the 3rd one will only have 3 eps. and the last one only 2. Or are they going to put the Summer OVA at the 4th vol? But seeing as what ADV did to UFO Ultramaiden Vakyrie, I doubt that. They're probably gonna separate the OVA to another DVD.
This is just speculation, but the runtime of Vol. 3 is listed as 100 minutes, while Vol. 4 is listed as 75 minutes, and it has a Summer cover image -- so I'm expecting Vol. 3 to be episodes 9-12, with Vol. 4 holding the recap episode and the Summer specials.
This is just speculation, but the runtime of Vol. 3 is listed as 100 minutes, while Vol. 4 is listed as 75 minutes, and it has a Summer cover image -- so I'm expecting Vol. 3 to be episodes 9-12, with Vol. 4 holding the recap episode and the Summer specials.
If that would be true then that would be really great. Having the series completed all in one box at 4 DVDs :nod:
Edit: I just checked it out @ Rightstuf. Apparently, vol. 3 will have 9-12 as you said. So that means, vol. 4 might really have the 2 OVAs in it. If it would be just only 1 then that's a rip off :nod:
Samatarou
2007-09-27, 17:24
are they going to put the Summer OVA at the 4th vol? But seeing as what ADV did to UFO Ultramaiden Vakyrie, I doubt that. They're probably gonna separate the OVA to another DVD.
The Summer Specials weren't done as an OVA, they were tv broadcasts. It's just that they came out a few months after the main series.
Spirit Icana
2007-09-27, 20:20
Graphic Design on the AIR releases have been great! The cover art on both the front and back are very colorful. The image choices and cuts were all very well implemented and they give off a very whimsical touch. Very nice! Great job, Bety Sosa!
The dub itself is also very impressive. I like the dialogue here. Very well written, well played out by the actors/actresses, which sums up a round of applause to voice director Kyle Jones. Great job, man! ADV delivered here and AIR has been a great show so far, though evidently trying to cover a lot of material in a short peroid of time.
So vol. 4 really have the summer specials. That's great then. At least they will be all together in one box. Oh, the movie will also be released after the series has ended....I believe it will be on Dec. 11, 2007. A few weeks after the last vol. was released.
Samatarou
2007-10-06, 13:53
They have to include the summer specials as they're the antidote.
Could someone help me?
I can't catch the last line in anime-within-anime in #05.
Appasionato-[???]-crescendo?:confused:
If you don't mind, please tell me the answer.
I would like to see how an AIR dub would be also.
Hopfully when it's realesed on dvd ill check it out.
Spectacular_Insanity
2007-12-02, 21:39
I hate to say it, but 9 out of 10 times, japanese voice actors are WAY better than english voice actors.
Only exceptions in anime I've seen where english is actually pretty good:
Fullmetal Alchemist
Ah! My Goddess
Full Metal Panic
R.O.D.
Bleach
Naruto
Dragonball Z
And that's like it. I have series doubts about Air, especially given that it's not exactly the most mainstream of anime series out there.
Um... guys? The last DVD of 4 just got released, like... last week. And a good number of people (Including me) have been vastly impressed. Despite any kind of flaws, the dub will probably be winning a few awards, if such awards can be given. I went in with the same doubts, and those doubts were blown away fairly quickly.
nuaythebest
2007-12-10, 19:52
I would like to see how an AIR dub would be also.
Hopfully when it's realesed on dvd ill check it out.
It has been released. From the first 3 volume I must say that ADV did pretty good job with AIR dub,especially the volume 3.
Resulting verdict --- better than average dub. Now if they'd just start letting the VAs actually work together during recording we might start hearing some real acting energy.
I get the slight feeling there's a reason for why they don't. The problem may stem from the fact that they have to match up with the lip flaps (If they can't go back to the studio and get it reanimated for the dub) may make it harder for two people to go into one studio and act. Could also be budget. Maybe it costs more somehow, like higher chance of failure when the flaps are taken into account.
I'd like to get a studio representative to answer that question, rather than everyone complaining about it. There is a reason for everything.
EDIT: Emailed one at least, they said what I was expecting: The original actors have the advantage of not having to worry about animation, while the English ones do. Apparently it's hard enough getting it first try with just one person, let alone multiple.
EDIT: Another says the same thing, plus says it's easier that way to go back and touch things up, and allows you to put more time into each line. The crappy dubs are done by people blowing through them first try, normally because of smaller budgets.
They do say the American dubs actually match the lip flaps better.
Not like anyone cares, I guess...
As long as the Gao and Nihaha is still good, then the dubbed Air can be spared
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