View Full Version : The dubbing of Lucky Star
This thread is for the discussion of English Voice Actors in the R1 release of Lucky Star.
Please do not use this thread to whinge and whine that you do not like any sort of English dub. No one is forcing you to listen to the dub so if you do not like it then simply listen to the Japanese track and turn the subtitles on.
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.
Except for the Gundam series I've never known Bandai to pull off a good dub (Love Hina... what a mess that was), but i am thankful that Bandai is bringing Lucky Star to the US. I really don't know the VAs of Bandai too well so i really can't give a good opinion about who should play who. I just hope they pick the VAs carefully.
I've only encountered a handful of dubs that didn't have me sticking icepicks in my ear. All the companies tend to pull from the same pool of VAs. They all have the VAs "almost" cold-read their lines separately in isolation (unlike in Japan where the VAs practice extensively and mostly read as a group for better emoting results). The results *sound* like people reading in a studio and in isolation.
Therefore I really don't care *which* company licenses it -- it'll be really iffy whether I like the dubs and since they'll almost certainly use a couple of VAs I can't stand....
... I'm better off with the original language and dealing with the subtitles (though those have mixed results as well... I'm going to be interested in seeing how they handle the puns and proverb references).
I will say a few recent dubs of various series have been passable... but it only takes one atrocious VA to tip the apple cart for group effort.
I'd like to see dubbing companies actually SHARE VAs with each other. a wider variety of voices would actually improve the quality of the dubbing.
CrowKenobi
2007-11-01, 17:53
Except for the Gundam series I've never known Bandai to pull off a good dub (Love Hina... what a mess that was), but i am thankful that Bandai is bringing Lucky Star to the US. I really don't know the VAs of Bandai too well so i really can't give a good opinion about who should play who. I just hope they pick the VAs carefully.You have seen Cowboy Bebop, right? :p
I'd like to see dubbing companies actually SHARE VAs with each other. a wider variety of voices would actually improve the quality of the dubbing.Makes sense, but the travel expenses alone would kill that idea...
:cool:
Dochodiaga
2007-11-01, 17:58
It'd be so great if they found and employed the girl from this clip : http://youtube.com/watch?v=T8btXrQ2Ujw
I've never heard anyone getting so close to the original hirano aya's performance and propably never will... To bad, that my wish is so impossible to happen :(
Cloudkiller1
2007-11-01, 20:32
Hm, so the liscencing is indeed true. Now to see how the actors are. I can't judge till I hear how they sound. Who knows they might be good.. :D or the other way around. :x
Kagami should be pretty easy...western VAs seem to have no problem sounding dramatic. Konata, on the other hand...would be insanely difficult. First, you need this really nasal childlike intonation with equally childish speaking pace. Hirano Aya, even if you hate the fandom surrounding her, does win as an impeccable seiyuu in her own right for carrying this out so perfectly. I am of the belief that no western VA (in this business, at the least) can pull this off nearly as well. There simply aren't enough of them in the western industry.
Konata-chan
2007-11-03, 17:11
Kagami should be pretty easy...western VAs seem to have no problem sounding dramatic. Konata, on the other hand...would be insanely difficult. First, you need this really nasal childlike intonation with equally childish speaking pace. Hirano Aya, even if you hate the fandom surrounding her, does win as an impeccable seiyuu in her own right for carrying this out so perfectly. I am of the belief that no western VA (in this business, at the least) can pull this off nearly as well. There simply aren't enough of them in the western industry.
First, lemme say that I'm glad that L*S is now licensed and it won't be this niche anime that people will go "?" when I refer to it. Even at Anime Expo a lot of people there don't know what L*S is or how Aya Hirano and Minori Chihara are related (though I caught on Timotei and DBZ OP). At least people will now know who I'm named after.
One of the many things I consider so unique and likable about Konata is her voice. It's got this sleepy nasal childlike intonation to it, just like you said. It was this voice, and not Haruhi, that made me like Aya Hirano so much that I was willing to stay in long lines just to go see her panel and attempt to get her sig (I went to AX mostly because Aya's the seiyuu of Konata, not primarily because I was a Haruhi fan). That voice is very hard to pull off, but she's done it consistently throughout all the episodes. I will give major props to someone who can pull it off as well as Aya. It doesn't help that Konata is my most favorite anime character of all time, and with my favorites I'm usually tough to judge on how people perform her.
I also hope that there's chemistry too between Konata and Kagami. Although not as evident in early episodes, their banter was one of the most enjoyable parts about the show.
Alexandrite
2007-11-04, 14:51
I figured with the massive amount of Haruhi references that only Bandai would pick it up, and I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. Yes, I hate dubs, but some have managed to not make me want to slap the voice actors and the casting director (Air). I'm not a big fan of the Haruhi dub - it's barely within tolerance (save the dubbing of the song God Knows, which is a travesty on its own), so I can't imagine Bandai's going to pull a sparkling gem out of their talent pool for this casting. Some of them might go okay, like Kagami, but Konata... unless someone is entering the business and making Lucky Star debut that can pull it off, I cant' think of anyone already working that can properly do Konata.
That said, yes, I don't have to watch the dub (I'll at least sample it), but I would at least like to have the comfort that it's being done right.
The comedy duo format will probably make or break the dub ... what are the odds they'll have the two VAs chosen actually work together in the recording sessions? (probably zero).
As long as the video quality is good and they actually bother to do decently translated subs (with footnotes), the dubs could be in "Murloc" for all I care :) --- but that's just my own personal needs.
2H-Dragon
2007-11-04, 15:06
In the end who cares really. Aren't most of you(read:all of you), going to switch on the japanese track and turn on the subs after rofling 5mins how bad the dub. There are some cases where dub do sound good enough. LS is just one of those series you can't dub right. No matter how good the VA is tbh.
MaxwellDemon
2007-11-04, 17:28
In the end who cares really. Aren't most of you(read:all of you), going to switch on the japanese track and turn on the subs after rofling 5mins how bad the dub. There are some cases where dub do sound good enough. LS is just one of those series you can't dub right. No matter how good the VA is tbh.
What I am really about is that I hope they do the sub right. Some DVDs' sub doesn't even turn out right for that. :(
nuaythebest
2007-11-04, 21:05
In the end who cares really. Aren't most of you(read:all of you), going to switch on the japanese track and turn on the subs after rofling 5mins how bad the dub. There are some cases where dub do sound good enough. LS is just one of those series you can't dub right. No matter how good the VA is tbh.
Read the topic..... If you don't care , you don't need to come in this topic.
stardf29
2007-11-04, 21:11
Hmm... one thing I'm wondering in particular how it'd be done...
...is how they will work out Daisuke Ono's guest appearance. Especially considering that some of the jokes around him are based on his and Akira's seiyuu's work in AIR TV. Maybe the English actors chosen here will have a different show they both worked on that they'll reference?
It'd be interesting if Bandai were to team up with ADV to work on this show... but that's hugely unlikely.
grgspunk
2007-11-04, 21:53
In the end who cares really. Aren't most of you(read:all of you), going to switch on the japanese track and turn on the subs after rofling 5mins how bad the dub. There are some cases where dub do sound good enough. LS is just one of those series you can't dub right. No matter how good the VA is tbh.
Well, if a series I've already watched on fansub form becomes licensed, I somtimes do listen to the dubs on the dvd. I mean, unless the dub is absolutely horrid, if I want to watch something again, I might as well get a different experience out of it... I'm not exactly sure why it can't be dubbed right though. I mean, they did have a decent Haruhi dub, and ADV did dub Azumanga Daioh (I wasn't really fond of Osaka's voice, but every other character was fine). They didn't neglect or badly execute most of the cultural or otaku references in the scripts either. It's tricky, but not impossible to have a decent quality dub.
khryoleoz
2007-11-04, 22:40
Except for the Gundam series I've never known Bandai to pull off a good dub (Love Hina... what a mess that was), but i am thankful that Bandai is bringing Lucky Star to the US. I really don't know the VAs of Bandai too well so i really can't give a good opinion about who should play who. I just hope they pick the VAs carefully.
What? Are you serious? The Ocean Group dubbed the Gundam series and I dislike ALL of Ocean's dubs that I've heard so far. They're among those whose performances are either flat or over the top. Bandai might as well give this one to BZE too.
I meant the ORIGINAL Gundam and other UC century series (Gundam Wing and G Gundam included) were good dubbs. Gundam Seed and GSD left alot to be desired.
darkchibi07
2007-11-04, 23:47
Hmm... one thing I'm wondering in particular how it'd be done...
...is how they will work out Daisuke Ono's guest appearance. Especially considering that some of the jokes around him are based on his and Akira's seiyuu's work in AIR TV. Maybe the English actors chosen here will have a different show they both worked on that they'll reference?
It'd be interesting if Bandai were to team up with ADV to work on this show... but that's hugely unlikely.
Well Vic Mignogna (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=2516) has done a minor role in the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya which is a Bang Zoom! dub so I don't think that'll be a problem.
kenjiharima
2007-11-05, 08:01
make the english dubbers of Haruhi be the dubbers of L*S
Jehuty77
2007-11-05, 11:47
Just stumbled upon this topic randomly, but wow, she does seem to capure Konata rather well in that vid~ +cookie to you~
Speaking of which, there's a fandub they made and it was really fun to watch. http://youtube.com/watch?v=zU82PR2xlYc. Taking account that its a fan effort, it was really good. Overall, I wouldn't mind listening to the dub once in a while if these people were hired and given a little more time to practice and train. :)
I think the girls who did Konata and Kagami did great jobs. I woundn't mind them doing the dub but it'll never happen.
Hope they do a good job because I love this series.
make the english dubbers of Haruhi be the dubbers of L*S
Except that you want the director to cast people who fit the roles and channel the spirit of the original acting --- not just "hey lets use the usual gang of VAs we use and assign by seniority".
Well the fan dub voices are good, but not great. I've heard a few other fandubbs of animes that sounded better, however at least it was better than what Bandai or Funimation could pull off.
Alexandrite
2007-11-05, 17:05
Except that you want the director to cast people who fit the roles and channel the spirit of the original acting --- not just "hey lets use the usual gang of VAs we use and assign by seniority".
Aye, and that seems to be the solution most companies take when doing a dub. "Look, they're popular, let's use them for the main cast!" I suppose the same thing is done in Japan at least from time to time, but over there it seems to actually work more often than not.
That fandub is definitely among the better I've heard, the only problem being that to me, hearing some of the names and suffixes coming from them sounded a bit odd. However, definitely better than some professional tracks I've sat through, and I could certainly live with it as the official dub if they touch up their act a bit.
The Timotei Teller
2007-11-08, 19:08
Well the fan dub voices are good, but not great. I've heard a few other fandubbs of animes that sounded better, however at least it was better than what Bandai or Funimation could pull off.
Which sorta makes you wonder why the heck it's so hard for big anime companies like Bandai to find half-decent voices.
At least the Haruhi dub was acceptable, though not the best in the world.
FatPianoBoy
2007-11-08, 19:13
Which sorta makes you wonder why the heck it's so hard for big anime companies like Bandai to find half-decent voices.
It isn't. The people they use now have talent, but I still think the problem lies in the recording method. Even Fandubbers are usually in the same room when they record ;)
I agree with FPB... with some glaring exceptions, many voice dub actors could probably do a wonderful job if the producers/directors would:
1) let them practice the script together as a team (like most live-action series do a set of read-throughs before they even get to the recording studio)
2) let them record together. Actors *really* need to feed off of each other's energy. Solo in a booth just doesn't get the same results.
Puni Puni Poemi is a perfect example of this. This is one of the few animes where the voice actor's got to dub together in 2 rooms (One for men the other for women) They could hear each other through their headphones and it ended up being one of the best dubs i have EVER heard.
It's going to be nice to see how this will work out, it always seemed to be that there were references to Japanese culture left right and centre so whether they'll just change the dialogue or try to twist it to make sense to an American audience should be interesting. Saying that you could watch the anime in Japanese and completely ignore the cultural stuff but it does make the anime more interesting.
The Timotei Teller
2007-11-13, 20:26
Well, I guess what I was trying to say was why it's so hard for the company to use the "well-delivered" lines. It almost feels like they only spend their time on two takes and ended up using the worst of the two. So yes, I basically agree with FPB's response... but they could still find some better voices, since it's become increasingly apparent after watching the fandub of episode 12 that good talent isn't at all hard to find.
darkchibi07
2007-11-13, 20:48
Well, I guess what I was trying to say was why it's so hard for the company to use the "well-delivered" lines. It almost feels like they only spend their time on two takes and ended up using the worst of the two. So yes, I basically agree with FPB's response... but they could still find some better voices, since it's become increasingly apparent after watching the fandub of episode 12 that good talent isn't at all hard to find.
If that's the case, then those fandubbers should really consider auditioning to some of the major dubbing studios, and see if they can get a jump start in voice acting. :rolleyes:
How do they think this will work? lucky star if for the japanese...
How do they think this will work? lucky star is for the japanese...
Ya know, this mis-meme is starting to take on the level of out-of-touch-ness that the "but the earth is flat!!!" group has.
Newsflash: ALL anime is for the japanese. The rest of us are just peering in.
Newsflash: Pani Poni Dash -- makes Lucky*Star look positively pedestrian in terms of "for the japanese" yet here it is on the shelves in other countries ... as is Kamichu! -- a series about Shinto. Do I need to make a comprehensive list of all the japanese series that use a lot of japanese idioms and references?
Newsflash: about 90% of Lucky*Star is made of mainstream humor approachable by just about anyone in a country that has hobby fans, small talk, and human foibles.
I may just slap the shit out of the next poster that says something like this if I can get to them. (rant, froth, rage, break things)
Pardon my rant, you were just the lucky 15th --- but this seems to pop up in almost every thread about the licensing of L*S repeatedly (which means they aren't even taking a brief browse of the thread before they post).
Calawain
2007-11-16, 22:49
Reading the post beforehand is a lot of work though!
CrowKenobi
2007-11-17, 00:05
Deep breaths, Vexx, deep breaths! :D
Quoting myself to get a point across:For those that keep insisting that us westerners "can't or won't" get Lucky Star, I present this:
WsfiD78Cy0s
Any questions? :heehee:
:cool:
And I repeat: ANY QUESTIONS?? :)
:cool:
(and for the record, John Cleese is being played by Vexx in this presentation. :heh: )
Ahhhhhh, fishslapping --- the quintessential Western sport.
I'm honored by the chance to play John Cleese. He's a bit taller than me but we do share some personality quirks.
Lets ignore the thread-killing random flame for now...
Drop your votes: who has the best shot on dubbing Konata? I hold no positive expectations, but then again, I don't know Western anime voice actors (you can count on one hand the times I've heard them). I'd like to know your opinion on who would get anywhere close.
I'd think, out of the LA pool, Melissa Fahn would make the best Konata. But unfortunately, because of all the seiyuu jokes with Haruhi, she's going to have to be voiced by Wendee Lee. Which sucks, because her voice is anything but usable for Konata.
Alexandrite
2007-11-19, 16:31
I'd think, out of the LA pool, Melissa Fahn would make the best Konata. But unfortunately, because of all the seiyuu jokes with Haruhi, she's going to have to be voiced by Wendee Lee. Which sucks, because her voice is anything but usable for Konata.
I'm no good with names, so I just looked her and her past works up. She might do an okay job. I honestly can't name anyone who would pull off Konata well, except maybe that fandub girl. But yeah, sadly, it'll probably be Wendee Lee, and she's just... no. Just no.
Thanks... now i have a headache ... (not generally a fan of Ms. Lee though I'll admit it may be just that the conditions she works under are unsurmountable for good VA work).
Shiroi Hane
2007-11-19, 21:28
And I repeat: ANY QUESTIONS?? :)
Yes: considering how Monty Python is something quintessentially British, why do I not see Lucky Star ever being released here?
(note: while PaniPoni Dash is getting a release somehoworother, we still don't have TSR despite already having the first two Furumeta series so I have major doubts about any KadoUSA title getting here anytime soon)
CrowKenobi
2007-11-19, 22:06
Yes: considering how Monty Python is something quintessentially British, why do I not see Lucky Star ever being released here?
(note: while PaniPoni Dash is getting a release somehoworother, we still don't have TSR despite already having the first two Furumeta series so I have major doubts about any KadoUSA title getting here anytime soon)Those are two good questions I can't answer because I have no idea when your anime distributor will release those in Great Britain (unless you import the titles). :D
:cool:
The Timotei Teller
2007-11-19, 22:58
Now that I think about it, if the US thought PaniPoni Dash was good enough to be licensed, I no longer find it surprising that Lucky Star was too. After all, if the mainstream audience fails, we always have the hardcore US fanbase to shovel their money into it (myself included :D).
Oh, and by the way Tokkan, I totally agree with you on the Melissa Fahn thing. I've actually been thinking about that since I first started watching Lucky Star way back in April.
But I'm okay with Wendee Lee (for consistency reasons), but I still wish there was some way they could use someone else without killing the in-jokes.
Tonytime20
2007-12-07, 02:50
I hope they do a good job. Sure it probably won't be as good as the original, but for people who are seeing the series for the first time, and for people who are new to anime, it should be pretty good. Changing a language is never better for anything (movies, tv shows, etc.) but they can certainly be tolerable and still decent at least. Even the German version of Blade was good. Who's to say Lucky Star won't be?
Changing a language is never better for anything (movies, tv shows, etc.) but they can certainly be tolerable and still decent at least. Even the German version of Blade was good.
Cowboy Bebop fans would beg to differ as the idea the dub of Cowboy Bebop is better than the original is a widely shared opinion. Though that's mainly because Bebop's a show that works better in English, as it's a very American show in spite of being Japanese-produced.
Lucky Star, by contrast, is a very Japanese show. It's hard for an English dub to feel right with it. Nonetheless, that does not harm its marketability to Americans *points to all the Monty Python example posts*.
I always suggest to people to watch, say, Das Boot in the original German after seeing the English dub.... that *usually* gets my point across that most dubs are mere echoes of the original even if a lot of money is spent.
darkchibi07
2007-12-09, 13:00
Cast list and release info for Lucky Star has been revealed! (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/26850/)
Konata Izumi - Wendee Lee
Tsukasa Hiiragi - Michelle Ruff
Kagami Hiiragi - Kari Wahlgren
Miyuki Takara - Karen Strassman
Akira - Stephanie Sheh
Minoru - Sam Regal
Kuroi-sensei - Kate Higgins
Hmmm, when the last time I heard Wendee Lee pull off a young, cutesy girl voice? In any case, doing Konota's voice will prove to be tricky!
~ Lawliet ~
2007-12-09, 17:59
It should be interesting to see how this is americanized for reasons obvious.
It should be interesting to see how this is americanized for reasons obvious.
Eh?
- DVD Liner notes to be included for explanations of inside jokes and references in the series.
DING DING.
I'm really confused by the amount of people who think they're going to change all the jokes. It's an otaku show, if they change anything then hell will be raised. Kadokawa and Bandai fully know that. I'm expecting the dub to be far less Americanised than a.f.k.'s subs.
FireChick
2007-12-09, 18:30
I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW Wendee Lee was gonna do Konata!! Oh hey! Nova's voice from Super Robot Monkey Team is doing Kagami! Yes! I can picture Nova's voice as Kagamin! Hehe!:D
Wendee Lee doing Kona is a no brainer. I think she can do it, actually.
But Michelle "Alicia" Ruff doing Tsukasa? PRINCESS ALICIA? Oh hell yes, that's perfect there. I may actually have to get this now.
Sheh should be fine as Akira, though can she do a "I want to rip your head off" voice? Drill drill...
Sam Regal's a no brainer, considering who Sebastian plays. I'm liking him anyway. He can do both characters like Taniguchi and Silabus well.
Shame they're not doing the songs. I kinda wanted to hear what they'd do. Especially if they redid the live-action ones for Sam.
Strange how knowledge of casts actually get me into buying a series...
The Timotei Teller
2007-12-10, 01:28
I have confidence in Wendee. She'll definitely be able to pull off the quirkiness. We'll just have to see if she can pull off the sleepy, childish attitude.
Trogdor Jube
2007-12-10, 21:30
This is gonna be one hell of an english dub.
Wendee Lee doing Konata????
this seals the fact that i am not going to even listen to a millisecond of the dub
I'd listen to the dub before making any judgments, just hoping that the ones in charge gave a d@mn enough to care about quality performance.
I always give a dub a chance... simply because if they get it right it expands the audience willing to give a series a shot. I'm just usually disappointed because it ends up sounding like people locked in separate rooms in a studio reading their lines for the first time. O wait.....
At least Wendee Lee as both Konata and Haruhi keeps all the Haruhi jokes still working on some dub level. Some of the smaller throwaways (such as Konata getting the Galaxy Angel CD in 23), still are "Aya Hirano-level" only, though.
I've already seen the first ten episodes in japanese, and when they are dubbed they don't really feel origanal either.
JustInn14
2007-12-14, 21:22
This is going to be bizzare. lolz. Let's hope they don't sound like stale, generic, High-School-girls-on-Helium. :-P
Rookie103
2007-12-18, 15:28
This is going to be bizzare. lolz. Let's hope they don't sound like stale, generic, High-School-girls-on-Helium. :-P
Exactly, it will downgrade the experince.
Gundampilotspaz
2007-12-23, 12:55
Anyone but Lee wouldn't make sense, because of all the joke about Haruhi and Konata having the same VA.
But is most of the humor going to translate well? Unless you really understand anime or Japanese culture most of the humor is going to be lost on you. Hell, most of the humor was lost on me and I'm a huge anime fan.
Robotnik
2007-12-23, 14:38
This post by Vexx (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1257149&postcount=33) should be pinned to the top of every page in this thread, but I'll quote a bit of it here:
Newsflash: Pani Poni Dash -- makes Lucky*Star look positively pedestrian in terms of "for the japanese" yet here it is on the shelves in other countries ... as is Kamichu! -- a series about Shinto. Do I need to make a comprehensive list of all the japanese series that use a lot of japanese idioms and references?
Newsflash: about 90% of Lucky*Star is made of mainstream humor approachable by just about anyone in a country that has hobby fans, small talk, and human foibles.
As for the English casting, I'll hold judgment until I hear some dubbed previews - but most of the VA's have done work I enjoyed, so I'm not worried.
CrowKenobi
2007-12-23, 20:55
This post by Vexx (http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=1257149&postcount=33) should be pinned to the top of every page in this thread...Amen, brother, amen. :D
To add to Vexx's examples: Excel Saga, the anime that introduced the ADV Vid-notes. :nod:
:cool:
FireChick
2008-01-13, 10:31
Sorry if this is a little off-topic but I got word that Lucky Star is currently being subtitled!
ummm....
are you referring to LICENSED subtitle?
or is it fansub?
kenjiharima
2008-01-16, 10:13
is there any news about who's gonna dub the voices of the LS gang?
CrowKenobi
2008-01-16, 12:22
is there any news about who's gonna dub the voices of the LS gang?According to AnimeNewsNetwork.com: (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7222)
Karen Strassman as Miyuki Takara
Kari Wahlgren as Kagami Hiiragi
Michelle Ruff as Tsukasa Hiiragi
Wendee Lee as Konata Izumi
Kate Higgins as Nanako Kuroi
Sam Regal as Minoru
Stephanie Sheh as Akira
Dub being produced by Bang-Zoom! Entertainment. :D
:cool:
I'm more intrigued by how they're going to localize the translated script for the dub. The subs I'm less concerned about if they take the PPD route.
Lucky_Day
2008-01-17, 07:10
I am not familiar with Bang-Zoom! Entertainment. What other anime shows have they dubbed?
I am not familiar with Bang-Zoom! Entertainment. What other anime shows have they dubbed?
Anime with which this company was involved:
Ai Yori Aoshi (TV) : Dubbing
Ai Yori Aoshi ~Enishi~ (TV) : ADR Production
Apocalypse Zero (OAV) : Dubbing Studio
Arc the Lad (TV) : ADR Production
Argento Soma (TV) : Dubbing, Subtitles
Ayakashi Ayashi (TV) : ADR Production
Babel II - Beyond Infinity (TV) : Recording Studio
Burn-Up Scramble (TV) : Production
Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card : Dubbing, Subtitles
Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran (TV) : ADR Production
Chibits (special) : Dubbing
Chobits (TV) : Dubbing
Chobits (OAV) : Dubbing, Subtitles
Chobits (TV) : Subtitles
Cosmo Warrior Zero Gaiden (TV) : ADR Production
Cosmowarrior Zero (TV) : Recording Studio
Eight Clouds Rising (OAV) : ADR Production
Eureka Seven (TV) : ADR Production, Subtitles
éX-D: Danger Zone (OAV) : Recording Studio
eX-Driver (OAV) : Dubbing
Fafner (TV) : Dubbing
Fate/stay night (TV) : ADR Production
Figure 17 (TV) : ADR Production
Flag (TV) : ADR Production
Gad Guard (TV) : Recording Studio, Subtitles
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (TV) : ADR Production
Gestalt (OAV) : Dubbing
Gun Frontier (TV) : Recording Studio
Gundress (movie) : Recording Studio
Gungrave (TV) : ADR Production
Hanaukyo Maid Team: La Verite (TV) : ADR Recording, Recording Studio
Haré+Guu (TV) : ADR Production
Heat Guy J (TV) : ADR Production, Subtitles
Hello Kitty: Stump Village (clay animation TV) : ADR Production
Here is Greenwood (OAV) : ADR Production
I'll/CKBC (OAV) : ADR Production, Recording Studio
Idol Project (OAV) : Dubbing, Recording Studio
Immortal Grand Prix (TV 2) : Adaptation, ADR Production
Immortal Grand Prix (TV) : Recording Studio
Immortal Grand Prix (TV 2) : Subtitles
Jungle De Ikou! (OAV) : Recording Studio
Jungle Wa Itsumo Hale Nochi Guu Deluxe (OAV) : ADR Production
Kannazuki no Miko (TV) : ADR Production
Karas (OAV) : ADR Production
Kurogane Communication (TV) : Production
Last Exile (TV) : ADR Production
Leave it to Kero! Theatrical Version (movie) : ADR Production, Subtitles
Love Hina Again (OAV) : Adaptation
Love Hina X'mas Special - Silent Eve : ADR Production
Lucky Star (TV) : ADR Production
Magic Knight Rayearth (TV) : ADR Production
Magic Knight Rayearth 2 (TV 2) : ADR Production
Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden (TV) : Recording Studio
Mahoromatic: Something More Beautiful (TV) : Dubbing, Recording Studio
Mahoromatic: Summer Special : ADR Production
Mao-chan (TV) : ADR Production
Mars Daybreak (TV) : Dubbing
Mezzo Forte (OAV) : Production
Mirage of Blaze (TV) : Recording Studio
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (movie) : Recording Studio
Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit (TV) : ADR Production
New Getter Robo (OAV) : Dubbing, Recording Studio
Nightwalker (TV) : Dubbing
Ninja Cadets (OAV) : Dubbing
Omishi Magical Theater Risky Safety (TV) : Adaptation
Otogi Zoshi (TV) : Production
Overman King Gainer (TV) : Dubbing
Paradise Kiss (TV) : ADR Production
Petite Cossette (OAV) : ADR Production
Planetes (TV) : ADR Production
Please Teacher! (OAV) : ADR Production
Please Teacher! (TV) : Recording Studio
Please Twins! (OAV) : ADR Production
Please Twins! (TV) : ADR Production
Puppet Princess (OAV) : Adaptation
Rozen Maiden (TV) : ADR Production
Rozen Maiden: Träumend (TV) : ADR Production
Rurouni Kenshin (TV) : Production
s-CRY-ed (TV) : Dubbing
Saiyuki Gunlock (TV) : ADR Production
Saiyuki Reload (TV) : ADR Production
Sakura Wars: The Movie : ADR Production
Samurai Champloo (TV) : ADR Production, Subtitles
Samurai Girl Real Bout High School (TV) : Dubbing
Samurai: Hunt for the Sword (OAV) : Recording Studio
Scrapped Princess (TV) : Dubbing
Space Pirate Captain Herlock The Endless Odyssey (OAV) : ADR Production, Recording Studio
Stellvia (TV) : ADR Production
Submarine 707R (OAV) : ADR Production
Tales of Phantasia (OAV) : ADR Production
Tenjho Tenge (TV) : ADR Production
Tenjho Tenge: Ultimate Fight (OAV) : Production
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (TV) : ADR Production, Subtitles
The Twelve Kingdoms (TV) : Production
Tokko (TV) : ADR Production
Tsukihime, Lunar Legend (TV) : Dubbing, Recording Studio
Vandread (TV) : Recording Studio
Vandread: The Second Stage (TV) : ADR Production
When They Cry - Higurashi (TV) : ADR Production
Wild Arms - Twilight Venom (TV) : Dubbing
Witch Hunter Robin (TV) : ADR Production
X (TV) : Dubbing
Ys (OAV) : Recording Studio
Ys II (OAV) : Recording Studio
Well, there you go.
kenjiharima
2008-01-17, 11:26
Sam Regal is Minoru?...Hmm this I gotta see...or hear. LOL :heh:
CrowKenobi
2008-01-17, 23:29
Sam Regal is Minoru?...Hmm this I gotta see...or hear. LOL :heh:If you got the Haruhi dub, you've already heard him as Taniguchi... makes you wonder why he got the role of Minoru... :heh: :eyespin:
:cool:
One is starting to think these VAs should meet annually like Japan&America "sister cities" do. :)
Midori Chi
2008-01-18, 14:38
I didn't really love the dubbed version of Haruhi. If Wendy Lee is doing Konata's voice...I just hope it can be a cute voice, like it's supposed to be.
FireChick
2008-01-20, 17:57
ummm....
are you referring to LICENSED subtitle?
or is it fansub?
I mean it as in licensed subtitles. Hehe. I feel weird.
Lucky_Day
2008-01-21, 13:19
That is an impressive list. Not only is it long, it contains many anime shows familiar to me. With cautious optimism, I will wait for it to come out.
darkchibi07
2008-02-08, 12:32
Ohohoho! English dub trailer for Lucky Star is out!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1smSoy-hWvc
Very exciting. Oh yeah! And it actually took me awhile to recognize Wendee Lee's voice coming out of Konota. I say she nailed it!
Ohohoho! English dub trailer for Lucky Star is out!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1smSoy-hWvc
Very exciting. Oh yeah! And it actually took me awhile to recognize Wendee Lee's voice coming out of Konota. I say she nailed it!
Thanks for the reminder of why I avoid dubs.
Avatar_notADV
2008-02-09, 00:11
I may actually watch this in English when I'm done with it in Japanese. I won't say it's brilliant, but it's interesting. (And, to be blunt, the original dubbing for Lucky Star was not that good - the whole "two people doing every background character" thing got way, way up my nose.)
ApostleOfGod
2008-02-09, 00:16
Hmm... Dubbing something like Lucky Star into English?
Doesn't work for me :p
So... am I the first on this board to like the dub, and am now thinking I'll be picking up Lucky Star, something I wasn't planning to do in the first place?
I was doubtful of Wendee Lee. Remind me never to do that again.
darkchibi07
2008-02-09, 08:24
I liked what I heard so far as well! At least it's better than those fandubs that's floating around on Youtube which seem to not grasp comedic timing.
Rion Steiner
2008-02-09, 13:39
I was really impressed, was expecting something really bad. but Konata's voice was pretty good for her character, not as good as Aya's but still perfect for her character. I still have a problem on other characters though especially Kagami's and Miyuki's.
FireChick
2008-02-09, 18:38
I saw that trailer and...WOW! Nice dubbing! I love everyone's voices! Kagami's voice may not sound like Nova (from Super Robot Monkey Team) but I don't mind! Tsukasa's voice is cute! As expected of Lopmon!:D
um.... has there even been a release date announced for the dub?
wow, of all the voices i thought i would dislike konata's the most. but it was good! tsukasa sounded good too. miyuki was about how i expected, typical moe-blob stuff. kagamis voice didnt really take for me though. still, on the whole, not bad at all.
um.... has there even been a release date announced for the dub?
Think all we know at the moment is sometime in 2008. Probably sometime in spring is my guess.
I actually don't mind Konata's voice too much. Surprised myself there.
Anyone know if the dub will ever make its way onto T.V?
The day *Insert semi-obscure anime here (The list is probably huge)* makes it onto TV.
Lucky Star is not something a lot of normal TV watchers on this side would get into. The chances of it making it onto some anime block is slim to none. If Haruhi Suzumiya makes it onto TV (Or one of the other slice-of-life shows, like AzuDai, or maybe Pani Poni Dash), then maybe there'll be a bigger chance. Or if there's some kind of Bandai special on CN showcasing its properties.
FireChick
2008-02-10, 14:35
Sorry if this is a bit off-topic but Bandai's official website for Lucky Star is up!
http://lucky-star.bandai-ent.com/
The day *Insert semi-obscure anime here (The list is probably huge)* makes it onto TV.
Lucky Star is not something a lot of normal TV watchers on this side would get into. The chances of it making it onto some anime block is slim to none. If Haruhi Suzumiya makes it onto TV (Or one of the other slice-of-life shows, like AzuDai, or maybe Pani Poni Dash), then maybe there'll be a bigger chance. Or if there's some kind of Bandai special on CN showcasing its properties.
Guess I have to watch in on Youtube then, QQ
Robotnik
2008-02-10, 18:30
The day *Insert semi-obscure anime here (The list is probably huge)* makes it onto TV.
Lucky Star is not something a lot of normal TV watchers on this side would get into. The chances of it making it onto some anime block is slim to none. If Haruhi Suzumiya makes it onto TV (Or one of the other slice-of-life shows, like AzuDai, or maybe Pani Poni Dash), then maybe there'll be a bigger chance. Or if there's some kind of Bandai special on CN showcasing its properties.
Since you mentioned AzuDai and PPD specifically, I believe both have been cable-broadcast or internet-streamed on ADV's TheAnimeNetwork (at least according to the listings at Anime News Network (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/company.php?id=1144)); there *are* other venues than Cartoon Network/Adult Swim (MTV2, Fuse, IFC, Starz, etc have all run anime in the recent past), and I believe TheAnimeNetwork actually has aired non-ADV titles as well.
So I wouldn't *count* on it, but then again, you never know.
I meant THE prime time thing like adult swim. AnimeNetwork doesn't count for me since it's the anime channel that's not readily available. The rest are oddities, though probably could be covered by my "Special" thing.
I don't watch real TV (No access to one and anime shows too late at night for me on a regular basis), so I don't know.
if adult swim did it it would be late at night and even right now they have stopped showing anime on Saturday nights
Okay... voice casting is "better than I expected" although I'm a bit tired of that reedy high pitched voice they keep casting for the "Miyuki" characters -- it just sounds false.
The rest.... sound like they fit the parts fairly nicely. We didn't get any clips of "growly" Kagami or the range of Konata though for final estimates.
The real kicker for the english dub will be the SCRIPT and the COMEDIC TIMING.
Frankly, I'll still prefer the original but it does look like I can show this to "dub prone" people and it won't be a total mystery to them what I like about it.
FireChick
2008-02-11, 15:18
Check it out people! They announced Narumi Yui's voice! It's the person who does Souseiseki from Rozen Maiden! Proof!:D
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=13201
Hi All!
Are there any videos of an actual Lucky Star dubbing session? Hard to believe that no one's even tried to, knowing how photog-crazed most are in Japan! :) I'd also like to compare Aya Hirano's normal voice with those of the characters she plays.
Dee
I've never understood the lack of studio dubbing videos either. I always *love* watching such things. But its rather rare to see a video'd recording session.
cant say im too terribly impressed, though it wasnt the disasterous let-down i was expecting it to be; Wendee Lee acutally did a somewhat decent job on Konata's voice (which came as a HUGE surprise)
Saidin_228
2008-02-13, 18:02
Miyuki sounded... very fake, perhaps to be expected. Kagami perhaps a bit flat, but she does have the base attitude right... the others were actually pretty fitting. All in all I find myself willing to give this dub a good shot
Trogdor Jube
2008-02-13, 21:59
Better then I expected.
Kagami was not really "expected" but it strangely matched well.
Tsukasa was pretty on the dot if you ask me.
Miyuki was.... ugh.
And last but not least who can forget Konata. Well I must say it was almost what I expected, not perfect but for an english tranlation it was well done.
GuidoHunter_Toki
2008-02-13, 22:56
I'm actually quite pleased with the voice acting. Well I've never been really two fussy with dubs. Kagami sounds somewhat odd, yet strangely enough it matches her.
kenjiharima
2008-02-14, 06:51
must here Shiraishi....Donatello!!! :heh:
I hope these "official" dubbers will at least match the soul and passion embellished to anime characters by pro-grade fandub groups like Moumantai and Livejournal. So long as the translation's accurate and the voices faithful to the characters I can't ask for more.
Dee
Miko Miko
2008-02-16, 17:08
Konata isn't actually that bad.
I quite like Tsukasa as well, but I have to get used to Kagami.
I don't like Miyuki's voice. :heh:
darkchibi07
2008-02-16, 17:58
I hope these "official" dubbers will at least match the soul and passion embellished to anime characters by pro-grade fandub groups like Moumantai and Livejournal. So long as the translation's accurate and the voices faithful to the characters I can't ask for more.
Dee
Those "fandubbers" sounded like something out of Odex, and that's not a good thing. :rolleyes:
They were really off with Miyuki. She's supposed to be politeness, cheerfulness, and humility incarnate, but the voice they got for her sounds more appropriate for a stoic character like Vanilla H (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_H) or Rei Ayanami (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rei_Ayanami). It's like she has a constant throat infection.
Those "fandubbers" sounded like something out of Odex, and that's not a good thing. :rolleyes:
I don't look and pick out the worst. I seek the best, and just because something's "official" doesn't make it a stamp of excellence. As an example for the "official" version to chin up to, please check out this ep 12 fandub (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU82PR2xlYc&feature=related) made by people salaried by passion and a fan's drive for character fidelity.
Dee
Avatar_notADV
2008-02-17, 23:24
Seriously, dubbing is -freakin' hard-. Writing a good dub script is way more challenging than what I do.
Seriously, dubbing is -freakin' hard-. Writing a good dub script is way more challenging than what I do.
I guess the first requirement even before the writing talent part is being super fluent in both Japanese and American English. ;) But to catch all the cultural nuances and references I suppose the dub writer really HAS to be Japanese, huh?
Well, I really appreciate all the entertainment these _unpaid_ talents give to us and am sorry that they don't receive more kudo and recognition for that! (wish we could PayPal donate some donut money to them!). That said, I'm still a little misty about just how fandubbing works; are these all local people doing gigs in somebody's basement or do they actually dub together live on the web like a on-line conference companies do or what?
Dee
The thing that makes DUB script writing hard isn't the translation per se... its that the vocal timing has to match their mouth moving AND be a decent translation.
This is MUCH harder than just writing a good translation.
Ultima_Rasengan05
2008-02-21, 06:58
Ohohoho! English dub trailer for Lucky Star is out!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1smSoy-hWvc
Very exciting. Oh yeah! And it actually took me awhile to recognize Wendee Lee's voice coming out of Konota. I say she nailed it!
oh wow, theres already an English dub trailer of Lucky*Star already?!
and a release date?!:twitch:
...I've been behind in the anime news lately...thanks to Brawl:heh:.
But back on topic, I really like the English dub voices...maybe because they're pretty much the same cast that did Haruhi, but I think the voices suit them pretty well and accurate.
Miyuki and Kagami, I might have to get used to listening to them...Miyuki sounds a bit too...lightly voiced...and Kagami sounds pretty flat and bored all the time.
Kagami and Tsukasa sound great.
Can't wait, just like with the Haruhi release, I'm going straight for the limited edition box set...and it includes a lot of extras too...looking forward to May 6th!!:D
The thing that makes DUB script writing hard isn't the translation per se... its that the vocal timing has to match their mouth moving AND be a decent translation.
This is MUCH harder than just writing a good translation.
Yeah, you learn to love those bits where somebody is narrating or talking off-screen... gotta cram all the exposition in there so you can just have basic dialogue to match the mouth flaps when you need to.
Rising Star
2008-02-28, 16:18
I ain't that keen on dubs but I seriously didn't think this dub was bad at all.
I've seen better fan dubs of Lucky Star though.
Tsukasa sounds quite right actually though. Wooooo!!!
Lucky_Day
2008-02-29, 00:12
Thanks for showing the Lucky Star dub trailer to us. Looking at the ages of the posters here, I can see this show appeals to all ages.
FireChick
2008-03-01, 10:47
Sorry for off-topicness but...BIG NEWS!!! For those who will attend New York Comic-Con (not me sadly. DANGIT!!), they just confirmed they're gonna show this AND Code Geass! Yessa!:D But I can't go! I wanna see Lucky Star! Waaaah!
Animexcel
2008-04-12, 01:26
Hmm..I think Wendee Lee did a decent job on Konata, unlike what she did to Haruhi lol
Tsukasa was pretty good too, Kagami is mehh, Miyuki sounds like every other sentimental character in English.
Digital Rain
2008-04-13, 23:42
All the voices seem pretty well matched except Kagami. Way too nasally. I kind of imagined it would be lower.
darkchibi07
2008-04-18, 20:17
Someone in AnimeOnDVD (http://animeondvd.com/aodvb/showthread.php?p=1290288#post1290288) posted a dub clip of the Lucky Channel segment:
http://www.db-destiny.net/luckychannel1dub.zip
Stephanie Sheh as Akira was utterly a match-made in heaven! :p
Royal_Devil
2008-04-19, 02:31
About time Sheh got a role that doesn't demand a high-pitched voice the whole time.
Digital Rain
2008-04-19, 22:51
She does a good job of switching between voices and freaking out it seems. :p Sam Riegel seems like a good match for Minoru as well.
darkchibi07
2008-04-23, 22:17
Some peeps got the first volume ahead of time, and the Great Bear posted his thoughts about the dub:
http://animeondvd.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=81098
Tamekichi
2008-04-24, 08:20
Some peeps got the first volume ahead of time, and the Great Bear posted his thoughts about the dub:
http://animeondvd.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=81098
Wow, didn't expect a thumbs up on Miyuki's voice, but apparently, it's good stuff.
Magedark
2008-04-26, 21:45
At first, it sounded weird. But then I liked the dubs more than I thought. It's probably an acquired taste?
Kagamin's and Tsukasa's dad was really funny though.
I am, at least academically, fairly intrigued to see how they handled the dialog in the dub - whether or not I'm fond of the VA casting or how they handle the voicing.
Asrialys
2008-04-27, 12:33
Haha, Stephanie Sheh as Akira is quite awesome. Won me over with her "Unyuu~" in episode 2's Lucky Channel :P
First Impressions:
Lucky Star Volume One
Lucky Star is one of the most unique works to hit American shores in a long while. While the series is based off a popular 4-koma comic in Japan, it’s rare for those types of series to arrive in the United States.
Unlike Azumanga Daioh, the series’ closest comparison to an existing work, Lucky Star, in the most different of Kyoto Animation’s projects, doesn’t rely on absurdist humor or out-of-nowhere gags. It has its jokes, and plenty of them, but they are firmly rooted in the real world and are not truly the focus of the series.
Rather, it is a series built almost exclusively on the relationships between its very ordinary protagonists. If you do not like these characters, you will not like this show. It is that simple – and that complicated, therefore, for Bandai Entertainment, U.S.A. to bring to the U.S. market.
While the show gets off to a slow start in the early goings, with a heavily-criticized first episode, it quickly finds itself back on even footing. While the series is never fast-paced in the least, as a slice-of-life comedy it is certainly above par.
The series itself is based around the junior year of high school for four girls – the otaku Konata Izumi (v.a. Aya Hirano/Wendee Lee), the walking pile of moé Miyuki Takara (v.a. Aya Endo/Karen Strassman), the lovable but slow Tsukasa Hiiragi (v.a. Kaori Fukuhara/Michelle Ruff), and her smarter, but short-tempered twin sister Kagami (v.a. Emiri Katou/Kari Wahlgren). There are other main characters, but for the first volume and most of the series following, these are the stars, and the show lives or dies by them.
Well, there are also the stars of the episode-ending “Lucky Channel” segments, Akira Kogami (v.a. Hiromi Konno/Stephanie Sheh) and her assistant Minoru Shirashi (v.a. Minoru Shirashi/Sam Regal). Akira and Minoru provide a rather hilarious insight into the world of voice actors and actresses. These segments are some of the best the series has to offer, and even those who may dislike the series proper may still enjoy the Lucky Channel antics.
The series is filled with otaku references across the board (though disproportionately in favor of other Kyoto Animation works such as Kanon, Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu, and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya). Appropriately, the DVDs will come with liner notes pointing out the finer details and can help with some of the more obscure references. But as with the base comedy these references are secondary to this series and not necessary to its enjoyment.
Most of the humor and enjoyment come simply from the interactions between this group of friends. Konata, Kagami, Tsukasa and Miyuki manage to make very ordinary (and occasionally not-so-ordinary in the case of Konata) topics of conversation very engaging and humorous. The series thrives on trying to build a bond between the viewer and the characters.
In a series so heavily focused on its admittedly ordinary cast, the voices are pivotal. Konata, the main character of the series, found herself voiced by Aya Hirano, fresh off of playing Haruhi Suzumiya. Hirano is the most accomplished voice actress of the main cast, but that didn’t prevent the rest of them from delivering nearly perfect performances and bringing the characters to life.
The dub, therefore, faces a tougher task than usual. To try and keep things more true to the original, the dub keeps the honorifics of the original (-chan, -san, -sama) intact. So, in both English and Japanese, Tsukasa will refer to Konata as “Kona-chan,” Miyuki will refer to her friends with the honorific -san, and Konata will occasionally call Kagami “Kagamin” (Kagami-chan > Kagami-chin > Kagami-n). This serves the dual purposes of clearly identifying the relationships between the four girls and keeping a very Japanese series relatively authentic even in the dub.
Keeping to that theme, to echo many of the voice actress jokes that center around Konata’s alter-ego, Bandai enlisted their own Haruhi, Wendee Lee, to play the part. Much like Hirano’s performance as the character, the voice is barely identifiable as the voice actress’. Lee does an absolutely marvelous job with Konata from scene one.
As for the rest of the cast, results are slightly more mixed, but still skew towards the positive far more than the negative. Miyuki, in both the Japanese and English performances, has the soft voice befitting her dual roles as series encyclopedia and moé factory. Ms. Strassman’s Miyuki is, next to Ms. Lee’s Konata, probably the most properly emulated performance in the dub. Tsukasa, as well, is also well-performed by Ms. Ruff, though her voice is slightly too soft. Kagami, on the other hand, while the performance is acceptable, is given a slightly too deep intonation at all times by Ms. Wahlgren. She is probably the weakest part of a strong dub, which is more a testament to the quality of the dub than anything else. Kagami’s voice will take some getting used to by fans of the original, but it is hardly a bad performance by any means.
Lucky Channel, on the other hand, is pitch-perfect. While the joke that assistant Minoru Shirashi is played by, well, himself, cannot possibly be emulated in an English dub, the short skits at the end of each episode are perfectly acted and are in amazing sync with the original. A better job could not be expected, and only sub purists will find fault with the performance by Ms. Sheh and Mr. Regal.
Overall, Lucky Star’s dub through four episodes has been marvelous. While there are some things to get used to, all in all the localization gets the job done and anyone who would like the series in Japanese will likely find little to dislike about the English voices.
The music in the series is nothing special, but the series does have a highly-addictive opening and an interesting karaoke format for the ending themes, in which Konata-and-friends perform various songs stemming mostly from other animes. In the dub, the songs are kept intact with commentary being presented in English, an interesting task which is done well enough to merit some praise.
As for the DVD release itself, the menus, while bright and colorful, can be occasionally difficult to navigate, particularly in the Episode menus, but get the job done. The DVD offers a number of minute special features, but the feature presentation is well-presented in the typical 5.1 surround sound for both English and Japanese tracks. The release is brightly colored with strong lines and little-to-no aliasing, making it one of the prettier series on DVDs despite the more simplistic art style.
All in all, Lucky Star is not a series for everyone. There is little to no action (and absolutely none in the first volume), the story is nonexistent, and the comedic references are definitely obscure to many. However, if a slow-pace is fine with you, you may find a lot to love about Lucky Star. It comes down to the characters, and most people will at least identify with one of the four main characters. It is that on which the series hinges. Those looking for more than an interesting insight into the lives of these characters will likely be disappointed. Those who aren’t may just find something to love about this series and its characters.
Lucky Star Volume 1:
Series Material - ✮✮✮✩
Visuals - ✮✮✮✮
Presentation - ✮✮✮✩
Japanese Dub - ✮✮✮✮
English Dub - ✮✮✮✩
Overall - ✮✮✮✩
darkchibi07
2008-07-05, 14:11
Well, this is interesting:
http://animeondvd.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1358072&postcount=39
Seems like the Japanese otaku actually liked the English dub and were surprised at the stuff they kept.
Wait, both English and Japanese viewers like a Dub? Is that statistically possible? :D
Wait, both English and Japanese viewers like a Dub? Is that statistically possible? :D
it is an okay dub that people like and its takes some getting use to (not use to kagami's voice yet :D ) already bought the Second volume but the box is taking up alot of space with the rest of my DVD's :)
phishn37
2008-07-06, 16:29
Having watched the dub of DVD 2 a few times, I must say that I think it gets better as the actors get more comfortable with their roles. Kagami is starting to grow on me, and Lucky Channel is getting more funny ~ !
By episode 5 and 6 (yukatas, festivals, and beach), I give Kagami's English VA a thumb's up. She really does have a nice interp on Kagami (as does Konata's VA).
Tsukasa and Miyuki .... well, it just doesn't quite work in English though "balsamic vinegar" came close.
I guess the biggest issue is just that the dialog as written comes off stilted frequently --- and that's just a problem with dialog having to fit lip movements designed for a foreign language.
I have never ever heard the english dubbing of Lucky Star, and to be honest I do not intend to, for one reason. I am too familiar with the Japanese cast and how they sound and because of this I see the characters with a certain image. Whenever I watch something in English dubbing it changes the whole way that I see the characters. I guess ones voice says a lot in my views on other people...or maybe just for anime anyhow.
I watched a little bit of Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu in english and it changed the way that I saw the characters as I watched it, such as Kyon and Haruhi. They seemed like different people..don't ask it's just the way I see things as an individual. So I shall stick to Aya Hirano and Emiri Katou..and original Japanese dialogue in general.
Those feelings are almost inevitable -- and its why I prefer watching ANY foreign film in the original language with subtitles. The emoting and vocal textures of the original work ... well, they're the ORIGINAL artistic intent.
Recent works of english dubs have come a long way in giving one a whisper of the original work but, for me at least, I'll tend to stick to the original track no matter what the language, animated or live. I'm completely ready to admit when an english dub has done a good job of giving the viewer the spirit of the original though.
I will repeat that if the english VAs were recorded together we'd get a much more lively, emotive voice track. Actors really need that emotional connectivity.
Kagami~n
2008-07-25, 17:47
Dubbing sessions are difficult to record. You're restricted by mouth movements and time, not as free to do with the character what you would prefer. That's why so many dubbed anime characters sound so stiff. (And sometimes that actors just suck.) We did a practice dubbing session in a class of mine once, and it was not easy. ^^;
While I wholeheartedly agree that recording together would create a great synergy and more realistic acting between the characters, it would make things very very difficult for everyone involved. I could see it getting really disorganized.
About the Lucky Star dub itself, I adore it. I always expect the worst with these things (though Bandai has seldom disappointed me), but I was so happy with this one. I love Wendee Lee and Kari Walghren, and they're playing my favorites. Doing an awesome job too. And just how faithful they stayed to the original dialog, I don't think I've seen a dub that adhered quite so closely before. I know it got to a point where it's confusing to English listeners at some points, but that's the way I'd personally prefer it. I like the original Japanese better, and it's what I started with, but I have no problem switching from sub to dub with this series. I was so glad that they did it justice. Can't wait to buy the rest of the DVDs.
I do know what you mean about a dub changing your perspective of the characters, though.
Aye.. I can actually watch the dub .... and when english Kagami made the "horndog" remark in the yukata-festival episode, I gave the script writers an overall thumbs up. Not literal but the same spirit wins just fine.
Despite preferring the original tracks... it is nice to be able to show it to someone who has trouble following subtitles (astigmatism and subtitles don't always mix).
sonicspin
2008-09-04, 21:46
Judging from the few seconds of Misao screentime on Vol. 3, I say they got her voice down.
Personally, I'm alright with all the dub voices, other than Shiraishi's. (TSUDARA OTL)
Ryuugu-chan
2008-09-05, 14:21
I died when I heard Misao's voice...It's too cool!
...But what I don't understand is,in V1 Konata was referred to as "Konata Izumi",but when Miyuki went to the doctor,they called her name as "Takara Miyuki"...Which is it,first name first like most dubs or last name first?
Sometimes a doctors offices they call you by last name first in English speaking countries.
The Real Nemo
2008-10-08, 03:41
You have to give them credit for consistency at least, they even had Michelle Ruff in that brief scene as Minori Chihara. I'm interested to see how they handle Yūko Gotō since Stephanie Sheh is already Akira.
darkchibi07
2008-11-18, 19:06
I have to say, Hynden Walch's voice for Yutaka gave me cavities; she fu**in' nailed it!
Nukerjsr
2008-11-18, 23:23
Oh crap, I didn't look hard enough for this thread. >_>
Anyway, I've posted my thoughts about Volume 4 of the Lucky Star dub. I'm not sure cross-posting is allowed, but I wanted to say that everything is on the newest page of Lucky Star - Licensed
HigurashinoUmineko
2008-11-22, 10:53
I seriously want to know what MIsao's dub voice sounds like! I could've sworn I've heard her voice but I cant remember it!!
darkchibi07
2008-11-23, 10:15
I seriously want to know what MIsao's dub voice sounds like! I could've sworn I've heard her voice but I cant remember it!!
Does Kari from Digimon ring a bell? ;)
phishn37
2008-12-28, 22:53
Behind a little, just got DVD 4.
BUT ... Yutaka and Minami's voices are PER. FECT.
They aren't totally the same as the Japanese version but they get the idea across perfectly.
deiinokunoichiXD
2008-12-29, 14:04
yuck yuck >.< I hate english dubbing! they never do a good job. bleh
I think that the Lucky Star dub was probably one of the best English dubs for an anime in a long time, and is one of my favorites. :)
Ryuugu-chan
2008-12-31, 00:34
yuck yuck >.< I hate english dubbing! they never do a good job. bleh
..
:mad: Bad Deidara fan person!
Dubs aren't all that bad,but it really counts on the company.
I rarely see bad dubs in rather mainstream anime(...*cough* 4kids butchers mainstream anime *cough*).
The Lucky Star dub is great,have you watched a few episodes?
Kagami~n
2008-12-31, 12:40
yuck yuck >.< I hate english dubbing! they never do a good job. bleh
Please don't tell me you've passed judgement without even actually watching it.
GuidoHunter_Toki
2009-01-02, 00:01
yuck yuck >.< I hate english dubbing! they never do a good job. bleh
Somehow I think you either haven't watched it or are extremely biased against dubbing of all forms.
OkamiNoKaze
2009-05-29, 21:03
I liked the dub, I tend to like dubs anyway, when others don't, especially if I've watched a dub before the subtitled version, like Final Fantasy Unlimited, and Kenshin. Also to my ears, the japanese voices all sound too similar most of the time, with a few exceptions. so with a dub it tends to give characters more personality to me. that and reading the subtitles I tend to miss references and back ground jokes, that I'm catching watching the dubbed version
that and reading the subtitles I tend to miss references and back ground jokes, that I'm catching watching the dubbed version
I totally agree with you. Whenever I'm watching subs, I'm not great at multitasking, so I always rather focus on the characters or the words. So if there is a dub, I usually watch that.
I thought Lucky Star's dub was fantastic. I gotta admit, when I first heard Kagami I was a little :eyebrow:, but her voice grew on me.
One of the most stand out things about this dub--in my opinion--is Wendee Lee's performance as Konata, or rather, how she made it something of her own. Aya Hirano's portrayal seemed to emphasize Konata's cuteness, while Lee's emphasized Konata's nerdiness. Both are valid in my book. Anyway, kudos to the dubbing team :) .
lol the dub is also funny:
Kagami: Look, if you're having some trouble you could have asked for help. This cheerleading was your idea so it's your responsibility to organize it.
Patricia: I can't hear you~ la la la la la~
Kagami: *veins popped*
hikikomorisketch
2009-11-26, 08:18
It's gonna be hard to do Konata's voice as well as Aya did it. >_<
That's why Wendee Lee's so awesome :D . Even if she didn't top Aya (I still can't decide which one I prefer), she provided another valid interpretation. Like I said before: Aya = cute Konata, Wendee = otaku Konata.
I'm probably an ancient Hater Curmudgeon of dubs... and I have to admit there have been a few dubs in the last couple of years that didn't suck. And this was one of them. I still feel like viewers are missing something... but I feel that much less so than in most cases for this instance. The VAs for Konata and Kagami, in particular, did a fair job especially after the first couple of episodes.
I'm also looking fairly kindly on Spice&Wolf (due out any second) based on the streaming episodes seen so far. And I *love* that series so it had pretty high bars to reach for the english dub. I could name a few others I was relatively sanguine about from the last year or two.
So, in summary, dubbing seems to be improving (though its spotty, I was cringing seconds into the recent Moribito effort and forcing my way through a couple of episodes just made it worse).
Dark Paladin X
2010-01-31, 23:58
I loved Hynden's Walch voice acting of Yutaka, she sounds soo adorable :P. And this is the same voice actor who does Starfire in Teen Titans. Is it just me, or Hynden Walch voice acting mostly fits for moe characters?
I also think Hynden Walch should voice Komoe-sensei.
xAnimeJx
2010-02-21, 15:56
I was really impressed with the dubbing, to be honest. In fact, Lucky Star is one of the few series where I prefer the dub over the sub. Wendee Lee is always a good choice for a voice actress and she continues to show that she can pull off a lot of roles.
Also, I prefer the dub because to me it just seemed funnier than the original subs. Mainly because they can be more crude and immature ^_^ My greatest example being the infamous timotei scene, "Bitchin'! That's the reply I was looking for!"
I only watched the first six episodes of the dub, I really like all the VAs except for Konata's(Wendee Lee's).
Now I don't hate Wendee Lee's Konata(it is starting to grow on me, I am starting to like it) but I think she sounds a bit rough or something if that's the right word to describe it.
For example, I liked the way "Haushinka" voiced Konatain this fandub clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_T9Q3bi3KA). Though maybe I don't like Wendee Lee's Konata because I watched that(fandub clip) before Wendee Lee's official dub version. I know "one" of the reasons I liked Kagami's official dub VA was because the official VA sounded similar to the fandub VA in the example above, and of course I liked Kagami's fandub VA because it seemed to fit her.
Anyway, I am enjoying the dub. Also I like how the dialogue is intact.
One of the annoyances for me(recently), with subs is that I can't seem to read and process(I reread what I just read) the subs fast enough(when Lucky Star first came out subbed, I remember not having to pause but rewatching it but I've been having to pause it a lot recently :(), so it gets tiring watching the subs sometimes(I still enjoy it enough though).
Note that I only recently rewatched Lucky Star subbed last week, so I forgot a lot of the exact dialogue(I do remember the scenes), which is why I focused so much on the subs.
That's why I found the dub to be more relaxing(and therefore, more enjoyable) than the sub. Though I do prefer the Japanese voices over the dub(just a bit, for some reason I feel more attached to the Japanese voices).
I tend to listen to subs before dubs (usually I watch subs before dubs).... and times when dubs come out in front of me....
ConfinesOfTheDark
2010-02-27, 22:37
The English dub were somewhat enjoyable; the only dub I hated hearing was Patricia Martin's. I'm not sure if they were trying to give her a Minnie Mouse voice, but either way, the voice hurt my head so my bad, after I finish any episode with her in a speaking role I had to take aspirin.
I'm currently watching the series over again with just the English subs. And while Patricia's seiyū sounds a lot better to my ears and brain, I'm not sure if the producers were trying to do the same thing as the Americans (not saying they would, it's a possibility though).
I think the idea is that Patricia (being the uber-otaku) is trying to emulate her impression of the higher-pitched voicing that Japanese women use when they're in 'cute mode'.
Unfortunately for Patricia --- her voice is high to begin with so 'the joke' is that it is grating.
Why the English dubbing does it .... well, I suppose the VA director was just trying to emulate the original Japanese. The high pitching simply doesn't seem to translate well when spoken by native English actors ... which is odd because when Japanese women do the effect in English it works just fine.
They could have gotten some Japanese girl who knows English (and speaks in a cute high pitched voice XD)
They could have gotten some Japanese girl who knows English (and speaks in a cute high pitched voice XD)
Aye... or even Scandinavian... just someone with an accent who kind of mangles the language in an earnest way.
...mangles?
lold.
I'D LOVE A HIGH PITCHED GERMAN.
THAT'D BE AWESOME. XD
Aye... or even Scandinavian... just someone with an accent who kind of mangles the language in an earnest way.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/patriciamartin.gif
"Wi nøt trei a høliday in Sweden this yer?"
Aye... or even Scandinavian... just someone with an accent who kind of mangles the language in an earnest way.
What do you think of this one:
9C8Cwt1qW3A
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