#sub vs. dub

[digitalmonsterconfessions]

This is an unpopular opinion, but I never liked how the gang is referred to as the Chosen Children in the subs. The term sounds way too generic to me

[firebirdtransam68]

Which quote is more funny: “TOO MUCH!” (Transformers: Micron Legend; sub), or “HE’S GOT ME!” (Transformers: Armada, dub)?

Personally, I think the former quote is more funny, because not only was it the original quote, but I do not see Stepper (Sideswipe) actually hugging Hot Rod (Hot Shot); also, sometimes endings of anime episodes have characters becoming stationary in a comedic manner, and all we see is their facial expressions, like with Hot Rod in Episode 32 of Micron Legend.

Of course, some fans will think Armada is funnier than Micron Legend (in which I see their point, since sometimes parts in the dub is slightly better than the original).  Feel free to reblog and state your opinion (you may also say either both or neither quotes are funny; and that is perfectly fine).

[digitalmonsterconfessions]

I'd rather cut my ears off than watch the dubbed version of digimon, or actually any dub for that matter

[firebirdtransam68]

Shadow The Hedgehog (2005) First Cutscene: English vs. Japanese Versions

Remember the 2005 Sonic spin-off game based on Sonic The Hedgehog’s rival, Shadow?  Well, I found a couple clips that show the very first cutscene of the gameplay, in which Shadow was remembering his name, and the flashback of Maria getting shot by a GUN soldier, but nothing else, since he had amnesia.  One version is the one many of you know about; this is in English, and the game is the first to have voice actors from 4Kids Entertainment perform in the games.  But, there is another version in Japanese, as well, much like the other Sonic games, and the seiyuu reprised their respective roles of the original characters from the earlier Sonic games like Sonic Adventure 1 and 2, and Sonic Heroes.

Like many versions of the games, Japanese is better than English (since the Sonic series was originally Japanese).  That said, the English version did really good, as well, albeit with some flaws; it falls short on voice acting at times, and the dark and edgy parts seem forced (take “Where’s that DAMN Fourth Chaos Emerald?!” for instance).

Here is the English version of the cutscene:

This version is not too bad, at least this English version was better than Sonic X in the English dub, but I couldn’t take Shadow’s call to Maria seriously.

GUN soldier shoots Maria, Shadow says, “Maria-ria-ria-ria...”

I’m sorry, but this is way too funny to be considered potent.  The echo sounds ruin emotion, and Shadow’s call to Maria sounds a little bit dull (although, if SEGA didn’t use the echo modulator, then maybe Shadow’s call to Maria would be more potent, and a little more emotional).

Also, Black Doom sounded a little strange, as well; it is as if the voice acting was forced.  In the English version, Black Doom sounded more like G1 Megatron with a smoker’s voice than a menacing extraterrestrial that causes destruction.

Now, here is the Japanese version:

Unlike the English version, the Japanese version had more emotion to it.  Listen to how Shadow reacted to Maria’s sacrifice:

Gunshot was heard, Shadow shouts, “MARRIIIAAAAA!!!!!”

That actually made my eyes sting a little, because the traumatic flashback was so real.  This version also got to show how scared Shadow and Maria were when they were being chased (especially Shadow; poor thing).  And Shadow didn’t just shout, he screeched, and his voice cracked.

Also, Black Doom sounded a lot more menacing and evil than the English version.  There are also some hints of charisma in his tone, as well, but they are very subtle; you will have to pay attention really closely.

I play both versions of the game, but I will prefer the Japanese version for better storytelling, impressive voice acting, and staying true to the original Sonic X for its dark tones as well as Sonic Adventure 2 (Sonic Heroes is more or less like a separate story from the Adventure series).  I will prefer the English version of this game over 4Kids, since the game is darker than the show.

What are your thoughts on these different versions?  Reblog or comment.  Like if you think this post provided good information.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

[firebirdtransam68]

Side-by-side sub vs. dub comparison video about Transformers: Micron Legend (Armada); this is Episode 26.

While Armada has not-so-good graphics, Micron Legend has nicer graphics, and the dialogue makes more sense.  Of course, there are some things in Armada that I like, such as the magenta flash aimed at Starscream, and the pun Optimus Prime made (I can see that quote in a 4Kids dubbed version, although, it will never happen because 4Kids is completely gone).  On the other hand, the moments in Micron Legend are more dramatic and intense (as well as comedic in some areas), and this particular scene with Jet Convoy (Jet Optimus) carrying Ironhide (Demolishor) while the Decepticon tank was fearfully begging to be released was really amusing, especially the part where he was dropped into the ocean (shouting, “I’M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS!!!” made me laugh a little).  Also, Thrust sounds more scheming despite sounding somewhat affable; Armada made him anything but condescendingly polite, and he was quite annoying, as well.

That said, which version of this scene do you like best?  Reblog or like for the Micron Legend version; comment for the Armada version.

[firebirdtransam68]

I Talk More About Micron Legend Than Armada

I have noticed many times how fans of English-dubbed anime insist that a character’s dub name is their real name (which irks me a bit).  And then there are fans who see two different names as the same character.

Personally, I think both have a point; however, if I view a work of a different language, I see a completely different work.  Take Transformers: Micron Legend and Transformers: Armada, for instance.  Not only do these two similar shows have different languages, but also different names for characters and objects, and even their titles are different.  To put it this way, if I view the original anime, and then I view the dub, I only see two different shows since there are obvious differences such as editing, name changes, intentions, and even personality changes.

So, if I mention the following names, you would know I am talking about Micron Legend, and not Armada:

- Convoy (but he will always be Optimus Prime)

- Hot Rod

- Ratchet

- Sandstorm

- Ironhide

- Cyberhawk

- Grap

- Devastator (Devastor)

- Doubleface

- Silverbolt

- Shockwave

- Rampage

- Stepper

- Scourge

- Megatron (Super Mode)

- Alexa

- Jim

- Wheelie

- Bank

- Arcee

- Bumble (I am thinking maybe Bumblebee...)

- Prime

- Hook

- Lift

- Dirt

- Turbo

- Barrel (“call him Barrel-sama!”)

- Grid

- Search

- Cannon

- Thunder

- Crush

- Bomb

- Ultra Magnus

- Cosmotector

- Astro Blaster

- Cybertron (always an Autobot)

- Destron (always a Decepticon)

- Seibertron (always Cybertron)

- Micron (known as a Mini-con, but I prefer Micron)

- Evolution!/Super Mode

The same goes for Superlink and Energon, as well:

- Grand Convoy (always will be Optimus Prime)

- Inferno V (Volt)

- Roadbuster

- Skyfire

- Rodimus Convoy

- Red Alert

- Springer (Sprung)

- Overdrive

- Wheeljack

- Galvatron

- Nightscream

- Snowstorm

- Irontread (the English version should have named him Long Haul, instead...)

- Shockfleet

- Lazerwave (the real Shockwave)

- Mega Zarak (always will be Scorponok)

- Ariel

- Airglide

- Blastarm

- Buildron (would have been called Devastator, but...)

- Bruticus

- Superion

- Grand Force (Gyro-2 is the only Transformer with a dubbed name)

- Cybertron (always an Autobot)

- Destron (always a Decepticon)

- Seibertron (always Cybertron)

- Super Link

The next time someone insists I go by the dub name regarding the original anime, I would say something along the lines of “I am not talking about Armada; I am talking about Micron Legend” (and of course be respectful about it).

Anyway, I hope I made this a little clear to those who saw the English dubs first/only so they would not judge me as harshly as most rabid fans do to others.

[firebirdtransam68]

Scene Comparisons From Transformers: Superlink/Energon (Episode 50)

I found two clips of the same scene, but with different languages (and graphics).  The scene in Episode 50 where Galvatron becomes enormous as well as Optimus Prime, and how the media went from CGI to hand drawn may be one of the best moments in Transformers: Superlink (Japanese with English subtitles) and Energon (English dub).  Although, personally, I have no problems with the CGI (it is not perfect, but I don’t think it is awful like many fans say it is), and I find it really interesting how a work has a mix of both 3D and 2D animation (mixed media).

I will start with the Superlink version, first.  Here is the clip:

In this scene, we see the behemoth Galvatron admiring his new super form, and declared himself “the Transcendent Emperor of Destruction, Galvatron-sama.”  Optimus Prime (hell, I will call him Grand Convoy in this version), while still big enough, declared he can do the same; so he became enormous like Galvatron, combined with the Grand Force, and declared himself “the [Autobot] Supreme Commander, Grand Convoy” while beginning the fight.  Note that both characters became hand drawn (probably because CGI couldn’t be THAT consistent with the animation).  Galvatron was actually really gleeful to fight Grand Convoy (he would get infuriated when anyone interferes with the fight, because he wanted to fight his rival one-on-one without anyone else joining the fight; he mentioned earlier that he wanted a fair fight, and he GOT a fair fight... maybe), and clashed with his old enemy.  Once their fists were together, they created a blueish lightning impact that crushed some of the rocks below (probably to show how forceful such impact is).

Snowstorm and Irontread were pleased that Galvatron was no longer possessed by Unicron, and he was acting like his old self, again (“although bigger,” said Irontread); by old self, meaning an agressive, impulsive, and stubborn Decepticon (or Destron) leader.  Rodimus Convoy was surprised that Grand Convoy and Galvatron were not only fighting each other directly, but also fighting off their possession from Unicron, who corrupted them with an ominous power; Hot Shot was also surprised.  Omega Supreme caught a sight on Grand Convoy and Galvatron fighting, also surprised.

Grand Convoy performed a “Grand Force Impact,” which shot off lightning bolts and another forceful phenomenon that caused an explosion; but it did not affect Galvatron, as he charged at the Autobot (or Cybertron) leader without a single scratch, and drew a blade at Grand Convoy, who was trying to block it with his arm.

One of the Autobots (I think it is Overdrive; there is also Wing Saber, and another Autobot in which I cannot decipher who because of the flames) was surprised that Grand Convoy was more aggressive, more powerful, and more determined than ever before; he really didn’t expect that.  Nightscream was surprised and nearly lost for words, while Shockfleet was just swooning over Galvatron (he has a crush on the Decepticon leader).

Grand Convoy and Galvatron were still fighting in their gigantic modes.  Galvatron diverted Grand Convoy’s attention, transformed, and kicked him, but Grand Convoy caught his balance, and kicked the Decepticon back, but it did not affect Galvatron as much (besides stumbling a little bit); suddenly, Galvatron stabbed Grand Convoy with his blade, and claimed victory, until Grand Convoy electrocuted him, and did the unthinkable: Combining their corrupted sparks (as well as his Combination Spark), sealing them into his body, and disappearing into the atmosphere along with Galvatron.  

I was stunned by not only the graphics and soundtrack, but by the fight scenes, the leaders’ determination, seeing Galvatron back to normal without being possessed by Unicron, and Optimus Prime trying to stop the corruption by sealing it into his own body (unless that was Primus, but it sounded like Optimus was declaring the fate).  Of course, there are still many awesome scenes and moments in Superlink, as well; not just this scene.

Now, let’s see the Energon version of the scene:

(The first time I saw this clip in sound, it was so horrible, I paused it before I saw the great battle; to me, that was even worse than some 4Kids dubs (individuals are different; sometimes we can tolerate certain works, but other times, it is far too much to bear); I wish I was brave enough to at least watch the clip with sound, but too bad I wasn’t; I am glad I saw the original version, first, though.  The good news is, there are subtitles, but I don’t guarantee they will be accurate, but I will try my best to decipher them.)

In this scene, Galvatron calls himself “the new-and-improved emperor of the dark side” (Star Wars reference, here), which did not sound as menacing as “the Emperor of Destruction,” rather, it was somewhat amusing.  Optimus Prime seems unconvinced, but then proceeds to battle Galvatron.  First, he combined with the Prime Force, said “let me introduce myself” (as if Galvatron does not know who you are), and called himself “supreme leader of the Autobots,” which sounds a little more boastful than the original version (Superlink sounded more determined, in my opinion).  Galvatron thought that was funny (as did I).  The fight began.  And, seeing how this version seemed choppy and less detailed, Energon, like Armada (originally Micron Legend), is rushed and not very smooth (the visuals are bad enough, already; don’t worsen the moment with the voice acting).

The reactions from Snow Cat and Demolishor are nearly the same (just with different wording), although Demolishor said Galvatron gained a few tons (as if to say Galvatron is overweight), which is lame, because Galvatron grew many yards or miles tall, NOT gained more mass or weight by a thousand pounds times 100 heavy; not even 4Kids would have made the pun slide if Energon were to be redubbed.  Rodimus Prime said, “since Galvatron was holding back on the power he stole from Unicron,” and Hot Shot responded with “yeah, and that’s what worries me;” which would have made sense had not the show been rushed (what do you mean by “holding back on the power he stole from Unicron?”  I don’t recall Galvatron “stealing” Unicron’s power, although he did use too much power, so that would be understandable; but the wording threw me off).

We see more choppiness when Optimus Prime was preparing the final blow, and the explosion was just a black puffball (how weak of an explosion!); and then Galvatron charged at Optimus in stills (one picture, then another, without any real motion).  There was no real force when Optimus blocked the blade (besides the expressions from Optimus and Galvatron).

One of the Autobots (presumably Cliffjumper) commented how pumped-up the Autobot leader is; he doesn’t seem too surprised like Overdrive was in Superlink.  Starscream didn’t say anything (but his mouth was moving; really bad lip synching, there); Mirage was cheering for Galvatron to win (in this version, Mirage doesn’t have an obvious crush on Galvatron, but there have been really subtle hints).

While Superlink went to black and then cut to the next scene with Galvatron and Optimus still fighting (probably indicating that time had passed), Energon cut immediately to the fight scene.  When Galvatron kicked Optimus Prime, you can see the blurr effects in stationary, and the motion was choppy, YET again.  When a flash appeared, the cut freeze-framed before we get to see Galvatron’s reaction to being kicked back.  Galvatron stabbed Optimus, claimed victory, and got electrocuted with Optimus saying the following line:

“It seems we’re both filled with the power of Unicron.  Well, it’s time I take it and put it in the maze” (didn’t make any sense, whatsoever; I don’t think even the subtitles thought it made sense, either).

We see Galvatron’s mouth move, but he didn’t say anything (more lip synching failure).  While Optimus and Galvatron were disappearing (or shrinking), we just see them dissipating into the atmosphere with no other surrounding light other than the yellow beam.

Yeah, the Energon version was (I will say this) awful.  No wonder this Transformers work was hated by many fans (especially those who saw the English dub first/only).  Since I saw Superlink first (which I thought could be better, even though it was still an awesome Transformers anime; I liken it to The Transformers: The Movie (1986), since they killed off my favorite characters, and there wasn’t enough character development for some of the newer characters (like Springer, Wreck-Gar, and Kranix), even though I wanted to see/know more about them; the film and the anime are very similar to each other), I wasn’t affected by the monstrosity in Energon.  Although, when I tried to watch Energon, it was too much to bear (some of the animation was bad enough, but the voice acting was worse); I starting watching other works (mostly movies and TV shows, as well as listened to music, and compared Sonic X sub vs. dub for humor (as well as hypothesizing what if 4Kids got the Unicron Trilogy and made it better, but not great)) to get the rushed dub out of my head, and I started to rewatch some clips from Micron Legend as well as Superlink (to me, the originals are more tolerable, and are usually the best). 

I have a recommendation: if you want to see a certain work, don’t look for the dubbed version, first; try out the original version, and maybe see the dub next.  You may like one better than the other, and some parts may be better than others, as well.  You may like the original, or you may like the dub; individuals are different, after all.

Looks like that is all I will be saying for now.  I plan to rewatch the two Transformers anime shows as well as watch Bumblebee (2018) again, and also Sonic X (original version with subtitles) during my spare time.  My next classes are coming up soon, so I may not post as much; but that doesn’t mean I won’t be back.  I have mentioned earlier that I am an on-and-off Tumblr user; having other things to do is one of the reasons.

Everyone else, have fun exploring more content you like, and please be cordial and respectful to one another.

Stay tuned for future posts.

This is FirebirdTransAm68 signing out.

[earthgeco]

I wanted to say something because my sister gave me crap the other day for watching dubbed anime. I recently finished watching That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, I watched the first season subbed and the second season dubbed, and I was genuinely shocked when I heard Remaru's voice in the dub. He uses a lot of slang and kind of sounds like a teenager. Which is AWESOME! Not because I want everyone to sound like that heaven knows three teenagers in my life are enough, but because HE sounds like that. The sub doesn't, and can't do it justice. So this isn't to say you can't enjoy Subbed anime or you shouldn't, but just to say that there are merits to watching a show in a language I know.