The Art of Dubbing: 10 Times a Dubbed Movie Outshone the Original

Dubbing in cinema is the process of replacing the original voice actors' lines with those of different performers who typically speak in another language....

Dubbing in cinema is the process of replacing the original voice actors' lines with those of different performers who typically speak in another language. Though the original version of a film often delivers a more authentic experience, dubbed movies play a vital role in the global film industry. This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and highlights ten instances where the dubbed version of a film did better than the original.

Why is the Original Often Considered Superior to the Dubbed?

The original version of a movie usually conveys the director's vision more accurately. Original actors are chosen specifically for their ability to embody the characters they portray. Furthermore, their on-screen performances, which include their body language and lip movements, match their dialogues in the original language. These nuances are often lost in the dubbing process, as dubbed voices may not perfectly align with the actors' performances.

Why is Dubbing Sometimes Better?

Despite the potential drawbacks, there are several reasons why some viewers prefer the dubbed version. Firstly, dubbing makes films accessible to people who struggle to read subtitles quickly or find it distracting to divide their attention between the subtitles and the action on screen. Moreover, high-quality dubbing can provide an excellent viewing experience. A good dub can preserve the spirit of the original work while adapting cultural references and humor to better suit the local audience.

Subtitles versus Dubbing: Which is More Accurate?

While subtitles typically provide a more literal translation of the dialogue, they might not capture the full essence of a conversation due to language nuances. Meanwhile, dubbing often involves a certain level of localization, which can result in more fluid dialogues that feel natural to the audience. However, the accuracy of both subtitles and dubs greatly depends on the skills of the translators and voice actors involved in the process.

The Benefits of Dubbing and When Should a Movie be Dubbed?

Dubbing benefits foreign language films by broadening their reach. It helps overcome language barriers and enables movies to be distributed to various countries. Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon have boosted the popularity of dubbed movies by offering films in multiple languages. For instance, anime from Japan and live-action TV series from Korea have amassed a global following, partly due to the availability of dubbed versions. A movie should ideally be dubbed when there is a substantial potential audience in a different language group that may not be proficient in the original language.

The Top 10 Dubbed Films That Outdid the Original

1. Spirited Away - This Japanese animated film was brilliantly dubbed in English, and its success at the American box office resulted in an Oscar win.
2. Parasite - The Korean film had a successful English dub that played a significant role in its global success and Oscar triumph.
3. Dragon Ball Z - This anime series has a popular English dub, with many fans preferring it over the Japanese original.
4. Star Wars - The series has been excellently dubbed in various languages, with the Spanish dub being particularly successful in Spain.
5. Harry Potter series - The series has been well-received in its dubbed versions in many languages, including Hindi and Italian.
6. The Lion King - Disney's animated film was dubbed into several languages, with the Italian version even outdoing the English-language original in Italy.
7. New York, I Love You - This anthology of short films did notably well in its dubbed versions, particularly in non-English speaking regions.
8. Frozen - The dubbed versions of this Disney film were huge hits around the world, particularly in Japan.
9. Dark - This German TV series found immense popularity on Netflix, partly due to its excellent English dub.
10. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - This Italian film performed exceptionally well in its English dub, becoming a classic of the Western genre.

The Top 8 Software or Apps for Dubbing

1. Adobe Audition - A comprehensive tool that allows voice actors to record and edit their performances.
2. Audacity - A free, open-source, easy-to-use multi-track audio editor and recorder.
3. Voice Changer Software Diamond - It allows you to modify and enhance voice-over and voice dubbing.
4. Aegisub - A free tool for creating and modifying subtitles. It also assists in timing subtitles to match video and audio.
5. Final Cut Pro X - A professional video editing app by Apple that offers features to aid dubbing.
6. Ryban Sound - An online platform that connects projects with professional voice actors.
7. Descript - A tool that offers automatic transcription, voice editing, and overdubbing.
8. Pro Tools - A digital audio workstation developed by Avid Technology used for recording and editing in music production, films, and television.

Dubbed movies and original language films each have their unique strengths and appeal to different audience preferences. While some viewers may prioritize the authenticity of the original performances, others value the accessibility and localized nuance that a good dub can offer. Both forms have the power to cross borders and unite people through the shared experience of cinema.