Ghost Stories, known in Japan as Gakkou no Kaidan, is a Japanese anime series based on the books written by Toru Tsunemitsu. It originally aired in Japan in 2000. When ADV Films picked up the anime for an English dub in 2005, they took a unique approach that forever changed the way anime fans perceive this genre.
Why is Ghost Stories Dub So Funny?
The humor in Ghost Stories dub is rooted in its deviation from the source material. The original script was regarded as fairly standard fare for a children's anime, with tropes of high school students battling ghosts. However, when it was dubbed, ADV Films, under the leadership of Steven Foster, decided to turn the series into a comedy.
Most of the plot points remained intact, but the dialogue was completely rewritten. The new script was full of pop culture references, running gags, fourth-wall breaks, and an irreverent tone that had little in common with the original. This novel approach essentially turned Ghost Stories into an "abridged series," a format where a story is retold with a humorous, often sarcastic, slant.
This change in tone resulted in the Ghost Stories dub becoming one of the funniest and most memorable anime dubs ever made. It was unique for not only straying from the source material but also for its satirical, edgy, and sometimes controversial humor.
Who Voiced the English Dub of Ghost Stories?
The English dub of Ghost Stories featured a talented cast of voice actors who brought the main characters to life with their energetic performances. Greg Ayres voiced the character Hajime, while Monica Rial lent her voice to Momoko. Other character names include Keiichirou voiced by Chris Patton, Satsuki by Hilary Haag, and Amanojaku by Rob Mungle.
The voice actors were given an unusual level of freedom in their performances. They often ad-libbed lines, adding their personal humor. This creative approach, combined with the characters' redesign into comic figures (Leo as a Star Trek nerd, Momoko as a Jesus-loving zealot), further contributed to the humor of the series.
Is Ghost Stories Dubbed on Crunchyroll?
Ghost Stories' hilarious English dub is not available on Crunchyroll. However, the subtitled version of the series was available on the platform. For the dub, viewers could access it on Amazon Prime Video and Animax.
Was Ghost Stories dubbed?
Yes, Ghost Stories was indeed dubbed. Originally, it aired in Japan in 2000 with Japanese voice actors. However, in 2005, ADV Films, an American company, decided to create an English dub for the series. This version stands out because of its humorous, unorthodox script, which is drastically different from the original.
What year was Ghost Stories dubbed?
The English dub was directed by Steven Foster, known for his work on several high-profile anime series. This dub, unlike many other anime dubs, completely transformed the tone and dialogues of the original series, making it comedic and packed with pop culture references and running gags.
Who is the voice actor for Ghost Stories dub?
Several talented voice actors were involved in the Ghost Stories English dub. They include Monica Rial as Momoko, Greg Ayres as Hajime, Chris Patton as Keiichirou, Hilary Haag as Satsuki, and Rob Mungle as Amanojaku. These actors were given considerable freedom to add their personal touch to the characters, making the show even more unique and hilarious.
What are some of the best Ghost Stories dubs?
As for the "best" Ghost Stories dubs, it's a subjective topic. Many fans love the English dub for its humor and creative approach, while others might prefer the original Japanese dub for its authentic representation of the source material. It largely depends on personal preference, whether one prefers the comedic, satirical style of the English dub or the more traditional, supernatural narrative of the original Japanese version.
The Top 8 Software/Apps to Watch Anime:
- Crunchyroll: Offers a vast library of anime series, including subtitled versions.
- Funimation: Known for its high-quality English anime dubs.
- Netflix: Houses a vast anime library, with both dubbed and subtitled versions.
- Amazon Prime Video: Known for providing a wide range of anime, including Ghost Stories English dub.
- Hulu: Offers a good collection of both popular and niche anime series.
- Animax: Provides a variety of anime series and films, both subbed and dubbed.
- VRV: A multi-channel service that includes Crunchyroll and HIDIVE content.
- HIDIVE: Offers anime simulcasts, dubs, OVAs, and more, including niche and classic titles.
The Ghost Stories dub was a unique experiment in the world of anime. It challenged traditional voice acting norms and redefined the genre with its unconventional approach. As of now, its legacy lives on as one of the most memorable anime dubs, and its comedic value continues to entertain anime fans globally. Whether you prefer the original Japanese version or the comedic English dub, there are numerous platforms available for your anime viewing pleasure.
In the end, the best Ghost Stories dub is the one that resonates with you, that makes you laugh and keeps you coming back for more. No matter which version you prefer, this anime series offers a unique viewing experience that is both entertaining and memorable.
So, buckle up, dive into this amazing world of Ghost Stories, and enjoy a good laugh!
