What is the reason for the Sub Only releases?

[ChristianKitsune]

I am sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but why are the anime distribution companies releasing their anime Subtitle only? Doesn't this spell bad news for the Voice Actors here in America? ._.

[Esoteric]

Huh? Which companies/titles are you refering to?

[Roy Mustang]

I take it that you read what I posted about Right Stuf pick up the NA license for Aria.

To answer your question, the titles that you see are more of your obscure stuff and they feel that it would be a waste of time and money and that mainstream fans wouldn't buy it.

But you have to remember that Bandai Visual USA and Right Stuf and their Nozomi Entertainment are really the only ones that does this. I do know there are a few other companies that will release old obscure stuff in sub only format.

[color="Red"][font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

[mitsuki lover]

Besides what's so bad about having sub only series?

[Nate]

Some people don't like to read subtitles.

[KhakiBlueSocks]

I am sorry if this has been asked elsewhere, but why are the anime distribution companies releasing their anime Subtitle only? Doesn't this spell bad news for the Voice Actors here in America? ._.

Silly Answer: Because Vic Mingona, Wendee Lee and Johnny Bosch were busy. ::rimshot::

Real Answer: Some things are best left untouched.

[Nate]

Some things are best left untouched.

Like sulfuric acid.

[ShiroiHikari]

Maybe we shouldn't go down this road, but...I just want to toss my two cents into the jar.

I like sub-only releases, especially of old, obscure stuff that not many people care to see. Why? Because making a dub costs money and even if it was included, I probably wouldn't listen to it anyway.

I mean, think about it-- is it really worth the time, effort, and money for them to dub something like, oh, Super Dimension Century Orguss? Most of the people who want stuff like that don't really care for dubs anyway. I want my old, obscure stuff at a reasonable price, and if that means no dub, then that's what it means. XD

For the big stuff, they should definitely do a dub. I just think it's not worth it for the small releases. Apparently the companies don't think it's worth it either.

[Roy Mustang]

I like sub-only releases, especially of old, obscure stuff that not many people care to see. Why? Because making a dub costs money and even if it was included, I probably wouldn't listen to it anyway.

I mean, think about it-- is it really worth the time, effort, and money for them to dub something like, oh, Super Dimension Century Orguss? Most of the people who want stuff like that don't really care for dubs anyway. I want my old, obscure stuff at a reasonable price, and if that means no dub, then that's what it means. XD

For the big stuff, they should definitely do a dub. I just think it's not worth it for the small releases. Apparently the companies don't think it's worth it either.

I know that people will say that I'm change a tune to sub only format. I agree with Shiroi on the old obscure stuff.

The only thing that I don't agree is sub only cost less as price they will sell it. The only ones that I have seen that cost less is the old obscure anime titles.

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[font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang [/font][/color]

[yukoxholic]

I personally don't mind subbed only releases because like Roy has stated it's mostly animes that are under the radar and they do not believe they will get very many buyers to dig deep into their pockets for a purchase! The average American anime buyer likes more of the mainstream titles (which sell HUGE) like Death Note, FMA, Lucky Star, Naruto, Bleach, etc whereas titles like Aria the Animation, Emma and even Spice and Wolf aren't so much on their lists (or way down on their lists) to buy.

I am just happy that certain titles like Aria and Emma are being released. I'd take it in any format just so long as I can view it (legally) and own it. Plus, like Shiroi said it costs to have a full scale English vocal cast and that's money most Anime distributors do not want to waste (R.I.P Geneon)

Though it would be nice to have an English vocal cast (Luci Christian! Chris Patton! Steven Blum!) for the more underrated animes it doesn't really bother me to read the screen.

[EricTheFred]

Actually, there are lots of current titles, not old at all, that could be released sub-only and make a profit, but will probably never see a release in dub. They just will not have the English-speaking market.

I don't really expect to see a (legal) English release of Shion no Ou, for example. Sure, it could happen, but you have to see this as a low priority among all the fine anime out there, because the subject material is a little obscure. And the Tokyo Majin dub is so low-budget, they shouldn't have bothered. It stinks so badly compared to the high-quality of the show itself the difference actually stands out.

"Paprika" is a good example of a top-notch anime with a sub-only release. I've not seen an explanation yet about this decision. I'm curious if anyone else has?

[Nate]

Man all you people complaining about anime being licensed. At least anime has a CHANCE of being licensed, no matter how small. With Super Sentai and Kamen Rider all we get is watered-down American adaptations like Power Rangers and stuff. :\ What do you think the chances are of Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger (the show the first season of Power Rangers was based on) getting released in ANY form in America? Pretty much zero.

[Roy Mustang]

"Paprika" is a good example of a top-notch anime with a sub-only release

Huh? When did Paprika have a sub-only release?

It has a dub for it, when it was release.


The only thing that I know that it had a sub-only format was when they showed it on the big screen.

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[font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

[mechana2015]

"Paprika" is a good example of a top-notch anime with a sub-only release. I've not seen an explanation yet about this decision. I'm curious if anyone else has?

Thats odd... my Sony Classics version has a full Dolby Digital 5.1 (and well executed) dub on the disc.

[EricTheFred]

Huh? When did Paprika have a sub-only release?

It has a dub for it, when it was release.


The only thing that I know that it had a sub-only format was when they showed it on the big screen.

[color="Red"]
[font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

My mistake. I just called home and had my kid check our copy, and sure enough, it has an English version. I looked right past it, apparently. (He had a good laugh at my expense.)

The theatrical release was subbed. I'm sure that's where I got the idea.

[Radical Dreamer]

The theatrical release was subbed. I'm sure that's where I got the idea.

Interestingly enough, one of Kon's other movies, Millennium Actress, was released sub-only. So, you were close. XD

And actually, Millennium Actress was the only anime I had seen that was sub-only. I'd actually be interested in finding out which other series are released that way. I totally would not mind at all if they gave Baccano! a sub-only release. XD

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I totally would not mind at all if they gave Baccano! a sub-only release. XD

But if Baccano! had a dub, I think it could be absolutely amazing.

Since it like... takes place in America and all that jazz.

[Radical Dreamer]

But if Baccano! had a dub, I think it could be absolutely amazing.

Since it like... takes place in America and all that jazz.

Absolutely true, I was saying it more for Isaac and Miria's sake. XD

[Cognitive Gear]

I believe that Tokyo Godfathers, another of Satoshi Kon's work, is also sub only. Or at least, the copy I have of it is.

I like the fact that they are willing to do this. It allows me to have a copy of the animation in decent quality with a decent translation.

Though I'm not terribly big on dubs anyways. This is probably an old habit from when they were almost always horrible.

[Roy Mustang]

I believe that Tokyo Godfathers, another of Satoshi Kon's work, is also sub only. Or at least, the copy I have of it is.

I went and check on that and you are right, its a sub only release.

Which is fine with me, since I don't think it alot of people bought it, didn't care if it had one or not.


[color="Red"][font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

[Fish and Chips]

I totally would not mind at all if they gave Baccano! a sub-only release. XD

Or if it was licensed at all.

[mitsuki lover]

First I don't think anyone was complaining about anime being licensed or the cost of sub only versus sub and dub DVDs.We were just discussing why some DVDs are sub only,that is all.
Secondly we have to remember that VAs are first and foremost actors and for most of them doing voice work is just part of what they do.Certianly
Kirby Morrow and Johnny Yong Bosch aren't going to starve if say VIZ decides to go ahead and do a completely subbed title,they would find other work to keep the food in the larder.
Ok now that would seem to be a bit sarcastic to some people,but the truth is that good VAs will always find work no matter what.
Third,there are certain types of anime such as Magic Girl shows that shouldn't be dubbed at all but are better left undubbed.

[Roy Mustang]

Secondly we have to remember that VAs are first and foremost actors and for most of them doing voice work is just part of what they do. Certianly Kirby Morrow and Johnny Yong Bosch aren't going to starve if say VIZ decides to go ahead and do a completely subbed title,they would find other work to keep the food in the larder.

Yes, its something that they love to do, but they have to do a lot of work to make a good living. Dub actors don't make what Rockstars do.


[color="Red"][font="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

[minakichan]

And really, some shows just don't have the market for dubs-- either they're very niche (like yuri-- Kashimashi and Strawberry Panic), or the core audience leans towards purism (Kon Satoshi works). Why waste all the money on a dub when fewer people will appreciate it? Dubs bring the cost of the product up the most.

Also consider this, dub fans-- at least you GET dubs. Chinese/Taiwanese DVDs (the legit ones ahahaha) are almost all sub-only. (But that's OK to me because Chinese dubs have got to the be world's worst.)

I personally never watch the dub on the DVDs I buy; the Houshin Engi dub kind of scarred me for life. Because of that, I really don't buy DVDs much at all because it's not worth it to me. If I had a sub-only option and IT WAS CHEAPER, I'd definitely go for it.

Man all you people complaining about anime being licensed. At least anime has a CHANCE of being licensed, no matter how small. With Super Sentai and Kamen Rider all we get is watered-down American adaptations like Power Rangers and stuff. :\ What do you think the chances are of Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger (the show the first season of Power Rangers was based on) getting released in ANY form in America? Pretty much zero.

Ditto for dramas. :/ The only stuff we get are movies like Death Note and Nana. One Litre of Tears PULEEASE.

[Roy Mustang]

Dubs bring the cost of the product up the most.

Not true, the price for licensing the anime is #1 and then dubbing.

People need to read this thread to understand why anime dvds cost more.


Reason why Anime DVDs cost a lot...

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]
Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

[EricTheFred]

People need to read this thread to understand why anime dvds cost more.

[font="Book Antiqua"][color="Red"]
Col. Roy Mustang[/color][/font]

This analysis is completely circular logic, I'm afraid. The lower-demand titles couldn't fetch the same licensing fees in the first place. That's the law of supply and demand for you. It isn't 'the price of DVDs is this high because of the licensing fees' at all. It's actually the other way around. To wit: 'The licensing fees are this high because enough people are willing to pay that much for the DVDs'

[minakichan]

Not true, the price for licensing the anime is #1 and then dubbing.

Uh, no. I mean out of the actual production stuffs. I don't think that you can consider licensing fees apart of that because without those, you can't really sell DVDs in the first place.

In other words, dubs cost more than translation/subtitling and actually printing DVDs and whatnot.

[Roy Mustang]

The lower-demand titles couldn't fetch the same licensing fees in the first place.

Well, I know that and why you don't see them putting a dub on those titles anyway.

As I said before, I don't have a problem with the older titles or very niche titles being sub only.



You said this

Dubs bring the cost of the product up the most.

The licensing fees do make the product up to go up as well. They have to sell it at price to get some or all of the money back from the licensing fee.

Here is a question,

Why does Bandai Visual USA sub only dvd's cost so much?

[color="Red"][fONT="Book Antiqua"]Col. Roy Mustang[/font][/color]

[ShiroiHikari]

I have to agree that the licensing fees probably drive the prices up more than the dubbing process.

[RidleyofZebes]

On the topic of titles that should have had a sub-only release, I think that Lucky Star was a good candidate. They kinda' destroyed the in-joke of Minoru Shiraishi doing his own voice, as well as several others when they made the dub. >.<