A famous bard once pondered the eternal question of “To watch dub or not to watch dub?” This question has been translated to the world of 90s anime as “Dub or Sub?” It’s a debate that has divided fans for years, and one that ultimately comes down to the quality of voice acting.
Let’s face it, the voice actors can make or break an anime show or movie, especially when it comes to English dubbing. Dubbing is the post-production process of replacing one actor’s voice with another. Sometimes it works seamlessly, enhancing the viewing experience. Other times, it falls flat, leaving viewers disappointed.
In the early days of VHS tapes, subtitles weren’t readily available at the click of a button. This meant that viewers had to choose between original Japanese-speaking actors with subtitles or potentially subpar English dubbing. It was a difficult decision to make, and one that often left viewers second-guessing themselves.
I vividly remember watching Record of Lodoss War on VHS, where the subtitles were fan-made and varied from version to version. I found myself constantly questioning the pronunciation of characters’ names. Was it Pern or Parn? The lack of consistency made it even more challenging to follow the story.
It wasn’t until I got my hands on the official English dubbed VHS set that I finally had some clarity. The character’s name was indeed Parn. However, not all was perfect. Some of the voices were grating, and the overall quality of the dubbing left much to be desired.
The truth is, English dubbing had a bad reputation in the 80s and early 90s, and it was well-deserved. Many beloved shows like Dragon Ball, Speed Racer, and Yu-Gi-Oh have been criticized for their poor dubbing. A quick Google search for “worst anime dubbing” will reveal countless lists that include these titles.
This highlights the importance of having good, qualified, and skilled voice actors. Thankfully, there are some standout performers who have made a significant impact on the world of 90s anime dubbing. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Christopher Sabat
Christopher Sabat is a name that stands out in the industry. Known for his work on Dragon Ball Z, he voiced iconic characters like Vegeta, Piccolo, and Yamcha. Sabat’s talent extends beyond voice acting; he also works as a voice director and has his own production company.
Johnny Yong Bosch
Johnny Yong Bosch is another notable voice actor who has left his mark on 90s anime dubbing. He is best known for his role as Vash the Stampede in Trigun. Bosch’s impressive range and versatility have landed him roles in Sailor Moon, Naruto, and Bleach, among others.
Laura Bailey
Laura Bailey made her mark at a young age, voicing Kid Trunks in the Funimation dub of Dragon Ball Z. She went on to voice Lust in Fullmetal Alchemist and Henrietta in Gunslinger Girl. Bailey’s talent extends to video games, where she has lent her voice to popular titles like Halo 4 and Fallout: New Vegas.
Wendee Lee
Wendee Lee is a veteran voice actress who has worked on numerous well-known series, including Robotech, Dragon Ball, and Digimon: Digital Monsters. Her extensive list of credits is a testament to her talent and versatility.
Steve Blum
Last but not least, Steve Blum deserves recognition for his portrayal of Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop. Blum’s deep and distinctive voice has made him a fan favorite, and he has lent his talents to many other projects, including Wolverine in various adaptations.
Bryan Cranston
It’s worth mentioning an honorable mention: Bryan Cranston, best known for his live-action roles in Malcolm in the Middle and Breaking Bad. Before his rise to fame, Cranston worked on Baywatch and voiced characters in anime projects like Street Fighter II and Macross Plus.
These voice actors, among many others, have played a crucial role in bringing Japanese anime to the United States. Their talent and dedication have helped elevate the quality of English dubbing and have made anime more accessible to a wider audience.
