New
Feb 15, 2009 8:07 PM
#1
| Central Park Media was once one of North America's biggest Anime Licensors. Being so, they acually expended into having a dubing studio of their own at one time (for a very short period I think). Sadly I have yet to hear any dubs from their own studio. Still I want this topic to be used to discuss the dubs that the company released, along witht he acual dubs recorded in their studio. Dubs like "Now and Then, Here and There", and "Slayers" are often regarded as high quality dubs, and although they weren't recorded in CPM's own studio, they were overseen by them, done for them, and released by them. CPM useally outsourced all it's dubs to studio's in the NYC and New York State area (although some of their dubs where done in England by Manga Ent. and some done in L.A.). Much like what Right Stuf tends to do (although they use studios from other parts of the country as well). Sense they used studios near NYC, most of their dubs are from the same crew of actors, but I think they did a very good job at mixing it up. Unlike current dubs from L.A. where you pretty much bet on JYB or Crispen Freeman being in it (not to say they are bad actors or anything like that I acually like them both very much. In fact Freeman started out in NYC and is in a few dubs in CPM's catalog), in NYC they mixed it up quite well. So please discuss the good, the bad, and the amazing dubs that CPM released. Anything your quite fond of, anything you dislike? Anything you want to hear? What about the dubs recorded in their own studio? Are they good? Up to par with other dubs? Have you even heard any of those? |
PredeMar 30, 2009 7:43 AM
Reply Disabled for Non-Club Members
Mar 29, 2009 10:58 PM
#3
| Now and then's dub is quite excellent. Also just started on Black Jack and the dubbing is quite excellent as well. |
  |
Mar 30, 2009 1:05 PM
#4
| Yeah I heard a sample of Black Jack's dub on one of their trailers. It sounded fine to me. I haven't seen the show through, so not sure. I'll take your word on that though. |
Dec 6, 2009 11:08 AM
#5
| I suppose I might as well list my thoughts here (I'm excluding the Manga UK-based dubs, because those don't count as official CPM dubs, just distributed ones). Lodoss OVA -- This was the first dub I ever saw from them, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. It's interesting to note that most of the names in this dub (Lisa Ortiz, Ted Lewis) were all first-timers at the time (1996). The man responsible for bringing them in is none other than Bill Timoney, who not only directed the first eight episodes, but plays young hero Parn. And while he has a few rough spots in his role, his overall performance is very underrated (and superior to his more deadpan turn in the TV spinoff Chronicles of the Heroic Knight). Actually, I LOVE the performances of all the main characters, from Ortiz's Deedlit, Al Muscari's Slayn, Jacques LeCan's Woodchuck, Greg Wolfe's Ghim, Chris Yates' Kashue, Alexander J. Rose's Narration, as well as the antagonists, Simone Grant as Karla, John Knox's Ashram, and Bruce Winant's Wagnard. All deliver good, solid performances... although some of the minor characters are less than stellar and the dialogue sometimes awkward. Still, other than those problems (and occasional missed mouthflaps), it's a good dub all around. (For a more indepth review of my thoughts on this dub, here's my link on my website: http://animeenglishdubreviews.blogspot.com/2009/09/record-of-lodoss-war.html) Lodoss TV (aka Chronicles of the Heroic Knight) -- There's quite a lot of backlash surrounding this dub, with one reviewer at Mania saying it's one of the worst around. I wouldn't go that far, as it isn't that bad, but the TV dub is weaker than the OVA dub. It's not a bad dub, but it does have its share of problems, with several cast members dropping in and out of their roles in places, more stale-sounding dialogue, and some truly offputting performances (mostly from the minor cast members, again, but characters like Ashram's minions, the dragons, and soldiers all come across as Saturday morning cartoon fare). Still, the dub isn't a complete failure: it does manage to reprise most of its cast from the OVA (something the Japanese version does not do)... although as mentioned I prefer Bill Timoney's Parn in the OVA to his more stiff take in the TV series, and Lisa Ortiz is (irritatingly) replaced for at least two episodes. What ultimately saves this dub are the lively performances by Crispin Freeman as young hero Spark (he gets to do a LOT of voices in this dub too!) and Angora Deb as Leaf; both are superb and have the best moments in the show. All in all, though, a mixed bag at best, and a notch below the OVA dub. (Again, I wrote a review on it at http://animeenglishdubreviews.blogspot.com/2009/09/record-of-lodoss-war-chronicles-of.html) Slayers (All Three Seasons) -- When I met Lisa Ortiz at a convention, she recommended me to check out Slayers. I felt ashamed for not checking it out in the first place, because her performance as Lina Inverse is spot-on from the start. (Which is why it startles me to see a negative review of this dub on IGNDVD.com) Eric Stuart's Gourry, Veronica Taylor's Amelia, and Crispin Freeman's Zelgadis are every bit as good, and show terrific chemistry throughout. That said, I did find the first half of the initial season weaker because Zel and Amelia's voices in that section are either lifeless or shrilly, but it's all uphill from there when Taylor and Freeman jump in. Rachel Lillis' Martina in NEXT is a hoot, and Tara Jayne brings an interesting contrast to the cast with her take on Filia (although her whining in the beginning does get a bit tiresome at times). Most people think that David Moo's Xellos is a weak point, and it some ways it is, but personally I never really had much of a problem with him. He does sound distinctively more smarmy than his Japanese counterpart, but in many ways it works in favor of the character. It will be interesting to see how Slayers Revolution will fare with most of these guys reprising their roles. Night on a Galactic Railroad -- I rented this one a long time ago, but I remember liking what I heard. Veronica Taylor does a great job as young Giovanni, making him sound appropriately boyish without treading into feminine territory (a problem that I sometimes find offputting in dubs), and everyone else from Crispin Freeman to Greg Wolfe to Lisa Ortiz in a brief cameo all do solid jobs. It's important to note that the nature of this dub is very low-key, but in a way it matches the melancholy, slowgoing nature of the film. It's best to appreciate this as a sort of "dark" version of The Polar Express. Animation Runner Kuromi -- Being a Lisa Ortiz fanboy, I just had to check this out, and again I have to say that this is yet another fantastic performance from her. As the overworked Kuromi, she gets to have a lot of fun, being excited one moment then crazed with stress the next, and then, at times, very subdued. I really LOVE this dub! Everyone involved has a lot of fun with their roles, and I had no major problem with it. (Particularly amusing are the various performances of the different animators, including one who reducesherselftotalkngamileaminuteinonescene ala Angora Deb.) The sequel is just as great, too. Now and Then, Here and There -- I was really surprised to discover that this title was by the same director as Kuromi, but this show is a far cry from that lighthearted romp. The only thing working against the dub is that the child characters don't sound authentic, but more like, well, adults trying to sound like children. However, it's not that jarring to take away from the show, and the overall presentation of the dub is very strong, with the cast providing emotionally charged, vibrant performances. It did take me a few minutes to get used to Ed Paul's more rough-sounding Shu, but after a while he grew on me. Of course, the piece de resistance of the show is Jack Taylor, who does a terrific job of making the antagonist Hamdo a truly despicable character. Rachel Lillis also shows off her vocal range as both one of the children at Hellywood and a motherly character at a peaceful village. One of Dan Green's best roles, too, as well as some unusual but effective casting choices: Crispin Freeman cast as a nasty, mean-spirited bully, and a surprisingly quiet Lisa Ortiz as Lala Ru. Thankfully, ADV made this title available again, so it's hopeful that new audiences will be able to appreciate the work involved. It's definitely one of CPM's finest, right alongside ROLW OVA, Slayers, and Kuromi. M.D. (most dangerous) Geist -- More like the "Most Dangerous" dub. As awful as this title is (and this was one of CPM's best-sellers!), the dub is just as hideous. There was only one line that I laughed at, and that was the "you bastard!" by the first guy the title character kills (simply because it's so bad that it's funny). Avoid this dub at all costs. RG Veda -- I only saw a little bit of this, but it didn't click with me at all. This is one of CPM's less than stellar dubs. Although the cast includes some recognizable names, their performances sound like reading instead of emoting. Below average. Shadow Star Narutaru -- I stopped watching it after one episode because I was so badly underwhelmed by how flat and emotionless the dub sounded. That should tell you something about my views of the dub. The World of Narue -- This was one of CPM's last major titles, and it ranks up with their best. All the voices fit their characters just right and the performances ooze with just the right amount of emotion. Veronica Taylor's Narue may be a bit saccharine at times, but that's hardly a criticism or drawback of her otherwise fantastic performance. At first I wasn't so sure about Jamie McGonnigal's Kazuto, but the sincerity he brings to the character ultimately won me over. Jimmy Zoppi sounds like he's having a great time as the nutty Maruo, and Rachel Lillis is terrific (and I mean TERRIFIC) as Kanaka. Ditto for Carol Jacobanis's Bathyscaphe and Dan Green as Tadashi Nanase. It's also a hoot to hear Lisa Ortiz in two villainous roles (she really oughta do more evil characters!) as well as Angora Deb as a lovestruck, easily agitated android. I also got a kick out of the ADR script's added in jokes like the "Dr. Hunkenstein, Guru of Love" and the jab at subtitle purists--those were a riot. Ultimately, however, my favorite performance of this dub is none other than Michelle Knotz, who made her debut as Hajime Yagi with this dub (I bet you didn't know she won a voice acting contest in order to get this role!). Her character starts out as a surly, crazed UFO freak who initially bullies Nanase, but as her performance develops, her character gradually softens. Knotz nails all these emotions to a T and beyond, and it's the role I'll always remember her for. At the risk of quoting the tagline, this dub is "a direct hit to your heart" indeed! |
JTurnerDec 7, 2009 8:58 PM
Dec 6, 2009 11:52 AM
#6
| I'll comment more on this when I have the time (thanks for writing up so much man! I'll be sure to say alot about it in response), but I must say something about the World of Narue dub. It's easily one of my favorites from CPM. I too enjoyed Lisa Ortiz in her little villiany roles in this. And yeah I'm well aware of this being Michelle Knotz's first role, and that she won it in some contest. And yes I agree she really stands out in this dub, perhaps my favorite as well. She does such a good job, she can stand next to the veterans and you'd never know this was her first dub. Jimmy Zoppi is used to nutty characters, but he tones himself down for this one a little bit. Still you can tell he had a ball on this one, and he did a wonderful job. Anyway I'll comment more on Narue, and the other ones you posted when I get some free time. But THANKS for saying something man. You rule. |
Dec 6, 2009 12:26 PM
#7
Prede said: Anyway I'll comment more on Narue, and the other ones you posted when I get some free time. But THANKS for saying something man. You rule. Awwww, how sweet. I REALLY love compliments like this! :) You've made my day. |
Jan 14, 2010 11:54 PM
#8
| Finally I have more time to comment. Sorry I didn't get around to this sooner. Lodoss OVA - I've only seen the first few episodes. I like it, I really do. but it does have a few problems IMO. I'll have to watch much more of it to fairly judge though... Slayers - I LOVED the dub from the get go. There's not one thing at all that bothers me about it. I'll have to see more of it, because I haven't gotten to the point where the actors changed up yet. But for now I really like this dub. Animation Runner Kuromi - One of my favorite dubs! I saw this when it was first released, and many times afterwards. I love this show to death, and part of why is due to Lisa Ortiz's amazing performance in it. She's perfect in this show. Now and Then, Here and There - One of my all time favorite dubs every, and most definitely one of CPM's best. I never found any of the characters like they sounded too old for their age. Everyone alwasy says that, but I thought they all fit. Dan Green once said "You know...I think I really accomplished something with that dub", and I agree!! Anthony Salerno and Tom Wayland said "you'd be hard pressed to find an anime this well acted", and 10 years or so after the fact, I still agree with that statement. Lisa Ortiz as Lala-Ru, broke my heart. She was great, very quiet and different from many of her other roles. Freeman sounds a little like he does in the "Ping Pong Club", but really other then that it's hard to really pin him down in this. He sounds very different but it works. Shadow Star Narutaru without a doubt in my mind, one of the most uneven dubs I've seen. It's quite a bad dub, for the early 2000s too. Which is a shame too because you can tell a lot of thought went into the casting. Kelly Ray is the perfect person to play Shiina. She fit in every way, and could have done another amazing job like in "Alien Nine" (one CPM's best dubs). Shes sometimes OK, sometimes terrible, and once inawhile pretty good. Sadly you can hear how confused she is in this. She sounds like half the time shes directing herself, and the other half someone who has no idea what he's talking about is directing her. Yeah I said that, it sounds like she's DIRECTED HERSELF. And I wouldn't put it past Kip Kaplan who directed the terrible dub on "Masquerade", and is personally resposible for the unintentionally hilarious dub on "Garzy's Wing". I bet he wasn't there half the time, so she HAD to direct herself. Still "Shootfighter Tekken " has a great dub, but I credit Wayland with saving that one. Ross Lefko is also credited as director, and he hasn't really directed anything else, and it's clear to see why with what he's done here... Renee Gloger as Akira Sakura is GREAT casting, perfect even. But again she doesn't know what she's doing, and talks like (as ANN called it) william shatner. At times she's truly great, and most of the time she's OK...but I'd like better. Renee Goldstein gives out the best performance in the dub as Satomi, a wicked little girl who has a dragonchild of her own, and torments the main characters often. So of course for 80% of her lines SHE'S TO FAR AWAY FROM THE MIC!!! WTF!!! Really what's the deal with that? Also I can hear her moving around in the frigen booth. WTF. She's amazingly good, but her performances is marked by background noise and beign too far away. Damn it. Josh Mosby as Shiina's father does a great job-good job. He's well cast, and understands what he's doing. He's the dubs saving grace, but he doesn't have enough lines to make me care. Guy should get an award for manageing to act with these directors...and still sounding good. Flora Stanberg as Hiroko ("Hiro" my Avatar) is completely miscast, and she is almost alwasy terrible. Once in awhile she does an Ok job, but it's mostly her sucking. Which is a shame because I LOVE that character to death. But she's horrible. This is the only time I didn't like Lisa Ortiz. Yeah you gata suck at directed to make me dislike something she does...ughh...And even Dan Green gives a terrible performance as Hiroko's dad. Yeah this dub is crap. |
Reply Disabled for Non-Club Members
More topics from this board
» 2006 John O'Donnell InterviewPrede - May 9, 2009 |
0 |
by Prede
»»
May 9, 2009 1:15 AM |
|
» John O'Donnell's RecommendationsPrede - Apr 1, 2009 |
0 |
by Prede
»»
Apr 1, 2009 7:50 PM |