The dubs of LODOSS (both OVA and TV)

Since this message board didn't have a topic for the discussion of the dubs, I figured it would be nice to start one. It is a common argument among Anime fans that Anime should be watched only in its native language. That argument was mostly valid during the early 90's, as most of the dubs of that era were sub-par. But there were some which at least rose above the dire dubs, and the RECORD OF LODOSS WAR OVA was one of them.

Viewed today, the LODOSS OVA dub might seem a bit rough compared to the care that goes in modern dubs (FULL METAL ALCHEMST and the Disney-Ghibli dubs come to mind). But considering that it was recorded during a dark era for dubs, this happens to be one of the better efforts of its time--that is to say, it's more watchable than much of the dreck produced by Streamline and Manga UK in the early 90's, although it does have its occasional drawbacks. The adaptation script, although faithful and well written for the most part, sometimes churns out a couple of clunky, awkward-sounding lines. The synchronization is hit and miss, and some of the incidental characters sound pretty cheesy. But what makes the dub watchable are the spot-on performances by the principal characters. Deedlit and Ashram are the best in the dub, although similarly good are Ghim, Parn, Slayn, Karla (both Leylia and Woodchuck), Shiris, Orson, Kashue, the narrator, Wort, and Wagnard (who, by the way, has a brilliantly VILLAINOUS evil laugh). Etoh is probably too whimpy sounding, but otherwise decent. Without these vocalizations, the LODOSS OVA dub would probably be forgotten. Sans them, it isn't strong enough to hold its own ground. But even though it has its share of detractors, this happens to be a dub I continue to relish to this day--the aforementioned voices elevate the overall English track from flawed to enjoyable. Not bad for a 1996 dub, eh?

The LODOSS TV dub, on the other hand, is weaker. As this is a more recent (1999-2000) English track, one would expect the flaws the first LODOSS dub had to be cleaned up for its successor. Disappointingly, the problems remain--the script feels more awkward than usual (and less memorably written--although I blame that on the fact that the dialogue in the show is more casual), the supporting voices are lamer (some of which border on unbearable, particularly Ashram's Marmo minions, Governor Rabido, and Prince Reona), and the synchronization still feels loose. One other problem that this dub has which its predecessor didn't is in keeping the voices consistent--Deedlit's voice actress is replaced for two episodes, similar or complete changes occur to two of Spark's comrades as well as Leylia, and three--Orson, Wagnard, and Kashue--are given new actors altogether (the first guy who does Wagnard returns for one episode; his more scratchy sounding replacement took me some getting used to. I did like Orson's new actor, though; especially during his final episode).

This makes the LODOSS TV dub sound like its unwatchable (as lots of internet fans have declared), but there are some saving graces which at least make it worth checking out. Spark and Leaf are excellently voiced and acted; the former actually sounds more charismatic has more character than his blander Japanese counterpart. One other noteworthy thing about the TV dub is that, aside from Orson, Wagnard, and Kashue, the original actors for Parn, Etoh, Slayn, Leylia (first half), Deedlit (with the exception of two episodes), Shiris, and Ashram return. I found it disheartening that the Japanese version of CHRONICLES replaced their OVA actors with lesser sounding counterparts (Deedlit's Japanese VA is nowhere nearly as good as the one in the OVA or the dub). The English version of CHRONICLES does not do that, and is all the better because of it. On the other hand, grown-up Parn is a bit of a sour note. He doesn't do a bad job, but his more macho-sounding voice threw me off for at least eight episodes. It disappointed me, too, that his role is reduced to a deadpan supporting one. I liked his OVA voice better.

So all in all, the TV dub is not bad, but it is problematic. Most of the returning actors as well as Spark and Leaf give it some, well, "spark," but the OVA dub ultimately edges the CHRONICLES English track out for being more consistent and better handled overall.

-Jon T.