domo arigato Sentai!
For whatever reason, I just imagine that the
Sentai Filmworks' production offices look like the rebel hideout. With their fast, sub-only releases of many series, it often feels like they are smuggling the shows out of Japan. Of course, we profit, since several of them probably weren't big enough for a dub
(Special A) or are just too much of a nightmare to localize
(Maria+Holic). Not only have they put out some of my favorite releases this last year, but their announcements are usually on shelf's with a month or two, keeping my ADD at an all time high.
This, of course, is made possible by the more minimal expenses/production time, associated with simple, feature-less sub-only releases. Well, Sentai Filmworks just announced that the dubs are back. In a limited program aimed at polishing up some of their larger releases, Sentai has announced the following five titles will receive an English Dub.
But wait? What if I already own those DVDS?
Don't qq yet, you haven't been forsaken. The people over at Section23 (the parent company) have stated that they are looking into some sort of "Upgrade" where you'll be able to trade out and get the newer release, with the dub included. No news on how, as I'm sure they're still mulling it over themselves. But hey, I'm just tickled pink that they remember that we exist.
Oh well, who am I kidding, Fist of the North star is like, 900x better with over dramatic English dubs. Sign me up now.
HOUSTON, March 15, 2010 —Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce that the hit series Clannad will be receiving an English dub. Originally released in a subtitled only format, Clannad is receiving the dub as part of an agreement in which several affiliated groups have come together to create English language versions for five of Sentai’s most popular titles.
In addition to the 24 episode Clannad, the four other series that have been selected for this limited program are: the science fiction drama Blue Drop (13 episodes,) the psychological thriller Ghost Hound (22 episodes,) Legends of the Dark King ~ A Fist of the North Star Story (13 episodes) and the 26 episode historical fantasy Tears to Tiara. English dub production duties for all five series will be handled by Seraphim Digital under the auspices of a team of veteran ADR directors such as Steven Foster, who will oversee the English dub for Clannad.
In appreciation of those who supported the subtitled only release of these shows, Sentai Filmworks is developing an “Upgrade” program which will allow owners of the subtitled versions to upgrade their DVD’s for the new release containing the English dub. The shows will also be available both through broadcast, streaming and retail outlets over the coming months. Further details will be announced as they are available.
"With their fast, dub only releases of many series, it often feels like they are smuggling the shows out of Japan."
I think you mean sub only releases, here.
Anyway, I think I've mentioned before, that the inclusion of a dub isn't going to make me want to buy a series more or less than I would otherwise. Basically, it doesn't affect my decision at all. So, the news doesn't mean much to me. However! It's really awesome that they're planning some sort of upgrade program for people who bought into these series early. WTG Sentai Filmworks! That's how you treat customers.
I hope the other people who we're whining and complaining about not getting Clannad dubbed will follow my lead (To-LOVE-Ru amongst others gets dubbed in the future if the demand is there )
That is quite possible, since ADV did the dub on Kanon.
@Netstryke said:
@Dream:
Well, we don't have details on the program yet, it might not be "entirely" free. It could be though, the MSRP on their box sets were pretty high for sub only was a little high, maybe that extra money is being shunted back.