Dubbing Disasters: Top-tips to consider when dubbing video content

In a world where films and online content are enjoyed all over the world, dubbing plays a crucial role in bringing stories to global audiences.

However, not all dubbing efforts are successful. In fact, there are many examples of content dubbing that can cause viewers to become confused, ultimately taking away from the overall viewing experience.

We’ve had a look into a few examples of poor dubbing, and why it is essential for dubbing to be executed well from the get-go.

What is audio dubbing?

This is when audio is re-recorded in a different language and replaces the original dialogue in a piece of video content. Dubbing is widely used around the world, especially in Spain, France, and Italy, where a large number of people choose to see Hollywood blockbusters in their native languages.

However, dubbing is not limited to these countries. For example, many English speakers watch English-dubbed versions of TV shows, such as Squid Game and Money Heist, as Netflix frequently offers both dubbed and original versions of its shows.

What effect can poor dubbing have on an audience?

There are several factors that can make up a poor dub. All of which are equally important to consider before dubbing your own content. One of the most prominent issues in dubbing is the mismatch between the original actor’s voice and the dubbed voice.

A famous example is the Hungarian dub of the 80’s classic, Beetlejuice. The original characters had unique personalities and voices that were essential to their identities. However, some are of the opinion that the Hungarian version featured voices that did not match the characters, which led to a disconnection between the visuals and the audio.

Dubbing requires not just translating words, but also conveying the meaning and emotion behind them. An example of this is the Japanese film, Ringu, which later inspired The Ring. The English dub included literal translations that stripped away the tension of the original Japanese dialogue. Viewers were left confused, as the dubbed lines often sounded awkward or out of context, undermining the overall horror of the film.

Localisation and dubbing go hand-in-hand

Dubbing can be particularly hard to understand for some audiences when it fails to consider cultural differences.

The Polish dub of Shrek has been criticised for not altering cultural references that were relevant to the original context. This not only confused Polish audiences but also resulted in certain jokes within the movie being lost to the audience. When dubbing disregards cultural differences, it can alienate viewers and diminish the story’s impact.

Keeping the quality consistent

In some cases, dubbing efforts are inconsistent, leading to a confusing experience for audiences. An example of this is the Dragon Ball Z anime series, which has seen multiple English dubs over the years, each with varying levels of quality.

Some characters in the series have been voiced brilliantly, while others have been poorly executed, making it difficult for fans to connect with the series.

Have a project in mind that requires audio dubbing? We’re here to help.

As the demand for diverse content continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for dubbing to be executed well. By valuing quality in dubbing, we can ensure that stories resonate with audiences around the globe, fostering a deeper appreciation for your content worldwide.

To find out how we can help your business with quality subtitling, translation, and voice over services, why not get in touch with us today? We provide voice over and subtitling services in over 80 languages.

Email us today via project@matinee.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you within the hour.