Ghost Stories Preview

[Bitterman]

Being a really nifty and exciting dub (http://www.animeondvd.com/news/article.php?article_view=447).

I recently had the opportunity to take a look at the Ghost Stories dub, which was publicly screened for the first time at Otakon earlier this morning. As far as dubs go, this is a fascinating project. It's the first dub I've ever heard of that incorporated significant amounts of improvisation. As such, there are a few ups and downs. A couple lines don't sound perfect, and some of the jokes sound overlabored or out of place. However, on the whole the show sounds very good. The main cast is made up of veteran actors, and I think they make this dub look a lot easier to record than it likely was. The cadence sounds natural for the most part, and really the only element that pulled me out of the dub was the odd humor.

Monica Rial, Greg Ayres, and Chris Patton all do fantastic work. They appear very comfortable, and their jokes tend to be the funniest. Christine Auten does a great job with Keiichirou. I think Monica's character, Momoko, is my favorite in the main cast. Her character seems the most stable and centered to me. Monica's characterization is fantastic, and I really can't raise any complaints against it. She always, always got a laugh out of me. The third episode, the last one I watched, was very funny. Very good material from Chris Patton and Greg Ayres.

I realize a lot of people are going to have issues with this dub because it's so heavily re-written (I didn't have access to a subtitle track, but I'm guessing this one is going to be compared to Super Milk-chan by many fans), but I hope everybody at least recognizes this project as a show of skill and talent on the part of the cast and crew. I was very impressed with this dub, and I enjoyed watching it a lot.

[B-Rad Lascelle]

I don't know if I should be surprised that you failed to mention Foster's name once to review a dub where the creative direction was fundamentally altered to allow for rewrites and improv... or if I should simply accept that people would simply assume (correctly) that he would be at the helm for such a project. Still seems like a bit of an oversight nonetheless. /images/graemlins/sweat000.gif

[The Pirate Queen]

Hmmm, sounds like an interesting direction to take, although I'm not sure I approve in theory.

I can't wait to get the chance to check this out.

[Dagger]

Yeah... this isn't my thing. At all. Which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to the show and was by extension looking forward to hearing the dub. I guess I'll be watching Ghost Stories subbed. /images/graemlins/relief1.gif

I wouldn't have a problem with it if an accurate dub were also made available, as was the case with Milk-Chan. Even if (as was also the case for Milk-Chan) the heavily altered dub turns out to be arguably better, I want to have that choice.

[populuxe]

I owe Foster for The Place Promised In Our Early Days, so I'll get this one. And besides, it sounds like a fascinating experiment. I want to hear it.

[B-Rad Lascelle]

[ QUOTE ]
martialstax said:
I owe Foster for The Place Promised In Our Early Days, so I'll get this one.

[/ QUOTE ]
I dunno. As much as I love Place Promised, you won't see me playing catch up on E's Otherwise to show my thanks. I'd rather voice my thanks by giving it support for Best Dub honors in this month's awards.

However, I'll go on record and say that Gilgamesh is pretty damn cool. Lots of new voices, really unique macabre atmosphere and some really intense delivery. I'm 8 dubs into August and the only actress performance that's giving Laura's Sana a run right now is Alice Fulks' Countess.

[The Pirate Queen]

[ QUOTE ]
B-Rad Lascelle said:
However, I'll go on record and say that Gilgamesh is pretty damn cool. Lots of new voices, really unique macabre atmosphere and some really intense delivery. I'm 8 dubs into August and the only actress performance that's giving Laura's Sana a run right now is Alice Fulks' Countess.

[/ QUOTE ]

I adore Alice Fulk's delivery in Gilgamesh - just the right amount of cold, uninterested disdain combined with deeply hidden passions - stunning work all around. I vaguely remember raving about her back when V1 first came out.

[RaeS]

I'm going to check this out. It's just a different and interesting concept. Possibly incredibly risky, but ADV's got solid talent behind it. I'm on the fence about Foster. Some of his work (Gilgamesh) I like. I'm most interested in what Monica will do with Momoko now. Too bad its hitting in October(with tons of other stuff) though. I'll just have to squeeze out some time for it. After all, I'm of the mind try it before you knock it at least.

[BigPants]

[ QUOTE ]
B-Rad Lascelle said:
I'm 8 dubs into August and the only actress performance that's giving Laura's Sana a run right now is Alice Fulks' Countess.

[/ QUOTE ]

Word to Alice Fulks. I'm watching disc 1 still and this girl rules.

I'll be totally buying Ghost Stories. If anything, a re-written funny dub in the vain of Milk-chan is going to make me buy it more now than thinking it was some boring old show I didn't care about before.

[The_Mahou]

I was going to pick up the show, in any case. I'll just have to lower my sensibilities when listening to the dub, otherwise I'll be griping about things left and right. I don't really want to do that, because I've been looking forward to hearing this show dubbed since I saw the R2s.

You mentioned the kids, Bitterman, but not Ama no Jyaku. How is he in the dub?

[Bitterman]

[ QUOTE ]
kogalsin said:
...I'm most interested in what Monica will do with Momoko now...

[/ QUOTE ]
I thought she did fantastic work. I can't remember the last time Monica made me laugh this much. Maybe "Girl Who Breaks Sakaki's Soul" in Azumanga Daioh or Saki in Steel Angel Kurumi.

[Shsway]

I was already gonna check this one out for sure, but now I must admit that my resolve is strengthened by a need to be part of this controversy. /images/graemlins/wink.gif

Oh, and to support Monica, Greg, Foster, et. al.

[Bitterman]

[ QUOTE ]
The_Mahou said:
You mentioned the kids, Bitterman, but not Ama no Jyaku. How is he in the dub?

[/ QUOTE ]
That part is voiced by Rob Mungle. Solid work, and I thought he fit the character well. I certainly didn't have any complaints.

[toy_brain]

While I have nothing against dubs that play it fast and loose (and I'm talking Milk-Chan levels of fast and loose) in principle, most of the humor in Milk-Chan didnt really 'click' with me - probably because it was extremely America-centric and even with the amount of American TV we get here in England, 60% of the references still went over my head.
Given that Ghost Stories shares the same ADR director and a similar talent pool, I'm guessing that there will be a similar number of jokes that make no sense to me.

So I'm gonna pass, but I hope this project goes well for ADV.

[The_Mahou]

[ QUOTE ]
Bitterman said:
[ QUOTE ]
The_Mahou said:
You mentioned the kids, Bitterman, but not Ama no Jyaku. How is he in the dub?

[/ QUOTE ]
That part is voiced by Rob Mungle. Solid work, and I thought he fit the character well. I certainly didn't have any complaints.

[/ QUOTE ]
You had me at "Rob Mungle". /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[Ben Phillips]

[ QUOTE ]
The_Mahou said:
[ QUOTE ]
Bitterman said:
[ QUOTE ]
The_Mahou said:
You mentioned the kids, Bitterman, but not Ama no Jyaku. How is he in the dub?

[/ QUOTE ]
That part is voiced by Rob Mungle. Solid work, and I thought he fit the character well. I certainly didn't have any complaints.

[/ QUOTE ]
You had me at "Rob Mungle". /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with you. This sounds like a great role for Rob. Can't wait to hear it.

Ghost Stories was a highlight of my video room exploits at Otakon. Hilarious. Definitely picking this one up.

[Bitterman]

Hey, guys. I just found out that you can all see a short snippet of the Ghost Stories dub at:

www.GATV.tv (http://www.GATV.tv)

It's a good way to catch to catch a bit of this show before the 10/25 street date. The clip is fairly short, but you can hear Hilary Haag, Monica Rial, Chris Patton, and Rob Mungle.

[The_Mahou]

Hmm. Not bad. At least it's a nice listen, even with my dial-up connection. At least I'll have something to loof forward to this coming Halloween.

i heard it and i hate it not buying it!

[roastedpekingduck]

No offense to you, but if that was all you were going to say, you shouldn't have posted that.

[populuxe]

[ QUOTE ]
roastedpekingduck said:
No offense to you, but if that was all you were going to say, you shouldn't have posted that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Now, now. Let him be. If he hates it, he hates it. There's no problem with him saying that. If he starts flaming people for liking it, that's another matter.

[roastedpekingduck]

Alright, my apologies /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif.
*Recalls tumultous times in last several days

[Shsway]

[ QUOTE ]
Bitterman said:
Hey, guys. I just found out that you can all see a short snippet of the Ghost Stories dub at:

www.GATV.tv (http://www.GATV.tv)

[/ QUOTE ]

Just caught it a few minutes ago. It's alright, but I'm still hoping for some seriously gut-busting material.

I have yet to find a show amuses me as much in this area as Steel Angel Kurumi does.

[ucdawg12]

I don't listen to dubs, but after seeing that preview I will be buying this one in anticipation of watching it dubbed. That preview absolutely cracked me up and I can't wait until October :D

[Bitterman]

[ QUOTE ]
Shsway said:
I have yet to find a show amuses me as much in this area as Steel Angel Kurumi does.

[/ QUOTE ]
Steel Angel Kurumi had some hilarious moments. Off the top of my head, I can't think of many shows that give it a run for its money. Azumanga Daioh is one, though.

[B-Rad Lascelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Bitterman said:
[ QUOTE ]
Shsway said:
I have yet to find a show amuses me as much in this area as Steel Angel Kurumi does.

[/ QUOTE ]
Steel Angel Kurumi had some hilarious moments. Off the top of my head, I can't think of many shows that give it a run for its money. Azumanga Daioh is one, though.

[/ QUOTE ]
I'll nominate almost any Don Rush comedic dub... from Azumanga to Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu to Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi. I've even found some moments in Peacemaker that had me in stitches.

Needless to say, I'm really stoked for Yumeria. I need more Freak Demon... errr, Nomed Kaerf... in my diet. /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[toy_brain]

[ QUOTE ]
Bitterman said:
Hey, guys. I just found out that you can all see a short snippet of the Ghost Stories dub at:

www.GATV.tv (http://www.GATV.tv)


[/ QUOTE ]
Hmmmm, not bad, but the lip-flaps were way off most of the time which kinda bugged me (yea, I'm one of those types that values the accuracy of 'the flaps').

The Humour is roughly consistant with that of a scripted out-take so I guess the question I have to ask myself is:
"Am I willing to pay money soley for 3-4 eps worth of scripted out-takes?"

Hmmmmmmm.......

[Hellomonichan]

Hey you guys!

Let me first say that I am in no way representing ADV...

Ok with that out of the way...

I LOVE THIS SHOW!

And my feelings about dubs are different from yours so here's my two cents...
I feel that if a show has a different or more interesting dub that you get two shows on one disc. The original Japanese is still there and then you have the dub. Let me say that I think it doesn't do the show justice to list things that are said. It's much funnier in the context of the show.

I know this isn't for everyone. Here's the deal, I'm not trying to sway you to pick it up. What I am doing is letting you know that this is a project that everyone involved is GENUINELY excited about.

I would ask that you at least watch an episode before you write it off. Then if you hate it you can say whatever you want on the internet. /images/graemlins/wink.gif

Much love!
-Monica-

PS The lip flaps in that clip are weird because of the way that clip is downloaded. When I downloaded it I had the same problem. I can assure you that we matched lip flaps. There are three script writers and Steven working on this project so we've got it covered. /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[Suwako Moriya]

[ QUOTE ]
Monica said:I feel that if a show has a different or more interesting dub that you get two shows on one disc. The original Japanese is still there and then you have the dub.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well that's one way too look at it. I guess the best way to win out when it comes to this series is to be a person who watches both subs and dubs rather than sticking with just one track. Of course it's hard to say whether or not to watch the sub first or the dub first. Not to say one is bettter than the other, but the improv version ie the dub may be more effective or less effective after watching it sub. Still have mixed feelings on the issue. Especially since it's been a long time since I saw any of it. Not counting the preview of the dub linked to in topics as it were.

[populuxe]

I'm a big believer in accuracy in scripts. I don't care for changes made just because the writer or director felt the need to pointlessly "punch up" the script. But there is more than one way to dub a show, and I'm eager to give this a try. Any time the actors are enthused about a show, then I'm willing to give it a fair chance and take it on it's own terms. I'm going to turn off my usual expectations, and instead focus on if the dialogue is coherent (does it make sense and match what we're seeing?) If it does that, and the acting is up the usual high standards of both the cast and just about every Foster directed dub, then I'll be happy. And besides, it just sounds like it will be fun.

[toy_brain]

[ QUOTE ]
Monica said:
PS The lip flaps in that clip are weird because of the way that clip is downloaded. When I downloaded it I had the same problem. I can assure you that we matched lip flaps. There are three script writers and Steven working on this project so we've got it covered. /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Thats good to know.

Oooohhhhhh, I realy am tempted to buy this now. Its only the fact that Milk-Chan's humour really didnt click with me thats giving me any doubts, but pretty much every other Foster dub or scripted out-take ADV has done had me rolling.
Ahhh to hell with it (Adds Ghost Stories onto 'to buy' list).

[Ben Phillips]

[ QUOTE ]
martialstax said:
I'm a big believer in accuracy in scripts. I don't care for changes made just because the writer or director felt the need to pointlessly "punch up" the script. But there is more than one way to dub a show, and I'm eager to give this a try. Any time the actors are enthused about a show, then I'm willing to give it a fair chance and take it on it's own terms. I'm going to turn off my usual expectations, and instead focus on if the dialogue is coherent (does it make sense and match what we're seeing?) If it does that, and the acting is up the usual high standards of both the cast and just about every Foster directed dub, then I'll be happy. And besides, it just sounds like it will be fun.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm more or less approaching this one on the same terms you are. My only concern (if you can even call it that) is that it not be presented to general audiences as a conventionally dubbed show. Honestly, I don't have a problem with the creation of a somewhat reworked version of the show -- in fact, I'm really looking forward to seeing it -- as long as it isn't sold as something that it's not.

[AbeChinchilla]

Just got back from the Alamo tonight.

WOW.

Ghost Stories, in English, was awesome.

I just saw the first episode subtitled (via free ADV promo disc) and definately enjoyed the English version WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY better.

It's like Super Milk Chan, but without the "correct" dub.

The script (written in collaboration by Steven Foster, the VAs, and Sound Enginers) is a hilarious -- HILARIOUS piece of work. The newly added jokes and humor brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't stop from laughing at almost every single line spoken in the dub.

It was amazing.

Definately buying this.

By the way, to quote Steven Foster, after the end of the free showing:
"It's not like we're messing with Evangelion" (or something to that extent).

Bravo. BRAVO!!

EDIT: For the record, they showed 4 episodes at the Alamo.
Two from volume 1, and two episodes from the not-to-be-released-until-December, volume 2. /images/graemlins/happy.gif Which the cast said they had just completed a week or so ago.

Ghost Stories's dub KICKS ASS!

[toy_brain]

Gah! Damn that Florida Hurricane for holding up my DVDPacific order*.
Now I really wanna hear this! /images/graemlins/cry00000.gif


*That probably sounded a lot more insensitive than it was supposed to - what with the lost lives and billions of dollars of devistation the hurricane caused (just so you know I'm not a total asshole).

[ic14]

Ohhh

Now im thinking of getting it.

Bah...

I have to say this was one most excellent dub! This really had a lot of "WTF MATE?! Did s/he just say that? *rewinds it* S/He did say that! *Busts out laughing*" Plus it was a show me and my brother could enjoy together since hes not a big aniem fan. But is it just me or does Rob Mungle sound alot like the cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch? I know there not the same persons but dang they sound alot a like.

[O-chan]

Just got this today.
The dub floored me. I'm really liking the show as well.
Rob Mungle's performance as the demon cat is awesome.

O-chan

[toy_brain]

Yes I know I'm late - but I just got to see this yesterday.
Awesome dub! Waaaayyy better than the Milk-Chan effort, the 4 episodes just flew by and I was laughing all the way through them.
Some of the lines did feel a bit like out-takes that were just left in (few lines at the begining of episode 1 mostly) but pretty much everything else seemed natural and was funny as hell.

Cant wait for vol.2, and I really hope ADV does this again with another series.

[AbeChinchilla]

"Sweet Jesus, that was scary!" /images/graemlins/happy.gif /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[Starwind Amada]

[ QUOTE ]
wpt1031 said: But is it just me or does Rob Mungle sound alot like the cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch? I know there not the same persons but dang they sound alot a like.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Rob Mungle makes the character even more like Salem.

My Favorite Lines from the Ghost Stories Dub
"HaveyouacceptedJesusasyourpersonalsavior?"
"No, I'm Jewish!" - Momoko & Leo

"It's an upperclassman!"
"Giggity giggity!" /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif
-Leo & Hajime