Forum - View topicREVIEW: Spice and Wolf II Blu-Ray + DVD
|
Goto page 1, 2 Next Note: this is the discussion thread for this article |
| Author | Message | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
rinkwolf10
Posts: 750 |
|
||
|
Like the dub and prefer it over the sub. Spice and Wolf consists of a lot of hard to fallow dialect which is much easier to digest when you hear it and less so when you read it.
On top of that you have to have your brain turned on to get the show and the whole pause to read or even just read as fast as the dialect goes takes away from the full experience and enjoyment of the show. I would be so bold as to say that Spice and Wolf is a show you can get much more enjoyment out of if you watch in a language you are fluent in and the concern of performance of the voices is much much less a factor in your enjoyment of the show. Since both dubs are very much watchable, the difference (if any) becomes less important in shows so dialect rich as Spice and Wolf. I know many that dropped Spice and Wolf when they tried it subbed but then the dub came out they couldn't stop watching the show. Also, I must disagree and say that the dub is as good in not better then the sub. Since both leads put out outstanding performance in the dub, so much so that you can actually feel the chemistry between the leads in the show, which is no small feat. On top of that the change in dialect is not a bad thing, actually I like the dub interpretation of the scene when Holo was found out about her home town being destroyed and the way the dub voice handles the whole scene is very good. |
|||
|
|||
pajmo9
 Posts: 630 |
|
||
|
I don't think I would call myself a huge fan of Spice and Wolf but, my only major problem is that it ended. It's definitely up there with the better shows I've seen in recent years but, it felt somewhat incomplete to me.
I may have to breakdown and buy the BD release of the first season when I get some extra cash. |
|||
|
|||
Seljuk
 Posts: 139 |
|
||
|
Brina over Ami? No way, this has gotta be subbed all the way. Unless you are really REALLY opposed to subs. Don't get me wrong, the English cast did an okay job, but Ami's Holo has to be one of my top rated character performances.
If you can't keep up you're probably just not used to subs. While it is wordy, they are speaking at a pretty metered pace. |
|||
|
|||
neocloud9
 Posts: 1178 Location: Atlanta, GA |
|
||
|
I'm one of those that definitely invested wholeheartedly in these characters and their relationship, so I was completely blown away by this season. Loved the review, you pointed out all that I admire about the series - and so eloquently! Shame to hear about the dub rewrites, but Tatum and Brina more than made up for any loss of subtlety in my book. I could listen to those two read a phone book, haha.
|
|||
|
|||
|
Crisha
Moderator
 Posts: 4290 |
|
||
|
I am one of those people who normally watches anime in the original Japanese with subtitles, but I'm not opposed to English dubs. With Spice and Wolf, however, I just couldn't get into the sub. The voices were fine, but I hated reading about economics, especially when a majority of it went over my head. I quit after episode 3 or 4. The dub was a lot easier to absorb, plus the voices were really good, so I preferred the dub in this case. I ended up watching the entire anime in one sitting after I bought the dvds and watched the dub.
I just recently purchased the 2nd season, so I look forward to watching that dubbed. |
|||
|
|||
asimpson2006
 Posts: 3151 Location: USA |
|
||
Having to watch both the dub and a sub for a review I did a few months ago I found the show more enjoyable with the dub then I did watching the subs. That is not to say that either of them are terrible I liked both equally but I find economic discussions easier to enjoy in my native language. |
|||
|
|||
|
Echo_City
Posts: 1236 |
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
Shaterri
Posts: 173 |
|
||
|
I've been watching Season 2 and find myself actually liking it a bit less than the first season. While the interplay between characters is a joy to see and there are some wonderful settings here, the cost for it seems to be a distinct 'moe-ification' of Horo that I'm of mixed minds about. Not that she isn't adorable, but so far (I'm about halfway through the second arc with just a few eps to go) there really isn't the sense that this isn't just an older-than-she-looks girl with cute ears and tail, not in the way that the first season really managed to emphasize in both halves. It's still a wonderful series, don't get me wrong, but I can't shake the feeling that the second half feels a little slight in ways the first didn't.
|
|||
|
|||
Tuor_of_Gondolin
 Posts: 3524 Location: Bellevue, WA |
|
||
|
Shaterri,
The first half (which is based on the third light novel), is focused mostly on Lawerence. When you get to the second half (which, I have been told, is based off of the 5th light novel), it will focus more on Holo, and you should get a different vibe. |
|||
|
|||
EnigmaticSky
 Posts: 750 |
|
||
|
I have been considering watching this for a little while, but every time I hear "economic discussion" my mind just kind of jumps to not wanting to watch it. I am certain that it handles it in such a way as to make it enjoyable, but I am usually so tired of hearing about economics in school that I can't really picture myself attaching myself to the subject. Hearing that there is apparently a bit of romance to the story though makes me think that it would probably balance fairly well. I don't know; maybe over a break.
|
|||
|
|||
Dorcas_Aurelia
 Posts: 5344 Location: Philly |
|
||
|
I recall watching this and thinking that none of the economics mumbo-jumbo ever made any kind of sense. Also, Lawrence continues to be the worst merchant in the history of ever.
The arc with the fight between Lawrence and Holo made for my least favorite stretch of the series, as the dynamic between the two of them was the part of the show I enjoy the most, but instead we are forced to deal with Lawrence moping over the potential loss of his companion, because he realizes he's screwed his business plans over once again. |
|||
|
|||
Greed1914
 Posts: 4640 |
|
||
|
This season was certainly worth the wait. I'm a big fan of just how unique the show is. There aren't too many anime series out there that focus on things like insider trading and exchange rates. And it's also nice to see a character who makes a living doing something rather reasonable. No crazy job that results in zany antics. I wouldn't want every show to do that, but it was nice in this case.
Of course, being a fan of Holo helps, too. And I have to ask, did anyone else follow along in the stretching with Holo extra? Personally, I couldn't resist. |
|||
|
|||
|
Tuor_of_Gondolin
Posts: 3524 Location: Bellevue, WA |
|
||
|
Greed,
I tried, but I couldn't make it through the whole thing. I can endure a lot of Holo, but... well, apparently even I have limits. 
|
|||
|
|||
zensunni
 Posts: 1294 |
|
||
|
I would be one of those people that are "fully invested" in the relationship, Holo, and Lawrence! I bought the first three novels and will be picking up the fourth when I have a few extra bucks. I bought the first season DVD a long time ago and pre-ordered the season 2 BluRay+DVD set so I could watch it as soon as possible. I will most likely pick up the BluRay of season 1 soon...
As to the dub vs. sub argument, I have watched both and prefer the dubs, mostly because of the volume of text and speed of the dialog. I have "older eyes" and am not as good at reading small print as I once was, and my TV isn't that big. It is, however, HD and I LOVE the BluRay! The backgrounds, and Holo, have never looked better!!!! Ami's performance is wonderful, probably one of the best ever, but that doesn't mean Brina doesn't do a fantastic job too. She is one of my favorite US voice actresses, and I love her haughty, slightly formal tone when doing Holo. (Frankly, most of the joy of Ami's performance is lost on the non-native Japanese speaker. Yes, it sounds wonderful, but without the appreciation for the dialectic differences I expect much is being missed.) J. Micheal Tatum's Lawrence, on the other hand, I find stronger than the original. There is a passion to his delivery that I frequently find lacking in Jun's performance, yet Tatum's dry wit is just as biting. I love Spice and Wolf and wish with all my heart that the powers that be in the anime world would pick up the series and take it to its rightful conclusion, especially now that the novels are completed. @Greed - Yes, I found myself stretching along with Holo. LOL! 
|
|||
|
|||
Northlander
 Posts: 911 |
|
||
|
And here's some good news for some of the importers among you: The Spice and Wolf 2 Bluray discs are compatible with both region A and B.
Hell, if season 1 is the same, I might consider "upgrading". |
|||
|
|||
 |
All times are GMT - 5 Hours |
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group