Brief Summary
This podcast episode reviews the English dub of the anime film "Promare," praising its voice acting, localization, and overall quality. The hosts discuss the plot, characters, and the political themes presented in the movie. They also touch on the involvement of Studio Trigger in the dubbing process and compare it to other anime localizations.
- The dub is praised for its natural-sounding localization and excellent voice acting.
- The hosts discuss the political themes of the film, including capitalism, immigration, and oppression.
- The episode includes detailed discussions of the main characters and their voice actors.
Intro
The podcast episode introduces the topic of discussion: the English dub of the anime film "Promare." It warns about potential spoilers and advises listeners to support the official release by purchasing the DVD, Blu-ray, or digital versions. The hosts express their excitement for the film and introduce themselves.
Summer at the Movies Finale
The hosts formally greet the audience and introduce the episode as the fiery finale of their "Summer at the Movies" season. They playfully introduce each other with humorous titles related to firefighting. They also warn viewers about pirating and encourage them to buy official releases from G Kids.
Plot Summary and Studio Trigger
The hosts attempt to provide a plot summary of "Promare" but comically fail multiple times, referencing other unrelated shows. They eventually provide the correct summary: a cataclysmic event creates a new race of fire-controlling people called the Burnish, and the Burning Rescue fire squad fights the fires they cause. The hosts also discuss Studio Trigger, the animation studio behind "Promare," known for works like "Kill la Kill" and "Gurren Lagann."
Explicit Fan Fictions and Dub Review
The hosts joke about the number of explicit "Promare" fan fictions on Archive of Our Own (AO3). They then transition into a review of the English dub of the film, mentioning that they will focus on the film itself and not the 12-minute shorts that take place before it. They note that the film was released in theaters by G Kids and later digitally due to the pandemic.
Directors and Writers
The hosts introduce the directors and writers of the English dub: Michael Sticker Nicholas, Stephanie Shea, and Michael Schneider. They mention some of their previous works, such as "Oko's Inn," "FLCL Alternative," and "Dragon Quest Your Story."
Initial Thoughts on the Dub
The hosts share their initial thoughts on the English dub. One host expresses concern about Studio Trigger's involvement in the localization, referencing the issues with the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" dub. However, they find the "Promare" dub to be natural-sounding and not restricted by executive decisions. They praise the script, cast, and direction for capturing the tones of the movie.
Trigger's Involvement and Script
One of the hosts appreciates that Trigger was directly involved in the casting process. They like the punchy script and the actors' ability to keep up with the fast-paced dialogue. They also praise the direction and production side of the dub.
Expectations and Characterization
One of the hosts had high expectations for the dub due to the seasoned veterans in the cast. They praise the distinct characterization and vocal quirks given to each character. They also mention that the dub was well-liked enough to be played in Japan.
Wakabayashi Quote and Nuance
One of the hosts shares a quote from Wakabayashi about toning down a character's voice for the American version to make it easier to understand. They express their disagreement with this decision, arguing that American viewers are not stupid. They also feel that the secondary cast is wasted in the film.
Sound Mixing and Personal Preference
The hosts praise the sound mixing team for balancing the loud OST and dialogue. One host expresses their strong preference for the dub over the original Japanese audio.
Secondary Characters
The hosts begin discussing the secondary characters in "Promare," including Mace, Guerrera, Varys Truss, Remy Puenga, and Blair Colossus. They also mention Vinnie, a powerful rat. The voice actors for these characters are Yuri Lowenthal, Matt Mercer, John Bentley, Billy Bob Thompson, Melissa Fahn, and Michael Nicholas.
Melissa Fawn and Remy/Varys
The hosts discuss the performances of the voice actors for the secondary characters. Melissa Fawn, who voices Blair, didn't have much to do. Remy and Varys have cool designs and interactions, with John Eric Bentley giving a cool, gruff tone to Varys. Billy Bob Thompson does a great job as Remy.
Mace and Guerra
The hosts discuss Mace and Guerra, voiced by Yuri Lowenthal and Matt Mercer. They praise their action dynamic and compare them to the two hot singers that Powerline has on the side of him in A Goofy Movie. They wish they did a little more in the movie.
Vinnie and Chuck E. Cheese
The hosts joke about Vinnie, the powerful rat, and compare him to Chuck E. Cheese. They discuss a defunctland episode about Chuck E. Cheese and joke about dumpster diving for robots to make their own Chuck E. Cheese.
Gi Joe PSA and Maze/Guerrera
The hosts make a Gi Joe PSA joke. They then discuss Maze and Guerrera, praising Yuri Lowenthal and Matt Mercer's performances. They say they are lovable goofballs who are just trying to pretend to be serious.
John Bentley and Billy Bob Thompson
The hosts discuss John Bentley and Billy Bob Thompson, praising their dynamic together. They say it feels like they're playing up the brains and brawn of the characters. They also mention that Blair doesn't get to do a lot in the movie.
Vinnie and Pizza Rat
The hosts discuss Vinnie and whether he was designed after Pizza Rat. They also talk about trigger and their love for western stuff.
Mr. Potted Massage Machine and Remy/Varys
The hosts make a Gi Joe reference. They then discuss Remy and Varys, saying that they are interestingly designed but don't have much to do in the movie.
Vinnie and Trigger Productions
The hosts joke about Vinnie piloting gallo. They then discuss trigger productions and their tendency to introduce a lot of characters without giving them anything meaningful to do.
John and Billy and Yuri and Matt
The hosts discuss John and Billy, saying that they fill their archetypes very well. They also enjoy Yuri and Matt, praising Matt's line where he calmly tells one of the burnish "no problem for the boss."
The Departed and Yuri and Matt
The hosts make a reference to the movie "The Departed." They then say that Yuri and Matt are two of the bros that you want to have in your life. They also mention that Matt was pumped to be a part of this project.
Trigger Production and Archetypes
The hosts discuss trigger productions and archetypes. They say that they are all well acted and that there wasn't a sour delivery or offline they could find in any of this.
Lucia Fex and Ignis X
The hosts introduce Lucia Fex, Ignis X, Vulcan Hastis, and Deus Promith. They also make a Gi Joe reference. The voice actors for these characters are Kari Wahlgren, Steve Blum, Neil Kaplan, and Mike Pollock.
Kari Walgren and Mike Pollock
The hosts discuss Kari Walgren and Mike Pollock. They mention some of their previous works, such as "FLCL" and "Sonic X."
Steve Bloom and Neil Kaplan
The hosts discuss Steve Bloom and Neil Kaplan. They praise Steve Bloom's authoritative growl and Neil Kaplan's gruff evil tone of voice.
Trigger Jump Shark and Kari Walgren
The hosts discuss trigger jump shark and Kari Walgren. They say that Kari is a gremlin and that she is delightful.
Lucia and the Mech
The hosts discuss Lucia and the mech. They say that their favorite delivery in the movie is where gallow is riding the deuce ex machida and she's like what is it where did it come from i need answers tell me.
Steve Bloom and Neil Kaplan
The hosts discuss Steve Bloom and Neil Kaplan. They say that Steve Bloom did a really good bossish voice and that Neil Kaplan is just the deliciously evil dragon character.
Just Ice and Kari Walgren
The hosts make a pun about "just ice." They then discuss Kari Walgren, saying that they can't say anything bad about her and that they have never encountered a performance of hers that they haven't liked.
Mike Pollock and the Performances
The hosts discuss Mike Pollock, saying that it is an absolute delight to hear him in sort of design for adult anime kind of roles. They also say that the performances are all on the same level.
Trigger and the Performances
The hosts discuss trigger and the performances. They say that they have a tendency to try to over explain everything that goes on.
Steve Bloom and the Performances
The hosts discuss Steve Bloom and the performances. They say that it's nice to hear him do something a little different from what they're used to.
Neil Kaplan and the Performances
The hosts discuss Neil Kaplan and the performances. They say that they're not sure if they're right or not about this but this is only because they know about imaeshi's big marvel boner did anyone think that vulcan kind of looked and acted and sounded a bit like the villain venom.
Kari Walgren and the Performances
The hosts discuss Kari Walgren and the performances. They say that she's good she's all good archetypes were filled paychecks were collected.
Aina and Harris
The hosts introduce Aina and Harris, two sisters in the movie. Aina is a member of birding rescue and Harris is a scientist who is working with the foresight foundation. The voice actors for these characters are Allison Lee Roosevelt and Erica Lindbeck.
Allison Lee Roosevelt and Erica Lindbeck
The hosts discuss Allison Lee Roosevelt and Erica Lindbeck. They say that Allison is a babe and that Erica is a goddamn phenomenal actress.
Aina and Harris and the Moral Polars
The hosts discuss Aina and Harris and say that they are the moral polars of the movie. They also say that Aina is thirsty for gallo.
Frozen and Kinon
The hosts compare Aina and Harris to Anna and Elsa from Frozen. They also say that Harris reminds them of Kinon from Gurren Lagann.
Allison and Erica and the Performances
The hosts discuss Allison and Erica and the performances. They say that they don't have qualms with these two either and that they will save their fun things to say for the next group.
The CW and the Performances
The hosts discuss the CW and the performances. They say that they're just like sisters coming together like aina are bi and harris.
Aina and the Introduction
The hosts discuss Aina and the introduction. They say that they don't like introducing a character ass first to the camera.
The Astronomy and the Performances
The hosts discuss the astronomy and the performances. They say that the stars and the constellations and the galaxies are rooted in what actually exists.
The Next Group and the Performances
The hosts say that the next group is going to be hysterical and that they will save their fun things to say for the next group.
Cray Foresight and Leo Photia
The hosts introduce Cray Foresight, Leo Photia, and Gallo Teemos. They also say that they will let you get the floor for all of the analysis about cray foresight.
Crispin Freeman and Johnny Young Bosch
The hosts discuss Crispin Freeman and Johnny Young Bosch. They say that Crispin Freeman is stern strict and deliciously hammy and that Johnny Young Bosch is a veteran actor and he's doing what Johnny Young Bosch is good at.
Billy Comet and the Performances
The hosts discuss Billy Comet and the performances. They say that he is also ferdinand von ire and fire rumble in the three houses.
Crispin Freeman and the Performances
The hosts discuss Crispin Freeman and the performances. They say that he is stern strict and deliciously hammy.
Johnny Young Bosch and the Performances
The hosts discuss Johnny Young Bosch and the performances. They say that he is a veteran actor and he's doing what Johnny Young Bosch is good at.
Billy Comet and the Performances
The hosts discuss Billy Comet and the performances. They say that he is a wonderful well-meaning [ __ ].
The Performances and the Movie
The hosts discuss the performances and the movie. They say that it's a really really good exceptional dub.
The Performances and the Guy Next Scale
The hosts discuss the performances and the guy next scale. They say that it's interesting given everything.
The Performances and the Himbo Energy
The hosts discuss the performances and the himbo energy. They say that billy comments just gives off the big himbo energy.
The Performances and the Cpr Skills
The hosts discuss the performances and the cpr skills. They say that he's also got good cpr skills unlike simone.
The Performances and the Aliens
The hosts discuss the performances and the aliens. They say that they're saying it out loud and then there's doubling down on it with imagery which is something that they think this movie does really well.
The Performances and the Fire Kiss
The hosts discuss the performances and the fire kiss. They say that they actually committed to that oh yeah they didn't cheap out and like cut away and everyone and everyone's like oh they're just giving cpr i'm like yeah but it's also still dudes and he [ __ ] lingers man he [ __ ] lingers.
The Performances and the In-and-Out Burgers
The hosts discuss the performances and the in-and-out burgers. They say that somebody at the trigger anime extra stream just asked how many in-and-out burgers gallo can eat in one sitting and wakabayashi said the patties aren't that big so they estimated he could eat about five to ten of the double double burgers based off how much pizza he can eat.
The Performances and the Bratty Bottom
The hosts discuss the performances and the bratty bottom. They say that gallo teemos is a bratty bottom and leophotia is a switch.
Final Thoughts
The hosts share their final thoughts on the dub and the movie. They praise the dub's quality and the performances of the voice actors. They also discuss the movie's themes and its impact.
Final Thoughts and the Guy Next Scale
The hosts share their final thoughts and the guy next scale. They say that it's interesting given everything the the movie itself is big bombastic where's its politics on its sleeve and just about the entire rest of the the denim jacket as well.
Final Thoughts and the Trigger Ethos
The hosts share their final thoughts and the trigger ethos. They say that this is absolutely the kind of invisible dubbing that we should be striving for and the lack of criticism on this may have made for a very monotonous episode but hopefully all of our jokes about pizza rat and bottoming and everything else pimping for the mouse all of that hopefully made up for that because this really is probably the best distillation of triggers ethos i can think of.
Final Thoughts and the Galileo
The hosts share their final thoughts and the galileo. They say that they went into this as the one person in the group who is it feels like he's overly critical of trigger because as a studio that touts itself on being a blend of japanese and western animation fanboys i don't always resonate with their content and as someone who loves western animation that is just something that it bugs me a lot that i don't like their ethos as much but this was absolutely i'm gonna say this is probably the best thing i've seen from trigger really i i'm looking through their their list of productions and i'm just talking about stuff they've done under the name trigger like i really did like the little witch academia shorts like i like that that was a good short i think this is more ambitious and hits a little bit stronger than that short did.
Final Thoughts and the Digital Blu-Ray
The hosts share their final thoughts and the digital blu-ray. They say that if you would like to watch premiere you can pick it up from shout factory and g kids how to shout factories but i get a limited edition there's also a steelbook edition that at the time when it was announced it was a best buy exclusive and then it became everywhere because kovid meant like store exclusives were [ __ ] stupid thanks for the human malware but um uh you can also pick it up on digital blu-ray wherever digital and blu-ray are sold um if you would like to follow us here at the dub talk podcast you can follow us at podcast on twitter tumblr twitch tumblr's dead uh twitter here um if you like to support us uh as a one-time thing we have a coffee but if you'd like to support us on the reg we do have a patreon with our five dollar tier b morris michelle travis miraculo corazon nico robin what with yowie hands and our ten dollar tear anthony simpson carly lester cowell crimson kidnap jacob wilson j2 aka jared julia w and marissa lente uh gentlemen tell me where you can be found on twitter.
