Brief Summary
This episode of the Dub Talk podcast reviews the English dub of the 2016 film "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions," a sequel to the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series. The hosts discuss the ADR direction, screenplay, voice acting performances, and overall quality of the dub, highlighting its improvements over the original series' dub while maintaining its charm. They also touch on the film's plot, characters, and its significance as a love letter to the original series.
- The dub is praised for its improved quality, smoother delivery, and more mature tone compared to the original series.
- Voice actors reprising their roles are commended for their performances, with special attention given to Wayne Grayson, Eric Stuart, and Dan Green.
- The film is considered a love letter to the original series, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Intro
The Dub Talk podcast introduces its review of "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions," emphasizing that it's a review of the English dub, not the full film. The film is legally available on Hulu and for purchase on home video. The hosts warn of spoilers for the film and other anime series, and clarify that the opinions expressed are those of the individual participants.
Movie Selection
The hosts, Stephanie and Gigi, express their excitement for reviewing the Yu-Gi-Oh! movie, a decision made enthusiastically the previous summer. They acknowledge that they might be among the few who would obsessively discuss Yu-Gi-Oh!. A quick plot summary of the film is provided, warning viewers of spoilers for the original series. The film is set six months after the end of the original series, with Yugi and his friends preparing to graduate high school. Seto Kaiba seeks to revive the Pharaoh to assert his dueling dominance, but his plans are foiled by a mysterious stranger, Aigami, who wields power over dimensions.
ADR Direction and Screenplay
The ADR director for the film is Darren Dunstan, who also directed "Yu-Gi-Oh! Bonds Beyond Time" and was involved with "Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal" and other series. The screenplay writers include Arthur Murakami, Matthew Dectic, and Shane Jun Ego. The film was intended as a 20th-anniversary special for Yu-Gi-Oh!, serving as a love letter to the original series. The hosts discuss the challenge of dubbing characters who have aged slightly but are voiced by actors who have been playing them for about 15 years. Gigi appreciates the inclusion of "stupid for kids jokes" and puns, while Stephanie notes the film's slightly more serious tone due to the characters graduating. Overall, the direction maintains the charm of the original while making the performances sound more mature.
Solomon Moto and Shadi
Wayne Grayson voices both Yugi's grandpa, Solomon Moto, and Shadi, a possessor of a Millennium Item who guides Yugi. Solomon Moto has a minor role, while Shadi has more plot relevance. Wayne Grayson's ability to create distinct voices for both characters is praised. It's revealed that Wayne Grayson took over the role of Solomon Moto after the original voice actor passed away, and his vocal matching is impressive. Shadi's spiritual and zen-like voice adds to his distinct personality.
Ryo Bakura and Mokuba Kaiba
Ted Lewis reprises his role as Ryo Bakura, who is much softer in this film compared to his "batshit crazy" persona in the series due to not possessing the Millennium Ring. Tara Sands voices Mokuba Kaiba, Seto Kaiba's younger brother. Bakura's accent is less heavy than in the series, and Mokuba's "dude bro" persona is noted, with Tara Sands delivering a believable performance as a young boy. The performances are smoother and more refined than in the original dub.
Yugi's Friends: Joey, Tea, and Tristan
The hosts discuss Yugi's group of friends: Joey Wheeler, Tea Gardner, and Tristan Taylor. Greg Abbey reprises his role as Tristan Taylor, Amy Brinbaum voices Tea Gardner, and Wayne Grayson returns as Joey Wheeler. Joey's New York/Jersey accent is toned down but still present, and his character has grown up a little. Tea's voice sounds the most matured, and Tristan's performance is less manic than before. The performances are praised for being more mellow and balancing out the off-the-wall characters of Joey and Kaiba.
Aigami and Sera
Aigami and Sera are movie-only characters, brother and sister, voiced by Daniel J. Edwards and Laurie Hymes, respectively. Aigami is the main villain, seeking revenge for Shadi's death. Gigi felt that Aigami sounded too old, while Stephanie thought it was a good choice to build up to his supervillain persona. Stephanie was not a fan of Sera's performance, feeling she sounded too princess-like for a street rat. Gigi liked Sera's spiritual tone and compassion. Daniel Edwards' performance as Aigami is praised for being both calming and menacing, with subtle hints of the Millennium Ring's influence in his voice.
Seto Kaiba
Eric Stuart reprises his role as Seto Kaiba, described as an antihero and a "good boy" by Gigi. Kaiba's intensity and obsession with beating the Pharaoh are highlighted, with his voice conveying a strong level of commitment. The hosts praise Eric Stuart's performance as the best Kaiba has ever sounded.
Yugi Moto
Dan Green reprises his role as Yugi Moto, the lead character. The hosts note that Yugi is more mellow and has more of a backbone in this movie compared to the TV show. Dan Green's performance is praised for making Yugi sound more mature and on the cusp of adulthood. The hosts express sadness that Yami Yugi is not featured more prominently in the film.
Final Thoughts
The hosts share their final thoughts on the dub of "Yu-Gi-Oh! The Dark Side of Dimensions." Gigi is glad they reviewed this movie, praising its nice visuals and well-produced dub. She expresses a desire to revisit the original show. Stephanie found the movie entertaining, though she felt some parts could have been cut. Both hosts agree that the dub is the best Yu-Gi-Oh! has ever sounded, with more tender love and care put into it. They recommend the film to fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, describing it as a love letter to the show with a fun, kick-ass plot and amazing dub. They provide information on where to legally watch the film, either by purchasing it or streaming it on Hulu.
