The Dub Revolution: How Ghost in the Shell Championed the Power of Voice-Overs

The original 1995 Ghost in the Shell is considered a classic in the cyberpunk and anime genres. However, fans should not overlook the anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Not only is the series praised for its dubbing, but its mature and adult-oriented storyline also makes it more accessible for adult viewers.

In Stand Alone Complex, the story revolves around Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team at Section 9 as they delve into an incident that unravels into a larger conspiracy. The series combines deep, plot-driven story arcs with stand-alone episodes, offering well-developed characters, an engaging plot, and a glimpse into a future that hits close to home in the modern world.

Stand Alone Complex May Be the Ultimate Dub

Stand Alone Complex, a series released in 2002, faced the challenge of translating its intricate themes involving government bureaucracy, computer hacking, the metaverse, and stock manipulation. With the English dubbing industry's undesirable practices prevalent at the time, the risk of a poorly translated mess was high. However, the show's violent nature prevented it from being modified for a younger audience, potentially aiding in achieving a proper translation. Interestingly, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex started as a pay-per-view series, contributing to its more prestigious and dramatic tone compared to typical shonen action series.

An advantageous aspect of dubbing Stand Alone Complex was the fact that much of the dialogue occurred through direct radio communication between characters' "cyberbrains." This meant that they could essentially communicate telepathically without the need to move their mouths. Consequently, translators were not bound by matching mouth movements or shot durations and had the flexibility to take their time in delivering lines. This facilitated the conveyance of complex exposition in the series, while also allowing for the inclusion of ad-libs. This freedom was particularly noticeable in the dialogues of Tachikoma, sentient spider tanks with surprisingly distinct personalities. Since Tachikoma lacked mouths, their dialogue was unrestricted, offering ample opportunities for creative additions.

What Makes Ghost in the Shell: SAC So Great?

The series' dub benefited greatly from a stellar cast of voice actors. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn's portrayal of the Major quickly became the definitive version, while Crispin Freeman's interpretation of Togusa transformed the relatable Everyman into an honorable cop and trusted friend. Richard Epcar and William Fredrick Knight reprised their roles as Batou and Aramaki from the 1995 film, delivering equally iconic performances alongside the Major and Togusa. The voice actors were provided with ample material to work with, as Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex skillfully developed the Major and her team as individuals and compelling characters.

Any fan of sci-fi who has yet to experience Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is truly missing out, even if they are not typically drawn to anime. This series stands apart from others in the genre and successfully captures all the captivating aspects of cyberpunk.