The Highly Anticipated Return of Psycho-Pass' English Dub

The Psycho-Pass franchise celebrated its 10th anniversary at the end of 2022, solidifying its place as one of Production I.G.'s most impressive sci-fi creations since Ghost in the Shell. Despite some highs and lows, the series has remained popular, however, fans who discovered the show through Funimation's dub were beginning to lose hope of ever seeing a dubbed release again. That is until recently when the dub for Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System, a trio of short films from 2019, unexpectedly landed on Crunchyroll, albeit with little official fanfare. This was followed just weeks later by the announcement that the franchise's 10th-anniversary movie, Psycho-Pass: Providence, would be making its way to U.S. theaters, complete with a dub.

Why The Wait?

The wait for a new English release of Psycho-Pass has been just as long as Akane's wait to see Kogami again. However, the dubbing of the series stopped for various reasons. Firstly, there was a significant gap between the 2015 film and the next entry in the franchise. Additionally, the rights to the series had changed hands by the time a new release was available. In 2019, Amazon obtained the rights to stream Psycho-Pass 3 internationally, which may have included the franchise as a whole, but they did not stream the SS trilogy. This decision dashed fans' hopes for a home video release, let alone a dub, which Funimation had produced in-house.

While not everyone may be bothered by the lack of a dubbed version based on personal preference, it is still unfortunate that a significant franchise has gone without a home video release for the latter half of its lifespan. However, with the recent release of Sinners of the System on Crunchyroll towards the end of 2022, there is now a greater likelihood of the series' fans getting what they have been asking for.

The Return of the Dub

Sinners of the System is a collection of three "cases" set at various points in the Psycho-Pass timeline, each delving into the backstory of a different character and expanding upon the intricate world-building of the series. As we revisit the old cast, we're reminded of just how much has changed both politically and personally since the first movie, making for a truly nostalgic viewing experience.

The success of a dubbed anime lies heavily on the expertise of the director. Funimation's dubs of Psycho-Pass were directed by Zach Bolton and he set a high standard. In Sinners of the System, each case was directed by a different ADR director, which makes sense given the diverse nature of the stories. While the dialogue at times may seem forced or clichéd, it's difficult to determine whether this is due to the dub or the original script. Although these films are good, they don't quite measure up to the exceptional writing of Gen Urobuchi from Season 1 and the 2015 movie. However, the returning cast's familiarity with the characters somewhat alleviates these issues.

The cast of "Psycho-Pass" is filled with talented actors, but it's the returning cast members that truly make the series shine. Kate Oxley as Akane, Robert McCollum as Kogami, and Josh Grelle as Ginoza are all outstanding in their respective roles, but it's the return of Jason Douglas as Masaoka that really hits home. Despite the long hiatus between seasons, Douglas effortlessly slips back into the role and immediately transports viewers back to the first season.

Even more importantly, the return of Alex Organ as the voice of Shogo Makishima in Case 3 cannot be overstated. Although he mostly appears as a ghostly presence haunting Kogami, no other voice actor could bring the same gravitas to the character's thought-provoking monologues. Organ had taken a hiatus from voice acting for a while, so it's a pleasure to hear him in more projects once again.

Mika Shimotsuki's performance in Psycho-Pass is truly impressive, especially considering the challenging circumstances of her character. Cherami Leigh, who is one of the best voice actresses in the industry, has done an excellent job portraying this difficult role. Although Mika was introduced in the first season, she didn't become a prominent character until the second season, and initially, she wasn't well-received. With changes in directors and writers, her character became harder to define, but Leigh has embraced the chaos and delivered a compelling performance. In Case 1, Mika's character takes center stage, and despite her complexity, Leigh's serious and gritty tone is a perfect fit for this role.

The chemistry between her and Josh Grelle in the first film is electrifying. It's almost as if they're competing to see who can embody a seductive noir detective better, and it's an absolute joy to witness. The Psycho-Pass dub is highly regarded by many due to the inclusion of some of the most talented individuals in the industry, even if they aren't necessarily the first names that come to mind.

Grelle's portrayal of Ginoza in this trilogy showcases his impressive range, as he seamlessly transitions between two vastly different versions of the character. In Case 1, Ginoza is depicted as a more relaxed Enforcer who has undergone significant personal growth. On the other hand, Case 2 highlights Ginoza's past anger issues, reminding fans of the character's complex history. Grelle's ability to effectively convey both extremes is a testament to his dedication to the role and the character's development over time.

What's Next?

It has been confirmed that Psycho-Pass: Providence will be released in both sub and dub versions in theaters this July, marking only the beginning of the franchise's expansion. The third season and its concluding film, First Inspector, are still under Amazon's ownership until their contract ends, making their dubbing uncertain. Despite the changes in the series, it is heartening to see the return of the English cast, who contributed to its success. Fans hope that the entire franchise will soon be available in both Japanese and English, making it a great anniversary gift.

Source: Anime News Network, Twitter (@WTK)