Ghost Stories Anime Dub: A Hilariously Bad Masterpiece

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon something so bad it's actually amazing? Well, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously train-wreck that is the English dub of the anime Ghost Stories. This isn't your typical tale of spooks and scares; it's a masterclass in comedic improvisation, a testament to the sheer audacity of voice actors given free rein, and an enduring legend in the world of anime dubbing. Forget meticulously translated scripts and faithful adaptations – this is Ghost Stories, where anything goes, and the results are side-splittingly hilarious.

The Legend of Ghost Stories

Originally, Ghost Stories (Japanese title: GakkĹŤ no Kaidan, which translates to School Ghost Stories) was a 2000 anime series based on a collection of Japanese folklore and urban legends. The anime itself, while not terrible, wasn't exactly a smash hit. It struggled to find an audience, and its animation and storytelling were considered fairly generic. Enter ADV Films, the company tasked with creating an English dub. Faced with a series that wasn't particularly popular, they decided to take a massive gamble.

Instead of a straight translation, ADV gave the voice actors almost complete creative control. They were allowed to ad-lib lines, change the dialogue entirely, and inject their own brand of humor into the script. The result? An utterly bonkers, irreverent, and hilarious dub that completely transformed the anime into something entirely new. The voice actors, clearly having the time of their lives, embraced the absurdity with gusto, turning Ghost Stories into a comedic masterpiece of unintentional genius. The dub became far more popular and well-known than the original anime ever was, cementing its place in anime history.

Why the Dub is So Hilariously Bad (and Good)

So, what makes the Ghost Stories dub so special? It's not just that it's bad; it's that it's spectacularly bad, in the best possible way. Here's a breakdown of the elements that contribute to its legendary status:

  • Improvisation Gone Wild: The voice actors went completely off-script, adding their own jokes, references, and observations. This resulted in dialogue that was often completely unrelated to the original Japanese, but infinitely funnier.
  • Offensive Humor: Let's be honest, the dub is incredibly politically incorrect. Jokes about religion, race, and disabilities are thrown around with reckless abandon. While some might find this offensive, it's important to remember the context: it's a self-aware parody, and the humor is so over-the-top that it becomes absurd.
  • Awkward Line Delivery: Sometimes, the voice actors seem to be struggling to keep a straight face, and their laughter occasionally leaks through. This only adds to the charm of the dub, making it feel like a group of friends goofing around in a recording booth.
  • Complete Disregard for the Source Material: The dub often completely ignores the plot of the original anime, creating its own storylines and character motivations. This results in a bizarre and unpredictable viewing experience.
  • Unintentional Genius: The combination of all these elements creates a unique brand of humor that is both hilarious and strangely endearing. It's the kind of thing you have to see to believe. The voice actors' creativity and willingness to push boundaries turned what could have been a forgotten anime into a cultural phenomenon.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

The Ghost Stories dub is packed with memorable moments and quotable lines. Here are just a few highlights:

  • "He’s blacker than my soul!": This line, uttered by the character Hajime, is perhaps the most infamous quote from the dub. It's a prime example of the dub's offensive humor, and it's become a meme in its own right.
  • "JESUS CHRIST!": Miyo's constant exclamations of "Jesus Christ!" whenever she is scared or surprised became a running gag in the series, highlighting the overt religious humor injected into the dub. This was a complete departure from the original Japanese version and added a layer of dark comedy.
  • The entire Amanojaku storyline: Amanojaku, a mischievous demon, is voiced by Robert Woodhead, who delivers a performance that is both hilarious and unsettling. His interactions with the other characters are some of the funniest moments in the dub. The character's cynical and sarcastic personality perfectly complements the overall tone of the dub.
  • Keiichiro's general stupidity: Keiichiro, the younger brother of Satsuki, is portrayed as incredibly dim-witted in the dub. His cluelessness and bizarre antics provide endless comedic fodder. His naivetĂ© and inability to grasp the severity of the situations they face make him a perfect foil for the other characters.

These are just a few examples of the many hilarious moments in the Ghost Stories dub. Every episode is filled with quotable lines and absurd situations.

The Voice Actors: Unsung Heroes of Comedy

The voice actors are the true heroes of the Ghost Stories dub. They took a mediocre anime and transformed it into a comedic masterpiece. Here are some of the key players:

  • Steven Blum as Amanojaku (uncredited): While uncredited, it's widely believed that the legendary Steve Blum provided the voice of Amanojaku in several episodes, adding his signature gravelly voice to the mischievous demon.
  • Monica Rial as Momoko Koigakubo: Rial's portrayal of Momoko, the devoutly religious character, is one of the highlights of the dub. Her over-the-top reactions and religious pronouncements are consistently hilarious. Rial perfectly captured the essence of a character whose faith is constantly tested by the supernatural events around her.
  • Greg Ayres as Satsuki Miyanoshita: Ayres does an excellent job as Satsuki, the main character, often reacting with a mix of exasperation and terror to the bizarre events unfolding around her. His sarcastic delivery adds another layer of humor to the dub.
  • Christine Auten as Hajime Aoyama: Auten's performance as Hajime is notable for his often inappropriate and outlandish comments. She embraces the character's crude humor with gusto, contributing to the dub's overall irreverent tone.
  • Chris Patton as Keiichiro Miyanoshita: Patton's portrayal of Keiichiro as the unintelligent younger brother is spot-on. His delivery perfectly captures the character's cluelessness and naivetĂ©.

These voice actors, along with the rest of the cast, deserve immense credit for their contributions to the Ghost Stories dub. They took a risk, embraced the absurdity, and created something truly special.

The Legacy of Ghost Stories

The Ghost Stories dub has had a lasting impact on the anime community. It's become a cult classic, beloved for its humor, its irreverence, and its sheer audacity. It's also sparked a debate about the role of dubbing in anime. Should dubs be faithful translations, or should they be allowed to take creative liberties? The Ghost Stories dub proves that taking risks can sometimes pay off in a big way.

More than that, it proved that anime dubs don't always have to be a direct, word-for-word translation. The Ghost Stories dub paved the way for other humorous and irreverent anime dubs, demonstrating that creativity and humor can enhance the viewing experience.

Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that the Ghost Stories dub is a unique and unforgettable piece of anime history. It's a testament to the power of improvisation, the importance of taking risks, and the enduring appeal of truly terrible comedy. So, if you're looking for a laugh, and you're not easily offended, give the Ghost Stories dub a try. You might just find yourself becoming a believer. It's an experience unlike any other in the world of anime.

Where to Watch

If you're intrigued and want to experience this hilarious train wreck for yourself, the Ghost Stories dub is available on various streaming platforms and for purchase on DVD. Just be prepared for some seriously offensive humor and a whole lot of laughs!