Ocean Studios' "Dragon Ball Kai" Dub Turns 16; Still Unreleased

[Arian]

Also I guess I'm the only one who's close to Metrocon so I'll try to plan accordingly.

You would seriously be doing this fan community a great service (and I'll love you long time) if you actually go through the trouble of getting there and asking them. Even any recent word from them will re-invoke some hope and enthusiasm in us for this thing becoming a reality.

If I may make a small suggestion, try asking any of them if Kai has been pitched to any networks in Canada. I would really like to know this as it would show whether or not Ocean is actually trying to get this out there for us Canadians.

[TheBlackPaladin]

If I may make a small suggestion, try asking any of them if Kai has been pitched to any networks in Canada. I would really like to know this as it would show whether or not Ocean is actually trying to get this out there for us Canadians.

As nice as that would be to know, the voice actors wouldn't know that. It's not even an NDA thing (although that's another reason they wouldn't say anything), it's just that voice actors are never given production info anyway. The only info they're ever given is when their recording sessions will be, and--when it comes to dubbing work, anyway--they don't even get the scripts or know the story of what they'll be doing until they actually get in the booth. Pitching the show to networks is a duty reserved for the producers higher up on the corporate food chain, and it's not info that would be relayed to the actors since it doesn't directly concern any kind of work that they were contracted to do. The actors were just contracted to act, and that's it.

I sympathize, though--it sure would be nice to know where things are at!

[sangofe]

If I may make a small suggestion, try asking any of them if Kai has been pitched to any networks in Canada. I would really like to know this as it would show whether or not Ocean is actually trying to get this out there for us Canadians.

As nice as that would be to know, the voice actors wouldn't know that. It's not even an NDA thing (although that's another reason they wouldn't say anything), it's just that voice actors are never given production info anyway. The only info they're ever given is when their recording sessions will be, and--when it comes to dubbing work, anyway--they don't even get the scripts or know the story of what they'll be doing until they actually get in the booth. Pitching the show to networks is a duty reserved for the producers higher up on the corporate food chain, and it's not info that would be relayed to the actors since it doesn't directly concern any kind of work that they were contracted to do. The actors were just contracted to act, and that's it.

I sympathize, though--it sure would be nice to know where things are at!

Exactly. I remember Eric legrand saying this and he's written several times on Facebook that he doesn't know.

[SX10]

Yeah that is true, but it can't hurt. At this point I'm sure they're curious and have maybe asked some questions. So it could be okay to ask them generally if they know what the status of release is.

But once that question is done, I'd mainly be digging for info about faithfulness, the score, the inflections etc. I'd personally have to write a list, I always forget the good questions in certain situations.

Scott McNeil is more likely to speak freely and asking questions while they're on a panel might just put them on the spot enough to get something, could be good if they are on a panel together.

Meeting them.individually would also be great!

[Super Sayian Prime]

If I may make a small suggestion, try asking any of them if Kai has been pitched to any networks in Canada. I would really like to know this as it would show whether or not Ocean is actually trying to get this out there for us Canadians.

What makes you think Kai hasn't been pitched to Corus? The CRTC listing from a few pages back pretty much confirms it has. You only file out that paperwork for a Canadian TV run.

[Azelf89]

If I may make a small suggestion, try asking any of them if Kai has been pitched to any networks in Canada. I would really like to know this as it would show whether or not Ocean is actually trying to get this out there for us Canadians.

What makes you think Kai hasn't been pitched to Corus? The CRTC listing from a few pages back pretty much confirms it has. You only file out that paperwork for a Canadian TV run.

You sure about that? Because last time I checked, PowerPuff Girls Z also has a CRTC listing as well and to my knowledge, the English dub of that show only ever aired in the Philippines on Boomerang.

[Super Sayian Prime]

A show can be pitched but not picked up.

You only apply to be approved as a Canadian production if you're gunning for a Canadian TV deal. CRTC approval isn't given to everything produced in Canada automatically. You'll notice there's no listing for InuYasha: The Final Act or some of thw Cardfight Vanguard shows, despite them having Ocean/Blue Water dubs. Presumably they thought those two stood 0 chance and so they saved themselves the time it takes to fill out the form.

[Arian]

What makes you think Kai hasn't been pitched to Corus? The CRTC listing from a few pages back pretty much confirms it has. You only file out that paperwork for a Canadian TV run.

A show can be pitched but not picked up. You only apply to be approved as a Canadian production if you're gunning for a Canadian TV deal. CRTC approval isn't given to everything produced in Canada automatically. You'll notice there's no listing for InuYasha: The Final Act or some of thw Cardfight Vanguard shows, despite them having Ocean/Blue Water dubs. Presumably they thought those two stood 0 chance and so they saved themselves the time it takes to fill out the form.

As always SSP, you make some very good points. XP

I guess I figure that with all the success Dragon Ball had on YTV, as well as the current programming on Teletoon (like Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V, X-Men, Batman, etc.) that it would be hard for Corus to say no to this.

[Super Sayian Prime]

I think if Kai ever lands up on TV here, it'll probably be on one of DHX's channels. Corus seems content with just coasting on their programming deals with Disney, Warner and Nick plus + odd original.

[Arian]

I think if Kai ever lands up on TV here, it'll probably be on one of DHX's channels. Corus seems content with just coasting on their programming deals with Disney, Warner and Nick plus + odd original.

My only issue with that is that the "Family" channels probably have higher standards for children's programming as opposed to Teletoon and Cartoon Network which have pretty flexible standards not to mention Teletoon at Night and [adult swim].

[SX10]

Okay, maybe I'm just bad at this, but I've been searching for news for days & failing. That said, I would like to put together a list of what is currently known:

* Ocean Studios lend their services to Funimation by editing the show for TV (out of the kindness of their hearts or struck a deal? :p)

* Last year, facebook user Daniel came across a facebook page called "Frieza's 7th Form".

https://www.facebook.com/Freeza's-7th-Fo ... 431320538/

* The admin claims to be Lee Tockar; posting in July 2015 that the Ocean dub WAS apparently airing somewhere (yet he still hasn't seen it).

* I came across this page:

http://www.crystalacids.com/database/ti ... -kai-toei/

It claims that the show's 'release studio' is Toei Animation, that this is recorded at Ocean Studio's (with Blue Water actor's involvement of course) & reveals a few production role titles.

* Quantumm-Kakarrotto meets someone recently who tells us that the show has aired in Korea. Some of the specific details make sense.

* Anibox & Anione apparently air DBZKai there - but I haven't found any mention of an English dub.

* It's been stated that English dubs do pop up in Southeast Asia without prior announcement from time-to-time.

* The show has been registered as a Canadian product with hopes of a Canadian broadcast.

* The show has trouble landing a TV deal in Canada & was not offered to Kix or CSC media in the UK.

* Turner Broadcasting own Toonami & it has been stated by Subzero Ice that Turner have a preference for the Ocean dub in the UK.

* Toonami Asia are releasing an English dub of "DBSuper" around July/ August - all details being kept secret. Funi officially not involved.

* Daniel messages Lee Tockar directly through his facebook page & confirms that the "Frieza's 7th Form" page is his own.

So this what we're looking at.

My conclusion is that it's funded & commissioned by Toei. It's aired somewhere in Southeast Asia, maybe as a test run.

A bigger release in the Western world was/ is planned. Until it is released here, some of the major players can't talk about it. The only ones that do (who aren't Scott McNeil or Cole Howard) only ever mention that they took part in it & it did happen. No further details.

When they say they'll ask Ocean about it, they never get back to us.

The issues are:

1) Finding the right channel; one that is willing & can reach the right audience.

2) Timing - so as not to conflict or compete with Funimation's dub (possibly part of some deal)

3) Keeping it all relevant after all this time.

They've pitched it to Studio's who haven't taken it on. Then BOOM, Toonami US have their angle; it's the US dub UNCUT! As never before seen on TV etc. It gets a new run on the air.

So when is the time right? Likely when they aren't competing with FUNi. Toei want maximum returns so why split the fan base now?

Thing is, I doubt they are going to let this fade away without trying to get it out there.

And if it does fade away, then surely everyone involved can finally start talking about it & give us insight as to what went on.

This lack of news is starting to drive me nuts!

Maybe some of you can see something I'm missing or take a better crack at what is really going on than I can.

Hope this helps.

[Super Sayian Prime]

I doubt the legitimacy of that Korea claim. It's true that a lot of English dubs surface in Asian countries, but South Korea usually isn't one of them. The typical ones are Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and occasionally India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

[kei17]

I really doubt the info about the airing in Korea, too. They once released their own English dub of the first few episodes of DBZ on VHS, but it was solely for an educational purpose. From what I know, there are some strict laws in South Korea regarding foreign TV contents, so they rarely air foreign TV shows subbed. In addition, since anime channels chronically exceed the limit of the proportion of foreign contents to their programs, for an excuse, they even edit out or censor everything that can be related to the Japanese culture and sometimes replace them with Korean alternatives so that they can be considered as domestic contents. Considering such a situation, I don't think they'd air a Japanese anime in the English language.

[TheBlackPaladin]

I think the Korea part specifically is probably wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's another Asian country that this person just happened to mistake for Korea. When I read the post that first described the situation, I didn't read it as, "It aired in Korea," I kind of interpreted it as, "It aired in, like, Korea, or something."

I could be wrong of course, maybe they did mean Korea, but I think the person might have mistaken it for another Asian country.

I really doubt the info about the airing in Korea, too. They once released their own English dub of the first few episodes of DBZ on VHS, but it was solely for an educational purpose.

Must. See.

[SX10]

That's interesting, I had no idea Korea did things that way. What gets me is that, if it had aired anywhere in the world, why hasn't anyone got the proof of it out there yet?

Then again, I do remember Subzero Ice saying specifically that they had people whose job it was to go round the Internet and remove evidence (of I'm remembering correctly).

[Super Sayian Prime]

I think the Korea part specifically is probably wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's another Asian country that this person just happened to mistake for Korea. When I read the post that first described the situation, I didn't read it as, "It aired in Korea," I kind of interpreted it as, "It aired in, like, Korea, or something."

I could be wrong of course, maybe they did mean Korea, but I think the person might have mistaken it for another Asian country.

The problem with that theory is that we know Funimation's English dub aired on Toonami/Cartoon Network Asia. I guess the Ocean version could've popped up on an obscure local broadcaster, but I don't know why Toei would've sent different versions to different channels in the same region.

[TheBlackPaladin]

I think the Korea part specifically is probably wrong, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's another Asian country that this person just happened to mistake for Korea. When I read the post that first described the situation, I didn't read it as, "It aired in Korea," I kind of interpreted it as, "It aired in, like, Korea, or something."

I could be wrong of course, maybe they did mean Korea, but I think the person might have mistaken it for another Asian country.

The problem with that theory is that we know Funimation's English dub aired on Toonami/Cartoon Network Asia.

Just so I understand, do you mean their English dub of Kai specifically? I'm just trying to be clear if you meant Kai or DBZ.

[SX10]

Well, I bit the bullet and just messaged Lee Tockar directly through his facebook private messenger:

I told him that there was much speculation among fans about the release status of the Ocean Group dub. I said that we would love to know of it is 100% going to see a Western release and roughly when. Knowing that he dabbles in production himself and has looked into the matter before, I did say that if he knew but couldn't say, we'd understand.

His response:

"And fortunately I am not at liberty to say because of nondisclosure agreements… But if you go on line and onto forums and there may be some information that you're looking for Re : release date"

I thanked him for his time but assured him info like that just wasn't out there. I did ask if it was going to be as awesome as we suspect.

He saw the message bit didn't reply

The use other word 'fortunately' is bugging me. I can't tell if his response is inadvertently positive or negative.

[TheBlackPaladin]

To me that sounds like a typo for "unfortunately." That would make the most sense.

[Quantum-Kakarrotto]

To me that sounds like a typo for "unfortunately." That would make the most sense.

I agree, it sounds more like a typing error on his part than him actually saying fortunately.