Likes About Funimation Cast

[VegettoEX]

There's a lot of stuff here that doesn't border on personal attacks, but straight-up is. And that's not OK. Knock it off.

[Attitudefan]

"Here is why the Ocean group dub will suck. As far as I know, the Ocean group dub is going to have this really shitty music (some of which I have heard) and a whole host of added sound effects such as "doinks" and "boinks" and even in one scene, where Bulma ... turns her head in a conversation you hear a "whoosh" sound ala a bad martial arts movie. We are giving you the purest DBZ experience possible." - Sean Schemmel

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Schemmel pitched for FUNi to hold back the dub, since he hated it and knew about the thread when it first opened, which the fans weren't supposed to know about. You know what? I'm going to blame him for holding back the Ocean Dub until it can be proven otherwise, since he was very vocal about his hatred of it on here, and on Facebook!

I'm sure he went to FUNi heads, or Sabat, or whomever is important for these kinds of things, and told them why it shouldn't be released. The executives knew about Schemmel's posts since he took them off Facebook not too long after.

Schemmel, the hammer of the Ocean (dub).

But I'm only speculating. But it actually seems logical, and there is a bit of evidence for a motive to do something like that: his public hatred of the Ocean Dub.

(I kind of wonder if he doesn't like the Ocean cast as people as well, since there seems to be some kind of bad blood about it all concerning DBZ)

[Kakacarrottop]

(I kind of wonder if he doesn't like the Ocean cast as people as well, since there seems to be some kind of bad blood about it all concerning DBZ)

To be fair this was the whole comment -

"Here is why the Ocean group dub will suck. And it has nothing to do with the actors as I have enormous respect for all of them. As far as I know, the Ocean group dub is going to have this really shitty music (some of which I have heard) and a whole host of added sound effects such as "doinks" and "boinks" and even in one scene, where Bulma ... See Moresimply turns her head in a conversation you hear a "whoosh" sound ala a bad martial arts movie. We are giving you the purest DBZ experience possible, and if you don't like that, then you don't like DBZ."

I had only selected the most offensive sections in that comment previously.

[Attitudefan]

(I kind of wonder if he doesn't like the Ocean cast as people as well, since there seems to be some kind of bad blood about it all concerning DBZ)

To be fair this was the whole comment -

"Here is why the Ocean group dub will suck. And it has nothing to do with the actors as I have enormous respect for all of them. As far as I know, the Ocean group dub is going to have this really shitty music (some of which I have heard) and a whole host of added sound effects such as "doinks" and "boinks" and even in one scene, where Bulma ... See Moresimply turns her head in a conversation you hear a "whoosh" sound ala a bad martial arts movie. We are giving you the purest DBZ experience possible, and if you don't like that, then you don't like DBZ."

I had only selected the most offensive sections in that comment previously.

Well, he did go on record on Facebook to bash their hard work. I mean, it was a really unprofessional thing to do. I talked to Drummond constantly when I saw him almost everyday for half a year, and I could tell he really took his role as Vegeta seriously, and even lost his voice screaming as Vegeta when Trunks got killed by Cell. I want just do for my fellow Canadians, and it is unfair to criticize something publicly when the public can't even watch it!

To say "I respect them" among his fervent rant makes his statement irrelevant. It's like saying "I hate x race, but I respect them." That statement still makes them a racist.

[WittyUsername]

"Here is why the Ocean group dub will suck. As far as I know, the Ocean group dub is going to have this really shitty music (some of which I have heard) and a whole host of added sound effects such as "doinks" and "boinks" and even in one scene, where Bulma ... turns her head in a conversation you hear a "whoosh" sound ala a bad martial arts movie. We are giving you the purest DBZ experience possible." - Sean Schemmel

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Schemmel pitched for FUNi to hold back the dub, since he hated it and knew about the thread when it first opened, which the fans weren't supposed to know about. You know what? I'm going to blame him for holding back the Ocean Dub until it can be proven otherwise, since he was very vocal about his hatred of it on here, and on Facebook!

I'm sure he went to FUNi heads, or Sabat, or whomever is important for these kinds of things, and told them why it shouldn't be released. The executives knew about Schemmel's posts since he took them off Facebook not too long after.

Schemmel, the hammer of the Ocean (dub).

But I'm only speculating. But it actually seems logical, and there is a bit of evidence for a motive to do something like that: his public hatred of the Ocean Dub.

(I kind of wonder if he doesn't like the Ocean cast as people as well, since there seems to be some kind of bad blood about it all concerning DBZ)

I don't really see how Schemmel could be in any way responsible for the Ocean dub of Kai not being released. He doesn't have any power over those kinds of things, he's just a VA.

[Zenkai]

What's the point in having another English Kai dub anyways? A great one exists already.

[NitroEX]

Schemmel even mentioned that the only reason he reprised his role as Goku for Kai was because he was promised that the scripts would be more accurate for that dub.

I think people who believe this as the only reason he came back are being incredibly naive. Playing the role of Goku has always come with a lot of fame and attention in the anime world and Schemmel knows it. He's smart enough not to give that kind of thing up since he frankly doesn't have any other roles that are nearly that large and well known. Chris Sabat is a similar case in my opinion, no matter how much they might preach that they're fans of the show and how much they want to preserving the intent of the original Japanese version (which is probably more to do with fan demand than anything else) their first priority will always be money and staying relevant as actors which is part of the reason why they've held onto those roles for so long. If DBZ didn't continue to remain as popular as it is right now I highly doubt they'd care nearly as much as they do. That said, they have listened to fans and bothered to improve as actors which is a respectable quality to have, at the very least they are committed to what they do and I can appreciate that.

"Here is why the Ocean group dub will suck. As far as I know, the Ocean group dub is going to have this really shitty music (some of which I have heard) and a whole host of added sound effects such as "doinks" and "boinks" and even in one scene, where Bulma ... turns her head in a conversation you hear a "whoosh" sound ala a bad martial arts movie. We are giving you the purest DBZ experience possible." - Sean Schemmel

That comment alone is enough to qualify him as a douche

But going back to replacement music (especially if bad) and adding ridiculous cartoon sound effects would really suck. It'd hurt the end result.

Then again, with how long this dub's supposedly been in production, who knows what's even up at this point.

Of course, he could just be joking about some stuff. Humor doesn't always translate well in text without proper tone and context (some stuff better than others).

First of all the Kai music situation is a mess already so having a replacement soundtrack wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, it would certainly help make an alternative English Kai dub feel different from the Funimation version so I really can't agree with you there. Schemmel's opinion on the music might have been negative but we all have different tastes in music so he doesn't speak for all of us, for all we know it might be decent music.

As for sound effects I disagree also, go back and compare the sound effects in the Pioneer dubs of the first three films and tell me it sounds worse (the Japanese track sounds hollow and empty in comparison). I think that Ocean have always done a good job increasing the atmosphere and impact of a scene with added sound effects and it's a practice I've always admired them for as they're going the extra mile to give viewers a better listening experience. Some people can debate that they're "ruining the original sounds" or something to that effect but it's not like they're removing the Japanese sounds, in many ways they enhance or compliment them.

[Ajay]

To address why I don't think he understands the character still, I'd like to bring up what he said in this interview, too.

He talks about recording the scene where Goku says goodbye to Gohan in the Boo arc of Kai. He mentions how he got physically choked up during the recording of the scene and really pushed to have them include that as he felt it "added more layers to Goku".

That's not Goku. That is not how that scene plays out at all. The animation shows him barely hugging Gohan. Nozawa's original performance is straight and hardened. You can't just decide to add your own 'layers' to Goku. Ironically, he talks about how fans should stop trying to change things they don't like by claiming they can do it better. I don't see this as any different.

You don't get to change the dynamic of the scene all because you felt your choked-up performance was heart-wrenchingly good. The whole point is contrasting Gohan's personality with Goku's. Gohan goes in for the hug and Goku responds with a hesitant pat on the back. The only bit of 'emotion' we get is Goku's admittance that he wishes he could have seen Gohan grow up. That's still sandwiched between "I wish I could go fight, too" and "Go mess Boo up!". That's Goku!

I just don't understand how anyone who supposedly 'gets' Goku could even begin to think that tone was appropriate for the character.

[Mewzard]

Well, he did go on record on Facebook to bash their hard work. I mean, it was a really unprofessional thing to do. I talked to Drummond constantly when I saw him almost everyday for half a year, and I could tell he really took his role as Vegeta seriously, and even lost his voice screaming as Vegeta when Trunks got killed by Cell. I want just do for my fellow Canadians, and it is unfair to criticize something publicly when the public can't even watch it!

To say "I respect them" among his fervent rant makes his statement irrelevant. It's like saying "I hate x race, but I respect them." That statement still makes them a racist.

...Did you just compare Sean Schemmel's distastes for some supposed problems with the Ocean Dub of Kai to a racist's racists remarks?

What is wrong with you? Seriously, that's a horrible thing to say, and incredibly rude. Far ruder than anything he's said about that dub.

I think people who believe this as the only reason he came back are being incredibly naive. Playing the role of Goku has always come with a lot of fame and attention in the anime world and Schemmel knows it. He's smart enough not to give that kind of thing up since he frankly doesn't have any other roles that are nearly that large and well known. Chris Sabat is a similar case in my opinion, no matter how much they might preach that they're fans of the show and how much they want to preserving the intent of the original Japanese version (which is probably more to do with fan demand than anything else) their first priority will always be money and staying relevant as actors which is part of the reason why they've held onto those roles for so long. If DBZ didn't continue to remain as popular as it is right now I highly doubt they'd care nearly as much as they do. That said, they have listened to fans and bothered to improve as actors which is a respectable quality to have, at the very least they are committed to what they do and I can appreciate that.

First of all the Kai music situation is a mess already so having a replacement soundtrack wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, it would certainly help make an alternative English Kai dub feel different from the Funimation version so I really can't agree with you there. Schemmel's opinion on the music might have been negative but we all have different tastes in music so he doesn't speak for all of us, for all we know it might be decent music.

As for sound effects I disagree also, go back and compare the sound effects in the Pioneer dubs of the first three films and tell me it sounds worse (the Japanese track sounds hollow and empty in comparison). I think that Ocean have always done a good job increasing the atmosphere and impact of a scene with added sound effects and it's a practice I've always admired them for as they're going the extra mile to give viewers a better listening experience. Some people can debate that they're "ruining the original sounds" or something to that effect but it's not like they're removing the Japanese sounds, in many ways they enhance or compliment them.

Maybe it's not the only reason he went back, but like I said earlier. Both using Son Goku and pronouncing Kaio-Ken correctly were Schemmel's doing, so he must care somewhat (your mileage may vary as to how much).

Also, remember, this comment was far before the whole music fiasco (at least, iirc), so replacement music was an English issue, not a Japanese one at the time. Quality of music isn't the only concern, it could just not fit the show. What if they added a bunch of random rap songs to the score during fights? It might really ruin the impact of some scenes (especially if they're of subpar quality and don't fit that particular scene), and I actually do like rap, so it's not a distaste of the genre. Whether the music is bad, just unfitting to the scenes its used in, or both...it can really hurt the series. Music is an important part of the atmosphere of a show.

Sorry, but I don't think adding random sound effects like that is a good idea. Knowing when to use something, and knowing when to let the scene speak for itself are important skills. Like with Gohan going SSJ2, there didn't need to be some internal monologue to tell us how Gohan felt. Just Unmei no Hi playing in the background as Gohan snapped showed us how he felt. Adding a silly sound effect when someone turns their head can just drain the tension in a scene as your mind is shifted to "...Why was that done so ridiculously?" Music, sound effects, when to talk and when to be silent and let the scene speak for itself...all need to be in a balance.

To address why I don't think he understands the character still, I'd like to bring up what he said in this interview, too.

Mind telling us when this is said? I don't have the time to listen to a full podcast right now.

[Ajay]

Mind telling us when this is said? I don't have the time to listen to a full podcast right now.

Around the 19:13 mark.

[Mewzard]

To address why I don't think he understands the character still, I'd like to bring up what he said in this interview, too.

He talks about recording the scene where Goku says goodbye to Gohan in the Boo arc of Kai. He mentions how he got physically choked up during the recording of the scene and really pushed to have them include that as he felt it "added more layers to Goku".

That's not Goku. That is not how that scene plays out at all. The animation shows him barely hugging Gohan. Nozawa's original performance is straight and hardened. You can't just decide to add your own 'layers' to Goku. Ironically, he talks about how fans should stop trying to change things they don't like by claiming they can do it better. I don't see this as any different.

You don't get to change the dynamic of the scene all because you felt your choked-up performance was heart-wrenchingly good. The whole point is contrasting Gohan's personality with Goku's. Gohan goes in for the hug and Goku responds with a hesitant pat on the back. The only bit of 'emotion' we get is Goku's admittance that he wishes he could have seen Gohan grow up. That's still sandwiched between "I wish I could go fight, too" and "Go mess Boo up!". That's Goku!

I just don't understand how anyone who supposedly 'gets' Goku could even begin to think that tone was appropriate for the character.

Well, I suppose it depends on how it's done in series. Goku certainly shouldn't be bawling his eyes out, but a little something in the voice might not be so bad if he sticks with the scripted dialogue. Clearly he does show some regret by his own words. If it's just the right level of emotion, it might work (could be too much, we'll see). It's all about balance, but at least it sounds like it's real.

He clearly cares about the characters if he's actually choking up somewhat at a scene. The dub cast isn't just a machine to 100% copy the Japanese. While we want accuracy, there has to be a little wiggle room to let the actors shine in their own way. As long as they don't take it too far, it can work. We won't know until the dub is out if they found a balance or not. It could be a nice humanizing (if you'll pardon the term) moment for Goku. Or it could be out of place. But I'm willing to let the performance speak for itself.

[NitroEX]

Maybe it's not the only reason he went back, but like I said earlier. Both using Son Goku and pronouncing Kaio-Ken correctly were Schemmel's doing, so he must care somewhat (your mileage may vary as to how much).

I can see the Son Goku thing but Kelamis was saying Kaio-Ken correctly long before Schemmel.

Also, remember, this comment was far before the whole music fiasco (at least, iirc), so replacement music was an English issue, not a Japanese one at the time. Quality of music isn't the only concern, it could just not fit the show. What if they added a bunch of random rap songs to the score during fights? It might really ruin the impact of some scenes (especially if they're of subpar quality and don't fit that particular scene), and I actually do like rap, so it's not a distaste of the genre. Whether the music is bad, just unfitting to the scenes its used in, or both...it can really hurt the series. Music is an important part of the atmosphere of a show.

Ocean have never used rap in anything so that's a pretty absurd assumption. The current Kai soundtrack is considered sub par by most fans today (even by some hardcore Japanese purists) so I would rather let Ocean have a try and if it's bad then you always have the Funi dub or Japanese to go back to.

Sorry, but I don't think adding random sound effects like that is a good idea. Knowing when to use something, and knowing when to let the scene speak for itself are important skills. Like with Gohan going SSJ2, there didn't need to be some internal monologue to tell us how Gohan felt. Just Unmei no Hi playing in the background as Gohan snapped showed us how he felt. Adding a silly sound effect when someone turns their head can just drain the tension in a scene as your mind is shifted to "...Why was that done so ridiculously?" Music, sound effects, when to talk and when to be silent and let the scene speak for itself...all need to be in a balance.

I can almost guarantee you they won't have a "silly sound effect" during a tense/serious scene like the SS2 transformation as they didn't do that in the past. Remember that these are professionals we're talking about, they've likely been doing sound mixing for years on many cartoons and anime so I trust that they'll have the right judgement and know when to hold back and let the Japanese sounds take over. People didn't have a problem with Ocean's added sound effects before (most don't even have the ear to notice the difference) so I think you're blowing a little thing out of proportion and making an issue out of nothing here. I personally appreciate the extra effort that they go to, little things like that can add value to the dub in my opinion and if they do do it wrong then I'll call them out on that but until then I'de like to hear it for myself and come to my own conclusions.

[Baggie_Saiyan]

To address why I don't think he understands the character still, I'd like to bring up what he said in this interview, too.

He talks about recording the scene where Goku says goodbye to Gohan in the Boo arc of Kai. He mentions how he got physically choked up during the recording of the scene and really pushed to have them include that as he felt it "added more layers to Goku".

That's not Goku. That is not how that scene plays out at all. The animation shows him barely hugging Gohan. Nozawa's original performance is straight and hardened. You can't just decide to add your own 'layers' to Goku. Ironically, he talks about how fans should stop trying to change things they don't like by claiming they can do it better. I don't see this as any different.

You don't get to change the dynamic of the scene all because you felt your choked-up performance was heart-wrenchingly good. The whole point is contrasting Gohan's personality with Goku's. Gohan goes in for the hug and Goku responds with a hesitant pat on the back. The only bit of 'emotion' we get is Goku's admittance that he wishes he could have seen Gohan grow up. That's still sandwiched between "I wish I could go fight, too" and "Go mess Boo up!". That's Goku!

I just don't understand how anyone who supposedly 'gets' Goku could even begin to think that tone was appropriate for the character.

I think it is more of Schemmel wanting to add more to that scene rather than not getting the character, because in that interview he does mention a few mins before Goku is either really happy or loves to fight. I can see why that would bother some people, but at the same time the dub is an adaption afterall. Anyway, interesting listen thanks ALG! More or less confirms Kai, I was beginning to worry, ahha and I hope that comment about catching the Buu arc on Toonmai was just a joke.

[Ajay]

I think it is more of Schemmel wanting to add more to that scene rather than not getting the character, because in that interview he does mention a few mins before Goku is either really happy or loves to fight. I can see why that would bother some people, but at the same time the dub is an adaption afterall.

That acknowledgement just makes it worse. A dub is an adaptation, but you shouldn't be adding things that aren't there in the original; especially when they change a character's reaction like that. He says "Is Goku gonna be the strong, silent father, or are we gonna go with a little emotion here". When the original is the former, why on earth would you go with the latter? That alters the dynamic of the scene for the sake of showcasing a personal reaction to the scene rather than the intended one.

I get it, I really do. Of course, an actor is always going to want their 'best' take to be used, but I feel the sign of a great actor is one who is willing to put aside their ego for the sake of delivering a performance that preserves the original intentions.

I feel like my comments on Schemmel have derailed this thread into something really negative. I'm sorry about that. I was just trying to praise Sabat!

[Man-Child]

I like how the funimation actors excelled on other animes and brought their improved voice acting back to Dbz. Chris Sabat's take on Roronoa Zorro was a good setup for his Kai Piccolo voice. The same goes for Sonny Strait, though I never thought his Krillin needed much improvement.

[OutlawTorn]

What's the point in having another English Kai dub anyways? A great one exists already.

I believe it may have to do with Canadian channels, such as YTV wanting a certain level of censorship with the material which the FUNi version may not provide. It could also be something as simple as having a Canadian-dubbed version of the show to account for the Canadian content required by broadcasters. It would be preferable, of course, if the Ocean version of Kai were not to include a replacement score and added sound effects. I had actually forgotten that there even WAS supposed to be an Ocean version.

[Kakacarrottop]

It would be preferable, of course, if the Ocean version of Kai were not to include a replacement score

Why? What's the point of having two different English dubs of the same show which are exactly the same? The more change the better. If this were the first English dub for Kai then them changing the music would be a bad thing, but FUNi have already dubbed it using the original music, so it's not that big a deal.

[OutlawTorn]

It would be preferable, of course, if the Ocean version of Kai were not to include a replacement score

Why? What's the point of having two different English dubs of the same show which are exactly the same?

By its very nature, it won't be "exactly the same" as the FUNi version, considering a completely different cast and interpretation. The only thing which really needs to be replaced in a dub is the dialogue. I guess, in a way, a replacement score wouldn't be too much of an issue considering even the Japanese version has replaced the original score. However, I must maintain, just because it is an alternate English dub does not mean it should be inferior to the FUNi version.

[RealtreeByGod]

. Who would you cast as Piccolo?

In a perfect world, have Lanipator do one of Vegeta/Piccolo and Sabat do the other.