If you’re a fan of anime, you’ve probably come across Ghost Stories, a series that has gained a reputation not only for its eerie atmosphere but also for its notoriously outlandish English dub. The show originally aired in Japan in 2000 and was adapted into English by ADV Films in 2005. While the anime itself is based on a rather conventional ghost story, the English dub stands out because of its unexpected—and at times outrageous—approach to dialogue.
So, is the Ghost Stories dub worth watching? To answer this question, let’s dive into what makes this dub so unique, its reception, and whether or not it’s something worth checking out for anime fans.
What Makes the Ghost Stories Dub Unique?
At first glance, the plot of Ghost Stories seems like a typical supernatural mystery anime. The story follows a group of kids who uncover various ghostly occurrences and try to put restless spirits to rest. However, the English dub is what makes this show truly memorable (and occasionally a little bizarre).
When Ghost Stories was licensed for an English release, the original script was not just translated—it was heavily rewritten. The voice actors were encouraged to improvise and add their own lines, often with little regard for the original dialogue or tone. This resulted in a dub filled with irreverent humor, cultural references, and off-the-wall dialogue that makes it feel like a parody more than a traditional horror anime.
Some characters were given completely new personalities, while others were assigned outrageous catchphrases. For example, the character of Satsuki, the protagonist, becomes a sarcastic and often frustrated leader who frequently delivers over-the-top lines. Meanwhile, the character of Hajime, known for his love of ghost hunting, is portrayed as a quirky and eccentric version of himself, making for some hilarious interactions. The most infamous character, though, might be the character of Leo, whose attitude and dialogue are wildly different from his Japanese counterpart, adding to the dub’s comedic tone.
How Was the Dub Received?
The Ghost Stories dub is a love-it-or-hate-it experience for many fans. The unorthodox and often crude dialogue led to mixed reactions, but there’s no denying that it has a cult following. For some viewers, the chaotic, irreverent tone turns the anime into a hilarious experience, where the dubbing choices go from laugh-out-loud absurdity to outright surprising. Fans of offbeat humor and pop culture references can appreciate the unique energy the dub brings to the table.
On the other hand, anime purists who prefer more faithful adaptations of original scripts were less impressed. They found the dub distracting, with its anachronisms and constant humor undermining the serious, spooky atmosphere the original creators likely intended. The show’s original material, which is based on ghost stories and chilling encounters, becomes secondary to the comedic aspects of the dub, making it a very different viewing experience from the original Japanese version.
The Humor Factor: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the biggest reasons people either love or dislike the Ghost Stories dub comes down to its humor. It’s a product of its time—early 2000s humor, with jokes that can seem forced or outdated to modern sensibilities. Pop culture references from that era, sarcastic remarks, and cheeky one-liners fill the script, making it feel like a bizarre fusion of horror and comedy.
While some fans find the humor refreshing and enjoy the irreverent nature of the dub, others feel that it detracts from the seriousness of the anime’s premise. If you’re in the mood for a horror series with light-hearted comedy and a satirical take on the supernatural, then the dub is likely to be a hit. However, if you want a genuinely spine-chilling experience, the dub may fall short.
Is It Worth Watching?
The answer to this question depends largely on your preferences as an anime viewer. Here are some points to consider:
- If you love comedic, off-the-wall humor: The Ghost Stories dub is definitely worth watching. The sheer randomness of the dialogue, the eccentric characters, and the constant jokes make it a fun, unconventional watch.
- If you enjoy watching anime in its original form: The dub is a far cry from the original intent of the series. The tone is changed dramatically, and much of the horror aspect is lost in translation (literally). If you’re a purist, you may prefer the subtitled Japanese version.
- If you’re into cult classics and anime trivia: The dub has achieved cult status due to its unique style. It’s a quirky piece of anime history that’s fun to watch, especially for fans who appreciate “so bad it’s good” content.
- If you prefer a serious supernatural experience: If you’re looking for an anime that builds tension and delivers genuine scares, the Ghost Stories dub might not be what you’re looking for. The humor and irreverence can undercut the eerie atmosphere, making it less effective as a horror series.
Is the Ghost Stories dub worth watching? If you’re in the mood for something light-hearted, unpredictable, and filled with absurd humor, absolutely. It’s a unique experience that offers plenty of laughs and has earned its place in anime history as one of the most memorable and outlandish dubs of its time.
However, if you’re looking for a serious, atmospheric horror series, the dub might not be for you. The English adaptation’s humor can undermine the tension and supernatural elements of the original story, so it’s important to approach it with the right expectations.
In the end, Ghost Stories stands as a testament to the fun and chaotic nature of anime dubbing, and whether or not it’s worth watching depends on how much you’re willing to embrace its wild ride.