English Dub of Lazarus Draws Criticism | Fans Seek New Dubbing Studios
Edited By
Carlos Mendoza
A growing chorus of anime enthusiasts is voicing their dissatisfaction with the English dub of Lazarus, produced by Sentai Filmworks. Released in 2025, many fans believe the quality of the dub falls short compared to that of similar titles. The push for a re-dub underscores the ongoing frustration over Sentai's inconsistent performance in the dubbing arena.
Fans Demand Better Quality Dub
The disappointment stems from the perception that Sentai Filmworks' dubs often miss the mark. "Some fans say it’s hit or miss, and this time it missed hard," a commenter noted. They lament the unavailability of the original Japanese subtitles, further fueling online debates. Critics point to anime classics, like Cowboy Bebop, produced under the direction of Shinichiro Watanabe, as the standard to meet in quality.
New Dubbing Possibilities: A Fresh Direction?
In light of these comments, many wonder if a new studio could remedy the situation. The success of Vinland Saga, which features dubs from both Netflix and Sentai, illustrates that multiple dubbing versions can lead to improved reception. “Vinland Saga shows it can work,” a spokesperson from a fan board emphasized.
Various studios, including CR in Texas, Bang Zoom, and NYAV Post, have been ruled out for the Toonami lineup due to scheduling conflicts. Fans suggest alternatives, highlighting the merits of Sound Cadence Studios and Kocha Sound Studios as viable options for future projects.
"If all else fails, there’s Ocean Studios in Vancouver (imagine that)," wrote one user, signaling the search for solutions extending beyond typical channels.
Community Responses
The comments section reveals a mixed sentiment. Some fans remain hopeful for improvements, while others express anger. Notably:
Support for New Studios: Suggestions are made for outsourcing to more recognized dubbing centers.
Frustration with Sentai: Ongoing criticisms of Sentai Filmworks remain loud and clear across forums.
Expectation of Excellence: Fans insist that high-profile creators should guarantee better English adaptations, referencing classics like Carole & Tuesday as benchmarks.
Key Insights
💬 "If Sentai keeps this up, it’ll turn everyone off anime dubs."
📈 A significant number of comments argue for alternative dubbing studios.
🔄 Fans of Lazarus view hiring new talent as essential for the series’ success moving forward.
As this situation develops, it remains to be seen if the demand for a quality rerecording will lead to changes at Sentai Filmworks, or if fans will have to continue tuning out subpar dubs for a while longer. This ongoing debate reflects a broader concern within the anime community regarding the importance of quality in localization.
A Potential Shift in Dubbing Standards
There’s a strong chance that the ongoing criticism will push Sentai Filmworks to reconsider its approach to dubbing, especially with fans openly advocating for better quality. Given the rising expectations since the success of titles like Vinland Saga, it’s estimated that the company might explore partnerships with different studios for forthcoming projects. If these new collaborations materialize, we could see a transformation in how anime dubbing is received in the West, potentially increasing the chances of more localized versions capturing the original’s spirit. Conversely, if the studio dismisses feedback, discontent may drive even staunch supporters away, leading to a significant decline in viewership for their dubbed offerings.
Revisiting the Past: The Animation Renaissance
Looking back, the animation renaissance of the late '80s and early '90s provides a intriguing analogy. At that time, the American market began to embrace detailed storytelling and character development, often rejecting simpler, formulaic fare in favor of more polished content. Films like The Lion King and Toy Story led this shift, forcing studios to elevate their craft in response to audience demand. Much like then, fans today expect a higher quality product and are willing to voice their discontent. The parallels underscore how communities can reshape artistic landscapes, prompting defenders of the old guard to either adapt or face obscurity.