Was the Digimon Dub Better Than You Remember?

[@bigbugjpeg]

my parents got divorced when i was four years old. it was very traumatic and digimon really made me feel more comfortable with knowing that other kids went through things like that. my household was not open about emotions and digimon also really helped with that when they talked about it. good show, good show.

[@KitzuneAmayori]

This is proof that TV shows cure problems like PTSD or something

[@IridescentW]

@@KitzuneAmayori They can't cure PTSD, but they can help process traumatic events and reintegrate them with the rest of your memories (traumatic memories are stored by the brain differently than non-traumatic memories). Also mental illnesses in general can't usually be "cured", but they can be treated, sometimes to a point where the symptoms are minimal and don't interfere much with a person's life. Edit: I hope this doesn't come off as rude or condescending. My intent is only to spread some information around.

[@KitzuneAmayori]

zBorderPatrol to be honest I never knew that. Thanks for sharing that info!

[@thekuribouh7772]

A game gave me PTSD

[@KitzuneAmayori]

The kuribouh wtf

[@LowTier4Life]

Let us not forget that they kept in the cat fight between Angewoman and Ladydevilmon and the implication of Izzy being turned on by it

[@digilotl647]

It was cut down to reduce its violence. Very few things were entirely removed

[@ultraspinalki11]

@@digilotl647 yeah I think the slaps themselves were "whited-out" (a flash of light for the specific frames in which the hands make contact with the faces). Can't remember with 100% certainty though.

[@b1njjj95]

Yeah! I appreciate them keeping that scene in. But I still don't understand why they cut out their second cat fight in season 2. It was really no different than their first one.

[@cygnusprime6728]

Oh i remember it all right. So glad my mom wasn't watching the episode with me.

[@jsinmcc92]

Omg they 👋 tf outta each other

[@590275502]

Robert axelrod was a good friend of mine... He voiced wizardmon who was my digimon throughout the years. Robert and I spoke briefly and he made me feel so much more better about myself. Now hearing his voice nd seeing his name... It always makes me cry now. Robert was a great friend to me and I miss him so much.

[@petershortland478]

❤❤

[@Splitter4416]

Digimon came out at a time where a lot of shows were focused on "cool kids", characters that did cool things and were well-liked and usually their drama came from outside forces that never really forced them to change who they were as the series progressed because they were already just the coolest. I think a big reason why I gravitated so much towards Digimon was because its kid characters grew - dare I say, evolved - as the series progressed. They were tackling real emotional issues better than any Saturday morning show ever did. It completely shattered my expectations for the stuff I would watch and pushed me to find more stuff like it, shows that featured lasting character growth and personal consequences, and I've been watching anime for 20 years on as a result.

[@robderp]

I’d rather you said digivolved

[@benburke3015]

That “in memory of Michael Lindsay and Robert Axelrod” bit at the end really got me. I don’t think I even knew they had both passed away. Great vid, guys.

[@HerooftheWild]

I had no idea about Michael Linsday, I just searched him up and I wasn't aware that he passed away all I knew is that he retired from voice acting

[@RaisonLychi]

Well this is a sad thing I'm just finding out. 😢

[@DigiRangerScott]

I guess a dedication to Paul Gordon came sooner

[@sonic23233]

@@HerooftheWild I found out from Joshua Seth

[@byronmcintosh7800]

That tears me apart . . .

[@Xer0sama]

One thing from the second season that sticks out to me as being really heavy stuff for a Saturday morning cartoon, was BlackWarGreymon and his existential crisis.

[@cygnusprime6728]

Oh yeah he was an awesome character. "Why should I listen to you when you were too weak to beat them yourself" and just took off like a boss. Seemed like just your typical lone wolf/blood knight but then you had the infamous "flower" moment.

[@totalxcrap]

same with Kari being so depressed that she goes into that weird black and white digital world, and TK, Gatomon, and Patamon running after her.

[@Ghost-rb5tg]

Blackwargreymon is one of those characters from my childhood I understand more and more as I get older. I must've been 9 or 10 when I first got into Digimon when it started airing on Fox Kids. Digimon was an amazing experience as a child. I'm 27 now. Those kid's adventures sure were heartbreaking, thinking back on it. I really enjoyed this video.

[@KumoriGurasu]

That was my first time recognizing there were similar characteristics across multiple shows since Mewtwo had an existential crisis as well. So for a while I thought the show accidentally(?) copied the first movie lol.

[@renatayuuki5705]

yea, i remember i cried when he died :(

[@supasphoje]

One scene that stuck out to me back in the day was when Izzy was told by his parents that he was adopted, but the scene ends peacefully with Izzy still accepting their love. Didn't know anyone at the time that was adopted when I saw the episode as a kid, but it was definitely my first exposure to the concept of adoption and how not all families have the same setup (outside of those that had missing parents/relatives).

[@laneyl2784]

And Tentomon’s reaction was cute! He was like “ I wish I had a mommy “ 😂

[@Guilmon470]

I like the counter point of that as well with the third series with Rika's struggle with not having a father (with him either leaving her mom or dying) which is a theme that I also had not run into before that because for the most part, my friends had both parents and so did I as a kid.

[@Roboshi2007]

especially when most media for kids, even in more modern IPs use adoption, not as a viable option for a family but as a way for kids to escape their families because "they're not my REAL parents" Just think about how many evil step parents disney put out alone.

[@ZeldaWolf2000]

Me too! Also, although my family dynamics weren't exactly the same, and my situation wasn't identical, the divorced parents thing was really helpful for me as a kid too. I started watching the show around the same time my parents split up, and although it was only my dad who moved out of the house, and my siblings and I weren't separated, it still helped me deal with that a lot better I think. At the very least, they told me, I wasn't alone.

[@erikbihari3625]

@@ZeldaWolf2000. Would you vibe with the show even without some relatability? When I was a kid, raven is the closest thing to favourite character personally, in spite of little simularity beyond feeling left out and anger issues.

[@Dtoons]

When I was a kid, I loved the Digimon dub. I love how they acknowledge that it took place in Japan. As a kid, I love all the corny jokes. And I enjoyed how dark it was compared to Pokémon. I miss when Netflix had the original AND dubbed version. That was great.

[@metageek7878]

I mean Hulu has it now

[@Firechick12012]

@@metageek7878 True, but the English subtitles on the original were...pretty bad and had a LOT of basic grammatical errors.

[@metageek7878]

@@Firechick12012 I mean it has the dub

[@benjaminpeters6729]

@@metageek7878 only the dub

[@metageek7878]

@@benjaminpeters6729 and? We are talking about the dub

[@Firechick12012]

Welp, today we lost another member of the Digidestined: Mimi's voice actress Philece Sampler. She died of a heart attack yesterday. May she rest in peace.

[@masofdas6475]

Even as a kid I was REALLY struck by how believable and natural the dub VA's all sounded for the DigiDestined kids; Michael Reisz (Matt) especially REALLY floored me more than once with how sincerely emotional he could get (though funny enough he's one of the only VA's of the original dub that didn't really have a big career otherwise; he did some odd roles here 'n' there but he really wasn't all that prolific, which strikes me as something of a shame).

[@PC2000]

Say what you will about the writing, music, or editing, the biggest strengths of Digimon dubs over the past 20 years have always been, IMO, the casting and voice direction. Those voice actors really deliver grade-A work.

[@velvetdarksoul8741]

@@PC2000 if this was A grade work for you I fear your taste in dubbing companies Besides Data Squad dub every other seasons dub was terrible, of course we all know the Megaman exe dub was worse but still hated the dub for every season except 5

[@howl5351]

Velvet Darksoul in Data squad Marcus’ voice actor messed up when he confronted his father. It was hilarious 😂. The dubs have been fine imo. I think Digimon can be admired for not caving in like others.

[@benjaminpeters6729]

Sooooorrraaaahhh...I can feeeeeel your love...its making me StRoNg. Let's be real saban butchered digimon. The voice actors when directed well were good, but the direction was pretty bad for seasons 1 and 2. Tamers is where they did a lot better

[@velvetdarksoul8741]

@@benjaminpeters6729 pff, to me all the dubs cept 5 were badly dubbed Especially fusion, that craps only saving grace was the Japanese songs they had

[@astralguardian5930]

I think the biggest gem from the Digimon dub that even nowadays still influences how I think about the character is Etemon, Dub's choice of giving him an "Elvis Impersonator" voice was a memorable and good decision. And even nowadays whenever I see and attempt a voice of Etemon I think of or even attempt an "Elvis Impersonator" impression.

[@erikbihari3625]

Agreed. People tend to rage about gimmicks often, but always forget, that long as you don't jumble execution or adding in your own flavor of doing things, standing out is still possible!

[@etemon777]

Etemon was my favorite.

[@DarrelDelfin]

First off, let me thank you for making possibly the best Digimon Retrospective Review I've ever seen. Most I see on KZbin are about why "Digimon was weird" or "Digimon Season 1 wasn't good", but you talked about it all, good and bad, and never neglected to talk about it's heart; something important I think most people seem to forget. Thank you so much.

[@DensetsuVII]

At Animation is Film 2018, Mamoru Hosoda was presenting his at-the-time new film Mirai. I attended and stayed through the Q&A afterwards, at which a healthy variety of the questions referenced Digimon, Hosoda's first directoral work. There was the typical who's your favorite digimon (agumon) and so on, and I couldn't help but wonder if Hosoda-san felt awkward that the questions weren't all focused on his new work. Until he posed a question back at an unsuspecting audience member, asking "How old were you when you first watched my Digimon?" The person asking, probably in his mid-20s, answered that he must've been about 7 back then. Hosoda replied "My, how you've grown!" The room laughed but I think it's worth remembering that those were truly the words of a director who saw something in children that many adults wouldn't, even 20 years ago at the start of his career, and that in some way, it's little wonder that spirit would cross even the cultural barrier in making Digimon Adventure a piece for the ages.

[@barmandopj2951]

Link?

[@DensetsuVII]

@@barmandopj2951 I can't find any video from the Q&A (doesn't help there were two screenings and he was at both), but he mentions saying the line in this interview he gave about the event to Cartoon Brew here: www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/interview-mamoru-hosoda-on-the-profoundly-personal-making-of-mirai-167192.html

[@doodlebugfour7070]

I remember watching the various Digimon series back when they used to air on Jetix in the mid 00's.

[@DigiRangerScott]

I remember watching Digimon on the WAM! channel (I think it was one of the Starz channels) in addition to Fox Kids and then Jetix

[@haaxxx9]

Jetix?! Fuck I feel so old now... :'(

[@deandrebrye6480]

I remember watching them on FOXkids for the first time when they were aired in 99-2000

[@Kamui3821]

I remember watching Tamers and Data Squad

[@haine_eye]

Mid 00s!?!?!???! So you where born in the year 0 jk i remember watching digimon when i went to tokyo

[@andyenglish4303]

One thing that floored me even as a kid was that they kept the 'Hour of the Beast' reference for Myotismon's ascension.

[@cygnusprime6728]

Even today I'd be surprised if they kept that in for an on air dub.

[@hiphopstrongman]

Ironically enough I was thinking about that earlier this week. I really appreciate that moment now, in retrospect.

[@impIicit]

can you elaborate? i can’t remember what you’re referencing.

[@andyenglish4303]

@@impIicit When Myotismon returns as Venomyotismon there's a prophesy that he'll return at 'The Hour of the Beast' referencing the mark of the beast, from which Matt's dad (I think) deduces that he'll appear at 6 minutes and six seconds past six o'clock.

[@KumoriGurasu]

Sometimes I'm glad Digimon never got as much attention as Pokémon did. Could you imagine the soccer moms screeching over Digimon's "hour of the beast" like they did over Pokémon's "glorified cock fighting"?

[@stretch272]

There was one episode in season 2, during the episode when they were having a concert and wanted the digimon to attend and a few digi destined were having a sleepover playing cards, and davis suggests playing strip poker. No bs. Had to rewind it a few times. Went way over my head as a kid. Couldn’t believe they snuck that in the dub

[@ryans6309]

haha from what i remember they cut that scene as well so that he didn't technically finish the word "poker".

[@avalanchemkii7506]

@[VUT] Windows XP TWO That was when Jeff Nimoy had full reign over the script. If you can look past it as an accurate adaptation of 02, it's honestly quite funny. They got away with a lot of stuff that seems unimaginable today.

[@erikbihari3625]

@@avalanchemkii7506. Like what? Whenever people say stuff like this, it never goes beyond underestimating something from the start, only to have rugs pulled out of under them.

[@kennedylehane6562]

Thank you! I never got the dub hate. I loved the jokes as a child, and I love them even more as an adult. I agree with every point you made, and genuinely feel as though a lot of people hate the dub because they think that’s what everyone else is doing.

[@SilentMagician7]

Yup! Jokes are mostly bad, but who doesn’t chuckle at bad jokes? That’s why I love them

[@Alphasnowbordergirl]

I think its easier for kids who grew up with the dub to understand how impactful it was. There really was no other show like it at the time that actually took place in Japan and dealt with emotional issues. No a days its not a big deal, but Digimon really pushed to keep that original Japanese feeling as much as possible when most animes, like Pokemon, would do stupid things just to take out Japanese references like calling onigiri a donut or a bento into Chinese food. There was no option for sub back then and it was greatly appreciated that they went against the grain and tried to introduce Japanese culture even if things were changed just to get it aired. And it really pisses me off when people compare Digimon as a poorman's pokemon copy. It is way better than pokemon and focuses on personal development, growth and life, while Ash is still only 10 goddamn years old and never changes.

[@WaterKirby1994]

Try dealing with the people hating on mature dubs just because they are English Dubs. That nonsense sucks & just hurts the anime industry, we need more quality dubs. Maybe Digimon Reboot Dub could be to new kids what Digimon Season 1 was to our generation if given a great dub. Also if you want a better Pokemon Experience try reading the Red Adventures Manga.

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

One of the episodes I vividly remember returning to was from the second season. Cody was both battling with a personal phobia of being trapped underwater, as well as his personal moral code over lying. Few other "Kids" anime at the time would ever present the concept of white lies or moral ambiguity in such a way. Even when there were such clearly defined extremes of good and evil, there were still some who weren't so clearly defined. I'd also argue that Shaman King was a dub which was relatively untouched, *especially* by 4kids standards! Like with Digimon, most of the names were presented as abbreviation or nicknames of the Japanese names. Many of the special move names from the Japanese were kept, including many cultural references. Not to mention some of the darker elements with Faust! Also like with the Digimon dub, the few changes they *did* make preserved the original context regardless. I don't know how much, if anything, Digimon's success influenced this, but it's not something I expected from a 4kids dub!

[@leonardofarias8843]

And the dub kept the serious tone intact?

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

@@leonardofarias8843 For the most part, yes!

[@TheAbsol7448]

Hey, Digimon makes the second half of Adventure difficult to watch.

[@RoyStantz]

In the Japanese version, Cody/Iori didn't have a fear of water; he was just blaming himself for leading his friends into a trap.

[@MysticMindAnalysis]

@@RoyStantz So it seems the fear of water was shoehorned in for some reason. It still worked, IMO, and could be worse.

[@nintendolife25]

This is probably why even after 20 years, the company that dubbed Digimon Tri went out of their way to find all the english voice actors of Digimon and they still clearly got it as they still sell it in the comedic (I love Jeff’s AKA Tentomon’s response to Mimi’s photo) and emotional moments (The way Tom AKA Agumon said that he just wants to play with Tai, knowing it might be the last time he remembers him). Their performances perfectly sell these characters into the point they actually like.....people and not actors or imitators who are told that they are doing a kids show. The way Tai broke down because he remembered how he unintentionally made Kari’s health condition even worse (Mad props to Joshua during that scene). It may not be the best translated show of all time but for its heart and on context remaining strong even after all these years, I still hold the English version a special place in my heart. RIP Micheal and Robert.

[@bearberserker]

I always like the dub for what it showed as a kid and thought it had a better quality compared other dubs especially 4kids

[@the-nina-beans88]

Daymon Williams beef jerky shake vs jelly doughnuts When Oolong tea was called beef jerky shake...

[@bearberserker]

@@the-nina-beans88 I have heard about the jelly donuts but I haven't heard about the jerky shake before

[@the-nina-beans88]

Daymon Williams it was in the Digimon movie where Oolong tea was called beef jerky shakes

[@bearberserker]

@@the-nina-beans88 okay, well I know they changed things like food to try and make it more familiar with a western audience but to me, I focus more on the aspects of the story such as characters and themes that was carried over. That's the parts that I find the most significant that holds more favor compared to most things done by 4kids

[@the-nina-beans88]

Daymon Williams hey I had no idea it was Oolong tea in the movie

[@nathanmotta4434]

This video is so well done it left me speechless with a couple of tears in my eyes. I loved this show growing up and I never fully grasped some of the characters difficulties, but now so many years later I see it! Especially Soras depression, as a kid I never understood her issue, but as an adult now I see it and can relate to it Your ability to break down and articulate the complexity of this series is so well done I wish I could nominate you for a KZbinr award! This video shows your passion and love for Digimon, your research and determination to go out and get Nimoy and Lenti to help you just shows that you are dedicated to this craft. I hope you find success and happiness with what you are doing, and finally thank you for this video!!!

[@Itsallover57]

Digimon was one of my favorite shows as a kid and watching this i gleaned some symbolism I never would have then. Idk if it's because my generation is starting to take over the reins of society or what but with the surge of nostalgia pandering we've had directed at us has made me realize something, I hated being a kid. The powerlessness and the reliance on others that is innate to it gnaws on my being. Both at the time and in my memories but that's who I am. Digimon seems to understand this fact of being a child. From the very start the first thing we see is the main characters literally twisting in the wind. They rely on massive creatures to guide and protect them through the strange world and all they're asked to do is grow emotionally and mentally.

[@craigyeah1052]

Huh, never thought about it that way. I hear a lot of the differences between digimon and pokemon and how the humans in digimon do significantly less. In that sense digimon are like their guardians. Yeah when I would hear people say "I wish I was a carefree kid again" I always think how weird that is. Sure, you didn't have to worry about anything, but you couldn't do anything either. I wouldn't want to go back to being less than I am now.

[@thatlittlecrab8842]

Wormon’s death and Ken’s resolve was so heartbreaking

[@datboi9539]

Way more emotional compared to the original sub IMO. Wish they kept the original line where Davis tells him to go home tho...

[@erikbihari3625]

@@datboi9539."Go home", what is this, kindergarten?

[@HouseOfTowski]

I remember crying at the final episode of adventure. That goodbye was just too much. It was like saying goodbye to my best friends. I still get this way in similar situations. I lost it watching Tri. When the Digimon were trying to fit in time with their partners, being infected, going into the unknown. It reminded me of my ex, how we were best friends and became lovers. How I took that for granted and eventually we broke up. How we were so close, now we've become strangers who know each other's name. It clicked and taught me to cherish every moment you have with someone you love. You never know what can and will happen :( Digimon was a great anime, although some things change the core always remains true to itself.

[@razisgosu]

I remember getting a small case of depression at the realization the show was over as a kid. I was like Oh, Digimon is over? This is really sad.

[@katiemonroe1687]

Tai is and always will be my favorite Digimon character. The journey I went on with him through my life is a special one, as just thinking of him helped me cope with tough times. I always wanted even a slice of his bravery. But I realized the past couple of weeks that my personality is more like Matt's. I end up isolating myself even when I don't want to, and I feel so many things but don't know how to properly react to them. Matt is who I am, Tai is who I want to be, and I treasure both. The dub may be goofy at times, but I'm lucky it preserved what it did. Otherwise, I would never have encountered these characters in my childhood as they were intended to be. I wish this video picked Jeff Nimoy's brain a bit more, but it was still a good way to spend 15 minutes.

[@OiShazza]

This is how I am as well. Tai was my fav character but i think i encompass both Matt and Tai. I always wanted to be brave like him too.

[@robderp]

Kefou Kefak bro this person just said he feels like he is Matt, and you just say that Matt makes you angry and annoys you... not the place lol

[@ryans6309]

Matt's grown on me as well now that I've rewatched the series 1-4 after buying the Dvds. His VA also does the main character in Season 4 Frontier, Takuya.

[@BronyBoy5463]

What I like about the Digimon dubs is as time went on, more shows in the franchise got more faithful dubs. Heck, I remember watching an episode of Digimon Frontier and the dub even acknowledges that the show takes place in Japan. Not something you hear often in English dubs marketed towards kids. Sure, the dubs aren’t perfect, but they still managed to stay more faithful to the original in terms on settings and names. If 4kids had the rights to the anime franchise, Digimon would’ve been in devastation. I can’t imagine watching a 4kids version of Digimon and having one of the characters saying “yummy! Jelly donuts are great!”.

[@chuumon95]

Bronyboy5463 The one problem I had with season 4 is the name mistakes like when Tapirmon and Meteormon were called Bakumon and Gotsumon when they were introduced.

[@w01ffr34k]

Digimon still holds a dear place in my heart. Probably the most important scene to stick with me was the little arc Matt had where he and Tai had a fight and Matt went rogue. It really hit me that people can be forgiven even myself.

[@carloss3499]

Oh damn we lost Joe and wizardmon. That's honestly sad

[@TS-pm2rb]

I know you kind of harped on a bit about the quality of the dub's music, but I feel I should note that, since you did an In Memoriam for several of the actors who've passed, that Paul Gordon, a composer for tracks such as the Digimon main theme, and yes, "Hey Digimon," passed away as well a little while back.

[@PlaidSlurpee]

One of the best dub "reviews" I've ever seen, and honestly, I teared up several times. Digimon means a lot too me, it's one thing that's been present in my life for many, many years.. I didn't have the best childhood growing up, and Digimon was one of the first shows with characters I could properly relate to. My parents were split, my mom sheltered me heavily yet had so many expectations and assumptions of who and what I should be like. Matt, TK, Sora and in a sense, Joe, I could relate to. Joe was also my least my favorite character, at the time my favorite was Matt because I loved the edgy "lone wolf rival" stereotype, but growing up Joe became someone I looked up to very much and is by far my favorite out of all DigiDestined. I love them all so much.

[@Tweakerbythespeaker]

You're incredibly well spoken and informative without sounding convoluted, that I often find these analysis type videos do too much. So well done.

[@なけごさくら]

Tai's English dub surname was likely a translation error on the part of the translators rather than censorship. 八神太一 is how you spell Taichi's name in Japanese. 八 hachi and 神 kami make up the kanji for the name, but when put together side by side with no hiragana in between, the reading of the kanji changes. Hachi becomes Ya and Kami becomes Gami. Kami seemed to NOT get this change and remained as Kami instead of Gami and the characters got switched around from 八 神 Ya Kami to 神 八 Kami Ya.

[@ryans6309]

Kamiya sounds better for him imo

[@xblade149]

Huh you gave me a different perspective on the dub. Furthermore, each season the dub became more accurate and close to it's original Japanese counterpart especially tamers. Thanks for the video

[@frankbarrie6785]

Matt and Gabumon (and all his forms) were my fav. I'm 34 and was born in May of 1988 so I grew up with this, and watched it ever since the first episode aired. My parents were separated just like Matt's and T.K.'s parents (still are), and I was/am an older brother to a little sister who's about 3 years younger than I am.

[@GeoffShouldWin]

When I think of the anime dub I think of Richard Epcar as Myotismon/Etemon, how magnaangemon's skills grew old like his voice, and how often they keep making that Man/mon joke. (Why don't you come down and fight like a Mon)

[@UchihaItachi1986]

"Chew on this!" "I'm not hungry."

[@linkandzelda4725]

MagnaAngemon loves one liners doesn't he

[@luchajon8480]

Michael Reisz not returning for Tri was a tragedy. Given his relative lack of experience and that Digimon was a typical Saturday morning dub situation, his performance was stellar back in the day.

[@BPTK162]

Lucha Jon Hoenstly that was the key reason I went with the Sub; Matt sounding so drastically different really messed with the nostalgic vibe I was hoping from tri. Ditto for Angemon and MagnaAngemon

[@luminous3558]

I mean I doubt he couldve saved Tri.

[@AnimeMasterManWND]

maybe he'll come back for Digimon Adventure 2020 considering everything currently going on with Matt's current voice actor

[@ryans6309]

He also did the main character in Season 4 Frontier, Takuya. He played Takuya so well that after a few minutes I was already sold on Takuya after rewatching seasons 1-4.

[@MACandCHEEZWIZ1]

For "Yagami" being changed to "Kamiya", I can only posit that they got the kanji reversed in his last name and it was too late to change it by the time anyone noticed. 八神 = Yagami 神八 = Kamiya

[@firepuppies4086]

Also, in retrospect it was wise... Technically Kari is Light Yagami

[@vjgodlybang]

Very impressive! Could really see the care you put into your choice of words for the script! “Digimon were not the only ones that could evolve, change, and turn into different forms.” Keep up the great work!

[@joshpam23]

Thanks for guiding me to appreciate and respect my favourite childhood show here in Canada.

[@Sinamii]

Wow, brilliant video essay and a great way of referencing that Digimon really was a groundbreaking anime of its time - the responsibility and aspects of darkness that characters face feel real because we are exposed to the REAL sides as each singular character is given their own place to grow.

[@BlackrabbitStudios11]

I think a comparison between Digimon and Pokemon should be in the list there. For me, I always thought Digimon was the better show than Pokemon especially in it's early seasons, but then when I tried to start up a discussion I would be met with "they were different types of shoes so a comparison wasn't fair." And yes they did like Pokemon more than they liked Digimon which was fair but not wanting the comparison discussion tells me that maybe they tested having the fact that Pokemon in it's early years wasn't that good of a show to begin with, and having a two decade long attachment could be why they're so averse to coming to terms with the fact that the writing a Pokemon doesn't hold up as well as other shows at the time.

[@cygnusprime6728]

Many episodes of the 1st and 2nd season of Pokemon weren't bad honestly. They had some good moments That allowed the characters to feel like actual people and the Pokemon felt more like sentient emotional beings with animal instincts instead of just pets or monsters for combat. The way ash and pikachu started off on the wrong foot and slowly built trust was almost like an older brother/younger brother relationship. The constant beef with charizard seemed repetitive but it built toward an amazing moment in the episode where they battle a poliwrath and had to confront their issues head on like any relationship. It wouldn't have been as powerful if their conflict was resolved in just 2 episodes. But other than a few key moments like those, I agree the Pokemon anime was fairly mediocre at times or just downright bad. Team rocket should have been dropped a LONG time ago and were corny even by late 90's cartoons standards (it didn't take long for me and my friends to get tired of them). Ash constantly losing and getting badges due to luck/sympathy was bad writing and didn't send a good message to kids at all. They would constantly change the main cast and ash was always releasing his best Pokemon. The episodes could be very formulaic and cringey with bad jokes and predictable boring battles.

[@memicoot]

Now that I've gotten older I have had a hard time understanding why I was so obsessed with Digimon as a kid. Thank you for reminding me! It did not talk down to its audience and was quite deep and had some unique character insight for what it was - a show designed for children. As a child of divorce I always really felt for Matt. And all his brooding. He was like the Team Jacob of Digimon.

[@bloodcrusnik7418]

This is me interacting for the algorithm.

[@cygnusprime6728]

I've never seen an avatar that matches the comment so perfectly. 😂

[@yoursteak5215]

I watched this when I was 8 and honestly I didn’t know the deep stuff going on at the time,I watched the deaths and fights , but for some reason only the adventure went in my head as I mistreated these deaths. And thanks to this man,I have grown a sort of fondness for the series I loved so much so Long ago.

[@KeyOfTheTwilight]

Oh yeah. I do remember how dark and different Digimon was. To be honest, I was more of a Digimon girl than a Pokemon girl all because of how human the characters are.

[@milesr94]

This show was my whole childhood, still love it so much 🖤🖤

[@TheRealDustinNunn]

Regardless of the dub changes, I loved Digimon a lot more than Pokemon because when Digimon digivolve, they change back and forth like a Transformer. Pokemon don't do that.

[@didgy8674]

Tk had PTSD from angemon dieing. That to me was insane as a child and now to this day that they allowed that. I'm so proud of that fact

[@thema1998]

This video just renewed my interest in the Digimon dub. 🤓

[@Tacom4ster]

Digimon is like the Megadeth to mainstream basic Pokemon's Metallica. The superior underdog series. I always appreciated this dub

[@mattwo7]

Pft, Pokemon isn't even remotely metal lol.

[@Tacom4ster]

@@mattwo7 I'm using allegories to make a point, had you took 7th grade English?

[@mattwo7]

@@Tacom4ster Have _you_ heard of "lol"?

[@mattwo7]

@@Tacom4ster Also have you taken, not had you took. You're in no position to criticize someone else's English skils.

[@Z50nemesis]

uigh , Megadeth is by far the worst of the big 4

[@CaptainRaccoonWhitly]

As a kid, I was often doubted and insecure amongst my peers. Seeing myself in TK, Cody, Jeri and Tomi was really something special with the franchise, as it allowed me to realize that I wasn't alone. I think that's why the dubs for the franchise work even now: they're not "perfect" by any means, and they'd only improve as time went on, but that they weren't afraid to let the dramatic beats shine through where possible, even at the expense of some "questionable" content, was something you really only appreciate fully once you hit adulthood. But it also works as a child watcher, too. By the way, I'd like to make one small correction: the dub's score DID have one moment of comedic silence: when the kids are on the subway train and Sora's Digimon yells at a baby to stop tugging on her hair, the music stops altogether for a few seconds. Juxtaposed with the moment itself, it's a clever moment of musical artistry that, accidental or not, makes the scene that much funnier.

[@PC2000]

That moment might be the funniest moment in ANY Digimon dub, and the sudden complete lack of music coupled with the kids' mortified faces is what sells it.

[@trainerlyra3]

thank you for this fantastic video! i'm really glad youtube recommended this to me, which like, never happens haha. digimon is a series i always hold close to my heart (even have two crest tattoos!) and so much of that is because of the reasons you talk about here. so much of what resonated with me as a kid still resonates so strongly with me today. it's a series i always turn to if i need a good cry/pick me up for that reason! i had never really thought about how much of that is because of the active work that went in to preserve the source material. jeff nimoy did a lot of good for us back then and i'm so, so grateful!

[@whodatninja439]

Waking up every morning catching the latest Digimon episode before school was the best. That's one of the things i loved most about Digimon is that it told a long story with actual character development. Nowadays it's in every cartoon, but back then I wasnt used to that! It treated me like an adult, it didnt talk down to me.

[@vo1ce3choed]

Dude, I cried. Great job. You reminded me of my favorite series as a child.

[@TheCartoonCipher]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@khfan4life365]

I rewatched the show on Hulu and it struck that they didn’t edit out as much as I thought they would. They kept in that the kids left Highton Terrace because of fears of a terrorist attack (which was what the adults thought the Greymon vs Parrotmon was). I’m glad they didn’t edit out much. It gave the show substance.

[@invividcolor]

Wow this video is incredibly well done. Good job.

[@RayOfTruth]

A huge issue with the dub is Mimi. She originally a very clever, but realistic kid who has valid concerns. She really was one of the best characters originally, but no so much in the American dub. The dub removed many of her positive traits just so they could force jokes about her being made into a valley girl stereotype. Many cases of it end up feeling sexist, especially with dub scenes that remove her smarter lines just so one of the boys can say it instead.

[@imlaughing2death]

I don't think Dub Mimi is as bad as people make her out to be. She actually has a pretty decent character arc, it's just that her dialogue from episode to episode is pretty cringey. Her Crest is changed from Purity to Sincerity, and Joe's was changed from Sincerity to Responsibility, which I actually think fits much better for both of them. Neither Mimi or Joe have some trauma haunting them like people always bring up for the other kids, but instead deal more with things that happen to them in their current lives. As early as the second episode, Mimi shirks her responsibility to carry the first aid supplies, leaving Joe to carry it, and he continues to have responsibilities shoved onto him throughout the show, against his will. It's only when Joe decides to take these challenges head on and accept the consequences does his Crest of Responsibility activate, and he can feel more comfortable going to medical school like the rest of his family. Joe never had a problem being Sincere, he never lied or broke any promises, he just needed some confidence in himself, which Gomamon even tries to help him with back in the Bakemon episode. Likewise in the Dub, Palmon actually takes a direct interest in Mimi from the get go, bluntly asking her if she thinks too much about her appearance. After the SkullGreymon episode, Mimi gives Tai some encouraging words, only to admit she said it because it sounded like the right thing to say. Then when we see her blackmailing the Gekomons, her nightmare makes her realize what she did was wrong, but she still isn't thinking about WHY it was wrong. As soon as they get to the real world, she immediately knocks Palmon over so she can meet her friends, but Mimi once breaks her pattern of selfishness and is genuinely concerned for the safety of Palmon and the others, Togemon finally becomes Lilymon. As for her parents, they're a perfectly loving couple, but you can tell that's where Mimi subconsciously learned her "If you're pretty people will be nice to you" behavior, which fits alot better with Dub Mimi's character, instead of Sub "Purity" Mimi.

[@razkable]

yes but the sub puts her in awkward sexually implied situations and still paints her as selfish at times...they still do this in the new material...its so annoying...they claim shes very western and Americanized and spoiled by her parents which is why she has no typical asian girl manners/shame...she is more outgoing and dresses more openly and is a free spirit..shes less of a reserved shy housewife type female....she is an asian hippie basically and its seen by the writers and animators as a bad thing with how they make fun of it and point out how weird it is

[@alphonseurshon405]

"Hey Digimon" wants to know your location

[@linklonk07]

They had a really good voice cast, it was the direction and music that was the issue. The same with the voice actors in 02 and ESPECIALLY Tamers

[@realar]

What was wrong with the music? It was the same exact composer as 90's Spider-Man. I loved every moment of it. That man was one of the reasons I now love Marvel and want to look into all the details of it.

[@syloui]

don't know if unpopular opinion, but i gotta skip the western intro; it holds nothing to Butterfly

[@realar]

@@syloui It fits the character of the dub. I love it.

[@b1njjj95]

The music is what made the dub for me. I feel like the music played for the digivolutions in the dub is more fitting than the music played in the original. It's more engaging and upbeat, and it really sets the scene. The Japanese music is too soft and ballroom like for a transformation that's supposed to revolve around fighting dangerous characters.

[@cygnusprime6728]

@@b1njjj95 completely agree. Sometimes japanese composers are too goofy or upbeat for transformation sequences and you don't take the fight seriously. The dub made you concerned if they would actually win.

[@b1njjj95]

I think the Digimon dub is one of the best English dubs I've ever seen. The voice cast really brought the characters to life, and the music really helped set the mood for the important battle scenes. I always got excited whenever a Digimon was about to Digivolve because the music they used is perfect! Nothing was done half-assed and you can tell this series was handled with care. I understand that certain scenes were cut (like the scene when Tai was teasing Joe about wearing a towel in the boy's sauna) and stuff like that, but what do you expect from a country that has different cultural values and traditions? The US isn't as open about certain things that are seen as completely normal in Japan. Other than that, I think they did a good job with keeping the storyline plot in tact and keeping the characters in character. Digimon really shaped my childhood because I didn't have many friends in elementary school or middle school, but watching Digimon and seeing the characters form such strong bonds with their Digimon really resonated with me. Digimon taught me about the importance of friendship, teamwork and sacrifice.

[@liquidmantle]

Oh boy, that Saban Entertainment logo brought some major nostalgia waves here.

[@FreyaEinde]

I would say that important element about the kids growing with their digimon partners and facing real relatable problems and loss is what has been missing from the newer series of digimon and what made the first three season’s so good.

[@gododoof]

Great defense of the Digimon dub. Even as a sub elitist I've always thought it doesn't deserves the disrespect it gets.

[@Z50nemesis]

it totally deserves the hate , replacing brave heart is unforgivable

[@dimensional7915]

this pulls back up so many different memories and the emotions that go with them. I'm crying but I'm not sure if they are tears of joy or sadness or both

[@AlaskaFinal]

"People had an idea of what kids could handle and what they were supposed to take away from the series" What's sad is that every bit of this, implies Japan is better at doing this to their kids, than we are to our own.

[@Firechick12012]

And the American shows that actually want to treat kids more seriously-such as Infinity Train-get cancelled because of execs hating it due to being afraid that parents will throw hissy fits about what their kids are watching.

[@PorscheCayenneLover]

Dude this was great! I thoroughly enjoyed your overview of Digimon 😊 .

[@GreenMetalicDevil]

I had to act like a big brother to my brothers who had their problems, feeling the pressure of responsibilty. I liked Joe the most along with Gomamon, since they personified that even if you have to take responsibility, you should not forget to have fun.

[@jessicaa1201]

Honestly, you pretty much put into words everything I’ve ever felt about digimon for the past 25 years I’ve loved and supported this franchise. Even I started to tear up at the end. Thank you so much

[@magentafang9080]

Finally a positive video on the Digimon dub, it may be a bit sillier than I remember, but I still think it's one of the few 90s dubs that atleast respected its target demographic WAY more than the others, & I still firmly believe tamers is probably one of the best dubs ever.

[@TheCynicClinic]

*when the gang is lost in episode 4* Jap!Mimi: ここは一体どこでしょう？じゃじゃん！(Where in the world could we be I wonder! Ta-da *pulls out compass*) Dub!Mimi: You won't believe what happened to my favorite watch! The sun melted the numbers right off! Yeah, no fam.

[@flpndrox]

I saw the Digimon dubs when I was a good deal older than their target demographic and knew more than a couple college kids who were watching then too because of how well done the dub writing was.

[@ssjup81]

I was going on 18 when the show started. In general it was good. Can't bring myself to rewatch it (dub), but it's still good.

[@rudya8504]

Ok This hit hard I almost cried remembering all the good time's this show drought me from the bottom of my heart "Thank you"

[@adus2821]

This was one of the only shows I actually teared up watching

[@TheBilliebobxx]

This video made me cry just like Digimon makes me cry. It was so important to me as a child and still is. Honestly it was my first love. I'll never forget it and the impact it had on me. I'm so grateful for everyone who had a hand in the making of it. It's so special and truly underappreciated. This is a wonderful video and I really enjoyed watching, thanks for making it. Edit: Also I highly recommend if anybody ever goes to Japan, to visit the Digimon locations. The whole show portrays real locations in Tokyo with complete accuracy including the digidestined's school and apartments. More examples include the convention centre (Tokyo Big Sight), the ferris wheel (Palette Town) and the Fuji Television building. Plus even more places were added in Digimon Adventure Tri. Odaiba is Odaiba but Heighten View Terrace is really Hikarigoaka as shown in this video. Every scene from the movie where Tai is tracking Kari and Agumon's steps after jumping from the apartment are real places from the vending machines where they stop for canned soda right up to the final battle between Greymon and Parrotmon on the main road. Definitely the highlight of my trip to Tokyo. It was incredible.

[@Liltay5692]

There was a time cartoons made kids feel like we could change the world. 💕

[@omnicide213]

This anime helped me so much, specially helping me express myself. It gave me a sense of morality too. It inspired me to write too. This anime will always have a special place in my heart, and I thank it to introducing me to different anime.

[@LiMeiLuv]

Why do you sound almost like Wizardmon's english voice? 😂

[@random123games6]

When you are a kid, you see your parents as people who brought you into this world, keep you safe, who love you, who feed you, people who are never wrong. When you start transitioning into a teenager, you also start seeing them as regular people as well. People who also have problems of their own, people who can be wrong, people who just can’t understand. In the end, you start to see them in a more regular human light, but still a special light nonetheless because, well, they’re your parents. Sometimes, it is also better to learn that as early as possible to help you understand them and the world around you. I remember when I first watched Digimon Adventure 01. As the series progressed, it began showing the parents and the relationship between them and their children. It doesn’t show the parents as 2-dimensional characters like most shows (then and now), but as real people with flaws of their own. Watching the show, even as a five-year-old kid, I drew parallels between them and my own parents. That was when I realized that they were not beings who were always right and were like angels, but just regular people with their own problems. That was when I started looking inwards, trying to solve the problems I can solve, and only going to them when I can’t solve them by myself to give my parents more time (because during those days, they didn’t have much personal time). I also started doing my best to help them rest, whether that be my pathetic first attempts at sweeping the floor or making the bed, I wanted to do my best to give them more time for themselves and just relax. I guess that show helped quite a bit, as, after a month or so of me doing this, I noticed they seem to smile a bit more, and that their eye-bags were not as heavy as they used to be. Still heavy, but not like before. That’s my personal story of what Digimon has done for me, and I will never forget it. Great Video, Great Job!

[@FireStormBaller]

9:57 Wizardmon did die for real unlike Angemon because he died in the real world, so he was unable to come back as an egg. So that death scene was real.

[@wafflekd-f5o]

At first, I initially shrugged off the English dub of Digimon as something that can’t be taken seriously. I was so invested into the corny jokes that came out of nowhere, it distracted me to focus on the real drama behind its characters. Looking at it now in a fresh prespective, I can still say that it does several things that any English dub of any kids show would not dare do. I was fascinated with your video and it comes to my shock that this dub stays faitful to the source material. Characters, while slightly different in tone and personality, still have their core character development, and it seems like that the crew, while having fun with the extra humor, felt that there is a human connection in its main cast, the Digidestined. They were not just people who can be summed up with at least one trait, they have a human flaw that makes them what they are. They also kept with the original setting as well; changing the setting to Japan to something like America would downplay its cultural roots, but also its identity. They never renamed the characters completely like Yamato to Matt, they kept those localized monikors as nicknames. By keeping its cultural identity, the crew felt that children can accept that they are other people from other cultures. They also felt that children can also handle more difficult topics instead of replacing them with less heavier ones or cutting them; They knew that these children can handle depression, the death of loved ones, and divorce, yet they can learn a lesson from one of them. If they changed them, the context of the show’s plot points would be confusing and hard. Digimon was never a Saturday Morning cartoon, nor a thirty minute toy commercial; It was a story about real children trying their best to survive, connect with one another and make a world a better place, and it’s one of those shows that stood up in the crowd in early 2000s anime that aired on childrens television blocks. It never focused on the flashy gimmicks like Pokémon, or focused on its story like what Dragon Ball Z did, but it did struck a huge balance for both. It still holds up well because of its memorable cast. Looking it now, I feel like there is something that I missed upon first viewing, and I am proud to say that it does its job very well.

[@mathieuleader8601]

this series had pathos and depth which made it shine like a diamond in the rough

[@powerpc127]

I figured this would be a lighthearted comparison video. Instead it was a very touching reminder of how well the show handled dark subject matter. Great job, man! Also, I'll never forget when I saw the original subbed version on Netflix and and my jaw just about hit the floor when Puppetmon pulled a gun out of his pants, explained to TK that it was a .45 magnum revolver, and then started shooting at him indiscriminately.

[@CornishCreamtea07]

Wendee Lee is a very good ADR director.

[@ChrisPeteG]

As the younger of two brothers with divorced parents....someone who also was very smart and spent a lot of times on games, and someone who had a bit of an aversion to danger and risky things....there were elements of several of the characters that I identified strongly with, and elements of other characters I admired.

[@coaldustmarauder2071]

This one video made me want to rewatch Digimon

[@Doremi159951]

My favorite character of digimon adventure was Joe, I honestly could relate a lot to him. I'm also the oldest of my family and held to a lot of expectations and responsibilities. So him trying his best for the team and being the one the group looks up to when they need help or taking care of his friends always got me. Though I will admit he didn't get as much screen time as the other characters he is still my favorite! Thank you for this video! Anyone watching the new reboot?

[@TheCartoonCipher]

Yup watched the first 3 episodes before it got delay >

[@Doremi159951]

@@TheCartoonCipher Yeah didn't find out till today that it was delayed. I was waiting for the next episode to drop but never did then I checked and was so disappointed. T-T At least I wasn't the only one.

[@PeterParker-yg6fc]

it was a great dub...and i love the music by the guy that did the marvel cartoon music...though the evolution songs would be better as originally intended

[@KupcakeKitty]

Countless Digimon shows and games have been created, but none them compared to Adventure. In a strange way, it was Breakfast Club for us 90s anime kids and so much. Wizardmon's death still makes me cry to this day.

[@PrinceMallow]

I was one of those kids that never watched Digimon growing up because I (mistakenly) thought it was just a Pokémon knock-off due to the similar sounding names. But I do have a new respect for the series as the years have gone on and I do applaud the dub for not stepping away from some of the more taboo issues the main characters faced in their personal lives. Kids aren't stupid and do face hardships and presenting characters that have gone through similar hardships is a great way for them to realize they aren't alone and have someone they could relate to. This is part of the reason why Sesame Street has been such great children's television. I know Digimon and Sesame Street may seem like an odd comparison, but Sesame Street has tackled issues like death, divorce, and the like and presents it in a respectful way its audience can understand and relate to.

[@oversol5469]

I never thought about it much my parents had divorced around the time I discover digimon. I also like how it had such a variety of characters compared to other shows that were just as important as the main protagonists. My favorite characters were Izzy, Joe, and their digimon and they weren’t hot head center of attention stars of the show.

[@JerryFlowersIII]

Before watching the video: I rewatched Digimon 01-Frontier recently, I adore what this series has done with it's characters. I'm tempted to make my own video about some of the elements I like. ie Blackwargreymon and Impmon. After watching Video: It's kinda weird if I remember right Joe has two brothers but the dub made them into one older brother.

[@Shin_NEO]

The way you present these is really good. Keep the videos up!

[@dashboots376]

I've personally seen the Original Japanese version, the Spanish version & the English version and of them while the English version is the worst one it was still very entertaining & I can confirm that it doesn't lose the spirit of the original version. BTW for those wondering I live in México but near the border so I had reception from channels in the USA & when I started watching the show I started with the English version but when it started airing in México I left that aside and started watching the Spanish version which was pretty much uncensored & kept the same music just translated (it did keep the English version's names though), but later with the advent of the Net I went back & watched all 3 versions eventually. And yes as a loner with a lot of brothers I did a lot of posturing and very much pretended to be completely stoic so Matt's story resonated a lot with me bu so did Izzy's because I myself wasn't adopted my sister was & I did find out very early on since I learned to read at an early age & would read pretty much everything that was available, even if I didn't understand me, I also saw myself as a genius so I won't deny there was also that.

[@pablocasas5906]

Yeah, it seems the distribution for the first 4 Digimon anime was handled directly by Cloverway Inc., and just like other shows that were distributed by the same company their dubs were made using the Japanese version as a base, just like other anime like Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, Slam Dunk, etc.

[@finsterslight9068]

I really loved this series going up, and I wish that I have 1-4 on DVD. Also, Piedmon and Puppetmon were my two favorite visions, and I want to go back and watch them to relive what I enjoyed about them. Wizardmon’s death really hit me and Leomon’s season 1 death has emotional weight. They rest have become dark humor traditions for me. Season 4 has my favorite premise because being able to become a Digimon and do the fighting was something that I always dreamed of as a child.

[@KitzuneAmayori]

Whenever I felt like everything was my fault I went to Digimon realizing how Tai had felt the same way when Kari had felt worse when she went outside

[@MrMadeinisrael]

Digimon was my favourite growing up. Not because Pokemon was bad, just that the darker themes touched by the story, not to mention the characters I related to much more, stuck with me much more right up to this day. I would happily rewatch the first few seasons, and even play some of the old games. Not so much with Pokemon...

[@siph0r154]

That is a really nice tribute to one of my childhood shows. Thumbs up and comment for algorithm support (: As a German viewer I definitely had a different experience than you guys, because the broadcast regulations were and are much different here than in the States, but to this day I never felt the need to watch digimon in the original Japanese dub Almost everything was included. Although I have to say that we had waaaaay better music than you guys. (;

[@renw9876]

Taichi's family name change was due to a reading error of the kanji, if i remeber correctly.

[@HyouVizer]

It was impossible to watch this video with a dry eye. Moments of sadness like leomon's death or tears of joy when a character comes to terms with themselves as a person moving forward.

[@Guilmon470]

XD I don't know the exact name of the song but it's the slow dramatic violin music that plays during certain scenes and I was like "no, you can't do that to me come on"

[@N8-PT]

Idunno about Leomon’s bit now. Leomon’s death is kind of a meme for the series at this point.

[@granzedora]

Maybe