Can we talk about how my sub/dub switch changed my whole viewing pace

I used to always watch anime in dub because I could multitask while cleaning or cooking. But a few months back I decided to try sub only for a new show called Violet Evergarden. At first it felt slow because I had to actually sit and read. But after about three episodes I noticed I was picking up on facial expressions and background details I never saw before. Now I finish a show in like two weeks instead of one day. It changed how I experience the story for sure. Has anyone else had a similar shift in how they watch?

3 comments

3 Comments

drewr151mo ago

Started rewatching old favorites in sub and caught jokes the dub totally missed lol.

leehall1mo ago

That "caught jokes the dub totally missed" bit really hit home for me lol. I remember watching this one show where the sub had a pun about a character's name that just got completely flattened in the English version, something about a fish restaurant running out of tuna. And jakeb81 I think you make a fair point about the visuals, but for me it's more like I'm bad at multitasking, so with subs I'm forced to read every line and actually dwell on what was said. Maybe it's just me but I'll take missing a cool explosion if it means I get the full punchline.

jakeb811mo ago

Wait, do you really think reading subtitles makes you pick up on more stuff? I feel like it does the opposite. When I'm reading subs I'm staring at the bottom of the screen half the time, I miss a ton of the animation and facial expressions. Dubs let me actually watch the whole frame and catch all those little details you mentioned. Plus pacing is totally a personal thing, some shows are meant to be binged in a day and some work better slow. I think it's more about the show than the language track honestly.