CardCaptors

This English-language anime dub was produced by Nelvana (this animation studio is based in Toronto), but voiced in Vancouver. However, all anime television series and films produced by Nelvana were voiced in Toronto. It's probably because this English-language anime dub starring Sakura Avalon was originally planned to be voiced in Toronto, like all anime television series and films produced by Nelvana. For reasons unknown, it was eventually decided that the adventures of Sakura Avalon should be dubbed in Vancouver. Were the adventures of Sakura Avalon originally planned to be voiced in Toronto and why this dubbing moved to Vancouver? Fortunately for me, there are some animated television series with the voices of Vancouver-based voice talent produced by Nelvana. The best example of it is "Class of the Titans" (2006). The decision that the adventures of Sakura Avalon should be dubbed in Vancouver caused Warner Bros. Animation to record the voices for some animated television series with voice actors associated with The Ocean Group. If the adventures of Sakura Avalon were dubbed in Toronto, Warner Bros. Animation could recorded the voices for these animated television series with Toronto-based voice actors.

Not wishing to sound like a mad dub hater, I have to say that anime dubs are getting worse. Sailor moon was bad. Pokemon was bad. This is unforgivable.

It seems that this time the intention was to completely change the show, it was not just something that happened. The voices are nowhere near as good as the Japanese original, some characters (particularly Tomoyo, who incidentally is one of my favourite anime characters of all time) have completely new personalities, and most of them have the wrong names.

Add to this Sakura and Tomoyo's relationship has been severed, most episodes have been missed out, the rest have been butchered, and to cap it all off, Kero sounds like Rumble out of Transformers. (Not wishing to insult the great Frank Welker)

I'm sure there are some kids around who might like this, but the original is far superior. I'm just glad it's coming out on DVD subtitled.

I'm a huge fan of CardCaptor Sakura (the manga) and when I was flipping through the channels and saw Yukito Tsukishiro (one of the most wonderful bishounen..), I thought "YAY!"...then I watched the rest of the episode and needed a box of kleenex.. It was just as bad as Sailor Moon.. (the new dubbed Sailor moon.. that's just...wrong). I just want to know how they could get "Julien Star" from "Yukito Tsukishiro" and "Tori" from "Touya"!? They changed way too much in this, from people's relationships in the series to names to bad voice dubbing to personalities.. *sigh* If they do this to Slayers like they say they will.. and change names in the series...and change the dub actors.. They'll answer to me..

Being a long time anime fan, I find that in order to find the stuff that you want, you have to take what you can get. When I first started buying anime, there were hardly any dual language DVDs available and the dub tapes were just about all there was in the store. I had to settle for dubs most of the time.

I do like dubs. I like dubs that are able to stick to the original Japanese plot. HOWEVER... I'm afraid that Cardcaptors is not one of those series. I don't want to spoil the Japanese version for any of you so you have a fair warning... in the original Japanese story Julian (Yuki) and Tori(Toya) are a lot more than friends. This is even more obvious in the CLAMP manga that the anime was based on. And in the Japanese version Lee has a crush on YUKI not on Sakura. Either children in Japan are expected to be able to understand this stuff, or, as it seems to be the case these 'cute girly shows' are not just for kids.

Nelvana did a poor job of dubbing CCS but they did an even worse job translating it. Why bother to make the names more American sounding. The worst name change was from Toya to Tori. In Japanese Toya means peach arrow, Tori means bird.

Anyhow, I guess you can't blame them. Here in the US anime is for children. In Japan, anime is for everyone. Sadly, for those of us who appreciate the original, we'll just have to wait until it comes out on DVD. (I know for a fact you can find it if you want to)

I have been in love with Cardcaptors since it's premiere on KidsWB last year. While I have read nothing but negative comments about the american version in the past, for kids in the US, Cardcaptors is more than passable. It offers an intriguing storyline, excellent writing, more than passable acting, and good action adventure.

Those who are familiar with the original Japanese version, which is called "Cardcaptor Sakura", often slam the american verson, and it is probably not without merit, since many excellent anime series are often completely watered down and revamped when brought to the US. However, on it's own, Cardcaptors provides more than enough entertainment for all ages.

I admit I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing the original, which I recently ordered on video. But even so, the Americanised version provides me with great enjoyment, and was the first anime series I ever got into without prodding from my anime-fanatic fiancee.

3 out of 4 stars on my scale.