Amazon Introduces AI Dub For Banana Fish Anime

Amazon Has Introduced Its First AI-Generated Anime Dub, and Fans Are Furious amazon prime anime

By Casandra Ronning Published 55 minutes ago Casandra Ronning is a staff writer for Screen Rant's anime section. Since mid-2024, she has dedicated herself to expanding her knowledge and experience in the entertainment industry. She is most proud of conducting an exclusive interview with popular voice actor Stephanie Nadolny. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

The streaming giant, Amazon, has launched an experiment in AI-generated dubbing, giving subscribers the option to watch content in multiple languages without the involvement of real voice actors. The decision sparked heated, furious responses online as audiences criticized the platform for its actions after a fan-favorite Amazon Original anime became the next to receive an AI-generated dub.

Banana Fish recently displayed options to watch the series in English and Spanish with AI-beta features. Fans of the series have vented their frustrations online about the decision to choose AI over real, hardworking voice actors. It’s a move that is not only unforgivable concerning, but also insulting to the entire anime community.

Amazon Gave Banana Fish an Awful AI-Generated Dub

Banana Fish, Amazon’s 2018 anime hit, quickly captured fans’ attention for its complex characters, intense emotional arcs, and, most of all, its raw, unflinching approach to storytelling. Despite massive fan demand, the series was never given an official English dub, disappointing loyal fans and alienating viewers who prefer to watch anime only in dub.

Recently, Amazon finally released English- and Spanish-language dubs for the beloved series, but rather than celebration, fans and voice actors alike are rightfully furious, sharing their outrage on social media. The entire dubbing was created using artificial intelligence rather than any of the countless, talented human voice actors, or even considering those breaking into the industry.

As a monumental title among queer anime, Banana Fish stood as a deeply moving and influential series, with powerful themes that feel cheapened by this decision. The AI-generated voices are, objectively speaking, incredibly terrible. The delivery is often monotone, lifeless, and lacking the emotion that Banana Fish needs to thrive.

Banana Fish is a masterpiece, deserving of thoughtful, human performances that honor the title’s storytelling. Instead, fans and voice actors are confronted with robotic voices that feel disconnected from characters, the storyline, and audiences themselves. The AI dub diminishes the series’ artistry, leading audiences to demand that Amazon respond to countless concerns and frustrations.

AI Dubbing Is an Insult to the Anime Community

Ash holds a gun while surrounded by his gang in New York from Banana Fish.

The backlash against Amazon for using AI dub has been growing by the minute. The outrage among the community is about far more than poor quality, as it's an affront to the industry itself. Voice actors dedicate years to honing their craft, working hard to bring emotion, depth, and personality to every performance.

Amazon, one of the world’s largest brands, has the resources to attract well-known talents who would be ideal for the roles in Banana Fish. Even if the streaming platform chose not to invest in famous talents, there are plenty of new or emerging voice actors who are eager for an opportunity to build their portfolio and skills in the industry.

Fans have waited years for an English dub of the series, but AI-generated voices strip the story of its soul and artistry. Allowing AI into dubbing sets a troubling precedent that has rightfully angered the anime community. For a heavy and emotional series like Banana Fish, using AI voices is a blatant insult to fans and voice actors alike.

10/10

Banana Fish

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-MA Action Adventure Animation Release Date 2018 - 2018 Directors Hiroko Utsumi Writers Hiroshi Seko

Cast

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Toshiyuki Morikawa
Yuma Uchida

Genres Action, Adventure, Animation Creator(s) Akimi Yoshida Powered by

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Anime
Banana Fish

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