I Dub Thee: Netflix's Trese And Three Of Its Dubs
Photo Credit: Netflix Facebook
I've watched all three language versions of this sneak peek (English, Tagalog, and Japanese), and I like all of them for entirely different reasons.
First, I go for the Japanese when it comes to the quality and standard of the product, which is in this case, the voice acting and dub. Being the mecca of anime, it's understandable that they got this down to a T. My TV's volume was on a quiet 12 and I heard everything clearly down to each syllable and the few Nihongo I knew, I understood when they said it. In comparison, I had to crank volume up to the 50s and 60s to clearly hear what they were saying in the English and Tagalog ones, because their voices were almost always drowned by the scoring and soundscape. The Japanese know this stuff. They've been doing it nonstop since the 70s. Mix was meticulous and immaculate.
For an experience nearest to a literal jump by Alexandra from page to screen, I go for the English one. Trese was, after all, originally written in English by sir Budjette. All the Trese komiks I have is in English. Never bought the ones translated into Tagalog by another writer. I like my primary sources, thank you. And also, Shay Mitchell's Trese sounds more like how I imagined she would than Liza's.
Finally, for fidelity to and capturing the essence of both the real, living source, which is Filipino mythology and culture, and the actual story and Trese's personality in the komiks (or at least, how I perceived them), I have to go with the Tagalog one. I admit, it's not an objective assessment since I lack knowledge in Nihongo, but between the two I actually understand, I overwhelmingly prefer the depth and nuance that one can also see/read in the komiks in the words "habang hinihintay na muling manaig ang liwanag, ako muna ang bantay." over the absolutist and self-important (IMO) "There is no light to keep the shadows in check. There is only me."
Oh, also a caveat if you will: while I do think the music to what looks like the opening sequence is awesome and badass, I think it's important to highlight that it's based on, if not an actual traditional Ifugao vocal/musical performance, mashed up and embellished with modern elements. All that's shown in the opening credits is that music was by the Kiner father and sons who, although are also legitimate musicians and composers who can hold their own (big respect for the Clone Wars and Rebels scoring), aren't in any way representative of the well the piece drew so deeply from. I just wish there's an article or page linked somewhere where that is tackled, unpacked, and expounded upon. It's a rare opportunity to showcase authentic indigenous heritage and culture to a global mainstream audience.
Remember, this is only an assessment of what was shown in the sneak peek. A lot of it can still change when I get to see the entire season tomorrow.
So, when crime takes a turn for the weird, let's all tune in as the police call Alexandra Trese.
First, I go for the Japanese when it comes to the quality and standard of the product, which is in this case, the voice acting and dub. Being the mecca of anime, it's understandable that they got this down to a T. My TV's volume was on a quiet 12 and I heard everything clearly down to each syllable and the few Nihongo I knew, I understood when they said it. In comparison, I had to crank volume up to the 50s and 60s to clearly hear what they were saying in the English and Tagalog ones, because their voices were almost always drowned by the scoring and soundscape. The Japanese know this stuff. They've been doing it nonstop since the 70s. Mix was meticulous and immaculate.
For an experience nearest to a literal jump by Alexandra from page to screen, I go for the English one. Trese was, after all, originally written in English by sir Budjette. All the Trese komiks I have is in English. Never bought the ones translated into Tagalog by another writer. I like my primary sources, thank you. And also, Shay Mitchell's Trese sounds more like how I imagined she would than Liza's.
Finally, for fidelity to and capturing the essence of both the real, living source, which is Filipino mythology and culture, and the actual story and Trese's personality in the komiks (or at least, how I perceived them), I have to go with the Tagalog one. I admit, it's not an objective assessment since I lack knowledge in Nihongo, but between the two I actually understand, I overwhelmingly prefer the depth and nuance that one can also see/read in the komiks in the words "habang hinihintay na muling manaig ang liwanag, ako muna ang bantay." over the absolutist and self-important (IMO) "There is no light to keep the shadows in check. There is only me."
Oh, also a caveat if you will: while I do think the music to what looks like the opening sequence is awesome and badass, I think it's important to highlight that it's based on, if not an actual traditional Ifugao vocal/musical performance, mashed up and embellished with modern elements. All that's shown in the opening credits is that music was by the Kiner father and sons who, although are also legitimate musicians and composers who can hold their own (big respect for the Clone Wars and Rebels scoring), aren't in any way representative of the well the piece drew so deeply from. I just wish there's an article or page linked somewhere where that is tackled, unpacked, and expounded upon. It's a rare opportunity to showcase authentic indigenous heritage and culture to a global mainstream audience.
Remember, this is only an assessment of what was shown in the sneak peek. A lot of it can still change when I get to see the entire season tomorrow.
So, when crime takes a turn for the weird, let's all tune in as the police call Alexandra Trese.
