Subtitle in AMV question... yes or no?

[ZeaL] · Post by **[ZeaL]** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 4:09 pm

Now, I may be a n00b, but I know that, generally speaking, it's just not pleasing to have subtitles appearing in an AMV. It shows that your source wasn't all that good, and it can be distracting. This, however, is slightly different from the norm.

I have DVD source for the AMV I'm currently working on, so there's no native subs on the video. My problem is this though: at the end of the video, I've put in the dialogue for the final clip (because, I feel it adds to the video overall). My quandary though, is whether I should sub that dialogue, or not. Adding the subtitles will make everyone able to know what is being said in that dialogue. Without it, while the effect may be nice, it won't add as much, and people may be left thinking "that was... nice.... what did they say? o_O"

So, to sub the final dialogue, or to leave it raw, and let people figure it out for themselves? I'd really appreciate your opinions.

-Tim
[ZeaL] Productions

Chaos Angel · Post by **Chaos Angel** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 4:45 pm

Subs in videos are generally looked down upon only when they are left in from the original source out of laziness or such. And it isn't just digi-subs either. Some actual DVD-released series have hardsubs (most often seen in openings and closings, occasionally also within the series itself, suh as Video Girl Ai, which has the translation to the vocals in the BGM hard-subbed throughout the series. Very nasty to work with). Me, I believe that subs are considered tacky, not just because it shows laziness, but also because it ruins the mood of the video by bringing the viewer out of the world of the video and placing them in limbo between the video and the original series or movie. To this end, intentional subs would be perfecxtly alright, because they are within the realm of the video, not the series.

Or, in abbreviated form, go right ahead and sub the dialogue.

KLin · Post by **KLin** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 4:47 pm

If it's in Japanese, which most people here aren't fluent in it probably would be a good idea to add in subtitles for it. I know from experience that when people watch my Japanese AMVs they wonder why I didn't translate and subtitle the lyrics, and the reason was because trying to do that in Windows Movie Maker is an exercise in futility.

. Sound bytes are easier to subtitle (You can even do it with WMM

) and are great for creating a dramatic feel. That's why dramatic arranged soundtracks are so popular in Japan. Examples being the dialog remix version of salva nos from Noir, The 10 Swords from Rurouni Kenshin, and several themes from the Super Robot Wars video games.

[ZeaL] · Post by **[ZeaL]** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 5:02 pm

Okey dokey. Thanks! I think I will go ahead and sub the final dialogue. It's not like there's even that much, but... it adds closure to the entire vid, ya know? Without it, since, as you said KLin, most people aren't fluent in Japanese, that closure wouldn't happen, and I think the viewer would probably be left with a sense of "... what happen?"

Thanks for your advice!

Stoic · Post by **Stoic** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 6:43 pm

I do the same thing, But depending on the anime, I usually use the Dubbed dialouge...

But that just me and I don't count for a damn thing (do I?)

Depending on the show, it might not be a good idea. Some dubs really suck. So it's at your dicretion.

[ZeaL] · Post by **[ZeaL]** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 6:55 pm

It's actually Gravitation, and, as the R1s aren't out yet, I'm working from Hong Kong source. Of course, this means that there's no dub, so I have no choice but to use the raw Japanese. Using the dub is a good idea, now that you mention it, (if it's not a painfully awful dub

)... too bad I can't do that.

Thanks!

KLin · Post by **KLin** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 3:49 pm

Downloaded and watched it, loved it especially the song and the dialogue at the end. You might want to put up a Yaoi warning though just in case since Gravitation is still somewhat new, people might not know what it's about, and quite a few guys around here are leery of Yaoi. Anyway, expect a review later today.

Chaos Angel · Post by **Chaos Angel** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 5:55 pm

I say let them find out the fun way...

[ZeaL] · Post by **[ZeaL]** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 11:20 pm

lmfao
I did put a warning about "more sensitive viewers". If someone can't handle two drawn guys kissing, then they belong to the "more sensitive viewer" category, IMO.

Thanks for your comments. :}

KLin · Post by **KLin** » Wed Mar 12, 2003 1:47 am

Opinion is left: http://www.animemusicvideos.org/members ... d_id=15086

BTW, the artist is chihiro onizuka not onitsuka.