There are 51 episodes (not 52) and I don't know about the other question. I don't even know if it will be out in cinemas over here.

the movie isn't out in America...well if it is it doesn't play at my cinnema...has it even been released in Japan yet? the movie i mean.
as for the DVDs they come out sometime in February here

i personally hate dubbed anime. there are a few that pull it off nice, bebop being a good example. but i find it disturbing that the tranlators have little grasp of the concept of context; like how nina keeps using big brother over and over again. its a perfectly fine phrase when in japanese, since there are age/respect differentiations in the japanese language. however it sounds dumb in english. another thing that disturbs me is that there are no japanese people working on FMA for funi (watch the credits next time), that would be like having nigerians making the next jet li flick.

oh and i hate the voices for FMA as well, with the exception of Al and Pinako. i hate Nina's voice the most, it made me happy that she got killed.

Ugh . . . *has horrible thoughts*


Pinako is actually quite good, yes, though I still have my doubts on Al. He seems to be improving a little though. And Nina's voice actress sounded like she was trying way too hard . . .

The best FMA dub voice has to be Yoki, in my opinion. That's kind of sad. But dubbed anime is sad 93% of the time.

i kind of liked gracia's yoki's was pretty good too. i haven't heard pinako's voice, and al's has yet to grow on me, as i still dislike it quite a bit.

Actually - the judgement whether or not the English Dub is very debateable.

If a person actually watched the dubbed before watching the Jap fansub than no I would say that the dubbed would be much better, but one whom watched the fansub more is more in favorable to the fansubs.

I like 'em both, because both have certain attractions that the other lack.

I'm quite pleased about the dub, I had worse in mind because of certain people's negative reviews. ;;

I don't have CN, so I can't watch the dub version as it comes out. I saw a couple of episodes and have found FMA to be harder for me to get accostumed to the dub voices. I imagine that if I get the DVD's in English and watch it enough dubbed, I'd be used to it.

As far as translation, there are a couple of ways someone can go. I had to do translation work in seminary of the Bible at times and when you do that, your accuracy is highly criticized as it's a hot issue to ensure you get it right. Well, based on my experience and education on translation, you have two main directions for your translation. You can keep it absolutely literal and not filter out cultural aspects of the language or you can soften up the language and take liberties to account for cultural aspects of the language.

For instance, the phrase "big brother" has cultural significance in Japanese when spoken by Nina, but not really in English. They had to make a call on which direction to go. They could have just said "brother" or "uncle" but they opted for the more literal meaning.

The audience plays a big part also in this. I don't know if the translators of FMA for the dubbed version understand what audience they're doing this for. Not all anime fans are big Japanese buffs or even understand anything about Japanese culture. So, some things they put in are just going to sound stupid to non-Japanese ears.

[/Conceptual Translation Lesson]

Anyway, this is another long post from me and I'm proud of it

I saw a few episodes in adult swim, I have to say they're not as good as the original voice actors, however they are better than most anime dubs I've seen...the voice acting isn't overdramatic or corny, which is good

i agree most anime(or anything dubbed from japan) is usaully done very badly and has some things removen from the series which makes it even worse, but sometimes they get lucky and they do more good than bad

I watched the whole series in Japanese and subtitles before I watched it dub and I think the English dubbing is great. Its just another way to experience the series. An excuse to watch the whole thing all over again.

The DVD's will have the original Japanese voices and English subtitles BTW. So that's the only legal way to own the series come Feb. 8th.

yes this is true but then why are these morons inconsistant... like changing the hughes and roy from their tradtional japanese archetype characters to more westernized versions... this is why dubbing is stupid, especially when it is done by people that are not of the same nationality as the language they translating....

lol I didn't hear Nina's voice, I just saw Barry the Chopper ep and the one with Psiren...must have been terrible if you wanted Nina to die...lol

I'm not so sure I agree with you that translations done by non-native linguists are "stupid." Don't be so quick to discount and criticize, since these linguists have spent years studying Japanese and preparing for certifications (such as the Japanese Language Proficiency/Kanji Test) as well as living in Japan.

Subtitles and dubs are great, but there's always something "lost in translation," no matter how skilled the translator. And generalizing that translations done by non-native speakers are stupid is not really a valid claim. There have been wonderful translations done by non-native speakers in novels, subtitles/dubs, and so forth. I've met professors (who are White) who know a language just as well as a native speakers, if not better.

Moreover, translations done by people translating into the language of the tongue they speak best is actually ideal if checked by a native speaker. The translator will try to convert the idioms and expressions into the language they're translating it to, while the native speaker can check to see if the meaning has been preserved. Most translations work that way, and I don't see how Funimation wouldn't do it with Fullmetal Alchemist. My friend used to work for Funimation as a translator for Dragonballz, though he is half-Japanese, half-White.

I will say that there is no reason for them to be inconsistent with the English dub or even the final Sub version when it comes out on DVD. I can understand why fansubs have differences - there isn't a team of people with any cohesion. But, there should have been a team of people doing this with a general agreement on which method they would use - lending itself to consistency.

I'd have to agree with you there hito in that if a professionally produced sub isn't consistent, it's really got problems with the team. At the very least it should be either all westernized or traditional all the way through rather than switching. That's a lack of professional teamwork on the translators side.

I saw the dubbed version first, and then got the subs. At first I loved the dubbed version, but now after getting used to the subs I fancy them. I do plan on getting the dubbed box set because I like to make comparisons, and see what they are actually saying in japanese to what they are saying in english. Plus, I think the current subs did a fine job, but I know from experience that the subs for the japanese version on the American box set will be different.

Al voice sounds weird to me though Edward's voice I don't really mind. Though I find it a bit to low. I heard Roy's voice was garbage now I want to hear it for myself.

Well... It's a matter of taste. When I just started to watch anime, I've seen such a humorous thing like '100 rules of anime-lover' and among them was 'Watch anime only with subtitles' I laughed a lot, but now, when I sometimes buy anime in russian, I feel like switching the translation off and subtitles on.
But on the other hand, we shall think about all those people, who can't dowload episodes. So the dubbed version is a good source of awesome anime to them.
Those who can compare are to choose themselves - whether to adore dubbed version of to hate.

This is just my opinion, but I believe anyone who CANNOT speak perfectly FLUENT Japanese and understand the dialect COMPLETELY should not have the right to judge whether a dubbing or a subbing is better (or put down those who like dubbings, either).

I myself can enjoy both dubbed and subbed anime, and I know that some dubbings can get pretty sub-par, but from my experience it is usually unpopular anime (mostly OVA's) that smaller companies bring over. The anime Adult Swim is showing is a good example of excellent dubbing.

I haven't heard the Japanese voices for FMA, since I unfortunately overlooked the series before it got licensed, but from what I've heard of the English voice acting FUNimation has done a great job on it (I love the way Ed's character is portrayed!). Sure, I can tell some actors (such as Al's) took a couple of episodes to get into their character, but that's expected of any VA. Still, even if I had heard the Japanese voices, I have no right to judge whether or not they are superior to English voices, even if I would have preferred Japanese to English.

Sorry, I just felt like peacefully ranting a bit; I just can't stand people who shun me (some of my "friends" come to mind...) because I enjoy watching dubbed anime as well as subbed, kind of like I'm "inferior" or something of the sort.

PS - I do NOT respond to flames, so don't make yourself look like a fool!

Funimation is bringing the awesome with FMA, so quit yer playa hatin'.

I remember a time when you could hardly ever get any anime in the US, and now its a phenomenon and you can walk into just about any store now and buy reasonbly priced, high quality anime. And people still bitch, moan, and complain about it. The Rock says, "KNOW YOUR ROLE AND SHUT YOUR MOUTH!"

and i say why don't you get off your knees in front of funi and wipe your lips.....

You make it sound so dirty hitokiri. But its not. What's dirty is the stupidity and snobbery of sub-nazi Japanese anime purists. Dumbasses who say the show is ruined because Al said "NEW YORK" in episode 9 when he really said "LIOR".

hey i never say anything about people who prefer the dubs, i only comment my opinion of them. i'm not the one worshiping at the altar of funi and acting like anyone who doesn't like it is a god damned heathen. so seriously who's the freakin thought nazi here?

PS: i really don't care about the lior thing, hell i didn't even know about it. my complaint is the new voices and the lines that have been changed don't convey the original feelings/concepts. that is my complaint.

You misunderstand, and that's not my problem. My problem is with people who have the unmitigated gall to say that Funimation is ruining the show. That we are getting DVD's with the original Japanese language tracks and English subtitles, but people still complain about it. Like I've actually seen threads on the boards here asking if you will buy the Region 1 DVD's, like buying them is a crime since it has the English versions on it.

You don't have to like the dub Funimation has done, but you should at least show your respect to them that THEY HAVE SHOWN for this series and continue to show. And that Adult Swim is showing it uncut and unedited every week, and we are going to get some great DVD releases this year.

understand that some people feel that funi IS ruining the show and that is their right. yes i do agree some people do attack dub lovers. but you know what? this is the japanese FMA section so its kinda expected... still i do agree it doesn't make it right.

the people that were basically the founders of this section spent a year of their lives waiting for the episode releases, week by week. now that gives some of them a very personal connection to the show. they just feel that the dubbing has betrayed a certain sense/quality that makes this show enjoyable to them. to them it would be like redoing Man in Bowler Hat in cell shading format..

as for respect? to me at least, they have done nothing that deserves my respect. putting the japanese version in the DVD, oh wow they included the orignal voices, that was so hard and took SO much time. it called creating a larger consumer market. as for the tremendous favor they have done us by bringing the show to the US... they do it for money. they are a busniess that is the point of business.

And do you expect them not wanting to make more money by just releasing Japanese versions without dubs and withholding the profits that they could make by creating "delay" anticipation? As you said, it's business and their objective is to make money. Name me one business that's not defunct that doesn't want to make money. They're out here to make a profit, and that's fine by my book if it's worth buying (and I'm happy to pay both Funimation and Bones).

Moreover, Funimation has done an excellent job with localizing the series. Be thankful that it wasn't licensed to 4Kids. There will always be delays and delays; would you rather not see the series licensed at all? If you like the series that much, would you not pay your respects to Bones who gets a share of what you pay to Funimation? They're trying accomodate both those who enjoy watching dubs and those who enjoy watching subs with the original Japanese track. It helps maximize profits. And seriously. It's really not that long, compared to other series. Naruto is yet to be licensed.

To some, dubbing and subbing becomes a matter of religion. I'm watching Full Metal Alchemist for entertainment value, not to worship it (although I'm sure some other fans do the latter). I find it almost ironic that people make dubs a matter of life and death, even if subs are included on the DVD ("OMG, there are dubs! I can't buy this DVD even though it has subs! It's automatically crap!").

I'm far from being eligible to judge the dubbing/subbing quality--as I'm still working on speaking Japanese fluently--but I believe that if and only if you know the language just as well as a native speaker, then you can make judgments about the quality of a dub/sub. And we haven't even see the Funimation subtitles for Fullmetal Alchemist, so we can't judge its quality yet. But I'm almost certain that translators who are paid certainly will be more inclined to be careful (especially since they usually have access to fansubs to compare their work at that point). And if you're so critical of the translations, could you do better? And there's a really awesome feature on most DVD players that let you choose audio tracks and subtitles! Oh, and if you want, you don't have to watch Adult Swim!

I don't watch dubs, for the same reason most people don't. You don't get the same emotion or reaction the director would have wanted many times, because it's directed by someone else and because there's a language barrier. Subtitles at least preserver the emotion and give you an interpretation. However, there comes the occasional series that has an extremely talented group of voice actors (e.g. Cowboy Bebop).

I'm sorry, but I tend to speak sharply against critics who don't listen to others. I also find your criticism of Funimation unjustified, without claim or merit.

um... perhaps you should read the posts that preceeded the one you quoted. then you'd understand that i agree with you on all of your points except for the liking of funi.

they've ruined too many animes for me, i dislike them and all they entail. that is based on personal preference not fact, i never claimed it was. you see, opinion is one of the last true freedoms and that was mine. its called being a bastard about it, which i wll freely admit i am.

Oh, and I'm sure that the fact that you don't respect them means a lot to them. They'll be heartbroken to find that you won't be paying them. I can also see you are paying homage to Bones by refusing to pay what would have been their portion of the fees.

I'd like to know, out of curiosity, how they've "ruined" so many anime titles for you. You are always free to get the DVD version with the original Japanese track and with their subtitles. You most definitely do not have to subject yourself to dubs.

And, yes, it's a big accomplishment if they have the original voices on the DVD in the United States. An even bigger one if they haven't tried to market it for kids by censoring all the blood and violence. You are forgetting that Funimation is a US company, and they've done very well considering how bad the series could have been if it were localized to 4kids.

Are you saying you rather not have the series licensed at all if it were licensed to Funimation?

Business means that they're out here to make money. And the wait period seems reasonable, considering how long it takes for other Japanese goods and innovations (think electronics) to get here.

It's good to have enthusiasm about the show, but when you become overzealous, I can't help but feel sorry for you. It's just a show for you to entertain and relax your mind, after all. This will be the last post I'll make in this thread, as it doesn't make sense for me to listen to someone who will not listen to what I have to say.

you too should read the post that the one you quoted was in response to...

PS: as for the at least it wasnt 4kids argument just because it was the lesser of two evils, doesn't make it good.

They're the same person. Unless it's two different people who happened to use the same computer and happened to know that this forum exists.

wow... that guy sure spent of lot of typing time just to prove my bastardness and apparently he doesn't understand sacarasm so well....

There are plenty of grounds for criticizing sub vs. dub. If Funi has a bad track record in their dubs with regard to making translations consistent and fit the audience, then there is plenty of room for criticism. Hitokiri's speaking as a regular anime viewer. He's claiming that Funi is not good at doing the dub work (I don't know if you're also not happy with their sub work or not).

The question now really becomes one of whether or not Hitokiri is the average audience for anime or if he's in some sub-class as well as what business philosophy does Funi have regarding targeting its audience. If the business philosophy of Funi is to sell out as much as possible to the lowest common denominator anime viewer, then they may be succeeding well, but are doing a disservice to those like Hitokiri. Other companies may have a philosophy that targets the Hitokiri type anime watcher not worrying about selling tons of a series because they know that they will get repeat business from the Hitokiri style fans.

I doubt that Hitokiri is the lowest common denominator anime viewer and it appears that Funi is interested in targetting the lowest common denominator anime viewer. I would say that there's enough on the DVD to make it worth buying for a fansub lover, but it should be understandable if the DVD seems like it will not truly deliver the experience they had with the fansubs.

That was far too long, and may have some incorrectness in reasoning, but the point should be clear (I hope )

I can't stand the dubbed version, the voices are ok at times, but they're wEiRd when you've seen the japanese version. The english script is also a bit lacking . The japanese version also represents the characters, emotions, and situations better IMO. Plus Ed is way funnier screaming in Japanese.

Subs > Dubs

Cowboy Bebop is the only anime I can think of right now that's badass in english

Plus with the fansubbed versions you can watch them all in a row . FMA is like crack.

I say just watch both and make your own opinion. As with everything, it is a matter of opinion. Some people like subs, some people like dubs. Most of the anime I have seen has been dubbed because I saw them on tv and because it's just easier to watch when you don't understand japanese. Yes I admit that a fair bit can be lost in translation to dubs and voices and synching can be awful but I do not think that these can make a good show bad. It may diminish your enjoyment of it to an extent but I don't think that it would be to such an extent that you will not enjoy it.

I enjoy both subs and dubs. They both have their merits and shortcomings. The one thing I might say against subs is in relation to fansubs. Some of them are absolutely dire. Whilst I understand that things may be hard to translate sometimes, they can still be put in such a manner as to make them idiomatic and well understandable (lol). That would be the only warning I give to some as I feel that that definitely takes something away from the show. Missing things out in the dubs is forgiveable as you can still understand it but having subs that sometimes make no sense isn't really.

i couldnt download it in the beginning, so i realied on the dubbed. (i do that with all anime) but i bought the series of ebay. The japanese is much better, but the dubbed version isnt TOTALLY bad. but i really do hate winrys voice in the dub, its too deep. i cant imagine her crying like in episode twenty something... (the automail city one)

How did you come to this LCD conclusion? Do you even realize that Funimation didn't even translate any of the songs from FMA into English on the DVD's for the English language track? That right there should be a pretty clear indicator on how far they are trying to please the people who watched it in fan-subs or people already familiar with the show.

I don't know how great their sub work is. It seems accurate, but I don't know Japanese. Though I do hear Funimations subtitles for DBZ are excellent, or the particular guy that works on them does a good job. Don't quote me on it though.

In actuality, I found this out from the friend who got me into FMA before it was released in the US, is that the Japanese producers are the ones that chose the English voice actors. So any qualms about that I would take it up with them. Apparently they liked the voice actors, though Armstrong's voice is scary. This is why I'm glad to have all the episodes in Japanese and fansubbed.

I don't really have much to say about the English dub voices other than Edo sounds a bit too old and not like Edo... same for Al too but that may be because I'm so used to the Japanese voices. But then I only saw the first episode so I can't really say for the rest of the characters. The one thing I REALLY don't like is how Al calls Edo "Ed" instead of "brother" at times. It's just not very "Al" when he does that and it makes it sound like he doesn't respect him (as an older sibling) as much.

If you've been watching the series you'd notice that almost 90% of the time Al refers to Ed as "Brother."

Plus the brother thing is a Japanese language/culture thing for the most part anyway. And the culture, society in Fullmetal Alchemist is clearly and distinctly NOT Japanese.

I've seen episodes 20,21,22 and 23 in english dub, and it's not so bad... Except Al's voice, it really sucks.

I've watched the whole series subbed and Al refers to Edo as "brother" 100% of the time... and if you're talking about the dub then I wouldn't know, I only bothered to download and watch the first episode to see how it compares but I remember from somewhere I read/heard Al call him Ed a couple times.

And the brother thing is not only a Japanese language/culture thing, most if not all east Asian cultures have that custom. And you're right, there is no "Japanese" in the FMA world or society but we can't say for sure what kinds of customs their society has or does not have either, though FMA looks to be set in a world equivalent to our Europe, so it's best not to limit the possibilities of the customs/cultures in the FMA world.

Meh, the dub's OK(some of the voices really fit along with their character)

(i bet they dont) i hate english versions...only watch them on Toonami...ONE PIECE IN AUST. MAY 9th!! anyway...

Ive never seen the english version...i dont want to unless i get too stuck to it...

I have all of the subbed files still, but I'm getting the DVDs anyways XD. Mainly because I can watch it in english or japanese anyways with the DVDs, that and the fact that they have sexy sexy boxes! (I also got the first collector's box =D)

I've watched both the Japanese and English versions, and in some ways, I favor the Japanese version, but in other ways I liked the english version as well. The voice acting wasn't that bad so far from what I've seen of the English version. Actually, I was rather fond of Ed's english voice, but Al's I wasn't all that found of..... It sounded a bit to young. However I'll have to watch more of the english version before I can really say. I havent heard Armstrong, Envy, Scar etc yet b/c I've only seen the first 4 episodes released in english, so I really cant say.

We are on the episode after Al Runs away by himself and ends up with scar and his folks

but Luckly for me i seen every episode, bought the dvd set Japanese version and i must say I loved them even thou i can't really compare the two in words directly cause i can't understand Japanese , but I have been reading some of these replies something about Al's Voice being a bit young, i don't know about japanese kids but 12 year olds sound like that over here,

try limewire.... i got all 51 episodes there in 3 hours

well all i did was go to my local import store here in San Diego and bought two DVD sets of Japanese version of FullMetal Alchemist wich had 3 DVD's in both sets and all 51 episodes that didn't take me more then an hour

there is a site where you can download FMA episodes from 1-51 with Japanese, and English subtitles without Limewire and such and such. But the quality is much worse than Limewire, but it downloads faster than Limewire.

WINRY'S VOICE IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ED'S VOICE IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AL'S VOICE IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SCAR'S VOICE IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HUGHES' VOICE IS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I REALLY want to hear Roy's voice in English, also Riza and Armstrong. (But I bet the voices are also horrible.)

i think that the show is good either way