Which version of the Chinese dub is better? Taiwan dub vs.

When was the first time I watched The Witch's House? I honestly don't remember much about it, except that it was a fuzzy bootleg VCD with the sound going up and down, but the image of Kiki flying across the sea on a broomstick instantly pinned me to the couch. I later realized that I was watching the Taiwanese dubbed version. Later, Ghibli was officially introduced to the mainland, and a new dubbed version came out. I've listened to both versions over and over again, and my ears are getting calloused, so today I'm going to break it up and talk about it, and which one sounds like it's poking you more.

I. Factory Settings of Sound: Background and First Impressions

Taiwan version (Guardian Chinese Channel period): This version is really old, and it floated into the TV sets of countless 80s and 90s homes through the Chinese channel of TVB. It gives me the feeling that it's like a box of old childhood toys, with a bit of "ancient flavor". The overall sound is sharp and bright, especially Qiqi, the young girl's tenderness is particularly sufficient, but you say it is a bit "whiny", right? Indeed, there is a little bit of Taiwan accent unique tone, but not pretentious, quite natural.

Continental release version (after 2010): Waiting and waiting, Miyazaki Hayao's work finally officially landed in mainland theaters! This version of the dubbing is a serious theater process, the production is more sophisticated, the voice texture is obviously "thick", stable. The Mandarin characters are very well written and sound particularly "standard". Although Qiqi's voice is also young, but less of the kind of exuberant and lively Taiwan with more introverted and gentle, more like the neighbor's understanding of the young lady.

II. The Soul of the Character in the Voice: A Key Character Competition

Taito (Aiya Zhang): The voice actor gives Kiki all the "punch" she needs! The beginning of the scene where she leaves the house, chattering excitedly, "I'm off!" That voice is so electrifying. When she is frustrated, she has that little nasal voice of resignation and discontentment, which makes you feel tense. Occasionally, when the mood is high, the voice will be particularly sharp, like stepping on an electric throttle, some people love this energy, and some people feel a little scratchy ears.

Continental version (Ji Guanlin): Ji Guanlin's voice is so recognizable! The way she dubbed Kiki was like adding a gentle filter to the character. When she's happy, her laughter is a clear spring; when she's confused or sad, her depression and vulnerability are especially real and poignant. The classic line "Although there are times when I am sad..." is stubborn with resignation, but Ji Guanlin's rendition carries a quiet strength, as if he is cheering softly to himself at night, with more energy.

Taito (Jay Liu): Mr. Liu Jie's voice is a textbook of teenage sensibility! That characteristic adolescent boy's clarity, straightforwardness, and a little recklessness, it all comes out. When he was fighting with Kiki and excitedly talking about flying machines, he could feel the enthusiasm through the screen. Just listening to him, I felt that this is a big sunny boy full of whimsical ideas and a little bit stinky.

Continental version (voice actor): The mainland version of Dragonfly's vocal line is obviously deeper and more stable than the Taiwan version. Less outgoing and hairy, more like a dependable, dreamy neighboring brother. The interaction with Kiki feels more...gentle? The interaction with Kiki feels more... gentle? Less of the "happy couple" sparks, more of the silent support.

Desk Matching: This character is definitely the highlight of the Taiwanese pairing! The boss' wife's grounded Southern Min accent (words like "cha so and so") and her loud voice, which is so bright that it's a little bit "fierce", are just like a big sister with a sharp tongue and a heart of gold. When she reprimands Kiki for her slow work or compliments her on her good bread baking, she has a great sense of humor!

Continental Edition: The mainland version of the boss's wife is a pretty amiable aunt. The Mandarin is standard, the attitude is gentle, and the concern for Kiki carries a bit of the kindness of an elder. It's nice to listen to, but it's just...less of that spunky and vibrant vitality of the Taiwanese version, like a cup of lukewarm water, safe but with less vigor.

Third, the atmosphere: who is more "right"?

Desktop Match Edition: This version wins in terms of "atmosphere" and "vitality". The voice actors are open, full of emotion, and even a bit exaggerated in a "stage play" style. The background vocals are also lively, and the bustling town of Koriko seems to be right in front of us. Kiki's incantation "piu piu" is especially playful, with its own sound effects. Watching this version, you can't help but laugh and rush along with the characters, and the sense of immersion is particularly strong, the kind of old animation unique, with a bit of "noise" hilarity.

Continental Edition: The best part is the "sophistication" and "immersion". The sound production is obviously more cinematic, with clean background sounds and delicate ambient sounds (rain, waves, wind are all clearer and more layered). The characters speak more naturally, more like the rhythm of everyday conversations, which is comfortable to listen to and not easy to get out of character. The overall temperament is closer to what we are used to when watching animated movies nowadays - quiet, beautiful and unfolding.

IV. Sentiment or reality, which do you choose?

So, in a roundabout way, which one sounds better? It really depends on which one you "eat".

If you're like me, you're one of those people who grew up watching the Chinese channel on satellite TV, or you just favor that energetic, dubbed style with a bit of dramatic tension.desktop versionIt's your "time machine". It may not be so "standard" or even a bit "noisy", but there is no substitute for the vividness and emotional filter that comes with it.

If you're new to The Witch's House, or if you value sound texture and production refinement more than anything else, and prefer a natural and smooth viewing experience.Mainland China Premiere EditionDefinitely a no-brainer. Ji Guanlin's Kiki is gentle and powerful, and deserves your quiet time to savor it.

To be honest, revisiting it as an adult, I instead turn on the mainland version more often. The tenderness and resilience that Ji Guanlin gives to Kiki is more comforting to me in the weary moments of life. But every time I hear the Taiwanese version of Kiki's energetic "Dragonfly!" I still can't help but feel the corners of my mouth rise, remembering that summer when I watched animation and didn't know how to feel sad.

Don't get hung up on the best way? Get both and listen to them! The ears and the heart will tell you the answer. After all, whichever sound carries us and Kiki across that blue sea together is a happy thing, right?

Frequently Asked Questions about the Chinese dub of the Witch's House

A: It's really hard to find! Old resources. You can try in some nostalgic anime forums or resource station search "magical girl mansion rush poo Taiwan with satellite Chinese station" or "magical girl mansion rush poo old version of the dubbing", sometimes there will be enthusiastic netizens to share. Before downloading, pay attention to the picture quality and sound quality, after all, the years are long, do not expect high-definition.

A: Not oh! Ji Guanlin dubbed the main character Kiki. Other roles were done by other excellent voice actors, such as the voice of Zhen Huan for "Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan", but the roles of Dragonfly and Boss Lady were done by others. The overall production of the mainland version was done by a professional dubbing team together.

A: The voice actress for the Taiwanese version of Kiki is Aiya Zhang (also known as Zhang Zhuhui). She has voiced many classic characters! For example, Maruko from Cherry Maruko (early version), Ayumi Yoshida from Detective Conan (early), and Firenze Rei/Firestar from American Girl Warrior! The voice is very recognizable.

A: This feels pretty common! The main difference is the dubbing style. The Taiwan dubbing is more inclined to the "cartoon" style of vivacious exuberance, with great emotional ups and downs; the mainland version is more inclined to the "movie" style of natural introspection, in pursuit of a living tone. Ji Guanlin's interpretation focuses more on the tenderness and resilience of Qiqi's heart as she grows up, rather than the outgoing "crazy girl" feeling. Depends on personal preference!

A: On the whole, the translation of the mainland release version is more rigorous and standardized, after all, it is the official introduction, and the wording is more elaborate. The translation of the old Taiwanese version is more "localized", using a lot of Minnanese vocabulary and popular colloquial expressions in Taiwan at that time (e.g., "cha so and so", "good kang"), which may be different from the original, but it has a special flavor of regional life, which is also a kind of characteristic! It may not be the same as the original, but it has a special flavor of regional life, which is also a kind of characteristic!