Netflix Translations

[DGS49]

I often watch Netflix series that are originally produced in foreign countries. Because my wife and I do not have the best hearing, we watch these shows with the sound in English, supplemented by on-screen translation subtitles.

But here's the thing: the words that we hear are not the same as the words that appear on the bottom of the screen. The meaning is pretty much the same, but the words are sometimes quite different.

I used to think that the actors who are dubbing in the voices modified the exact words to make them align with the mouths of the actors on the screen, but some of the biggest discrepancies are in scenes where the actors have their heads turned away from the camera.

It stands to reason that at one point the English translator sits with a copy of the script and translates it line-by-line, and that is what the subtitles show. But what are the voice-actors reading from?

Any thoughts on the discrepancies?

 

[Calypso Jones]

I wonder if the screen guild hires foreigners to do the closed captioning on these films.

 

[Hellokitty]

I watch a lot of dubbed movies. My complaint is when I find a movie that looks good but they don't have it in english!
My dads hearing isn't good even so he keeps the subtitles on everything. He doesn't like dubbed movie for the reason you list with dialog not matching subtitles.

 

[Concerned American]

I often watch Netflix series that are originally produced in foreign countries. Because my wife and I do not have the best hearing, we watch these shows with the sound in English, supplemented by on-screen translation subtitles.

But here's the thing: the words that we hear are not the same as the words that appear on the bottom of the screen. The meaning is pretty much the same, but the words are sometimes quite different.

I used to think that the actors who are dubbing in the voices modified the exact words to make them align with the mouths of the actors on the screen, but some of the biggest discrepancies are in scenes where the actors have their heads turned away from the camera.

It stands to reason that at one point the English translator sits with a copy of the script and translates it line-by-line, and that is what the subtitles show. But what are the voice-actors reading from?

Any thoughts on the discrepancies?

If you're talking about foreign language films, I can kind of see the problem. In a nutshell, CASA BLANCA would translate to HOUSE WHITE literally and that wouldn't translate real well on subtitles, if I understand your meaning.

 

[1srelluc]

I do the same for the most part.....CC is the best thing since sliced bread.

That said I can't stand listening to Spanish or French, so I use the dubbing feature for those movies.

It weird though.....I can watch an old US made movie, say made before 1970, and understand it just fine without CC.

It seems that clear diction is lost upon modern US movie makers.

 

[Votto]

I often watch Netflix series that are originally produced in foreign countries. Because my wife and I do not have the best hearing, we watch these shows with the sound in English, supplemented by on-screen translation subtitles.

But here's the thing: the words that we hear are not the same as the words that appear on the bottom of the screen. The meaning is pretty much the same, but the words are sometimes quite different.

I used to think that the actors who are dubbing in the voices modified the exact words to make them align with the mouths of the actors on the screen, but some of the biggest discrepancies are in scenes where the actors have their heads turned away from the camera.

It stands to reason that at one point the English translator sits with a copy of the script and translates it line-by-line, and that is what the subtitles show. But what are the voice-actors reading from?

Any thoughts on the discrepancies?

It's like hearing a politician speak

The words you hear from their mouth has nothing to do with what the do once in office.

Is there a connection you think?

 

[Concerned American]

It's like hearing a politician speak

The words you hear from their mouth has nothing to do with what the do once in office.

Is there a connection you think?

My complaint with CC is that often the words are the same color as the background. That's one for AI---make the text contrast with the background.

 

[DGS49]

I have no trouble seeing the text, and little trouble understanding the English-dubbed dialog. My question is, why is the subtitle different from what is spoken (in English)? It's like two different translators took a shot at the English, but they never were forced to reconcile. Occasionally I see a significant difference, but that is understandable.