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SAILOR MOON made its English debut on YTV on August 28. Naturally, we PA staffers all got together that night, bought munchies and braced ourselves for this long-awaited return of Japanese animation to the American screen. Like most die hard anime fans, we had already seen the untranslated Japanese version years ago and felt our sugar levels rise as we watched. Would the new American version have that same effect? We played the tape recorded earlier that afternoon and watched the opening credits roll...
The episode itself was great! The translation and voices are no problems -- although, arguably, Luna's tone is atrocious. Even the names of the characters are good (Usagi became Serena, not Victoria, as we initially feared). Some scenes (and, as we discovered later, even entire episodes) were removed, but they were probably deemed unsuitable for a young American audience. No, the real gripe lies with two particular points: the very beginning and the ending.
In the Japanese version, the origin and goal of the Sailor Scouts are not mentioned at first, but are progressively unveiled as the story progresses. However, for some unfathomable reason, the translation includes an introduction to the universe of SAILOR MOON which spoils that mystery. Is that an acknowledgement from the American producers that they believe their children to be less intelligent than young Japanese?
Adding insult to injury, the episode is followed by a 15-second "morale" session, G.I. JOE style, based on what happened during the story. We can only guess the reason for such preachy lectures. It may not be that bad. With the problems we have with our education system (drugs and dropping out, to name only two) and the "no future" attitude of Generation X, there is undoubtedly a need for some positive reinforcement, and SAILOR MOON seems to do just that. Fine by us.
The producers admit that the show is an "adaptation" and not a "translation." Our first reaction: high and mighty outrage. This is supposed to be Japanese animation, not your run-of-the-mill North American trash! Obviously, this show was not meant for your average anime fan. Then again, these days, fewer animations are, thanks to the demands of mainstream appeal. If you happen not to be a Japanimation fan already, then the difference matters little to you. If you are an anime buff, however, try to be understanding and tolerant. If the only price you have to pay to watch dubbed anime for free on TV is a cat's annoying voice, a spoiler and a short morale at the end of the episode, then you're getting a very good deal.
So now you know. And, as they say, knowing is half the battle.
Jean Carrieres
Claude J. Pelletier