Amazon Pulls AI-Dubbed English Version of Banana Fish After Backlash
Amazon has recently withdrawn the AI-generated English dub of the anime series Banana Fish following significant backlash from fans. The controversy erupted when viewers discovered an “AI beta” track listed under the ‘Audio Languages’ section on Amazon Prime. This prompted widespread criticism across social media platforms.
Backlash Against AI Dubbing
A viral video exposed the subpar quality of the AI-generated dub, which led to negative reactions from subscribers, influencers, and fans alike. One broadcaster on Twitter expressed disdain, stating, “Amazon has started using AI to add English Dubs to anime like Banana Fish. It’s really quite terrible and shows how important real actors are.” The quality of the AI dub was described as “hilariously bad,” further fueling criticism.
Impact of the Removal
In light of the negative feedback, Amazon has decided to remove the AI English Dub option altogether, leaving no English language dub available for Banana Fish at this time. This decision highlights the rising tensions surrounding the integration of AI in the entertainment industry.
Broader AI Controversies in Anime
This incident is part of a larger pattern of controversy involving AI in the anime industry. For instance, the upcoming series Sekiro: No Defeat has faced scrutiny over its alleged use of AI-generated art. However, Crunchyroll, another major player in the industry, has affirmed that Sekiro will feature entirely hand-drawn 2D animation and has committed to avoiding AI in its creative processes. This includes hiring real voice actors to enrich the storytelling.
Commitment to Authenticity
Citing their value to the narrative process, Crunchyroll CEO Shams Purini emphasized the importance of human voice actors. In an April interview with Forbes, he remarked, “We consider them to be creators because they are contributing to the story and plot with their voice.” This stance may set a precedent for other streaming services as they navigate the complexities of AI integration.
- Series: Banana Fish
- Platform: Amazon Prime
- Issue: Withdrawal of AI English Dub
- Response: Removal of all English dub options
- Related Controversy: AI use in Sekiro: No Defeat
As the discourse around AI in entertainment evolves, industry stakeholders may look to establish better practices that prioritize authenticity and the contributions of human artists.
