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cangel · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 74 Location: Jeonju, South Korea

When the aliens speak in Avatar, does the movie display English, Japanese or English and Japanese subtitles? Sometimes in Asia, they will replace the English subs with the local language. Just want to know before dropping Y1800 on the movie. Thanks

seklarwia · Posted: Fri Jan 01, 2010 3:30 am Post subject:

Would have thought that it would depend on the version that the cinema brings in (that's how it worked in other countries).

Most cinemas will go with the dubbing (I hate any movie dubbed out of their original language) while a couple might go for the subs if they want to be seen as particularly international or there are many speakers of the original language around.

I've been to cinemas in places like HK where you had the choice of dub or subs (for obvious reasons) for the big hit movies. I doubt you'll find too many of these types of cinemas around Japan, but you might find a couple in a place like Tokyo.

Just give the cinemas a call (or get someone to do it on your behalf) if you want to find out before hand.

The Dutchess · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 16 Location: Kobe, Japan

I just saw this movie at a theatre in Kobe on Wednesday. It was playing on 3 screens and you had your choice of:

3D Version in English with Japanese subtitles
3D Version in Japanese (dubbed)
2D Version in Japanese (dubbed)

So you shouldn't have too much a problem depending on where you live I suppose.

BTW pretty cool movie, just LONG. Enjoy Smile

Oh, and more to the point of the OP's question: I saw the English version with Japanese subtitles but when the aliens spoke in their language it only displayed Japanese subtitles. It's such a small portion of the dialogue however that you won't really miss out on much if you can't read it. If you have a high-beginner, low-intermediate level of Japanese reading ability you can figure out what they're saying.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

cangel · Joined: 12 May 2003 Posts: 74 Location: Jeonju, South Korea

Called the theater here in Fukuoka (Go Hawks) and found out that the aliens conversations are subbed in Japanese only. Pity. If I must pay Y1800 for a movie, I better be able to understand all of the dialogue!

seklarwia · Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 4:24 am Post subject:

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

Where I am you had a choice of 3d Japanese (no subtitles) or English with Japanese subtitles (no 3d). If you see it in English, then the aliens speach has two sets of subtitles. Right hand vertically in Japanese, bottom in English. Obviously, there wasn't any English in the Japanese version.

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I went to see Avatar 3D in Tokyo this weekend. It was subtitled, with Japanese subtitles only for the aliens' speech. Worth seeing in 3D if you get the chance.

Appletreesrtall · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 56

Just saw this movie too. Two versions offered:

3D in Japanese
3D in English with Japanese subtitles

In the one I went to (English with subtitles), the alien's conversations were translated into Japanese. If you have a basic handle on Japanese, you'll be fine. Hope this helps! Very Happy